How can I adjust the volume independently for two different zones coming off of the same source at my receiver?

The problem is that I have speakers on the porch and inside where I'd like the outside to be louder than the inside at certain times, like when we're in the yard. If I turn it up though, then it's blasting inside and completely intolerable.

I've done some preliminary research and it most people say that a multi-zone reciever is overkill for this problem, but I haven't found a clear cut answer on what equipment is correct for this use. I'm hoping to find a cheaper option than buying a whole new receiver as well.

7/23/2014 10:07:05 AM

is there a reason a regular outdoor volume switch wouldn't work for you?
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=109&cp_id=10903&cs_id=1090304&p_id=8240&seq=1&format=2
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AT10?device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=CLXvop7O278CFbTm7Aod_GcAsA

7/23/2014 10:10:56 AM

I checked into that initially, and after consulting a buddy of mine who is electrician I dropped it simply because of the work it would take to set up with how the house is wired right now.

He said there wasn't an easy way to install that since the wires are run through the ceiling and he would have to find them and pull new wires to the location then install etc. It was going to cost more than I was willing to spend in labor and parts for that solution...

I appreciate the help though. Is there no good way to just do it electronically at the receiver? A buddy of mine just told me that I may be able to do with an external amp. You think that would work?

7/23/2014 10:30:23 AM

Probably an external amp connected to the preouts on your receiver would be your best bet. Hook up your outdoor speakers to that amp and you can control their volume independently from the speakers connected to the receiver's internal amp.

7/23/2014 10:56:06 AM

Keep in mind that those volume controls are basically resistors, they can make the speakers quieter, but not louder. So in your case, you would have to actually wire your indoor speakers through the inline volume control, that way you can turn everything up on the amp and then quiet down the house speakers with the inline volume control.

Separate amp from Craigslist to power your outdoor speakers is the best bet in your situation.

7/23/2014 3:21:51 PM

turn down for what?!

7/23/2014 5:02:46 PM

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7/24/2014 4:22:30 PM

Multizone is not overkill for this problem. This is precisely what multi-zone is for.

Also this ain't a thread for audiophiles - totally the opposite, actually.

7/25/2014 1:07:07 PM

.

[Edited on July 25, 2014 at 6:10 PM. Reason : fail]

7/25/2014 6:09:06 PM

^^ haha exactly



Receivers? Receivers? I think not!...and dividing power unnecessarily by sending it out to shitty speakers that are kept outdoors, at that?

Clearly the opinion of audiophiles is not what you are after!


[Edited on July 26, 2014 at 12:18 AM. Reason : and yes, multi-zone fixes this.]


True confessions: My name is theDuke866 and I use a re...

rec...


rec..

OK, a receiver. I use a receiver. Stop laughing.


It's a fucking bad ass one!







[Edited on July 26, 2014 at 12:24 AM. Reason : ]

7/26/2014 12:14:58 AM