New Two Zone System - I'm out of my League

Unfortunately, the only way to get where you want to go is either a full blown Home Theater Processor or a AV Receiver. I don’t know of any 2-channel preamps that will do a "zone 2". The HT Processor or AV Receiver will replace your existing 2-channel preamp and will act as a source selector and volume control for both Zone 1 and Zone 2 speakers. You will need to supply an amplifier for Zone 2 if you choose an HT Processor (an integrated is not needed). Some AV Receivers can use other speaker outputs for Zone 2 (such as the "height speakers"). If you are still interested in this path, give us the following details and we can help guide towards a solution:

- What is your current model preamp/amplifier?

- What is your budget for this HT Processor / AV Receiver?  This also decides the audio quality you will get out of this device.

- Do you have any specific video source requirements such as HDMI, 3D or 4K? Tidal, Netflix, streaming, DLNA?

You’ll have to replace your current preamp. The HT Processor route is the better way to go for sound quality and to keep your current amplifier. However, your budget may force you to do an AV Receiver if you want all the bells and whistles (4K, Netflix, tidal, streaming, etc.).

Hi AuxInput.  Thanks so much for your detailed and quick response - I really appreciate it.  My more in-depth details are below.

Amp = Parasound HCA-1500A (200 watts per channel, 2 channels)

Pre-Amp = Parasound PLD-2000

$1,000 = Budget for HT Processor / AV Receiver (I'm still not clear on the difference between the HT Processor and AV Reciever)

Video = HDMI 4k / 18GB, Netflix, streaming - I originally was going to run the HDMI directly from the cable TV box to the TV and then run Audio left/right from the TV to the preamp.  I will also have a cat5 cable going to the TV (for streaming).  But I understand the HDMI can carry the audio signal as well, I'm def open to / looking for suggestions here.

I'm fine not using / replacing my current Parasound preamp.  If I use the HT processor or AV Receiver - will I be able to choose which zone I use my current Parasound two-channel amp with (Living Room, in-walls)?

Please let me know if any further info would be useful.  Thanks again for all your help!

Matt

An AV Receiver has several types of inputs for audio and video, including several HDMI inputs, digital coaxial and toslink digital inputs, along with many 2-channel RCA audio inputs. This can include old style composite and component video inputs. An AV Receiver has multi-channel amplifiers for anywhere from 7 to 13 channels (you can hook up speakers directly to the receiver. The AV Receiver will also have RCA preamp outputs so you can hook it to any amplifier as well.

An HT Processor is pretty much the same thing, except it does not have internal amplifiers. It is a preamp/processor only and requires an external amplifier for all speakers. This allows the company to use more of the space inside for better power supply and analog circuits. Many HT Processors also have XLR balanced outputs.

For the best sound quality situation in your budget, I would recommend getting a used Marantz AV7702 processor. The 7702 is just recently been discontinued by Marantz and they can be found on ebay for anywhere between $800-1200 (or more if new-in-box).

If you don’t like getting used stuff, you can look for a new Marantz SR5011 or SR6011 AV Receiver. They will not have as good sound quality as the AV7702 processor. On the receivers, I generally recommend buying the highest one you can afford. The Marantz receiver models are pretty much functionally all the same. The difference is that the higher models have a better/larger power supply which translates into better sound quality. SR5011 is typically $799. SR6011 can be gotten from BH Photo & Video for $1149.

You can still use your Parasound amplifier with the receiver for main movie speakers. You can use a couple of the speaker connections on the receiver for the Zone 2 kitchen speakers (so you wouldn’t have to buy an additional amp).

I recommend connecting all audio/video sources (bluray, satellite, cd, etc.) to the processor/receiver and letting the processor/receiver decode and manage the audio/video. It will also have the benefit of doing bass management for your powered subwoofer.  The Marantz devices also have Ethernet input so you can stream from DLNA or internet.  If you want Netflix, you can hook up a Roku or use a Sony Bluray player to stream from Netflix

Thank you to both gdnrbob and AudioInput for all your suggestions and details - I can't tell you how helpful this is!

To tls49:

Living Room - Zone 1 (2.1 set-up) sources:

(1) Music audio files (MP3's) stored on remote hard drive

(2) Sirius satellite radio streamed via laptop (?) - I don't think Sirius is supported on the Bluesound Node 2 - blah!

(3) TV audio (cable TV box, streaming Netflix via cat5 cable, etc)

Kitchen - Zone 2 (2.0 set-up)

(1) Music audio files (MP3's) stored on remote hard drive

(2) Sirius satellite radio streamed via laptop (?)

I'd like the option to play #2 and #3 speakers simultaneously from same source at same time.  But in most cases it will be #3 playing in the Living Room, while music plays in the kitchen.  Also, if it makes a difference - all the components (cable TV box, AV Receiver, amp, Bluesound, Sonos, whatever...) will be located in a ventilated space together.

Thanks again for everyone's help - I already know a lot more than yesterday and it's all thanks to you guys.

Matt

With HT Processor or AV Receiver, you can play the same source to both Zone 1 and Zone 2 at the same time.  Or you can play different sources t Zone 1 and Zone 2.  Zone 2 is handled completely separately from Zone 1 in the processor/receiver.  It doesn't matter what source you choose for each zone.

Like others have said, there could be different equipment you could use, like putting a Bluesound in each room.  It can be cheaper, but there are also features that you might not have when compared to processor/receiver.