multiple speakers (11.2) setup configuration

[Hampton]

I need some advice on how to wire a system for an 11.2 configuration. The reason for this many speakers is the following. I have a home theater I'm building (DIY) and this room has a balcony (i.e 2 floors).

I am going with the typical 7.1 configuration only now I will be adding 2 subs instead of one but in addition I will be adding 4 more speakers at a higher level to accomodate the balcony level. So there will be 2 speakers for the LS, 2 speakers for the RS, 2 speakers for the LrearS, 2 speakers for the RrearS, and the usual LCR speakers which gives me a total of 11 speakers.

My question is in regards to what I hook these speakers up too? Do I power the LCR with an amp, a receiver for some of the other speakers, do I need an impedance matching speaker selector (I'm not sure)...I just want some advice from every one out there who knows this type of stuff. All of my speakers are of 8 ohm nominal impedance. Do I wire in series,parallel, daisy chain, etc...

Please help.
Thank you
Hampton

 

[markw]

Why not just get a separate receiver and source for the second floor?

 

[fergusonv]

Use a Y splitter at the pre out and hook them up to thier own amps, you would be able to change thier levels individually with the gain controls on the amps.

 

[AVRat]

For a “REAL” HT, I’d go pre/pro (Sherwood P-965, Outlaw Model 990) w/amps, or a decent receiver with an additional 4 channels of amplification out of surround pre-outs. More info on gear, room dimensions, and budget?