I have a lot of respect for Yamaha, and maybe this would work for smaller situations, however, I would doubt this could compete with any of the Axiom 5.1 or 7.1 systems?

http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/av/products/digitalsoundrojector.html

I heard one of those things - it was really quite amazing. It seems a good value, too, considering it basically includes the "receiver" functionality.

HOWEVER, I believe that it will only "work" in a relatively modest size rectangular room with very limited openings and a flat ceiling.