Audio in three rooms using one receiver

Some higher-end home theater receivers can provide audio to three or even four rooms at the same time. These receivers typically offer a mix of preamp-level and powered outputs, and some also feature a composite video output for an additional room, allowing you to send audio and video to your second or third room.

"What kind of receiver do I need?"
You'll need a receiver with 3-room/3-source capability (the back-panel outputs are often labeled "Zone 2" and "Zone 3"). This kind of receiver can play three different sources in three listening areas simultaneously. And most of them offer a combination of both preamp and powered speaker outputs.

Don't forget: If you use your receiver's preamp outputs in your second or third rooms, you'll need another amp or receiver to power the speakers in that room.

Diagram B — Audio for three rooms using "Zone 1," "Zone 2," and "Zone 3" speaker outputs

Pros:

• Some 3-room/3-source receivers can also send video to one of your additional rooms.
• Receivers with 3-room/3-source capability will let housemates listen to three 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:

• Most receivers are only made to power two rooms, and use a preamp output for the third. A few receivers can safely power the speakers in all three rooms — in most cases, you'll only be able to get 3.1-channel sound in your main room, and stereo sound in two additional rooms.
• Installing in-wall volume controls in your additional rooms adds a lot of convenience — adjust the volume right there, instead of running back and forth from your main room.