Quote:
Originally Posted by
civilsurfer 
I have the vsx-1020 working with a klipsch 5.1 speaker set w/subwoofer. I am currently feeding most of my music content from my office computer to my vsx1020 via HDMI. I occasionally hook an ipod to the vsx-1020 to listen to music.
What I'd like to do is install a pair of bookshelf stereo speakers in my kitchen, connected to the vsx-1020, and listen to music via the bookshelf speakers when I'm in the kitchen instead of the living room where the 5.1 speakers are. And in the rare occasion when someone may be watching sports via 5.1, people in the kitchen may listen to some music. But most of the time I imagine the 5.1 speakers would be off when the bookshelf speakers are on and vice versa.
Where do I connect the bookshelf speakers on the vsx-1020? The instructions don't seem to be super-clear, but I've never really worked with a second zone. Also, will the hdmi input from my computer feed the bookshelf speakers like it is feeding the 5.1 speakers? I've heard the second zone is not digital. If HDMI doesn't feed them, then what should I do? Thanks so much for any advice!
Civilsurfer, to connect your bookshelf speakers...
If you insist on playing two different sources in your two zones
simultaneously, then you will have to connect your bookshelf speakers to the Zone 2 speaker outs which are actually the Surround back speaker terminals (see p.30 in manual). Unfortuantely, you are also right about zone 2's inability of processing digital signals. You would thus have to send an analog signal from your PC to your receiver. Perhaps a mini-jack (small headphone) to RCA stereo in your receiver.
Alternatively, you could just connect your bookshelf speakers to the B Speaker terminals on your receiver (see p. 19&72). This would only allow you to listen to
one source simultaneously. And you could also toggle the speakers on/off between zones. The good news is that you could play any signal through those speakers - HDMI digital and all.
I'd like to mention that Zone 2 still outputs I-Pod, USB, Internet radio and tuner as well as any analog input... which isn't too bad. Also, you can usually add an analog wire to your HDMI components to make them work too. But, having to use more wires, this day in age, really kills me on the inside. I'm still battling with the pros and cons myself! :-(
