Expanding from 11CH to 13CH
When expanding the SR8015 from 11CH --> 13CH, the most cost effective solution is to purchase a smaller amp (eg. 50W AudioSource Amp100VS2) or re-purpose an existing AVR that you are replacing to power the second set of Height speakers. Another option for much higher cost is to purchase a much more powerful amp (eg. 300W Emotiva XPA-2) and power the Front L/R speakers.
50W, 12 lb solution
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1TAJM72C74241PTYPSTE
300W, 35 lb solution
https://www.amazon.com/Emotiva-Audio-stereo-audio-amplifier/dp/B01KZHOXW8/ref=dp_ob_title_def
Connection:
a. A set of RCA cables would be used to connect either the Front L/R or Height2 L/R pre-outs (depending on amp selected) on the back of the SR8015 to the L/R inputs on the external amp.
b. If using the AudioSource Amp100VS, connect to the MAIN/Line 2 inputs.
c. If using an old AVR, you would connect from the SR8015 pre-outs to one of the stereo analog audio inputs (eg. CD) of the old AVR and then connect the speakers to the Front L/R speaker posts on the old AVR.
IMPORTANT: Ensure all amps are powered off when making cable/speaker wire connections.
Volume:
If the external amp/AVR has a volume knob, set it to at least 80% of maximum.
Setting:
If using an old AVR, set it to DIRECT sound mode.
Once the amp and speakers are connected, and the amp is powered on, run Audyssey again to add these new speakers into your setup using the following AMP ASSIGN setting:
If the external amp is used for the Height 2 speakers:
Assign Mode: 13.1
Floor
- Layout: 5ch & SB
Height
– Height Sp: 6ch
- Layout: Top Front + Top Middle + Top Rear (or whatever 3 settings are available that you want to use)
- Pre-out: Top Rear
Note: The above PREOUT = Top Rear setting simply identifies which speaker pre-outs are being used for the "expansion" ....
you can externally power as many additional speakers as desired as all the pre-outs are hot (ie. there is no setting to turn them ON) such that you could externally power up to all 11 speakers if you prefer. Note however, that if you do externally power all speakers (regardless of the number), use AMP ASSIGN = Pre-Amp instead of 13.1.
If the external amp is used for the Front L/R speakers:
Assign Mode: 13.1
Floor
- Layout: 5ch & SB
Height
– Height Sp: 6ch
- Layout: Front Height + Top Middle + Rear Height (or whatever 3 settings are available that you want to use)
- Pre-out: Front
Note: The above PREOUT = Front setting simply identifies which speaker pre-outs are being used for the "expansion" ....
you can externally power as many additional speakers as desired as all the pre-outs are hot (ie. there is no setting to turn them ON) such that you could externally power up to all 11 speakers if you prefer. Note however, that if you do externally power all speakers (regardless of the number), use AMP ASSIGN = Pre-Amp instead of 13.1.