4.1 Setup with architectural speakers

Question

Hi All,

Question for the forum about a 4.1 system with two amps powering passive architectural speakers (sonance). In our family room we will have this setup, with the two fronts (and phantom center) in wall around the TV. The rear surrounds will either be ceiling or in wall surrounds. I know the rear AMP will be effectively a slave to the front AMP, but would it make any difference to hook up both ceiling and in-wall to the “slave” AMP? I expect it may muddy the surround, but haven’t seen anything on this.

In short, would using 6 passive speakers in a 4.1 set-up (with 4 in the rear/surround) add anything or actually detract?

many thanks.

Corry P · Accepted Answer

Hi @Ron PanasonicThanks for your post!I assume, if anything, it would detract - you would have twice as much output going to the rear as to the front. I don’t think it would muddy the sound, but I think it would be distracting.Additionally, I wouldn’t recommend in-ceiling speakers for surround sound anywayas the rear speakers should be roughly at head height. Having all 4asrears would elevate the apparent source of surround soundabove that of just having the in-wall speakers.I hope this helps.

Ron Panasonic · Answer

Hi Corry,thanks for the response! That makes sense. I’m trying to work around some limitations of the room, which has no back walls (open to kitchen). As such, I’m not able to use my ARC (saved for a different room). Sounds like a second pair of in walls (at ear height) may be preferable to in-ceiling. Thanks again!

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