I'm trying to keep the cost down for this one.
Replacing an Integra DTM5.3 because it goes into protect mode, even without anything connected. I assume it's dead, unless someone here thinks it's worth having it repaired. Let me know if it's worth fixing or not. It looks like a pretty basic no frills receiver. But if I can repair it, maybe my son could have some tunes in his room!!
Now the system:
Integra DTM-5.3
Turntable
CD changer
Cable Box
"Old" Niles MSA-10 Impedance matching transformer
6- Niles I/M volume controls with 5 connected to a pair of spks, 1 V/C has two pair connected (4 ohm load).
I want to get rid of the MSA-10. I believe this is what possibly killed the Integra
So, I'm thinking of a new preamp or inexpensive receiver with preouts to feed a 12 channel amp. Then each area will have it's own "amp" and v/c. Will probably use a TruAudio 3012 that I have leftover from a job last year.
The question is: what "cost effective" preamp or receiver (using tape out? or preout) would you use in this situation.

Onkyo tx8050 would allow you to preamp out from zone 1 or zone 2, and give you a free two channel amp for one set of speakers. Network tuner as well....

You will dramatically improve performance with the dedicated amp per set of speakers...

This is getting really hard to do nowadays! I have recently found myself with similar requirements and the landscape has changed so much there are really limited choices. I am about to try an HTD MC66. It feels so wrong but the price is right.

It does seem wrong. I can't believe the cost of the controller/ amp unit. Who do you think makes these units? With my cost on a 12 channel amp and a receiver I'd be really close, if not more than the cost of this unit? I'm sure some lack of quality would be the trade off.
It's so tempting to have a step up (possibly?) with keypad control, etc., but I don't want a one off install. I really want to stick to the same stuff even if it's pretty basic with v/c's.

Feed it with a sonos connect. Do you really need all of those old Skool sources

My hesitation would be that the low end Onkyo do not always have discrete power on and off. You know this current model better than me, but ask me how I know about previous models...

The new Integra would do the trick for you.