Zuluwalker 11.2 Theater - Page 7

I just added a second five channel amp last night to make a total of ten channels.

I use six channels to biamp the front soundstage, and the remaining four channels to power the Surrounds and Surround Rears.

Both Amps are Sherbourn PA 5-200, output of 200 watts per channel RMS.

I use all balanced XLR connections, Cardas Crosslink (5ft each). I bought slightly longer cables to allow for future versitility when arranging gear...they were pricey!

The rear row of four seats, are fitted with seat rumblers. I am now powering all four with an Anthem MCA 2. It produces 200 watts, stereo. Two seats combine together to make a single connection. Two for the left, two for the right.

I then take the 2nd subwoofer output from the Anthem AVM50, and "Y" split it to both inputs on the amp. Providing the same low frequency output to both left and right channels, and all four chairs.

I have placed the Anthem MCA 2 at the back of the room, so shorter runs of speaker wire would go to the chairs. The Amp that is now powering the chairs (MCA 2), is on a 12v trigger.



All four of the seats in the rear row are powered by seat rumblers. The front two do not have any effects.


I like that the Amp rests on the short stand; and is connected by a 40ft 12v trigger.




I like the stand the Amp rests on, because it adds to visual effect of the room. I think it looks cool!


I power the chairs with a seperate connection back to the Processor, I no longer need to do so by daisy chaining from the two subs. I have found the subs have more life again.
Edited by zuluwalker - 7/18/12 at 8:26pm

Okay...maybe I am addicted...admitting it is positive step, right?

Introducing my newest Processor, Cary 11.a

I only use one HDMI connection currently, for my Blu-ray player. I am connecting my cable box via Component.

I find the audio is very similar, but because my memory faded with regards to the Anthem, between hooking up the newer Cary, I can not be sure. The room sounds very good though. I am happy!

Video on the other hand seems to have dropped, this is likely to be because the Cary is pass-through only.

I miss the Anthem, it way, way more inputs. But the Cary was the deal of a lifetime from a friend who was upgrading big time. I simply had to bite!

It is my strongest desire to buy a Bryston SP3 one day...(drool),,,

What are you planning new with your Theatre Scopeguy? Is everything still making happy in your rack, since we connected it?

Now I have 15 channels for my new 11.2 system I am building.

I plan to use the new Marantz AV8801 processor.

My front three speakers use 6 channels alone.

Heights installed:

Paradigm Cinema 200



Currently I am using them as part of a "Y" split and they act as a second pair of Front speakers, until I get my 11.2 processor.

I am planning on the new upcoming Marantz AV8801, an 11.2 processor.
Edited by zuluwalker - 11/11/12 at 9:27pm

This week is off to a great start. I ordered several items for the theatre this week. Most of them will be here within a few weeks, and possible backorder on others for maybe a month?

Marantz AV8801 (11.2 Processor)
http://ca.marantz.com/ca/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=AVSeparates&SubCatId=0&ProductId=AV8801

Marantz UD5007 (Blu-ray Player)
http://ca.marantz.com/ca/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=BluRayDVD&SubCatId=0&ProductId=UD5007

Epson ProCinema 6010 (Projector)
http://www.epson.ca/cgi-bin/ceStore/jsp/Product.do?sku=V11H399020-F&BV_UseBVCookie=yes

Paradigm Cinema 400's (Wides)
http://www.paradigm.com/products/products-by-category/lcr/paradigm/cinema-series-v-4/cinema-400

I am very excited about these coming changes, and though I remain realistic, I hope my fun meter goes through the roof! I spend my nights reading the manuals! lol

Nice and tidy.

Preparing installation of wide channels. Heights are already completed.

Wide channels installed today.

Edited by zuluwalker - 3/6/13 at 6:59pm

Wide channels installed today.

Edited by zuluwalker - 3/6/13 at 6:59pm

Front row, two seats.


Second row, four seats.

Having a row with four seats was requested by my wife, for when another couple joins us. A small compromise for an otherwise supportive HT wife
Edited by zuluwalker - 3/7/13 at 7:13am

Trying to figure out how to lift this out safely...

My new Velodyne DD 18+

***EDIT - I have learned this is not a DD 18+, but in fact a DD18. No worries for me, I just mislabled it.
Edited by zuluwalker - 4/5/13 at 7:28am

Pretty exciting!

I had not planned on a new sub so soon, but the price was too hard to walk away from.

I can't wait till this bad boy is dialed in!!

Neo:X has been very exciting for me as a topic, and I am happy to give it a try. Sadly my Marantz AV8801 is backordered till the end of the month...so I wait.

Thank you for the compliments on the install of the speakers, it worked out very well.

The main speakers are Polk, RTi-A9 towers, and CSi-A6 center. My goal is to upgrade them over time and the logic is so far, that I will move towards the Paradigm Studio 100's. When I use to own a smaller pair of Polk towers, RTi-A7's, I brought home a pair of studio 100's for evaluation. I loved the Studio's, but budget won out. My goal has been to improve hardware and gear before a big upgrade in speakers.


My old towers, Polk RTi-A7 and Paradigm Studio 100's on an evaluation. The Paradigm rocked...wish I could have bought them.

That does explain my MO, to do and try as much as possible, keeping what works and discarding what doesn't, yes I am DIY.

Thanks for the ideas, they present a different direction for me, and I really have not thought a great deal about a baffle wall. I will be looking into this.

I am really enjoying your thread on surround sound, and I am learning somethings I did not know.

Thanks again for the compliments.

I am planning to introduce an array of height channels to the theatre.




I have two locations for the speakers, but my choose another if a better idea comes along.


Speakercraft MT Three

Now I am researching if better placement options are possible.

My equipment room full of happiness.

I placed my 11 channel system as per my old understanding of the heights and wides, and found minimal results with the heights vs. the wides. With more research and guidence (found here in the DTS Neo:X thread), I have now completed pulling new wire to move my front heights to their new position directly above the wides. I expect this to create a better dome of surround sound.

I appreciate the tips sdurani.


(Hanging speaker wire indicates the placement of the height channel)


(Hanging speaker wire indicates the placement of the height channel)

Thanks Brad, this has been a fun process. So far the new position of heights is a big difference from the front wall. They are much more alive and present a greater sense of urgency and height to sound tracks.