Denon 3801 multi-zone

[ellisd]

I know, I know, this is an old unit, but I dont use it in my theater, I use it for my 4th set up in the kids area. anyway, I wanted to use the multi-zone capability to run some sound outdoors for a gazebo and for some reason, I cannot get anything out of the speaker unless I set it up as the back surrounds. I downloaded the user manual, and I have set everything per the diagram, but alas, nothing comes out. Anyone actually ever set up the 3801 in this manner? It was a great 7.1 receiver when I used it for that, but now I want to get some other use out of it.

 

[Midcow2]

Actually the multi-zone on the 3801 is only in surround

I know, I know, this is an old unit, but I dont use it in my theater, I use it for my 4th set up in the kids area. anyway, I wanted to use the multi-zone capability to run some sound outdoors for a gazebo and for some reason, I cannot get anything out of the speaker unless I set it up as the back surrounds. I downloaded the user manual, and I have set everything per the diagram, but alas, nothing comes out. Anyone actually ever set up the 3801 in this manner? It was a great 7.1 receiver when I used it for that, but now I want to get some other use out of it.

The Denon 3801 is not really a multi-zone AVR except for the pre-outs (see-pages 12, 46 'outputing a program source to an amplifier, etc., in a different room MULTI mode'). Also see page 48 for multi-room "SPEAKER=OUT"

The answer for what you are looking for appears to be at the top of page 48.
'MULTI ZONE SPEAKER OUT can be used when "Multi" is seltected at the System Setup Menu "Power Amp Assignment". In this case Surround Back Speaker OUT cannot be used in the MAIN ROOM. (see page 18)'.

Very interesting is was designed to have multi-zone surround speakers, so that you could change the surround sound (page 18) to "Multi"

Apparently the surround back speakers become an psuedo zone 2.

================

Curious if the 3801 is your fourth system what are your other systems ?LLOL , I am only up to three systems, but the Yamaha in the garage has surrounds and a center speaker and a wireless Seinhesser 140 for working in the yard

 

[ellisd]

Well, that is the feature I cant seem to get working, I have done everything it tells me on page 48, which is advertised as their multi-zone, not a remote surround, basically, if you set it to multi, the surround back becomes output for zone 2, the picture shows it very clearly, but I just cant get it to work! There is the other feature on page 18 which you mention that requires an extra amp which seems a bit worthless to me. the only thing I see is a device that allows you to change the volume in zone 2, which I dont have, but doesnt seem to be required to have zone 2 output. confusing.

 

[ellisd]

BTW, my main system is an Integra Research, albeit now an orphan. The other 2 use the HDTV internal speakers with cable boxes, the horror!

 

[ellisd]

If you look at the second picture on page 48, it clearly shows 2 rooms of output from one amp, no second amp required. That is what i am trying to do. The fact that it uses the back surround jack does not mean it is outputting surround back sound, the switch is supposed to make it a left/right output. At least that is how I read it. On page 26 it talks about setting the multi volume level at 0, -40, or variable, perhaps that is my area of failure?

 

[MDS]

basically, if you set it to multi, the surround back becomes output for zone 2, the picture shows it very clearly, but I just cant get it to work!

That's how all multi-zone receivers work but that setting is just to configure the rear surround amps to be used for zone 2 instead of the rear surrounds in the main zone.

But now you have to select zone 2 and a source to play through it. The section of the manual about selecting sources should tell you how to turn on zone 2 and choose the source for it. But also be aware that the receiver will not send any digital signals to zone 2. If you want to play a CD in zone 2 the cd/dvd player has to be connected with analog audio cables.

 

[Haoleb]

also be aware that the receiver will not send any digital signals to zone 2. If you want to play a CD in zone 2 the cd/dvd player has to be connected with analog audio cables.

Probably the number one thing people dont realize when using the Zone 2 feature. Even I learned that one the hard way.

 

[ellisd]

Hmm, i read that last night and wondered if that was the issue, I have my Escient player connected to vcr2/aux and I am betting that is digital, well, write that down on the list of what he heck...... thanks

 

[asnd95]

Hi Ellisd, I still have an AVR3801 and I have successfully used it in the past with Multizone and there have been no restrictions on digital input. Please note that I am no where close to an audiophile and I have needed help to set up the system correctly. So I know it can be done. In a recent equipment change, I lost the Multi-zone capability and I decided to try and figure out myself using the manual and had a carbon copy of the experience you pasted back in June 2008. Did you ever solve it? I get a test tone out of my patio speakers when I set the digital power amp assignment to Surround Back so I know the speakers are properly set up, but when I switch to Multizone I cannot get anything out of them. Any insight would be most appreciated. Thanks!

