So I have an Onkyo TX-SR503 which I use my home theater and the "B" channel for my outside speakers. The receiver only has 2 speakers inputs for "B" and I now want to add 2 more outdoor speakers (4 total). So here is my dilemma ;)

Any initial thoughts on how to overcome this (without buying a new receiver, lol)?

I thought about connecting my old Kenwood receiver to the system to power the 4 outdoor speakers. We like to use the Digital Choice music channels from our cable provider to supply the music for outdoors. So in order to connect my old receiver, I need to somehow "split" the audio from my cable box to both receivers.

Thoughts?

Wire the two sets of speakers in parallel on the "B" speaker outputs. The receiver will handle a 4 Ohm load (as long as you don't run them at deafening levels).

Something like this will work also.
http://www.a1components.com/subcategory.aspx?pid=267

Oh ok, so I can double up the speaker inputs with 2 on each? I was afraid it wouldn't be able to handle. Yeah, these are for outdoor socializing, not going to be having a rock concert ;)

Since doubling up, do you recommend me putting on some type of tip, like a banana plug or something?

Forgive my ignorance, but how is this hooked up to the receiver? Do I run speaker wire from the 2 speaker outputs on the receiver to this device, which then splits it up among the 4 speakers?

That switch would accommodate 4 stereo pairs. You run from the Speaker B connections to the switch, and then wire in the two pairs that you have. The front buttons will control each pair.

Hook up your first pair of speakers to the "B" outputs.
Do the same with the second pair of speakers.

Just twist the 4 pairs of speaker wires together at the receiver end and attach to the terminals.

+ and + right
- and - right
+ and + left
- and - left

Twist together and attach appropriately to + on receiver and - on receiver. Just use bare wire.

EDIT:
That's assuming you want all 4 speakers always providing sound. ;)
If not... the suggestion in post #3 above is an option.

So just took a look at my receiver and the manual again, as I noticed that the quality output of Speakers B were so much lower than my speakers on A. The manual says the the B speakers only accepts analog input. So assume that is why the output quality is different.

So now have some more questions....

1. Would this explain why I only hear output from the "B" speakers when connected to my cable box via standard rca cables? Also seems that digital optical works, but digital coax does not.

2. Since the B speakers only allow analog and I want to actually have 4 running off the 2 speaker inputs, which will require me turning the receiver up pretty high to even hear it - is this still a good idea or would it be better to connect my second older receiver to handle the outdoor speakers?

3. If hooking up the second receiver is a good idea, how would I connect my cable box (outputs: 1 digital optical, 1 digital coax, rca) to this second receiver as well. So I want the cable box connected to both receivers, so I can listen to Digital Choice music from the cable company on the outdoor speakers but obviously use the cable box on the receiver for indoor speakers for everyday tv watching.

Sorry for so many questions. We are having my daugther's christening at the house in a couple of weeks and trying to find the best solution for it.

Thanks!!!

1)The cable box analog outs might be set to variable which means the volume control for the cable box also control those outputs. That could explain the lower volume. Try listening again and turn up the volume on the cable box and see if that speker volume increases. If it does go into the cable box audio settings and see if you can set the output to fixed instead of variable. That should solve the problem.



3)If you go with the second receiver just used the analog outs from the cable box to that receiver. Use the digital outs for the other receiver.

1) you have to "assign" the digital audio inputs
2) follow the suggestion from jettore
3) run optical or coax to an input on the receiver (properly assigned) and also Run analog audio (red/white) to a receiver input from the cable box.

This really isn't hard to figure out. Also... you've been provided two or three alternatives. Use what works best for you.

Take your time and don't panic. That only makes matters worse and allows for mistakes/oversights.

Yes thank you everyone for your help on this. Due to all your help, have an idea of what options I have and also even found out that I had a setting incorrect on my cable box. Due to that incorrect setting, was never using my digital connection coming out of the cable box, now set it to digital/dolby and sounds much better in my house.

I also changed the audio setting to fixed, but will test tonight when I get home as it was too late to test outdoor speakers last night.

I have 2 very simple questions at this point.....

1. If I go with connecting the second receiver, could I use the 2nd digital output from my cable box (digi coax and digi optical available) to connect the 2nd receiver. So the speakers on the second receiver are getting digital sound rather than just analog?

2. If I stick with doubling up the speakers on the one receiver, I notice that the speaker inputs are very very small, just big enough for a banana plug to fit in. So no way I can get 2 sets of 12 or 14 gauge speaker wire into the hole. So do you know if there are banana plugs that are large enough to fit the 2 wires twisted? If not, only option is to add the speaker switch eventhough don't need that funcationality?

Thanks again for all of your help!!

1) In theory both should work but I found that my cable company disables the digital coax out. I have no idea why, but I did hear I could call them to have it enabled. I just used the analog instead. The analog out will be fine for your outside speakers.

2) Personally I would just go with a speaker switch. It will keep all of the cabling and connections much easier and neater. Also the impedance matching ones add extra protection to your receiver. Who knows, some day you might want to add another set of speakers elsewhere and you could just plug them right in to the switch.

2) Personally I would just go with a speaker switch. It will keep all of the cabling and connections much easier and neater. Also the impedance matching ones add extra protection to your receiver.

I agree. It's worth the $30 investment.

Ok, ordered the speaker switch, new wire, etc. thanks for all your help and will let you know how I make out! Thanks again!!