Audio in two rooms using one receiver

One-receiver setups are generally the simplest, most affordable ways to enjoy multi-room audio. In fact, your existing home theater receiver may have the necessary features — a second set of speaker outputs (often labeled "B" or "zone 2") to drive a pair of stereo speakers in a second room.

Is this an option that will work for you? Let's take a look at some common situations.

"How do I know if my home theater receiver can power speakers in a second room?"
If you want a single receiver to power both your main and your second room, you should look for a receiver with powered (or "speaker-level") outputs. These models can send an amplified audio signal to a second room, so that you won't need to purchase an additional amplifier.

Don't forget: You'll need a pair of speakers in that second room; lots of folks also like to install an in-wall volume control to adjust the sound in their second listening area. Also, some receivers "borrow" power from your main room's channels in order to power speakers in a second room. For example, many 7.1-channel receivers use the two back surround channels to drive the "B" or "zone 2" speakers — when you listen to audio in your second room, you'll only have 5.1 surround sound in your main room.

"I want to be able to listen to two different audio sources in both rooms simultaneously."
To play back your TV's audio in one room, and send Dad's favorite jazz tunes to a set of speakers in the den at the same time, you'll need a dual-room/dual-source receiver. This kind of receiver can play two different sources in two listening areas simultaneously.

Don't forget: If you use your receiver's preamp outputs, you'll need another amp or receiver to power the speakers in your second room (for more info, see page 3). To avoid that situation, use your receiver's powered outputs.

Diagram A — Audio for two rooms using "A" and "B" speaker outputs

Pros:

• Simple and affordable — a great way to get started with multi-room sound.
• Receivers with powered dual-room/dual-source capability will let housemates listen to two different sources simultaneously.

Cons:

• With some receivers, you can't play all of your surround channels in your main room while playing stereo music in another.

Tips:

• Your receiver must be designed to handle a 4-ohm load; speakers in both rooms must be 8-ohm speakers. If you use speakers with an impedance lower than 8 ohms, you may trigger your receiver's built-in protection circuit, causing it to shut off.
• Installing an in-wall volume control in your secondary room adds a lot of convenience — adjust the volume right there, instead of running back and forth from your main room.