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Q I have Dali Euphonia MS5 speakers, each powered by Parasound Halo amps. I also have a center channel powered by a Classé amp. We’re moving into a new house and would like to add surround-sound speakers, as well as place height modules to get Dolby Atmos. Is it possible to combine wired and wireless speakers to achieve seven-channel surround with Dolby Atmos using my existing speakers? —Divyesh Patel

A Thanks for the question, Divyesh! There are a few ways to make this happen, so let me break down your options and describe what it would take to accomplish this.

First off, I always recommend going wired if at all possible. A wired connection is more reliable and gives you far more flexibility in selecting your amplification and speaker options. From the gear you mentioned, it’s clear you have a high-performing rig, so going wired would let you better match the existing performance. Before you rule it out, I’d at least have a custom installer come by and see if a retrofit is possible.

Barring that, let’s talk about going wireless. As much information as you provided, you didn’t tell me what receiver or processor you are using…or maybe you’re planning on getting a new one? If you’re happy with your current AVR/pre-pro, then there are a few options for using it with a wireless kit to beam sound to the back of the room. If your AVR/pre-pro has pre-outs for the surround channels, I’d suggest using Atlantic Technology’s WA-5030. If it doesn’t have pre-outs, then I’d use OSD’s Nero WRSKII wireless kit, which can accept speaker-level connections.

Either of these devices will transmit signals wirelessly from your AVR/pre-pro to a wireless amplifier/receiver that in turn will power rear surround speakers. First you connect the transmitter to the AVR/pre-pro. Then you connect the wireless amplifier/receiver to power and run ordinary speaker wire from it to the speakers. The thing is, both of these kits have fairly small amplifiers (30 and 25-watts/channel respectively), so they are probably not a good match for your current gear.

Another option would be to use either the Atlantic Technology WA-60 or Sonance MS Wireless Kit. These devices use the pre-outs on your AVR/pre-pro to send a line-level signal across the room to a wireless receiver to which you can connect any amplifier you like to power a rear speaker. Think of it as an invisible patch cord going from the front of the room to the back.

Now, if you want to get a new AV receiver, you could look at one of the models in Sony’s AZ line or Yamaha AVRs that support its MusicCast wireless music platform, either of which would allow you to wirelessly connect to some of their powered wireless rear speakers.

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