Help with stereo outside adding to my 5.1

[timetohunt]

I am working with a 5.1 speaker config in my basement. Have a receiver for the 5.1 processing etc., a separate amp for my front speakers. Plus various inputs, cd/dvd, 8-track and phono. I am not super high dollar. I have some good front speakers/sub and from there its pretty much joe-audio stuff.

I am already using the 'zone B' from the back surrounds for upstairs in the house for a decent set of Cerwin-Vegas. So that channel is occupied with that.

The basement is well-wired for speakers, I even have an outlet with binding posts near my back door. And that is where my question begins. The binding posts have 4 posts for my surrounds (which are in that area and being used), and another four posts which I want to use for the outside patio.

How can I add a separate stereo connection for the outside (this will be as-needed in good weather, only moving some extra speakers outside at times), I have some extra speakers which I will move outsite when we are out there. Lets say I want to keep a 5.1 recording on the inside and and have it go stereo to the outside (like a party situation). I have a nice old pioneer amp (no tuner, just amp, its a good old one).

What can I do to hear the same input such as a concert DVD outside in stereo and still keep the 5.1 cranking inside?

I am a little foggy on the connections, something tells me there might have to be a speaker switch of some sort or something. I don't know. Get me on the right track. Thanks.

 

[timetohunt]

just forgot to mention that the pioneer is an extra amp. Not the one I am using for my fronts. I figured there might be the need for an extra amp in this situation. well - its this old one that I have that will be used.

 

[timetohunt]

sorry again - but more info - those extra binding posts are wired to a central location (not being used) so those speaker connections are available. ready to connect

 

[jcPanny]

Outside speaker connections

Hunt,
Sounds like you have an interesting collection of gear.

You should be able to connect the extra amp to the Tape Output or other line level output on the receiver and the outdoor speaker to the extra amp. This should play the same source as the 5.1 Zone 1.

For a more flexible configuration, consider the following:
Connect the upstairs and the outdoor speakers to the extra amp with impedance matching volume controls in both locations. Connect the Amp to the unpowered zone 2 output on the receiver. This will allow the upstairs and outdoor speakers to play a different source while you are watching a movie downstairs.

 

[WeAreSurrounded]

Hunt,
You should be able to connect the extra amp to the Tape Output or other line level output on the receiver and the outdoor speaker to the extra amp. This should play the same source as the 5.1 Zone 1.
For a more flexible configuration, consider the following:
Connect the upstairs and the outdoor speakers to the extra amp with impedance matching volume controls in both locations. Connect the Amp to the unpowered zone 2 output on the receiver. This will allow the upstairs and outdoor speakers to play a different source while you are watching a movie downstairs.

Hi, Hunt - I agree with everything jcPanny suggested, except that I would not touch your upstairs speakers as they are already wired and powered, and put in the Zone2 connection (you're referring to it as Zone B, is that right ?).
For the outside, I would:
1) Connect your PIO amp with receiver (stereo cables) through the ZONE2 PRE-OUT (unpowered) RCA jacks (or TAPE OUT jacks if you you're lacking the former ones).
2) Connect your amp speaker outputs with the centrally located binding posts.
3) Connect speaker cables/speakers for patio (when needed) with your back binding posts.
4) Buy the IR/RF trasmitter/receiver combo (RadioShack: $40) , so you can control your volume and switch sources from the patio (when needed)- with your original IR remote(s).