Advice on Multi Zone Receivers VSX-80TXV vs. RX-V659

[grspec]

I am new here and have been doing some research on receivers for a multi zone setup. I really like these two receivers but not sure which is better suited for the situation I have. Current wiring that is in place is for 2 wall/ceiling mounted front speakers, a center channel, and 2 rear Ceiling/wall mounted speakers + sub. Outside on the deck are 2 speakers for zone2 and downstairs there are 2 more for zone3. The RX-V659 seems to fit this perfectly by having 3 separate zones but just wondering if this is possible too with the vsx-80txv? I am a newb to this stuff and still learning but it seems that the RX-V659 is really a nice fit.

I am mainly looking for about %65 movie %35 music, and this receiver plus the speakers will be the first in upgrading the current old system. I will be reusing a non HD TV and old DVD but those will be replaced within a year so I am trying to get a nice midrange receiver.

I would also consider another receiver that supports multi zone if it is around 500-600 or less.

Thanks

 

[jcPanny]

Receivers with Zone 2

The Yamaha RX-V659 and other receivers with the "Powered Zone 2" feature are designed to directly connect a single pair of speakers to the extra amp channels. If you wire for a couple of Impedance Matching Volume Controls for downstairs and on the deck, the receiver will probably have enough power for both pairs at moderate/background volume levels.

If you want more power or more speakers, you will need to use the Zone 2 or Zone 3 line output and connect it to an outboard stereo amp.