HT or Stereo Receiver + Amp for Multi-room?

[JaDe]

I was hoping to get your expert opinion, being that I am an A/V noice (with designs to become more "enlightened"). I plan on working with a local A/V dealer in designing and installing a 4-room, multi-source audio system. This will require purchasing 4 sets of speakers (1 pair for each area) & a new receiver (new amp?). A couple dealers are pushing YAMAHA HT receivers (e.g. RXV 757) and say that it can power both zones (2 rooms in each zone). That the internal amp has enough power to drive Zone 2. Another dealer is saying that I really need a stereo receiver since I am not interested in surround sound/home theater for this application and is recommending I purchase another, separate amp to power Zone 2.

My questions are:
1. Can the RXV757 truly power 2 zones if I want to listen to XM in one zone (both rooms) and listen to a different source mp3's or tv in the other zone (other 2 rooms)? Or is the stereo receiver plus separate amp a better solution for this application?
2. I can't find much information on Integra products. I am being quoted an Integra stereo receiver (5.3) and amplifier (2.1.). Any input on how these products fair and how they would compare to Yahama receivers and amps?

Thanks.

 

[j_garcia]

If you will only have 2 speakers in each zone, you only need a stereo receiver. If you will do HT and want surround sound in the room where the receiver is, you will need a HT receiver.

There are a few ways you can do this too, and they were discussed recently here.

I just did an install similar to this, though it lacks some flexibility, it gets the job done. I used a stereo receiver to an impedance matching volume control switch box to 4 zones. With this setup, only one output from the receiver is used, and power is distributed to each zone which each have volume control and the ability to be switched off (via a/b switch, with b not connected). They are only using 3 zones, and the speakers are smaller and easy to drive, so I didn't feel there was a need to add an external amp. I used an RF remote for the system so they can control the CD changer and overall system volume from anywhere, and it works quite well.

The alternative would be to use a speaker distribution hub (amplified however you like) and send the signal to an impedance matching volume control in each zone, and then to the speakers. This gives you direct control over volume when you are in that particular room.

 

[WndrBr3d]

My Father In-Law uses a Yamaha RXV-1500 to power his Zone 2 (Dining Room) and Zone 3 (Master Bedroom). He's using In-Wall Ceiling mount speakers with wall mount volume controls.

I'm not entirely blown away by the sound quality, but then again, they're only used for atmosphere and the speakers he went with weren't really "high end".

The only thing I did notice is while all zone's are running AND he's watching something on the main system, his unit gets VERY hot. The top of the unit is hot to the touch. He keeps it in an enclosed cabinet built into the wall of his home theatre. When in full operation, he has to keep the cabinet door open so the unit won’t overheat.

So to answer your question, I know for a fact the RXV-1500 can power Zone's 1 & 2 (one set of speakers per zone) while the main unit is in full operation, even with their fairly large house and long in-wall cable run.

How are you planning on wiring the speakers? In series?

What type of speakers would you be putting in these zones?

 

[JaDe]

Thanks, guys. Looks like your recommendation is to go with the stereo receiver + amp combo since this is not a HT application and only 2 speakers per zone.

Not sure how the system is going to be wired exactly, I am working with a professional a/v designer and installer. Remember, I don't know my stuff well and need an expert to help install this. This expert is recommending IM volume controls in each of the 4 zones (pair of speakers in each zone) AND a speaker selector box. Not sure why (since I thought it could be one or the other) but your responses give me a better idea. All I want is the ability to turn the volume up, down or off/on in each zone using a wall-mount IM volume control.

 

[WndrBr3d]

What actually comes to mind for the setup you're going to be running (two sets of speakers in each zone), is the "old" Harman/Kardon PA-4000 Amp, which allowed for two seperate stereo inputs, which would then output to FOUR sets of speakers (two sets for each zone).

See the attached image.

 

[j_garcia]

Not sure how the system is going to be wired exactly, I am working with a professional a/v designer and installer. Remember, I don't know my stuff well and need an expert to help install this. This expert is recommending IM volume controls in each of the 4 zones (pair of speakers in each zone) AND a speaker selector box. Not sure why (since I thought it could be one or the other) but your responses give me a better idea. All I want is the ability to turn the volume up, down or off/on in each zone using a wall-mount IM volume control.

The switch is needed to do the distribution to the IM VCs. It's probably not a switch, it's just a hub/distribution point that does not do IM. You still need this to be able to make all the connections needed to send the signal to each room.