Advice for Entry level Home Theater Amplifier

[Pogre]

Possible, I want to be able to setup a set of speakers to use outside .. hence zone 2

Yeah, that's what zone 2 is for. I've just never set it up before so I'm unfamiliar with the connections.

 

[lovinthehd]

Wow, yes that is a nice amp for sure .. In Canada it retails for $2K and refurbished is $1500 plus taxes. My budget would be in the $600 area US, which will translate to around $900 in Canada.

For example the Denon AVR-S650H at bestbuy.com is $399.99 and at Bestbuy.ca $600.79. We get gouged here.
For an extra $150 I can get the AVR-S750H, which has Dolby Atmos and Atmos Height Virtualization, Streaming and that extra zone which is an option I would like but when I look at the back I dont see the zone 2

Well, a $100 chunk of that is exchange rate....but the zone 2 on the 750 is apparently available only when giving up the rear surround speakers (assignable, has no pre-outs for zone 2). The 750 only has basic MultEQ version of Audyssey. Don't see zone on the 650 but has same version of Audyssey.

 

[Eppie]

Well, a $100 chunk of that is exchange rate....but the zone 2 on the 750 is apparently available only when giving up the rear surround speakers (assignable, has no pre-outs for zone 2). The 750 only has basic MultEQ version of Audyssey. Don't see zone on the 650 but has same version of Audyssey.

I have the older Denon 2310CI and you are correct; they use two of the surround channels for Zone 2. You can either run 7.1 or 5.1 + Zone 2. Zone 2 connects to the Surround Back terminals. Here is the manual for the 750H: https://manuals.denon.com/AVRS750h/NA/EN/index.php. Page 40 shows 7.1 surround options and Zone 2 wiring is on page 46.

If you're looking for a bargain, Gibby's has a B-stock (open box) 750 for $500.
https://gibbyselectronicsupermarket.ca/product/denon-avr-s750h/

Electronics for less had the Denon X1600H for $800 but currently out of stock. Maybe add to your watch list if not in a hurry. https://www.electronicsforless.ca/denon-avr-x1600h-7-2-channel-4k-ultra-hd-av-receiver-with-3d-audio-and-heos-built-in-10907.html. It's still available on Amazon for $900.