The 970 looks good, but I would like to run 2-channel speakers in a second room for casual listening from an iPod in our somewhat open plan downstairs (we have to party sometimes). I would be running the main room in 5.1 for theatre, so in principle there would be two channels available. So:

(1) Can the 970 be configured to send 2 channel from the aux input to two sets of speakers via chanels 1, 2 6 and 7?

(2) If not, does anyone have experience with speaker selection switches - I imagine they contribute to the sound somewhat. This can also be bypassed from serious listening by unplugging it I guess.

(3) The 990 claims second room capability, but the audio outputs look as if they are for a TV or similar. True?

This seems to me to be a limitation of the 970 - I would rather have 2 or 3 room capability than a radio tuner, for example.

The 970 lacks a real second zone, so the implementation of a separate two-channel rig will take a bit of tinkering. The pre-amp outputs can't be re-assigned to provide a two-channel output, so you would need to either use a speaker selector switch, try something like using the tape output (which lacks a volume control) to feed a separate amp (or spare amp channels in a 7125 or 7700), or split the pre-amp outputs to feed the left and right signals to two pairs of amp channels with either a pair of y-adapters or a switchbox. There are some good selector switches from folks like Niles that might be worthwhile options for you, but I haven't ever used them.

The 990's second zone capability includes support for video output, but it can be used for audio only (I have a wireless speaker connected to my second zone). If you are seriously interested in multi-room capability, the 990 may be a better bet for you.

Thanks Gonk. The tape output sounds like a good idea (I haven't used tape for 16 years, so wasn't on my radar). I'll contact Scott about this and post his reply.

And the reply from Outlaw is:

"I see no reason why Gonk's suggestion wouldn't work well for you. Good luck and let us know how it sounds!

Thanks and regards,

Scott"

Cool deal. Go with it!

Using the tape output of the 1070 works well. I sent the 1070 feed to my NAD 701 two-channel amp video input. Sounds good, even using an "in-the-box" VCR cord.

Thanks for everyone's help.