I am looking at picking up a new reciever that will run my RS750 (Rockets) along with a pair of Axiom M22's and a pair of outdoor Polks. The 750's and the M22's are in different rooms and will only be used for music. I am looking at spending no more then $500.00. Any suggestions?

Hmmmm....stereo only? With either a second zone feature or A&B speaker switch? I'd see what Yamaha or HK has in a two channel receiver.

So you will be driving three pairs of speakers in stereo only, right? You might look into a used receiver or integrated amp of some sort - Yamaha, NAD, Denon, or something along those lines. Outlaw's RR2150 stereo receiver is due out late this year, but it might land a bit outside your price range and isn't available yet.

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gonk -- 950 Review | LFM-1 Review | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | Saloon Links

[This message has been edited by gonk (edited September 22, 2004).]

Will you be running a sub? Would you be running 1,2 or even three pairs simultaneously? If you will be using a sub, a receiver with bass management would be preferable. The RS2150 WILL have bass management. An external speaker switcher will probably be needed as well, such as those offered by Niles. If radio is not a priority, than an integrated amp, as Gonk mentioned, is a possibility too. With that you could use a subs built-in crossover and make a loop.....from pre-outs of integrated amp to main-ins of the sub, then outs of sub to main-ins of integrated amp....taking the low frequency burden off the main amp and stereo pair of speakers. I ran my Vandersteens that way with my PSB subsonic 3 using a NAD preamp with Rotel amp. The sonic improvement was incredible. That was before I wanted a multi-channel digital surround setup.

No sub. I will have three zones that at times I will run all at the same time. I was refered to the Denon 685. Thoughts?

A good receiver that has A/B speaker output, and pre-outs could be coupled with another receiver or 2 channel amp to get you to the 3 or even 4 pair stereo total you want.

You might look at the Harman Kardon HK 3480, a 2 x 120W Stereo Receiver with pre-outs, A/B speaker amplification, a good remote, and lots of other features. It can be had at J&R Audio for $300 with free shipping.

Better yet, wait on the third zone until you can get an Outlaw RS2150 to pair up with a second receiver. You can cross input these so that either receiver could output the same source, or you could elect to play different sources connected to each receiver...

...the RS2150 would be dedicated to the zone(s) with the best speakers, and the HK receiver (or other brand) could be dedicated to the lesser spaces. A flexible solution that can optimize each listening environment.

Here's the HP site...
http://www.harmankardon.com/product_deta...%203480&sType=C

I hope this is of help...

Allan

[This message has been edited by AGAssarsson (edited September 22, 2004).]