I need advice on adding speaker to my existing sytem

[kalelsfca]

Hello, I would like some advice about adding some more speakers to my existing 7.1 surrouns sytem. I currently have a B&K AVR 507 reciever with some older Energy Encore speaker hooked up to it. I have a 7.1 configuration currently and planning to upgrade to THX speaker in in the near future. I was wondering if Hookng these speakers to my other existing system which also has energy speakers hooked to it would be excessive. I really don't want to bother trying to sell them just yet so I thought it might make for better sound having 2 center speakers, 2 FL, 2FR, 2RS, 2LS, 2SRL, 2SRL and 2 subs. I was going to place 1 center above and below the screen. Or do you thinks it would be better having them side by side. I have a 10' by 6' delite screen at the moment. I was also going to place each of the front channel speakers above one another. So I would have 1 towards the bottom of the screen and the other towards the top. As for the side surrounds I was going to place them about 4 feet apart on each side. The Rear chanels I would place 1 back left surround and 1 back right surround side by side (as with the standard THX ultra 2 configuration) and space the other back left and right surround 1 or 2 feet away from the side by side ones. Please tell me what you think of this set up. Thanks so much for taking the time to read this post.

 

[MDS]

Nothing wrong per se with the approach and the simple act of doubling up each channel will add +3 dB or more to the total SPL. What you have to be concerned with is the total impedance and whether a single amp can adequately drive that many speakers.

If you wire the two pair of speakers in parallel, the amp will see half the impedance. Two 8 ohm pairs in parallel for the front channels will result in a 4 Ohm load and likewise for the other channels. Now that B&K amp may have no issues with it but what are you trying to gain? If it is total SPL, go for it; if it is 'sound quality' that is a different beast altogether and won't necessarily be achieved simply by adding more speakers.

 

[kalelsfca]

Thank you MDS

Well, I was hoping to gain a better surround sound field. Maybe improving the over all sound quality. As it is I only have my amp at a moderate lvl when watching movies (usually around a setting of 19. Not sure if that is DB or not). Do you think this will improve the overall surround effects or just make it louder? thanks again

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

I thought it might make for better sound having 2 center speakers, 2 FL, 2FR, 2RS, 2LS, 2SRL, 2SRL and 2 subs.

In this case, more is NOT better. Implementing a Frankenstein speaker setup wont improve the surround field. If anything, it will make things worse. Maybe you should look into acoustic treatments, and treat yourself to a room upgrade. The room itself plays a major role!!

 

[Seth=L]

In this case, more is NOT better. Implementing a Frankenstein speaker setup wont improve the surround field. If anything, it will make things worse. Maybe you should look into acoustic treatments, and treat yourself to a room upgrade. The room itself plays a major role!!

I know a certain someone that would not agree (no, it isn't me)

I wonder if anyone can guess who I might be hinting at.

Sorry for the thread-jackage....

With all this in mind I don't see the benefit of having such an array, I would think it would greatly increase nulls and peaks in the frequency responce if not calibrated perfectly.

 

[kalelsfca]

thanks Seth and Buckeye.

Lol, "Frankenstien setup" is so funny but appropriate. I guess this would look a bit strange. I never considered the nulls and peaks aspect either. Oh well, I guess they will have to go into storage or another room all together. I would focus more on the room accoustics, but I want to treat myself to really nice speaakers and an ultra 2 sub. Thanks so much for the rapid replies.

 

[abefroeman]

cough cough dolby CP-200 cough cough

 

[dem beats]

Lol, "Frankenstien setup" is so funny but appropriate. I guess this would look a bit strange. I never considered the nulls and peaks aspect either. Oh well, I guess they will have to go into storage or another room all together. I would focus more on the room accoustics, but I want to treat myself to really nice speaakers and an ultra 2 sub. Thanks so much for the rapid replies.

Kal sounds like you are almost all movies and not much 2 channel.


I would say #1 upgrade subwoofer. Find your price then go at minimum 50% higher, or do an integrated DIY. Saves upgraditis. I think Subs have the shortest shelf life in HT.

#2 Upgrade speakers. If you like that frankenstein idea... doesn't yamaha have something new about it? Someone else might know more I saw it somewhere on this site.... But I think mosty would agree a 7.1 system is already verry nice with the right set up..... So I say Find the speakers that floor you and work in budget. Start at a local shop dedicated to HT and audiophile equipment. Ask to listen to the top of the heap, and slowly back down into a comfortable price point. You will then know what you want like and again save on upgraditis.

#3 Room treatment. I only saw this as number three because well.. If you are happy with what you have in the other 2 aspects this will make the world of difference you need... it's also a bit more organic... it's a method, not just paying for it and waiting for it to come in. You could have someone come in and do it for you.. That's not my style, even though I think a pro who took me and his job seriously could do better, I want to be at minimum involved in my HT and I think this is a great way.. You can also come up with some great styles that will compromise look and effect.

You may or may not have GAF or WAF to deal with but it's up 2 you to go from there.

just my .02

 

[mike c]

clicks "report post to dolby" button

 

[Seth=L]

clicks "report post to dolby" button

No doubt he could come up with a reason to have two speakers per channel.........in an apartment bathroom.

 

[no. 5]

...and 2 subs.

Now, that's a good idea for improving the sound (well placed, of course).

If you want to fool around with doubling the number of speakers per channel, it could be a fun experiment, it may not sound all that good, but 'good' can be subjective, if properly done (what constitutes "properly done" in such a setup? ), you may like how it sounds.

If you do try it, I advise orienting the speakers - including the center - vertically (i.e. one on top the other, and on end in the case of the center), as that should keep comb filtering out of a bothersome plane (i.e not that noticeable when moving left to right)... hopefully.

 

[kalelsfca]

You guys are great.

Wow, I must say how great this forum is. I can't believe there are actually people out there willing to take their time to help others with such needs.....for free lol. I really appreciate all the great suggestions. This room I was inquiring about is 80% DVD and Bluray movie viewing, 10% HD cable viewing and 10% video game palying. Well I take it that less is more and to spend my money on a speaker upgrades and room acoustics. I will definately look into this. Thanks again everyone

 

[mike c]

ok, I forgot to share my experience here ...

once upon a time, I did exactly this ... but I was a bit more oldie ...
we had stereo back then, so how do you improve stereo?
I used two pairs of speakers ... when I do this nowadays, I discovered that the farther those two speakers are, the more horrible the SQ is ... so in effect using two pairs as close together as possible will minimize the horrible "combing?" effect that happens ...

if your single pair of speakers is sufficient to "fill up" the room, then an additional pair of speakers will only degrade the music.

 

[no. 5]

Wow, I must say how great this forum is. I can't believe there are actually people out there willing to take their time to help others with such needs.....for free lol.

What? We're doing this for free?

..."combing?" effect...

Yes.

So called, because it makes the FR look rather like the teeth in a comb.