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need a suggestion for a receiver. a few necessities are listed.... thx

post #1 of 14
4/4/10 at 2:05pm
Thread Starter 
I had a denon avr-1601 b/c it had A+B channels which is the most important feature (patio speakers). I traded it for an avr-3300, hooked it up over the winter, just went to plug in my patio speakers and DOH! No A+B.

So I need a new receiver. I have a big system in the basement, the den is simple.

Receiver will:

-power my bookshelf fronts and center
-hdmi switching (only need 2)
-a+b speaker outputs
-am/fm isn't all that important but I'd like to keep it

The only reason I'm asking for suggestions is, I don't need a BIG-BAD AS$ receiver. I want something small, doesn't need to be anything crazy.

Thx guys,
Happy Easter!
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post #2 of 14
4/4/10 at 5:30pm
As you're already familiar with Denon, the Denon 1610 will meet your needs.
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post #3 of 14
4/4/10 at 6:18pm
I think TS is looking for placing speakers in the patio? Don't think A+B will help there, maybe he needs zone2? In which case the Denon 1910 will serve his needs better?
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post #4 of 14
4/4/10 at 6:29pm
Using the terminology A+B does not normally imply the use of dedicated Zone 2 speakers, rather simply placing a 2nd set of Front speakers "B" in another room (eg. patio) playing the same source (digital or analog) at the same volume as in the Main zone. If that's not what is desired, then the 1910 or 790 would indeed be the next level up that would allow an independent (restricted to analog only) source to Zone 2 in addition to the A+B processing that the 1610 offers.
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post #5 of 14
4/4/10 at 7:03pm
For adding a second listening area, Zone 2 would be a superior way to go. It gives you the option of listening to different sources at the same time, if you so choose, along with independent volume controls.
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post #6 of 14
4/4/10 at 10:29pm
not to mention the fact that ts needs to keep changing the menu setting to A or B whenever the seating area changes. Of course A+B is an option, but then I read that it drops the effective impedance to 4 ohms which is not desirable?
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post #7 of 14
4/5/10 at 4:39am
Having to change the SPEAKERS setting from "A" to "A+B" is no different then having to turn Zone 2 ON/OFF. Also, at normal volume the impedance issue should not pose any problems. Again, it boils down to what the OP is looking for .... same source/same volume or independent source/volume. I would agree though that as the difference in price between the 1610 and 1910 is not that great, the 1910 would likely be the better option.
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post #8 of 14
4/5/10 at 5:58am
Another "plus" for Zone 2 is that you don't have to deal with the complication of getting only the Left and Right audio from a 5.1 or greater mix sent to the second listening area in cases where a multichannel source (whether discrete or post-processed) is selected. A multizone receiver will be able to send downmixed stereo to the other area, while an A+B configuration will cause the second area to lose whatever sound (if any) is being directed to the main rooms Center and Surround channels.
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post #9 of 14
4/5/10 at 10:40am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by RoboRay View Post

For adding a second listening area, Zone 2 would be a superior way to go. It gives you the option of listening to different sources at the same time, if you so choose, along with independent volume controls.


A+B sorry. I only wanted the ability to have an A+B button, turn off patio, turn on patio. etc.

But dual zone, hmmm, that may be nice. thanks to everyone for their suggestions.

VERY much appreciated!
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post #10 of 14
4/5/10 at 4:13pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdsmoothie View Post

Using the terminology A+B does not normally imply the use of dedicated Zone 2 speakers, rather simply placing a 2nd set of Front speakers "B" in another room (eg. patio) playing the same source (digital or analog) at the same volume as in the Main zone. If that's not what is desired, then the 1910 or 790 would indeed be the next level up that would allow an independent (restricted to analog only) source to Zone 2 in addition to the A+B processing that the 1610 offers.

I don't have anything analog. That would be a problem.

dvd and cable box - hdmi.
so there is no point in me shopping a 1910 or 790?

Cheers
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post #11 of 14
4/5/10 at 4:22pm
Thread Starter 
three-room/three-source output:


• powered and line-level stereo audio output with volume, balance and tone control for 2nd room (using powered 2nd room stereo output allows 5.1 home theater in main room)
• line-level stereo audio output with volume, balance, and tone control 1910:



» conversion of optical or coaxial digital signals to analog audio output for 2nd and 3rd rooms (PCM signals only)
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post #12 of 14
4/5/10 at 4:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RyanA3 View Post

I don't have anything analog. That would be a problem.

dvd and cable box - hdmi.
so there is no point in me shopping a 1910 or 790?

Cheers

For receivers with Zone 2 limited to analog inputs, it's generally pretty easy to just run a pair or red/white analog RCA cables from the source devices to your receiver, in addition to the digital cables you're using for your primary listening area.
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post #13 of 14
4/5/10 at 5:04pm
You could consider getting a cheap 2-channel amplifier if your receiver has the output for that. It would give you a A+B.

I bought mine for $100....

Here is the manual for the 330 -- looks like a multi-room is possible, but just don't have time to go through the whole thing right now

http://usa.denon.com/avr3300_ownersmanual.pdf
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post #14 of 14
4/6/10 at 5:34pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mhdiab View Post

You could consider getting a cheap 2-channel amplifier if your receiver has the output for that. It would give you a A+B.

I bought mine for $100....

Here is the manual for the 330 -- looks like a multi-room is possible, but just don't have time to go through the whole thing right now

http://usa.denon.com/avr3300_ownersmanual.pdf

thx bro. I found the multi room reference in that manual thx. it has rca out to another amp. I want to keep it simple. I'll prolly sell this receiver and get something that does it all. this room will always be 3.1 + 2 channel patio. I don't need 7.1. but I guess everything has that these days. I just want a simple box. hdmi and a+b or multi zone.
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AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Receivers, Amps, and Processors › need a suggestion for a receiver. a few necessities are listed.... thx