The operation of the two zones is completely independent -- both volume level and input source. You can select any input for the second zone (so long as there is an analog connection from the source to the 950, since the second zone does not provide D/A conversion), including the input that you have selected for the primary zone. In the case you describe, you can select CD for the second zone and select CD as your main input. You can also select stereo bypass for the CD on the primary zone if you want. Just connect the two extra channels of the 7100 to the second zone outputs of the 950 and hook your outdoor speakers up to those channels.

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