Pioneer VSX-90 Multi-Zone Problems

[lglass858]

We bought this receiver specifically so that we could play Spotify or Pandora on our patio. Main setup works fine, have tried everything we can think of to have Zone B play. Wiring to speakers is good as we connected a separate receiver and can play FM radio no problem. No sound at all using the multi-zone controls.

Speakers are connected to Surround Back and have tried all variety of inputs assigned, still no sound. A lot of posts for other Pioneer versions suggest checking "assignment" of these speakers but cannot find anything in the software settings to assign speakers.

Appreciate any help. Can't find anyone locally to help with installation.

 

[lovinthehd]

You're using page 93 of the manual? Speaker set up on page 110? What specific choices are you making from these pages? http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/Manuals/Home/VSX-90_OperatingInstructions012815.pdf

 

[lglass858]

Using Zone 2 from page 93 and page 110.

 

[lovinthehd]

Using Zone 2 from page 93 and page 110.

What do you see in MCACC manual speaker settings? Did you run MCACC?

 

[lglass858]

Yes -we have run MCACC several times using several different combinations. I think what you are asking is on the 2d1.Speaker Setting screen

SW = No
Front = Large
Center = Small
Tmd = No
Surr = Large
SB = SMALLx2 (this is where the patio speakers are wired to)
X.Over : 100 HZ


2a - Full Auto MCACC is currently showing 7.2ch/5.2.2ch
We First tried Zone 2, then HDZone, then this setting

 

[lovinthehd]

The rear surround speakers don't come on under any circumstances, or just zone 2? You earlier said zone B, not confusing this with A/B speakers? Do the speakers come on during MCACC tones or when you have set for 7.1 use?

 

[Latent]

First thing i would try is making sure the zone 2 is at least working with simple source devices before trying it with the source device you wanted. Many AVR units have really bad zone 2 support with small print stating they will not work with nearly any input source unless it is analog. Not sure what your unit does support or not.

Find an analog stereo source you can connect via two RCA connectors. You could use CD input to test this with at first. Connect a source like a CD player, bluray player or even a Phone (via 3.5mm -> RCA cable). Make sure the source is playing back a song from a CD or similar. Then try setting the AVR to output this source via zone 2 and see if you get sound. Try the other amp assign and zone setup options until you get sound. Once you hear sound you know zone 2 is setup fine and then you can try your other sources.

If you can't get the built in internet streaming source (spotify/pandora etc) to work in zone 2 then this may be a limitation of this unit and you may have to use something like a chromecast audio or similar connected via stereo analog input.

I would also test with a digital SPDIF input as well to see if this works on zone 2 after getting the analog one to work. And finally try an HDMI input source like a cableTV or XBOX or something and see if this outputs ok.

 

[lglass858]

Starting from scratch as we have tried many settings with no results. Using Startup NAVi program provided by pioneer:

Connect to peripheral equipment settings
Sub Zone chose Zone 2 - By Speaker Output
Speaker Layout Pattern - Chose 5.2ch + Zone 2
Select Speakers to be Connected - Check marked Front Center Surround SBW 1 & 2 and Zone 2
Wiring - Zone 2 right and left speakers are connected to the receiver on the Surround Back jacks
Full Auto MCACC - running this program does not test the Zone 2 speakers, but have run successfully


Zone 2 speakers - manual refers to sound control on bottom of page 114, Audio Zone 2 is set to variable

Wiring to the Zone 2 speakers has been tested by connecting to an old receiver. These speakers are wired correctly and will play off old receiver. Regardless of the setting when Zone 2 is turned on and selected, no sound plays at all.

We have called Pioneer directly for support during regular business hours, get a voice mail to leave a message. Have had no response in full week.

Any assistance is appreciated.

 

[herbu]

Select Speakers to be Connected - Check marked Front Center Surround SBW 1 & 2 and Zone 2
Wiring - Zone 2 right and left speakers are connected to the receiver on the Surround Back jacks

Are you sure these match up? SBW and Surround Back?
I'd check the manual again and make sure these 2 items, ("Speakers to be Connected" and your Zone-2 connections are in sync. To me, SBW means Surround Back Wide. That may be different than Surround Back.

 

[lglass858]

Are you sure these match up? SBW and Surround Back?
I'd check the manual again and make sure these 2 items, ("Speakers to be Connected" and your Zone-2 connections are in sync. To me, SBW means Surround Back Wide. That may be different than Surround Back.

 

[lglass858]

S

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SBW speakers are in our main room and are working fine. Zone 2 speakers are wired to surround back matching the wiring diagram.