Nick, welcome. Going over your list, it appears that an additional seven channels of amplification would be about the last thing that was needed, and that you'd be going "sideways", as you commented. You already have seven channels available with the 1222 and three more with the XLS-1500 and MA500. If you decide to get back surround speakers, the currently unused channels in the 1222 should be more than sufficient for them.

If you have enough room behind your listening position for an effective rear sound field(say, at least 4'), adding QS4s or QS8s there would be a meaningful addition. A new center speaker, such as the VP160, is also something to consider.


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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.