Need processor/receiver suggestions for odd layout

[Jack N]

The original owner of this house had the living-room pre-wired for speakers when it was built – A good thing except for where he had them put the speaker jacks. There are 4 of them (2 front, 2 back) but they’re way up next to the ceiling. In my mind, that’s going to sound rather odd with the center channel speaker down by the TV and the others up by the ceiling. Don’t know what he was thinking unless he was using 2-channel. I’m going to put 2 large towers in the front where they belong for left and right, but don’t know what kind of a processor/receiver I should get to utilize the speaker jacks up by ceiling. The speakers in the back need to stay by the ceiling as there’s no place to put the speakers at a lower level. Anything sitting on the floor would just be in the way of where everyone walks. The only layout that I can think of would be a traditional 5 channel surround and 2 front effects/height speakers. Does this sound logical? Can anyone think of a non-current processor/receiver that would work for this layout?

 

[Trebdp83]

Any number of receivers will work. But, if you can get surround speakers at or just above ear level on the walls at the sides of the seats/couch, you could do 5.1.4 and use the pre wired setup for four height channels. If you can get two more on the back wall, you could do 7.1.4. Object based steering in new gear has changed surround sound processing and main channels all the way around should be at the same level and height/atmos speakers should literally be on another level. Not as big a deal with older height effects models but still ideal to separate levels.

 

[lovinthehd]

Got pics? What systth em did he have particularly? Hard to guess. Speaker terminals up high like that might be useful, but not just with a center speaker down low (maybe mounted up high between the L/R front jacks perhaps if all speakers aimed down at the listening position).

 

[Jack N]

Trebdp83 – Unfortunately adding more speakers is definitely out of the question because of the WAF. I’m lucky I was able to get her to accept the 2 tower speakers up front. Actually, I surprised myself because I didn’t think I’d be able to talk her into it. At any rate, I’m stuck with what’s there for hook-ups.

LovintheHD – Not a clue as to what system/layout he was using. Good idea about putting all the speakers at the same height, but because of the WAF I can guarantee that isn’t an option.

 

[Trebdp83]

Well, front heights facing forward and surrounds facing down toward the sides would not be a horrible setup and give you some nice ambient effects. There are far worse placement options. You'll be fine.