 

[sgoyal]

Hi, I hope you can help me. I was glad to find this thread. I still own a Denon 3801 and it has served me well for almost 13 years, still going strong. I use it together with an external HDMI switch and its working great. Anyway, I just added 2 speakers in my back yard and would like to use the 2nd zone feature, but I'm having a heck of a time setting it up.

I have a mac mini that is delivering audio to 'VCR 1' input of the Denon. How can I send that to zone 2. I'd like to listen to my back yard speakers (non powered) independently of my 5.1 set up inside the house. Is it possible to get independent volume control on zone 2 also. I would really appreciate any help. I'm hoping I don't have to toss out my trusty receiver because of the 2nd zone requirement.

Thanks in advance,

Serv

Hi Ellisd, I still have an AVR3801 and I have successfully used it in the past with Multizone and there have been no restrictions on digital input. Please note that I am no where close to an audiophile and I have needed help to set up the system correctly. So I know it can be done. In a recent equipment change, I lost the Multi-zone capability and I decided to try and figure out myself using the manual and had a carbon copy of the experience you pasted back in June 2008. Did you ever solve it? I get a test tone out of my patio speakers when I set the digital power amp assignment to Surround Back so I know the speakers are properly set up, but when I switch to Multizone I cannot get anything out of them. Any insight would be most appreciated. Thanks!

 

[sgoyal]

Anyone? I've followed the instructions in the manual - and can't get the surr. back speakers to operate independently of the inside 5.1 speakers.

 

[glodowskid]

Denon 3801 multizone setup

sgoyal,

I am glad to hear you are still enjoying your denon 3801. I have had mine for about 13 years now as well and it is still going strong. There is no reason to toss out you receiver, it is fully capable of powering a "zone 2" independently of your home theatre room as long as you do not want the 7.1 capability and are just using a 5.1 setup for surround sound. The first thing you have to do is hook your receiver up to a tv as there is no way to assign the power amp from the remote.

The back of the receiver has a rca video out as well as s-video. I have never been able to use the rca video out, maybe mine is broken? This is difficult as I only have 1 tv left in my house with s-video inputs. When you get the receiver hooked up to the tv you have to grab the remote and hit the menu/osd button. This will bring up the on screen display. From there you have to use the remote and navigate to the Power amp assignment. This will give you the ability to establish wether you want to use the surround back speaker (B) or to use that amp to power the surround back/multi zone speaker system (page 18 in the owners manual).

After this setting is established you can play whatever input you so desire to play in zone 2 independently of the movie or whatever your listening to on your 5.1 setup. Controlling the multi room audio (volume/inputs) is done by selecting the multi function on your denon remote. This is done by hitting the receiver button on the remote (top right button) until the lcd on the remote says "Multi". Now you are controlling the zone 2 functions of the receiver. You can adjust volume independently as well as inputs by hitting the input selector buttons (numerical keypad on the remote).

You can also select the multi zone input and adjust volume from the receiver itself by hitting the multi button on the bottom left side of the unit, then turning the input selector knob until the display shows the input you are looking for.

The one thing to keep in mind! The multi zone function is limited to analog signals. Meaning, if you are feeding your VCR 1 input from your mac mini via a toslink optical cable and have your digital input assignments within the amp set that VCR 1 is a digital input you will get no sound out of your multi zone setup. I personally use my apple TV and that only has a optical output so I have a digital to analog converter which then allows me to airplay pandora to my multizone setup. Then I also have my PC audio going to my receiver and use the remote app on the iphone to play all my music from itunes anywhere in the house.

Just go through all the on screen display setups and get familiar with the digital in assignments so you know what inputs are set to analog or digital because they are all selectable to customize.

I as well have an independent whole home video setup controlled by a true matrix 4x4 switch\splitter so I can watch any of 4 inputs on any of the 4 tvs in the house. Paired with a logitec harmony link I can control all my tvs, all my input devices (bluray, cd player, etc..) and receiver to control what is being played everywhere in the house all from the touch of my phone. I do not use a single remote in the home, only my phone! I don’t think Ill ever upgrade from the 3801 unless it dies. It truly is a workhorse and I cannot foresee needing anything more in the near future.

Hope this helps! Ill monitor the thread, if you have any more questions let me know. I have done a lot of reading on this receiver and I know it can be overwhelming..

~Derek