1. Which amp would you recommend? The CROWN or the Sonance? If the Sonance, how much max bid should i go for it to be decently priced?
The Sonance is actually a better overall amplifier in my opinion. It generally goes for 400 to 500 bucks on eBay, but you will want to keep an eye on it. I have purchased several of these on eBay over the years and 400 to 600 is the general price. New, they are close to $2,000 or more.
2. I am currently running 6.1 for my HT, can i still use Zone 2 as oppose to Zone 3 for the purpose of using an RF remote. Do i sacrifice the rear center channel and run 5.1 so i can run zone 2 for the backyard? If that happens, can the RF remote only turn on/off and adjust volume on all speakers at once only?
You do not sacrifice anything if you are using an external amplifier. The only time the Denon has issues w/zone 2 is if you are trying to use the internal amplifier on the Denon - which you aren't doing.
You would just connect RCA cables from the zone 2 RCA connection on the back of the 3805 to the RCA inputs on the amplifier you get...
http://www.avland.co.uk/denon/avr3805/rearlrg.jpg
3. If i buy the CROWN amp, will i be able to use an outdoor volume control for each speaker?
No, this would not work. Everything is all wired together, so there is no realistic way to do this. The Sonance would be a much better/cleaner solution. Of course, with the Sonance - you wire EACH SPEAKER INDIVIDUALLY! More speaker wire and wiring work, but the final result would allow you to tweak each speaker specifically how you wanted to.
4. If i buy the SONANCE amp, how do i adjust the volume? From inside the house only? Also with this set up, do i spend more on speaker wires (thanks btw for helping me find outdoor speaker wires)? I have to run 8 lines of speaker wires which is 1 line each speaker instead of the diagram you have above?
Yes, as I said above, more speaker wire. You do get the concept. Individual speakers would be set for relative volume to each other on the amplifier itself, but global volume up/down would be set by using a RF remote which would control the receiver zone 2 audio volume up/down as well, it could select your source and control that source while you are outside.
5. Any type of speakers that i should be looking for? Watts? Ohm? Size? Can i run different types of speakers because i have been looking at Craigslist and Ebay but most decent deals are for just a pair or 2 pairs max. I may have to buy 2 pairs of one brand and 2 pairs of a different brand for value purposes. Will this work?
Speakers will generally have an ohm rating, and MOST outdoor speakers are 8ohms. I would stick with 8 ohm speakers, but you can mix brands if you want/need to. Make sure to check the link I gave for other outdoor speakers which you may like. Remember, outdoors, bass disappates very quickly, so larger speakers (8" models) generally will provide a fuller sound than 6.5" models.
6. Speakers - somewhat check
Wires - check
amplification - somewhat check
control - do you mean remote control? what should i get? outdoor rated?
sources - denon 3805 but i will most likely use an ipod dock that is 2 feet away from the receiver. how can i change/control ipod for songs from the outside? is there a way?
Get a RF remote control that you take inside the house when not in use. RF remotes are covered throughout these forums, but generally speaking, you get a RF base station which lives in your home, and the RF remote which you can take 30-50 feet from the base station and it will work. The base station will control any device in your equipment rack which has a standard IR remote control. This typically includes your A/V receiver, your DVD/CD player, and it you get the right iPod dock, that as well.
