Suggestions for inexpensive AVR with 2nd zone

[KEW]

I want to set a friend up with an inexpensive system.
The plan is to set up a 2.1 home theater (zone A) and have 2.0 sound outside (zone B).
So, a 5.1 receiver would fit the bill, but it needs the second zone.
Hoping to find something for less than $200 (refurbs are fair game).
Also curious - do these typically allow playing two different sources for the two zones? I think I saw that in my receiver's manual, but it was more expensive.
Thanks!

 

[rojo]

Denon AVR-X1000 offers 5.1 + stereo zone 2 pre-amp. You'd need a separate amp for your outside zone. The X2000 steps up to powered zone 2. Neither will offer much control without being in the same room as your source though. The X1100 is pre-amp zone 2 like the older X1000, but it includes networking. If you have a DLNA / UPnP server in your house, the X1100 is the lowest common denominator that will let you browse and play songs using an app on a phone or tablet.

I don't think you'll find much worthwhile in the price range you're in, though, unless you happen to find something used on Craigslist or similar.

 

[Alex2507]

Craigslist. If they don't need hdmi, it's even easier. I got an Onk 606 for like 50 bucks and that does have hdmi but zone two functionality on that model sucks.

If you need hdmi I would snag one of these 663s off eBay.

 

[KEW]

Thanks Rojo and Alex, In the end, the used ebay 663 looks like the ticket!