Does anyone play two pairs of speakers at the same time?

Has anyone heard the new Black Ice Audio F360 Tube Pre-amplifier? Designed by Jim Fosgate, it can create a stereo surround system. It has front and rear stereo outputs, stereo and mono sub woofer outs. Tone controls, a Dimension control and a back level control let you control the soundstage and tailor the system to your room.

I'm guessing you need a second amp for the rear speakers, or powered speakers?

I have an old integrated with two sets of speaker outs. Can play A, B, or A and B. Always thought of it being designed to power two different rooms. I haven't tried two sets of speakers in the same room...yet.

@cscrutinizer23, now That (the Black Ice unit) starts to approach what I'm able to do, sans the Dimension control...unless you'll accept that I can induce delay into the back channels, which has to be applied judiciously.  That in itself can get out of hand fairly quickly....amusing at times, but...;)  Adding a splitter/mixer to the 'mix' (pun intended) can just make matters...worse?  Better?  *L*  Depends upon what mood I'm in....

An observation that different pairs of speakers from different manufacturers will make the most obvious difference immediately. The  'voicing' of different units will augment, cancel, or just display some very curious effects on what's being played. Generally, what 'works' best is the same pairs, front & rear.  Then, the characteristics will, at minimum, will approach being more or less the same....  Delay and cross-mixing the rears will begin to induce 'augments/cancels' in a smaller space that can be controlled.  But you have to be set up to deal with it.

I'd suppose that my 'approach' to enjoying reproducing music for my pleasure and environs is different than most here.  I've gotten into the habit when at a concert of any size or space is to plant my butt near the mix pit.  In that way, I get to listen to what those 'in charge' of what's going on are listening to as well.  That, and look over their shoulders and perhaps see what they're up to, and seeing what the audience is being subjected to.

We're being 'manipulated' in a major way.... ;)  'Pro audio' in a live format or in studio applies some tech that you may (or not) be aware of, and it's not limited to 'live rock concerts'.  Symphonies are still 'pure' in that sense, but the presence of speaker racks in halls does make me pause...

Some halls suck...and 'they' are aware of it; ergo, 'augmentation'.

Now, I'm not claiming I can make Krap sound like a Klipsch; one has to have Something to start with, after all.  But one can apply active eq and crossovers to make the best of it.  Not to the taste of most, but it beats spending major $ on a system and still not being happy with it....IMHO.

@cscrutinizer
I am interested in the F360.. a bit expensive compared to the ChiFi I was looking at and even the Schiit Freya+.. quad-like analog surround sound has me interested..

@asvjerry, 
Thanks for your post. Know what you mean about live shows. I volunteer at a Folk/Americana acoustic series. Vocals and acoustic instruments are always reinforced. Bagpipes were a recent exception! Soundman is in a rear corner, so he'll usually walk to center during soundcheck. After the initial tweaking, most of the soundcheck issues are getting the on-stage monitors right for the performers. But yes, most all shows, except classical, are augmented. 

I'm not such a purist that I won't consider EQ, and maybe moderate not over the top surround. Hence the interest in the Fosgate pre. And I do want a pre with tone controls. Or, I'll add the Schiit Loki.

@canibefrank,
Of course you can be Frank. "Consider for a moment any beauty in the name Ralph."

I too am looking for a preamp. Yes the Freya has got some good recommendations here and elsewhere. But, I really want tone controls, and the soundstage control and extra outputs on the F360 are interesting. There's just not a lot of info or reviews out yet. I can't even find the manual.

 I would take Schiit over anything out of China.
Check the UnderwoodHiFi Black Friday deals for the Black Ice.