Using Onkyo HT-RC270 for multi zone sound

by Mark
(Baltimore, MD )

I'm setting up my home stereo system. When I purchased my house, I got everything pre-wired. I have one control box. I am looking at the Onkyo HT-RC270 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver and a nice set of Def tech surround speakers. I had two speakers put on my deck and two speakers in a dining room. Will I need to get an amplifier or will my Onkyo system be able to handle the multi zone and additional output?

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Hi

The Onkyo HT-RC270 can do either.

You can use two of the surround speaker terminals to send to another room and directly power two speakers (no extra amp required). However this limits the main room to 5.1 surround at the same time.

Or, you can use the zone 2 L/R analog audio jacks to connect to an amp/speaker setup in another room. This allows 7.1 surround sound in the main room at the same time.

In fact, I guess you could wire the dining room with one and the deck with the other. Not sure if you'd be able to have both at the same time though.

Also, be aware that zone 2 sources are limited to analog inputs. This is true of most (all? - not sure) surround amps.

All the best.

Paul (Site Editor)

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