7.1 Receiver with 5.1 Speaker System

Hzachary · 11-07-2007, 06:10 PM

I just purchased a Yamaha RX-V661BL receiver. I want to utilize its 7.1 capabilities but own a Bose Accoustimass 6 system with 5 speakers plus a subwoofer. Can you suggest how to use this equipment and add two more speakers? I was thinking that if I added a second subwoofer that had two speakers, I could accomplish what I am trying to do. If my guess is right, does anyone have an opinion on whether the two new speakers can be placed in the front and be bigger than the others? Thanks for helping out.

Echo42987 · 11-07-2007, 06:26 PM

Well as far as I know the Acoustimass series speakers plug directly into the subwoofer base itself. So unless it has an opening for two more I don't believe it would be possible unless you were splitting your signal (which then you wouldnt' be truly utilizing your 7.1). Which looking at the manual I don't think it would be possible due to the fact that it only has 5 outputs. If you were to bypass from using the bose subwoofer and just plug each speaker directly into the unit then that might work but then I believe your ohm ratings would be off because I think the acoustimass series runs on a 4ohm system. If your wanting to add another signal coming directly out of the yamaha reciever itself then yeah it would be possible after running the speaker connections into your bose unit.

-Nick-

Hzachary · 11-07-2007, 07:29 PM

Thanks for the advice. Yeah you are right about the 5 leads on the bose subwoofer. So assuming the Yamaha receiver allows for two subwoofers, I can add the other two speakers. I plan on eliminating the Bose equipment but next on my list is to change my TV. Currently a 60" Sony plasma projection, but no HDMI.

JohnRice · 11-07-2007, 09:46 PM

Those are NOT subwoofers. Bose doesn't do subwoofers. Think of the whole 5 speaker and bass module as regular speakers. You will get a tremendous benefit from adding an actual sub, hooking it up to the LFE output and running the Bose system on "Small". I know that doesn't actually answer your question, but it needed clarification.

Also, never run those speakers without the bass module, or you'll probably fry them. Beyond that, I really wouldn't worry about running 7.1. If you want to do that, you are best starting over with different speakers.

Hzachary · 11-08-2007, 09:23 AM

Thanks. I will trust your advice. Any recommendation on subs to consider?

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Robert_J · 11-08-2007, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hzachary

Any recommendation on subs to consider?

That's like asking 1,000 different people what car you should buy. Without a budget and other constraints (like physical size of the enclosure), you will get 1,000 different answers.

-Robert

Hzachary · 11-08-2007, 09:43 AM

Second day on the forum. Still getting up to speed.

The room is 23 x 13. Two rows of seats, one higher than the other. Doors & windows covered by heavy drapes. Carpet on the floor. Non-accoustical ceiling. Will be mostly watching movies. Not sure yet what budget to deal with but not getting carried away this early in the setup/learning phase. Say $300?

JohnRice · 11-08-2007, 10:11 AM

Decennt subs, as in real ones that aren't just woofers in a box with an amp, will usually start at a little over $400, but they are well worth it. A lot of people here lean toward either HSU or SVS. Plenty of links to their sites. They both sell direct. HSU is a bit cheaper for the bang, but I don't feel they are quite as well built and I find them kind of ugly. The first real performet in the SVS line is the PCi 25-31, which is about $600 shipped, annd money well spent.

Hzachary · 11-08-2007, 11:18 AM

So now I have moved to researching subs. I looked at the SVS 25-31 PCi, was quite impressed but not thrilled with the $600 bucks before buying additional speakers. Anyone have recommendations closer to the $300 I originally hoped for? As we all know moving to a HT project is like home expansion; start with a budget in mind then make changes; then double budget.

Echo42987 · 11-08-2007, 01:48 PM

[quote=JohnRice]Those are NOT subwoofers. Bose doesn't do subwoofers. Think of the whole 5 speaker and bass module as regular speakers. You will get a tremendous benefit from adding an actual sub, hooking it up to the LFE output and running the Bose system on "Small". I know that doesn't actually answer your question, but it needed clarification.[quote]

I would tend to agree with this statement. The bass modules that come with bose are 2 5" drivers that usually don't end up doing much for you when it comes to a bass unit.

Adding a sub would be a great idea and a room that size will need a sub with good output. So are you sticking to spending around $600 on a sub now? If so I have a few options you could look into, that would be more then sufficient.

-Nick-