I just moved into a new house and am looker for a receiver that will run 5.1 HT audio in the Den (Zone 1) and 4 pairs of speakers from 4 other rooms (Zone 2). I want to have the option to play any combination of the other 4 rooms, for example - just room 1 with rooms 2-4 off, rooms 1 & 3 with rooms 2 & 4 off, or all rooms on. I do not need multi-source for the 4 rooms as they will all be playing the same source. What is the best/most cost effective way to accomplish this?
I've been considering a couple of options:
Would one of these options be better than the other? Should I be considering any others or any other receivers?
I've been considering a couple of options:
- Assign back amps of 7.1 receiver to Zone 2 and connect the other 4 rooms to a speaker selector to Zone 2. Would this work or would, or would the back amps not be enough to power the speakers in the other 4 rooms? I'm looking at the Denon 1913 for this, but it does not have pre-outs if I would need an external amp. If I need external amps would Denon 2113 or Pioneer VSX-1122 be good options?
- Use a 5.1 multi-zone receiver with pre-outs and external amp with speaker selector for other 4 rooms. For this option, I am looking at the Denon 1713.
Would one of these options be better than the other? Should I be considering any others or any other receivers?