Receiver needed for speaker set up

[Stag1928]

I have speakers installed in the ceiling of my living room, 2 in the front towards the TV and two in the rear behind the couch. I need advice on if it'd be necessary to get a 7.1 Ch receiver in order to put a pair of bookshelf speakers next to the TV or if I need just a 5.1 Ch receiver to hook up a center channel in the front.

 

[USAFRet]

5.1 = 4 satellite speakers, a center, and a subwoofer.
7.1 adds 2 more satellite speakers.

So, your 4 in the ceiling would seem to take up the 4 satellites in a 5.1. If you need 2 more, then a 7.1 would seem to be the answer.

 

[Stag1928]

5.1 = 4 satellite speakers, a center, and a subwoofer.
7.1 adds 2 more satellite speakers.

So, your 4 in the ceiling would seem to take up the 4 satellites in a 5.1. If you need 2 more, then a 7.1 would seem to be the answer.

Right, thanks. My main concern is whether those 4 in the ceiling are supposed to be ancillary speakers to work with some in the front, or if they are suppose to be the surround so only a center channel is needed. I guess the best way is to get a receiver and test, no? On a side note I just moved into the place which is the reason I'm asking.

 

[USAFRet]

Unknown. You're the only one that knows where they are. Well...you and the clown who installed this without leaving any info.

 

[Stag1928]

Unknown. You're the only one that knows where they are. Well...you and the clown who installed this without leaving any info.

Well I guess I need to test.. This Sony receiver looks to be a good price and if the 4 in the ceiling don't cut it I could add a couple more without trouble

http/www.amazon.com/dp/B00VNH98IY/ref=psdc_3213035011_t2_B00JC31SGG

 

[americanaudiophile]

You can't use the front in ceiling speakers are surround side or rears as they aren't in the right place. You would have to move them to use then as side surrounds (7.1). You can try them as left right fronts, add a center and subwoofer, and use the rear in ceiling as surrounds (5.1 system). If you aren't happy then you can add speakers closer to the TV for the left and right fronts.
The alternative use for the front ceiling speakers is as front height speakers which some receiver will have as an option. A Dolby Atmos system would require 5 ear height speakers plus 2 or 4 ceiling speakers for height information (5.1.2 or 5.1.4 system).

 

[Stag1928]

You can't use the front in ceiling speakers are surround side or rears as they aren't in the right place. You would have to move them to use then as side surrounds (7.1). You can try them as left right fronts, add a center and subwoofer, and use the rear in ceiling as surrounds (5.1 system). If you aren't happy then you can add speakers closer to the TV for the left and right fronts.
The alternative use for the front ceiling speakers is as front height speakers which some receiver will have as an option. A Dolby Atmos system would require 5 ear height speakers plus 2 or 4 ceiling speakers for height information (5.1.2 or 5.1.4 system).

Looking at the connections on that receiver I linked from Amazon, I would get a center channel up front, two bookshelf speakers wired to "Front A", and then try the 2 front ceilings as "Surround" and the 2 rear ceilings as "Surround back" ?