Is there a difference between "multi-room" capability and "A/B switching" on a stereo receiver?
U upshiftn Audiophyte Jan 11, 2007 #1 Is there a difference between "multi-room" capability and "A/B switching" on a stereo receiver?
patnshan Senior Audioholic Jan 11, 2007 #2 Yes. The difference is that with A/B switching, you need to listen to the same source in both rooms. With multi-room, you can change the source. Keep in mind, usually the second source must be analog. Pat
Yes. The difference is that with A/B switching, you need to listen to the same source in both rooms. With multi-room, you can change the source. Keep in mind, usually the second source must be analog. Pat
M MDS Audioholic Spartan Jan 11, 2007 #3 You have to read the product description carefullly because sometimes 'Multi-Room' means the same source to two different zones. However, it differs from A/B switching in that the receiver can power the second zone (or have pre-outs for the second zone to connect to an another amplifier). 'Multi-Source' always means two different sources available to two different zones. Most current receivers no longer use either terminology - they simply say 'Zone 2' and work like multi-source. For example, 7.1 receivers with Zone 2 capability can do 5.1 in Zone 1 and stereo in Zone 2 with different sources to each OR 7.1 in Zone 1 with a separate amplifier connected via Zone 2 pre-outs for stereo in Zone 2.
You have to read the product description carefullly because sometimes 'Multi-Room' means the same source to two different zones. However, it differs from A/B switching in that the receiver can power the second zone (or have pre-outs for the second zone to connect to an another amplifier). 'Multi-Source' always means two different sources available to two different zones. Most current receivers no longer use either terminology - they simply say 'Zone 2' and work like multi-source. For example, 7.1 receivers with Zone 2 capability can do 5.1 in Zone 1 and stereo in Zone 2 with different sources to each OR 7.1 in Zone 1 with a separate amplifier connected via Zone 2 pre-outs for stereo in Zone 2.