Onkyo TX-NR616, Zone 2 functionality

Yes, that is correct ... in fact it's correct for virtually every AVR on the market today as well (ie. analog only to Zone 2). You would need to connect an optical --> analog converter to pass audio to Zone 2. The Denon 3311CI or 3312CI are the lowest level models that will also pass PCM 2.0 over optical/digital coax to Zone 2.

I read on http://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1153662 that the 809 can play any "net" source on zone 2. i.e. spotify, LAN, app sourced music. Would this be true of the 616? If anyone has one and could confirm I would be forever grateful.

Best,
M

Yes ... multi-zone networking AVRs can pass the "on board" sources (internet radio, Spotify, etc.) to Zone 2, it's only the "external" source devices that must pass analog audio for Zone 2.

The newer 2 HDMI monitor out AVRs (Onyko included), although only capable of passing the same source, can pass to either one separately or to both at the same time. The new Denon 3313CI is able to pass a separate HDMI source to Zone 2 via the new Zone 2 HDMI monitor out jack, although for powered zone 2 via the AVR, you'd still have to connect an analog cable from the source as it's designed for the display or 2nd AVR to do the audio processing.

A cable is a cable ... it's the HDMI cert of the AVR that matters. Processing of HD audio can be done on HDMI 1.3 and 1.4 AVRs (although actual processing determined by the mfr on the lower level models). AFAIK, all current Onkyo models (to include the 616) can process HD audio.

Any comments on the 616? I'm looking to play Spotify in my house as much as possible and also want to upgrade my receiver. So play Spotify in three zones is possible. Would it be possible to play for instance a BD in the main zone and Spotify in zone 2 and3? I've been looking for that information but can't find the answer.

And also... THX is not a sound format.

I'm considering the Onkyo TX-NR616 and am unclear about the functionality of the powered zone 2. I've read that the zone 2 cannot use digital sources, but is that the case if you intend to have zone 1 and zone 2 both use the same source?

I'm looking to replace a 10+ year old Yamaha 5.1 AV receiver that has A/B speaker connections. I use the "B" speaker connections for the outside deck speakers and do not want to buy a dedicated receiver just for the deck. Will I be able to output digital sources to zone 2 so long as the same source is also on zone 1?

Thanks!

Nope.

If you're using a digital source such a cable/sat box, dvd/blu ray, ps3 or cd changer connected via optical, digital coax or HDMI in zone 1 you need to connect the same device using analog cables to your receiver for zone 2.

the only way to get around that is to buy a receiver with a Front B set of terminals. Zone 2 was created so that you could have independent sources in 2 zones. Speaker B is for playing the same source is both zones.

Many Marantz receivers have Front B outputs as well as terminals that can be used as Zone 2. The Onkyo NR616 does not.

If you set it to bi/amp the front speakers, that should accept zone 2 from a digital source. I have hdmi cable box playing into my speakers but setup the zone 2 to have bi/amp instead. (aside from the left channel not working) this is ideal for me. I am returning the receiver for another one. hopefully this wont be a lemon.

DOes the Denon 1913 have a second zone?