AV receiver and multiple speaker zone

[itawad]

Dear All

if you have AV receiver 7.1. can you add a sort of switch where you can add new zones to play music?

Thanks in advance
imad

 

[XEagleDriver]

It depends, but probably yes

Dear All

if you have AV receiver 7.1. can you add a sort of switch where you can add new zones to play music?

Thanks in advance
imad

Imad,

Welcome to the forum!

It depends on the AVR, but most will allow you to assign two of the AVR's seven amps to support a second zone (leaving 5 amps to support a 5.1 system in your primary zone). If you only need a second zone, then the AVR will handle it.

If you need more zones, keep reading:

To add more zones, you will need to add a speaker selector switch (ensure you get one with impedance matching protection). Keep in mind that all these additional zones will play the same program material (radio, CD, etc.) in a 2.0 stereo format.

There are many selector switches available, the one I have experience and am pleased with is:

http://www.amazon.com/Monster-Cable-SS4-Multi-Speaker-Selector/dp/B00004Y3UX

In my case, the SS4 switch supplies stereo sound to a porch, a deck and a master bath.

I generally stay away from Monster products, but this particular item works well for a reasonable cost (although I think it cost less when I bought it about a year ago).

There are some other more expensive options, like a separate multi-channel amp. If you need further info, just pipe up.


Good Luck,
XEagleDriver

 

[itawad]

Thank you, Really appreciate the prompt informative reply.
The AVR is HK 247
so in that case there is no point to buy a 3 or 4 zone AVR.

one last question: i am using the switcher for only 2 extra zones (back yard and dining room), do I need to add an amplifier

Thanks again
imad

 

[bandphan]

Thank you, Really appreciate the prompt informative reply.
The AVR is HK 247
so in that case there is no point to buy a 3 or 4 zone AVR.

one last question: i am using the switcher for only 2 extra zones (back yard and dining room), do I need to add an amplifier

Thanks again
imad

The additional zones gives you the flexibility to play different sources in different zone.( needing external amps )

 

[XEagleDriver]

No need for a 3-Zone AVR or External Amp

Thank . . . The AVR is HK 247
so in that case there is no point to buy a 3 or 4 zone AVR.

one last question: i am using the switcher for only 2 extra zones (back yard and dining room), do I need to add an amplifier

Imad,

Not trying to discourage "an upgrade" or harm the recovering economy, but you do not need either a 3-Zone AVR or an external amplifier for what you describe above.

However, like Bandphan stated, if you see the need to play a movie in the main zone AND play a different source in the back-yard (i.e. AM/FM of the football game) AND play another different source in the dining room (i.e. music from a CD) all simultaneously, then you would need to buy a 3-zone AVR.

A 3-zone AVR would be expensive and not cost effective in your situation.

No, there is no need for an extra amplifier. From looking at the 247's manual online, the 247 supports a separate second zone by allowing the assignment of the Surround Back (SB) channels (L & R) to the 2nd zone.

The 247 also allows using the SB pre-amp outputs and an external amplifier, if desired. This may be a good idea, if you want/need more control on the individual volumes in backyard and dining room, as opposed to the AVR setting the same volume in both these zones.


Cheers,
XEagleDriver

 

[itawad]

Many thanks XEagledriver
everything is clear now

Regards
imad

 

[JerryWest_44]

Dear All

if you have AV receiver 7.1. can you add a sort of switch where you can add new zones to play music?

Thanks in advance
imad

Some 7.1 receivers allow 3 zones such as Pioneer's elite SC-27 or SC-25. Note you only have 7 channels of amplification.

So if you want 7.1 in your main zone -- zone 2 & zone 3 would require amplifiers to power your speakers. As iterated above you can reassign 2 channels from the 7.1 making your main room 5.1, zone 2 speakers powered by the receiver and zone 3 powered through a separate amp.

There are a few Hi-End receivers that have 9, 10 or 11 channels of amplication.

 

[itawad]

THank you

Imad