Need help with us avr reciever to power zone 2

[rgray]

I have a Denon 4308 to power a home 5.1 theatre system;in brief I have Def Tech wall mount speakers, Yamaha subwoofer and ATON 4speaker selector, along with all the standard stuff, Apple TV, PS3 ect. I amoutputting the Zone two to the ATON selector and then have 4 zones off the Aton,Living Room (Bose 901), Kitchen (2 way in walls), Deck, (Klispsh Kh07) andGarage (Bose 201). All being operated my Harmony remote.<o></o
I want to deliver more power to zone 2 and want to knowthe following<o></o
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1. <!--[endif]-->Can I utilize Denon 2807 I have colloecting dustin basement?
<!--[if !supportLists]-->a. <!--[endif]-->The issues with this are the 2807 and 4308 have thesame remote codes and they will both follow the same commands. I know the 4308ahs a remote ID 2 I can change this but I don’t know if the harmony will beable to learn those codes and then control the 2807 and 4308 independent would havethe 2807 just power and Zone 2 and be used as volume control. I would still runthrough the Aton. Does this make sense? This option is cheaper, but not thecleanest with the Denon remote commands, I want something I can program myselfand modify.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2. <!--[endif]-->Do I just by a buy dedicated power amp and what arethe recommendations on size and brand for my system. Do I need 2 Channel, 4 channel, ect I just wantmore power for Zone 2 in stereo no home theatre
<!--[if !supportLists]-->a. <!--[endif]-->Is it easier just to add an amp? Then I cont havethe issue with the Harmony remote? I know it’s more costly but would be willingto spend a few bucks if I have tool
Thanks any help is appreciated. Robb

 

[XEagleDriver]

Using the 2807 is a viable option

Rgray,
Welcome to the forum.

SITUATION SUMMARY: Currently, you're Denon 4308 runs a 5.1 system, and one set of the receiver's amplifiers (SURR BACK L/R) is powering four other zones via Zone-2 amp assignment through an ATON speaker selector switch (Model DLA4 ?).

PROBLEM 1: You want to deliver more power to the other zones (LR, Kit, Deck, Gar).
- The other zones power is low because only one set of receiver amplifiers (SURR BACK L/R) is being divided into fourths by the ATON. Furthermore, the ATON's protection circuit (a good thing) is lowering the output power to protect the Denon from the impact of the lowest impedance of the four sets of speakers you have (2x Bose models, 1x Klipsch, and 1x in-walls) on a parallel circuit connection.
- To boost the other zones power you need more amplifiers powering the other zones, either by smartly using the 2807 (nearly free, but complicated) or getting a dedicated multi-zone amp (more expensive, but more straight forward). I will only discuss the 2807 option.

Q1. Can I utilize a Denon 2807 I have collecting dust in the basement?
ANSWER: Yes, but it is a bit complicated, and for best effect you will need to buy another ATON.
- You are fortunate since the 4308 has Zone-2 and Zone-3 pre-amp outputs (PRE-OUT) and the 2807 has pre-amp inputs (EXT. IN). This capability makes it possible to get more amplifiers powering the other zones.
- The avr-to-avr connections are as follows; connect 4308 Zone-2 L/R pre-amp outputs to the 2807 FL/FR pre-amp inputs, and the 4308 Zone-3 L/R pre-amp outputs to the 2807 SL/SR pre-amp inputs.
- 4308 set-up; see manual page 75-76 for more info on avr settings.
- The 4308 can be set to control the volume in Zone-2 and Zone-3 thus eliminating the need to control volume by manipulating the 2807's volume (set once and then forget). From page 36:
The volume can be adjusted when GUI menu “Manual Setup” –“Zone Setup” –“(select the zone)” –“Volume Level” is set to “Variable”. The volume can be increased up o the valueset at GUI menu “Manual Setup” –“Zone Setup” –“(select the zone)” –“Volume Limit”
- The 2807 will be set to the EXT IN program mode, and the 2807 FL/FR speaker terminals connected to one ATON, with the 2807 SL/SR speaker terminals connected to a second ATON.
Each ATON will then be connected to only two of the other zones speakers (i.e. one ATON to LR & Kit and other ATON to Deck & Gar).
- This configuration will more than double the available power in each of your zones.

PROBLEM 2: The 2807 and 4308 have the same remote codes and will both follow the same commands.
Q2: The 4308 has a remote ID 2, can you use this setting and have the Harmony respond correctly.
ANSWER: I do not know offhand, and recommend Googling the issue or hitting Harmony's website.

Clear as mud??

Cheers,
XEagleDriver

 

[rgray]

[/COLOR] XeagleDriver<o></o>
Thanks for your reply, the information is very helpful. Ihave had some time to think about this and I am thinking I of getting rid ofthe complexity the two Denons working together. I want something simpleand don’t want to add more ATONS. Ilike the idea of the one ATON and controlling the volume with the oneremote vs. having more remotes, etc. Ihave since decided that I want to go with a power amplifier to power zone 2. <o></o>
1. My first questionis will this be a better choice than using the Denon 2807 AVR? <o></o>
2. My second question is a one 2 channelamplifier connected to the ATON a good choice or do you strongly recommend amulti zone amp? I would prefer to go with the 2 channel and use the ATON forvolume control. I was looking at 200 -300 watt amplifiers<o></o>
3. My third and lastquestion is your opinion on my choice of amps, based on my budget, listeningpreferences and time used I am looking at amps less than $1,000. My top 3 are New Emotiva XPA-2 | 300W x 2,Sherbourne PA 2-250 or a used ANTHEM MCA 20. The Anthem has featured that I really like is the auto turn on when itsenses it input from Zone 2.Please let me know your recommendation, I look todo something in the next few days. I hope you are able to give me a reply soonand look forward to your input. ThanksAgain<o></o>

 

[XEagleDriver]

Check the ATON specs carefully

1. My first question is will this be a better choice than using the Denon 2807 AVR?

There really is no definitive answer. Yours is a question of preference and it sounds (pun intended) like you are clear on your goals for the system. I definitely understand wanting to keep the system simple to operate and enjoy. Since you are willing to buy a dedicated amp for the purpose--that is the right answer for you and a technically solid decision.

2. My second question is a one 2 channel amplifier connected to the ATON a good choice or do you strongly recommend a multi zone amp? I would prefer to go with the 2 channel and use the ATON forvolume control. I was looking at 200 -300 watt amplifiers

If I read the specs correctly, the ATON DLA4 has an input limit of 125W; so a 200-300W amp to gain more power at the speakers will probably not work as you desire.
- Another consideration is the location of the volume controls; you may be better served by having them in the room/area where the listening is occuring for ease of use. I am not familiar with the ATON's volume control; if it is IR (need to be room with the ATON) or RF (where you can be a few walls away).
- To improve the power at the multiple speaker locations, in general, I would recommend a multi-zone amp solution as most suited to the problem.

3. My third and last question is your opinion on my choice of amps, based on my budget, listeningpreferences and time used I am looking at amps less than $1,000.
My top 3 are:
New Emotiva XPA-2 | 300W x 2,
Sherbourne PA 2-250,
A used ANTHEM MCA 20. The Anthem has auto turn on feature when it senses input from Zone 2.

All three are quality companies/amps AFAIK, but as discussed above will probably not work as you want through the ATON. The auto sensing feature is desirable to avoid having to turn on multiple components (unless handled by your Harmony remote).

Cheers,
Shamu