What am I looking for spec-wise?

[fraxturepoint]

So my Onkyo 609 seems to have died, never quite seemed right. I'm looking for a good AVR that has bluetooth (easy spec to spot), but also for a zone 2 out that doesn't use the 7th channel up. Are 9.1 systems the only ones that can run 7.1 media rooms, and a second powered zone without screwing up the back surrounds? My Onkyo couldn't run the full 7.1 when I had powered zone 2 turned on.

Trying to stay affordable, 500-600 street price?

Thanks

 

[crossedover]

If you want 7.1 and powered zone two yes 9.x is the only all in one solution and your budget doesn't allow for that. Maybe consider a refurbished 7.x and a cheap amp to power the second zone.

 

[ImcLoud]

How much power do you need for your zone 2? I hooked up my father in laws zone 2 up with a lepai 2020 for $20 and it works awesome, way louder than they will ever play it... http://www.amazon.com/Lepai-LP-2020A-Tripath-Class-T-Amplifier/dp/B00C2P61FO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1407031847&sr=8-2&keywords=lepai+2020

As far as which avr, there are tons in your price range, especially if you will consider refurbed...

 

[afterlife2]

So my Onkyo 609 seems to have died, never quite seemed right. I'm looking for a good AVR that has bluetooth (easy spec to spot), but also for a zone 2 out that doesn't use the 7th channel up. Are 9.1 systems the only ones that can run 7.1 media rooms, and a second powered zone without screwing up the back surrounds? My Onkyo couldn't run the full 7.1 when I had powered zone 2 turned on.

Trying to stay affordable, 500-600 street price?



Thanks

If it's a HDMI issue they will fix it for free. Contact Onkyo before you do anything.

 

[fraxturepoint]

Thanks, good info from all. I'm not too afraid of the refurb stuff, probably gets better attention while repairing it than some of the new stuff off the line. I'm gonna probaby send the AVR in to Onkyo anyways, and plan for a future upgrade to a 9.1

I'm not running anything crazy on zone 2, just a pair of yamaha outdoor speakers, 5 1/2's I think.