Can I Matrix 9.1 Chennels From a 7.1 Processor?

[Mike1234]

Please... this is not a discussion of the merits of 9.1 vs 7.1.

I'm replacing my Rotel RSP-1066 (5.1) and am upgrading to 9.1. I don't want to spend a fortune on a new processor so I'm considering a used Rotel RSP-1068 (7.1).

GIVEN: Sound quality doesn't matter to me "too much" for HT since videos are all about visuals and SQ is less than optimal in movies anyway. Also, I have a dedicated two-way system that I'm very happy with.

QUESTION #1: Can I just matrix the side-center and rear-center channels? From the side and rear outputs from the processor... or just use speaker-level controls?

QUESTION #2: Will BluRay sound quality make me regret my decison of processor and matrixing scheme?

[Kevin D]

We really need to know what you're trying to accomplish.. Do you have a long room that you are trying to get coverage for multiple rows of seats?

It's honestly pretty hard to get a room setup for 7.1 correctly. I can't imagine a room where 9.1 would be required. A better bet is two sets of side channels (normal rears in 5.1) and one set of center rears; if its for a long room.

Another issue is level setting and availability of the needed matrix decoders. Perhaps you could go with the the Parasound C1 or C2.. It has 4 programmable channels, so you could set two of them to be 50% side, 50% center rear, or adjust the percentages as needed.

As far as the 1068, it's works well applying PLIIx to DD & DTS signals to get discrete 7.1 output to send out. Unfortunately that's only on digital signals. If you did want to get the better sound out of Blu-ray or HD-DVD, you would be limited to 5.1 sound as I don't know of a player with 7.1 analog outputs (the only way to get the better sound into the 1068).

Kevin D.

[Mike1234]

Kevin D

The room is approximately 20x30 feet but the seating is just one row so front-to-back placement isn't an issue. I've heard several 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 systems and have always been disappointed in image placement in the surround channels. I've always felt that there is an expanse of missing information above my head.

I've given this a lot of thought and I want to try a 9.1 system. I have an old Fosgate unit I can use to matrix the side-center channel.

I'll take a look at the Parasound units. BTW, my budget for the processor is $1500.

Okay, so there are no 7.1 Blu-Ray or HD-DVD processors and all the players are limited to 5.1. Are there any players with truly decent analog output? I can control volume passively with stepped attenuators. Is Blu-Ray or HD-DVD soun quality really worth the effort and expense?

[Mike1234]

What about the Outlaw 990? It's seems to have all (or most of) the latest formats and it's cheap... $600-700 used. I can derive 9.1 from discrete 7.1 sources in the analog realm, right?

Again, sound quality of movie soundtracks is of secondary concern "UNLESS" Blu-Ray and/or HD-DVD approaches or surpasses CD quality.

EDIT: I've been researching this. Do I need HDMI inputs/outputs for HDTV, HD-DVD, and Blu-Ray? If so, that changes things.

What do you think of the Integra Research RDC-7? It has HDMI in/out and has reputed excellent SQ.