how can i utilize the icbm if i want use the 7.1 inputs on the rx-2500? there are only the usual front center surround outputs on the dvd-750 yet i plan to utilize r&l front-center-r&l surrounds-r&l rear surrounds and POSSIBLY rear center speaker(the 2500 has the capability of even adding two!more presence speakers for a total of 9 channels) and of course a powered sub-the icbm manual doesnt really address this unless i consider the 750 a processor and the 2500 a 7 channel amp but even then there doesnt seem to be enough inputs outputs to do this even with y connectors unless iam reading the icbm manual wrong-help!i'm about to buy all the above but if it cant be done then ill drop dowm several models and just get a 5.1 receiver thanks rwb

I'm not familiar with the DVD player you're using (Yamaha DVD-750?). Typically 7.1 analog inputs are included on receivers to provide for future 7.1 outboard processing (which as far as I've seen is still "future") and for doing high resolution multichannel audio using direct radiating surround back speakers as the surround channels (connecting the surround outputs of a DVD-Audio or SACD player to the surround back inputs of the 7.1 analog in). Using the analog output of a DVD player will lock you in to that player's processing - which means only 5.1. The ICBM can't help with that. To use all seven speakers in a 7.1 setup, you'll need to use the RX-V2500's internal processing - which means a digital audio connection from the DVD player for DVD's and using the receiver's digital bass management rather than the ICBM.

There are three (not too elegant) solutions that come to mind.

1) Use two ICBM's and use the L&R summing input on your sub...

2) ...or you could cascade the Two ICBM's with the LFE input of the downstream ICBM connected to the LFE output of the first ICBM in the chain...

3) ... or, more economically, just set five of your speaker settings to large, and the two rear channels to small, and again use the LFE input on the ICBM to involve the low pass signal from these channels...

I have a ICBM, but I am still a Five channel man, so I may be missing something.

Tony offers some good ideas, but they will require the ICBM to be between a receiver or pre/pro and a power amp, since the only way to get a 7.1 analog signal currently is at a receiver or pre/pro. For what it's worth, with the exception of Pro Logic IIx (with the RX-V2500 has) and Lexicon's Logic 7 (which is available on Lexicon gear and some Harman Kardon stuff), all current "7.1" systems are currently 6.1, with the two surround back channels sharing a mono signal - and the ICBM is capable of working with a 6.1 system (using the center surround input).

The 750 is a universal 5-disc changer. If you're looking for 7.1 from a SACD or DVD-Audio, you're out of luck. No hi-res releases feature those channels. Your best bet is to connect the analog outs to the direct ins on the 2500 and let the receiver do the processing for hi-res formats. Otherwise, use the digital connection.

The 2500 is a very slick receiver by the way. It would be cool of Outlaw to check out the features it offers to see how they could incorporate similiar features on the 1070. Namely, some of the YPAO ability.