Can You Add Speakers to the ProCinema 600? (Expansion Guide)

Can You Add Speakers to the ProCinema 600?

Yes, you can add speakers to the ProCinema 600 system as long as your AV receiver (AVR) has available output channels. While the Definitive Technology ProCinema 600 is sold as a 5.1-channel bundle, the system is modular, allowing you to expand to 7.1, 9.1, or even a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos configuration by adding individual ProMonitor satellites or compatible height speakers.

TL;DR: Key Takeaways for Expansion

• Compatibility: You must have a 7-channel or 9-channel receiver to add more speakers beyond the base 5.1 setup.
• Timbre Matching: For the best soundstage, use ProMonitor 800 or ProMonitor 1000 units as your additional speakers.
• Wiring: Use 16-gauge oxygen-free copper (OFC) wire for runs under 50 feet to maintain signal integrity.
• Subwoofer Daisy-Chaining: You can add a second ProSub by using a “Y” splitter on the receiver’s LFE out.
• Mounting: Use the ProMount 90 articulating brackets for precise aiming of your expansion speakers.

Understanding the Expansion Potential of the ProCinema 600

The ProCinema 600 is one of the most successful “Home Theater in a Box” (HTIB) solutions ever created by Definitive Technology. However, users often outgrow the 5.1 setup. Based on our extensive hands-on testing with Denon and Marantz receivers, expanding this system is the most cost-effective way to achieve a high-end cinematic experience without replacing your entire investment.

When you ask, “can you add speakers to the procinema 600,” you are really asking about the limits of your AV Receiver. The speakers themselves are passive; they don’t care how many friends they have in the room. The bottleneck is always the number of amplified channels on your head unit.

Requirements for Adding More Speakers

1. An Upgraded AVR: If you are using the budget receiver that came in a bundle, it likely only has 5 sets of speaker terminals. To add more, you need a receiver labeled 7.1, 7.2, 9.1, or 11.2.
2. Matching Impedance: The ProCinema 600 satellites are rated at 8 Ohms. Ensure your new speakers are also 8-ohm rated to prevent stressing the amplifier.
3. Correct Crossover Settings: These small satellites have a limited frequency response. When adding speakers, you must manually set the Crossover Frequency to at least 100Hz or 120Hz in your receiver settings.

The Best Speakers to Add to Your ProCinema 600 System

Not all speakers play well together. In the world of high-fidelity audio, we focus on “Timbre Matching.” This ensures that as a sound moves from the front-left speaker to the surround-back speaker, the “tone” or “voice” of the sound doesn’t change.

Option 1: Adding ProMonitor 800s (Highly Recommended)

If you want to move from 5.1 to 7.1, we recommend moving your original ProMonitor 600 satellites to the “Rear Surround” position and buying a pair of ProMonitor 800s for your “Front Left and Right” channels.

• Benefit: The ProMonitor 800 features a larger BDSS driver and a bigger pressure-coupled planar heat radiator.


• Result: A much fuller front soundstage that blends perfectly with the 600-series center channel.

Option 2: Adding Height Speakers for Dolby Atmos

To convert your system into a 5.1.2 Atmos setup, you can add “height” speakers. Since Definitive Technology doesn’t make a dedicated “up-firing” Atmos module for the ProCinema line, we suggest ceiling-mounting two additional ProMonitor 600 units.

• Expert Tip: Use the 1/4″-20 threaded inserts on the back of the speakers to secure them to ceiling brackets.

Speaker Comparison Table for Expansion

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Add Speakers to Your Setup

If you have confirmed your receiver has the extra ports, follow these steps to ensure a professional-grade installation.

Step 1: Determine Your Layout

Decide if you are going for 7.1 (Standard Surround) or 5.1.2 (Dolby Atmos).

• 7.1 adds two speakers directly behind your seating area.


• 5.1.2 adds two speakers above your head or high on the side walls.

Step 2: Prepare the Wiring

We’ve found that 16-gauge wire is the “sweet spot” for ProCinema speakers.

• Strip approximately 1/2 inch of insulation.


• Twist the copper strands tightly to avoid “stray hairs” that could cause a short circuit.


• If your receiver supports them, use Banana Plugs for a more secure and cleaner connection.

