I recently added 2 more speakers to my 5.1 setup (now 7.1). The problem I'm having is when I switch my Yamaha RXV-2500 receiver from 5.1 to 7.1 (EX/ES) watching any 5.1 DVD, the surround speaker volume drops dramatically. I am definitely getting 4 surround channels, but at decreased volume levels. Is this normal?

PS: My system is calibrated (with the built-in calibration and verified with Avia and an SPL meter.

Nobody knows?:confused:

My guess would be no this is not normal as my amps don't do that. Maybe the extra power draw required from the aditional speakers is causing the lowered volume and you will need to adjust accordingly.

That's not normal. However, you shouldn't be using DD EX or DTS ES with a 5.1 source; those are intended for specially encoded material. Try Dolby ProLogic IIx instead; it does a great job.