Zone 2 capable receiver

[r_malvia]

Hello everyone. I need help in deciding if my current setup can be taken care of by one receiver rather than 2. I would like to run a 2.1 setup with the HDMIs powering my PVR, Xbox 360, Blu ray and PS3 through the main zone. Now this is where I get lost in the setup; I would like to play CDs or radio through Zone 2, but it will need to power 6 pairs of ceiling speakers. Now specifically, I'd like to get a Marantz SR5007 (which has Zone 2 capability, but not sure how many channels) since it's discontinued and last remaining stock is dirt cheap.

As of now, I'm running my 2.1 setup with a Pioneer VSX-921K and the ceiling speakers with an older Yamaha (early 2000 model). Any advice would be great. Thanks.

 

[adk highlander]

The SR5007 does have the capability to do what you are asking but you will at minimum need an impedance matching speakers selector to not over load the amp in the Marantz. You will need to make analog connections for any source you would like to use in the zone two speakers. None of the HDMI sources will be available unless they also have analog connections. With 6 pairs of speakers if you really plan on any serious volume you may want to use a more powerful external amplifier.

 

[Adam]

Hi. You can't power six speakers in Zone 2 independenty from that Marantz, as it only has two speaker terminals that can be assigned to that zone. However, because you have a 2.1 setup in your main area, I checked into if you could run your "main zone" setup as Zone 2, and then power the ceiling speakers from the main zone speaker connections...but you can't do that with the components that you want to use. Even if you use the speaker-level outputs for Zone 2, you can't play anything from the digital inputs (e.g. HDMI) through Zone 2.

So, as far as I can tell, you'd need to do two things if you want to use the Zone 2 capability of the Marantz with your ceiling speakers: (1) connect the CD player using analog connections, and (2) amplify at least four of the ceiling speakers with another source (which could be your older Pioneer or Yamaha receivers being used just for their amps).

EDIT: I was responding at the same time as Craig. He's right that you can use a speaker selector.

 

[r_malvia]

Hi. You can't power six speakers in Zone 2 independenty from that Marantz, as it only has two speaker terminals that can be assigned to that zone. However, because you have a 2.1 setup in your main area, I checked into if you could run your "main zone" setup as Zone 2, and then power the ceiling speakers from the main zone speaker connections...but you can't do that with the components that you want to use. Even if you use the speaker-level outputs for Zone 2, you can't play anything from the digital inputs (e.g. HDMI) through Zone 2.

So, as far as I can tell, you'd need to do two things if you want to use the Zone 2 capability of the Marantz with your ceiling speakers: (1) connect the CD player using analog connections, and (2) amplify at least four of the ceiling speakers with another source (which could be your older Pioneer or Yamaha receivers being used just for their amps).

EDIT: I was responding at the same time as Craig. He's right that you can use a speaker selector.

Thanks for your input. I knew that was going to be a problem. I think I'll just stick with my current setup. I just recently got a SR6007 for my basement theatre setup. The dealer I bought from has a 5007 he needs to get rid of. I could probably get it for $350 if I really haggle. Anyways, my money's safe in my wallet for now.