[sm4r2d2]

I am wondering if this can be done, inexpensively. It seems like it would work and be a flexible solution.
 
  Lets start with 5 speakers across the front and 2 in the back in the SACD recomended position. The front would be LLF-LF-FC-RF-RRF. These would be used with SACD's that have individual instruments or sections that would be more natural in front of you instead of around you. Such as live concerts, or like Union Station or even listening to a Tuner in ProLogic II. The rear to channels could be used as spatial enhancement by combining 1) LLF + LF + FC in LR and 2) RRF + RF + FC in the RR and by lowering volume. This would require a volume control for the rear speakers.
  In standard SACD playback position for recordings that use the rears well, like Beck"s Sea Change etc. (which I didn't like in 2 channel ) you would drop out the front outside speakers.
  So how do I take the signals from my processor and direct and/or combine them to go to the selected speaker(s). With a volume control or at least 2 setting for the rear. Maybe some kind of mixing board that is inexpensive and doesn't color sound (much)?
  I haven't even thought about 7 channel. Any ideas or thoughts?
 Thanks ---RDC---

[TIC]

For music that was engineered for multi-channel playback, the recording engineers would have monitored the music using a traditional 5.1 speaker setup. The multi-channel recording will only sound "correct" when your speakers are in the traditional positions.

You can move the speakers around as much as you want and if it produces a sound that you like, go for it. However, it will never sound "as intended" unless the speakers are in relatively the same position as the recording engineers intended.

Enjoy,

TIC