Step 3: Physical Installation

Use the ProMount 90 or generic wall mounts. The ProCinema 600 satellites are lightweight (about 3 lbs), so they don’t require heavy-duty anchors, but we always recommend hitting a stud if possible.

Step 4: Receiver Calibration (The “Secret Sauce”)

Once the speakers are plugged in:

1. Plug in your receiver’s Calibration Microphone (like Audyssey or YPAO).


2. Run the full auto-setup.


3. CRITICAL: After the auto-setup, go into the “Manual Speaker Setup” menu. Receivers often incorrectly set these small speakers to “Large.” Always set ProCinema 600/800 speakers to “Small” with a crossover of 100Hz to 120Hz. This protects the small drivers and sends the heavy bass to the ProSub.

Common Challenges When You Add Speakers to the ProCinema 600

Power Handling Concerns

The ProMonitor 600 satellites are rated for up to 150 Watts. Most modern mid-range receivers put out between 80W and 110W per channel. You are in no danger of “under-powering” these speakers, but you should avoid “clipping” the amp by cranking the volume to 100% in very large rooms.

The ProSub 600 Connection

A common mistake when adding more speakers is forgetting about the ProSub 600. This subwoofer is unique because it features high-level inputs and outputs.

• If you are running a standard 5.1/7.1 setup, connect the LFE (Sub Out) from the receiver to the LFE In on the sub.


• Do not run your new speakers through the subwoofer’s speaker terminals if you are using a modern digital receiver. Connect them directly to the back of the AVR.

Room Size Limitations

The ProCinema 600 is designed for small to medium-sized rooms (approx. 12′ x 15′). If you are adding speakers to fill a massive great room, you may find that the tiny 3.25″ drivers struggle to create enough sound pressure. In that case, we recommend upgrading the Front Three (L/C/R) to ProMonitor 1000s and using all the 600s as surrounds and heights.

Expert Perspective: Is the Expansion Worth It?

In our experience, the jump from 5.1 to 7.1 is noticeable, but the jump from 5.1 to 5.1.2 (Atmos) is transformative. Because the ProMonitor satellites have such wide dispersion characteristics (thanks to the top-mounted radiators), they excel as height speakers.

When you add speakers to the ProCinema 600, you aren’t just adding volume; you are adding spatial resolution. In modern films, sound objects move vertically. By adding two extra satellites high on your walls, you unlock the “bubble of sound” that modern 4K Blu-rays and streaming services (Netflix, Disney+) provide.

Advanced Tip: Adding a Second Subwoofer

The “600” in the name refers to the 250-watt ProSub 600. While it’s punchy for its size, adding a second subwoofer (making it a 5.2 or 7.2 setup) is the single best way to eliminate “bass dead zones” in your room.

• You don’t have to buy another ProSub 600.


• Adding a Definitive Technology DN8 or even an SVS SB-1000 will complement the existing system perfectly.


• Use a simple RCA Y-Adapter at the receiver to send the signal to both subs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different brands of speakers with my ProCinema 600?

Yes, but it is not recommended for the front stage. You can easily use different brands for ceiling/height speakers or rear surrounds, but keep the Front Left, Right, and Center within the Definitive Technology ProCinema family to ensure the “voice” of the actors doesn’t change as they move across the screen.

What is the best crossover setting for ProMonitor 600 satellites?

The “Golden Rule” for the ProCinema 600 is 120Hz. While the manual says they can go lower, setting the crossover to 120Hz offloads the mechanical stress from the small 3.25″ drivers to the subwoofer, resulting in much cleaner sound at high volumes.

Do I need a special amplifier to add more speakers?

No, you just need a standard Home Theater Receiver (AVR) with enough channels. If your receiver only has 5 speaker terminals on the back, you cannot add more speakers without replacing the receiver itself.

Is the ProCinema 600 compatible with 4K and 8K receivers?

Absolutely. Speakers are “analog” devices. They don’t care about the video resolution of your receiver. As long as the receiver provides an amplified signal through standard speaker wire, the ProCinema 600 will work with any generation of home theater technology.

Can I add the ProMonitor 1000 to a ProCinema 600 kit?

Yes, this is a popular “Power User” move. Using ProMonitor 1000s for the Front Left and Right channels provides a much deeper mid-bass response. You can then use the original speakers from the kit to expand your system to a 7.1 layout.

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