Trying to understand multi-zone setups

[123champ]

Hi,

I have pre-wiring in my house - 4 zones, 13 speakers (One 5.1 system and 4 other pairs). Only one TV that goes with the 5.1 setup.

Would like to control everything centrally. Would like the ability to listen to two different sources in two different zones simultaneously.

Would one multi-zone receiver be adequate, or do I need multiple receivers?
Can a multi-zone receiver power multiple speakers at the same time?

Is a distributed audio system (e.g. Nuvo Simplese) necessary?

What other things should I consider?

 

[bandphan]

What is your budget? Are their volume controls in place? What level of control do you want?

 

[123champ]

bandphan,

I have wiring for volume controls in place for all zones except one.

I'd like to spend less than $1000 on receiver(s) and related equipment.
Have a TV, and the speakers budget is separate.

 

[bandphan]

bandphan,

I have wiring for volume controls in place for all zones except one.

I'd like to spend less than $1000 on receiver(s) and related equipment.
Have a TV, and the speakers budget is separate.

The cheapest way would be to use a speaker selector like this any multizone reciever that can drive your 5.0 speakers a second zone amp and impedence matching volume controls will get you basic distribution for your budget.

 

[123champ]

Bandphan,

What is the job of a speaker selector vs. the job of a multi-zone receiver?
If I use a sepaker selector, does a single-zone receiver suffice?

Thanks
123champ

 

[bandphan]

Bandphan,

What is the job of a speaker selector vs. the job of a multi-zone receiver?
If I use a sepaker selector, does a single-zone receiver suffice?

Thanks
123champ

The speaker selector and second amp are in conjunction to the 2 zone avr. The second zone audio output from the avr goes into the zone amp audio input, then the left and right speaker outputs go into the speaker selector which is wired to your four pairs of speakers. The speaker selector is the distribution hub. There are many other ways to do multizone, but this approach fits your budget and basic needs.