What do you think? I can't see why it wouldn't work fine. Connect one to the CD input, another to say... the TV input. Leave zone 2 on all the time and set to the TV input.

This is an existing system where control of the main zone is by a Pro24r so no chance someone will accidentally change the status of Zone 2 (unless they start pressing a lot of random buttons on the original remote, and that would likely wind up in a service call anyway.)

There is a single pair of outdoor speakers on the reassigned surround back channels and we're looking to bring the system up to date, likely a pair of HEOS Links.

I see this plan as a way to prevent spending money on an extra amplifier. They are plenty happy with the volume capabilities as it is.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

Craig

Well, you didn't say what receiver you are using.
Maybe using a HEOS AMP for zone 2 would be better, as it would allow the receiver to run cooler and not draw power away from the main zone when they are both playing. That would make it easier for the customer to use zone 2 as well, since now the volume control in the app works zone 2 without double volume control problems.
That's assuming it's an entry level receiver that doesn't have that much power to begin with.

So...your trying to save someone $150 while all but guaranteeing yourself a non billable service call that will cost you the equivalent amount of money?

And use the stand alone speakers for tv only zones instead of connecting units to the TVs. It will sound better then using tv speakers.

The receiver is a Denon AVRx1200w, which I believe advertises 80w /ch.

I should have been more clear about the speakers. When I said a single pair I meant in zone 2 but reading it again I see it reads more like that's the whole system. He is not using the TV speakers. It's connected to a pair of in wall speakers and in ceiling rears, and a pair of outdoor speakers running as zone two.

Until now the client has had only a satellite receiver connected and uses a USB stick or Bluetooth for music. The idea now is to add a third zone in the basement with another receiver/TV/inwall speaker set up, and likely a fourth zone with a pair of in ceiling speakers above a pool table. It's now grown beyond a two zone receiver but I want use as much of the existing gear as possible.

I'm north of 49. No amplifiers that are any good are $150. The HEOS amp is $400 more than the HEOS link. I would be saving this guy at least $300 and can't see it producing any service calls. To date there has been none. He never uses the Denon remote because he doesn't ever need to. The only way he could mess up the zone two settings would be if he found the remote and started hitting buttons. That's a billable service call and it hasn't happened yet.

I see the point about reducing the workload on the receiver, but as I said, the workload will be the same and he's happy with the sound. We're just upgrading sources.

Craig.

Can HEOS use IP control to directly control Zone 2?

Not at the moment. HEOS links will not have that capability (from what I understand) the new Denon and Marantz receiver with a link built in will.

What does "north of 49" mean? North of 49 years old, or North of the 49th parallel?

The HEOS AMP lists for $499, the Link is at $349.

What speakers are used in Zone 2?

How loud is Zone 2? If they don't push it hard, I doubt the AVR will have a problem with driving it. If you start with a LINK and find that they are pushing it harder than the AVR or the amp in a HEOS AMP would handle, add an amplifier but I would poke and prod for the answer to that question now, so they aren't heading for disappointment.

No, it uses the connection from its IR out to the IR IN jack on the AVR and you can set it up according to the input used. This was covered in the CI training (don't know if you have looked at the videos)

This falls under the category of "there is the right way to do it, and here is how I want to do it" to save a little money. We have all been in that boat. But, if it is going to expand to four zones at some point, why not just get the first couple zones started right with the amplifier versions? At some point, there will be a glitch.

North of 49 is my sad slang for Canadian.

The outdoor speakers are Russound 5B65.

Thanks for the help guys. I reviewed my HEOS pricing and the difference between the amp and the link is only $200. I'm not sure where I got $400 from. Anyway I'm going to specify a HEOS ampnto power the outdoor speakers. Not much more investment. Less potential for head ache. And I think likely better sound.

Craig