I'd like to hook up a total of 9 speakers to my 950/7100 combination. Here is what I am thinking:


1) Connect 7 speakers to the 7100 (with the trigger from the 950) for music A

2) Connect 2 speakers to a second amp that is triggered off the 950 2nd zone. The question is will the same music I hear from the 7 speakers also be heard from these two? I don't have access to the 950 right now, but I think there are connections for interconnects from 950 to amp 2 so I should be able to send in a signal. But I am not sure if I need a 2nd source (e.g. CD) for the music.

My end goal is the same music from all 9 speakers running off 950 + 7100 + (some 2 channel amp)


Does that make sense? Any suggestions if this will work? If so, any recommendations for an inexpensive 2 channel 2nd amp - nothing fancy, just a basic amp for background music.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks!

The second zone (and the tape and video record outputs) only works with stereo analog inputs. As such, the second zone only works if the selected source is connected with analog cables. Also, the second zone has separate input and volume controls, so you will need to operate it separately. If all nine speakers are in the same space, you may run into problems getting the levels matched up.

If the second set of speakers are remote and you don't mind hooking up stereo analog cables for the sources you want to listen to in that location, then the answer is "yes" - this is exactly what the second zone is intended for.

As for a good, inexpensive two-channel amp, what speakers will you be driving? Depending on efficiency of those speakers and desired volume levels, there may be some very economical solutions along the lines of the little Sonic Impact T-Amp, but that's a very low power product. For higher volume levels or low efficiency speakers, you may want to look at Audiogon for used amps.

Thanks Gonk.

The second zone is in a different room, so level matching isn't an issue. The current input to the 950 is a digital coax from the CD player.

Does this mean I run a second input from the CD (stereo analog cables) to the 950? That way I get the "same" music into the other room, with some allowances for level matching.

The speakers are Orb audio speakers with an efficiency rating of 89 db. Volume levels would be low to medium at most...think background.

You'll need to connect stereo analog cables from the CD player in addition to the digital coax. The main zone will still use the digital input, but the second zone will need that analog connection.

The Orb speakers might work fairly well with a T-Amp or one of the other small digital amps, but you still might also look at used gear. What sort of price range are you aiming for?

Probably something in the $100-$150 range...

Parts Express has an assortment of offerings in the price range at or below $150 including AudioSource and Dayton. Just an example - haven't heard any of them.

Here is the amp that I am using for my second zone.
It's works just fine for my KLH deck speakers.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=302-601