JiminSTL Posted June 25, 2016 Share Posted June 25, 2016 Am trying to understand the terms "pre-out" and/or "line-out". Esp as they apply to getting a sound source/signal from one AVR to another. Specifically, if AVR #1 has a Zone 1 and Zone 2/3 capability (L/R posts for Zone 2), AND has Zone 2/3 "Line Out" red and white RCA jacks: Zone 2 would be given its input via the 2 Zone 2 posts? If Zone 2 listening is accomplished via #1 above, then, what is the purpose of the Zone 2 line out jacks? To connect another AVR in Zone 2? If #2 above is yes, does the Zone 2 line out usage eliminate the Zone 2 speaker usage in Zone 2 wiring connection? Does using Zone 2 line out jacks for another AVR enable more than 2 speakers in Zone 2 if using the line outs? Does any line out jacks carry only the L/R signal? Is that automatically a "stereo" format? If using Zone 2 posts (speaker wire going to speakers in Zone 2), then what is possible using the Zone 3 line outs? Same as Zone 2 answers? Is it possible to have more than L/R speakers hooked up to a 2nd AVR which receives its input from line outs (am asking the question again/differently?) Must the AVR#2 receiving the line out signal have defined inputs to receive the line out signal from AVR#1? What would those inputs be labeled? I ask all this because I am attempting to understand the principles, and to help a friend with an old Yamaha HTR 5750, to see if he might be able to use it as AVR#2. The rear panel on this 5750 has the following: digital input jacks multi-channel input jacks video component jacks AC outlet digital output jack audio component jacks subwoofer output jack impedence selector Thanks to all who take the time and interest to actually get through this, and respond in ways that I actually understand! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang guy Posted June 25, 2016 Share Posted June 25, 2016 (edited) Usually Zone 2 is just stereo. The old Yammy AVR will be acting as an integrated stereo amplifier for the input signal from the primary AVR. You just decide what input on the Yammy you want to use for this. I'd probably use the VCR input. The first AVR would use the Zone 2 line outs. The Yammy would be fully functional as an AVR with a STEREO input as a source when connected via Zone2 into it's VCR or whatever you chose. edit: The "posts" you speak of on AVR1 are probably speaker outputs. You would use them if you want to just go directly to the speakers with speaker wires. Depending on your needs in Zone 2, you may wish to use this instead of setting up a second separate system. Feel free to ask questions... Edited June 25, 2016 by mustang guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang guy Posted June 25, 2016 Share Posted June 25, 2016 (edited) deleted Edited June 25, 2016 by mustang guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coytee Posted June 25, 2016 Share Posted June 25, 2016 "pre-out" and/or "line-out". The way I understand it: Pre-Out: Signal level IS controlled by the volume control. Crank it up, it's putting out a hotter signal. Turn it down, the signal dies. You would take this line to a power amp. Line Out: Signal level is steady, irrespective of the volume control. Crank it up.... same signal output. Turn it down....same signal level. You would use this for something like a tape recorder or EQ or something that you did NOT want to be affected by the volume control. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JiminSTL Posted June 25, 2016 Author Share Posted June 25, 2016 mustang, thank you for your help! The AVR#1 is TBD, as he is going through the decision-making process. Likely to be an Onkyo 737, 747, or 838. Could be something like a Yamaha RX-A850, too. And, if he is happy w/ just stereo in Zone 2, then the speaker outputs on AVR#1 would suffice. However, if he wanted a center, in addition to the L/R, could he/should he use the AVR#2 (the Yamaha HTR-5750), feeding it from the Zone 2 line out? And then connect the L/R/C speakers? Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang guy Posted June 25, 2016 Share Posted June 25, 2016 Zone 2 would be given its input via the 2 Zone 2 posts? Zone 2 are outputs. If Zone 2 listening is accomplished via #1 above, then, what is the purpose of the Zone 2 line out jacks? To connect another AVR in Zone 2? Actually to connect an amplifier, but an AVR is fine. If #2 above is yes, does the Zone 2 line out usage eliminate the Zone 2 speaker usage in Zone 2 wiring connection? That depends on the AVR. What model is it? Does using Zone 2 line out jacks for another AVR enable more than 2 speakers in Zone 2 if using the line outs? Sure. The second AVR would be fully functional. Does any line out jacks carry only the L/R signal? Is that automatically a "stereo" format? Yes. Stereo only. If using Zone 2 posts (speaker wire going to speakers in Zone 2), then what is possible using the Zone 3 line outs? Same as Zone 2 answers? Again, need make model of AVR1. Is it possible to have more than L/R speakers hooked up to a 2nd AVR which receives its input from line outs (am asking the question again/differently?) Same answer. Yes, the input source as stereo would be processed by the second AVR however it wants. For instance full mono to 5 speakers with a subwoofer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang guy Posted June 25, 2016 Share Posted June 25, 2016 mustang, thank you for your help! The AVR#1 is TBD, as he is going through the decision-making process. Likely to be an Onkyo 737, 747, or 838. Could be something like a Yamaha RX-A850, too. And, if he is happy w/ just stereo in Zone 2, then the speaker outputs on AVR#1 would suffice. However, if he wanted a center, in addition to the L/R, could he/should he use the AVR#2 (the Yamaha HTR-5750), feeding it from the Zone 2 line out? And then connect the L/R/C speakers? Thank you. Like I said above. If connected through second AVR, you would have access to all speaker outputs as well as the sub output. Furthermore, when not using AVR2 as a second zone for the first one, it would be fully functional as a stand alone system. You could listen to different music eg FM or CD in each room. Just select the source you want on AVR2. Hope that helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JiminSTL Posted June 25, 2016 Author Share Posted June 25, 2016 ^ Excellent! I think your answer shows how for my friend to do exactly what he wants. Very much appreciate the precise answers, mustang and coytee. Imprecise answers only serve to either confuse me, or to create more questions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JiminSTL Posted June 25, 2016 Author Share Posted June 25, 2016 Thought of another question: how does one select to use the Zone 2 outputs, or instead receive the signals in Zone 2 through AVR#2? Meaning, instead of pressing the Zone 2 button to send the signals to the speakers in Zone 2, what must be done to select the line out as the output source to, say the "VCR IN" jacks, so that the AVR#2 sends the signal to the speakers connected to it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang guy Posted June 25, 2016 Share Posted June 25, 2016 (edited) Thought of another question: how does one select to use the Zone 2 outputs, or instead receive the signals in Zone 2 through AVR#2? Meaning, instead of pressing the Zone 2 button to send the signals to the speakers in Zone 2, what must be done to select the line out as the output source to, say the "VCR IN" jacks, so that the AVR#2 sends the signal to the speakers connected to it? On AVR1 (Onkyo 838) you would follow these instructions, and on AVR2 you would switch the input source to VCR: Performing Multi-zone Playback / Onkyo 838 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Press ZONE2 or ZONE3 on the remote controller,point the remote controller at the remote controller sensor and press ( | )RECEIVER. "Z2" or "Z3" lights on the main unit display and the multizone function is enabled. Press ZONE2 or ZONE3 again on the remotecontroller and press INPUT SELECTOR of the input to be played in a separate room. room, hold down ZONE2 or ZONE3 for approximately 3 seconds. If you turn the unit to standby during multi-zone playback, the Z2/Z3 indicators are dimmed and the playback mode is switched to playback in a separate room only. Performing steps 1 and 2 while the unit is in standby also switches the playback mode to playback in a separate room only. To control on the main unit: Press ZONE2 or ZONE3 and within 8 seconds, press the input selector button of the input to be played in a separate room. To play the same source in the main room and separate room, press ZONE2 or ZONE3 twice. To turn off the multi-zone function: Press ZONE2 (or ZONE3) on the remote controller and press ( | )RECEIVER. To control on the main unit, press ZONE2 (or ZONE3) and within 8 seconds, press OFF. If ZONE 2 or ZONE 3 is on, power consumption duringstandby becomes larger than normal. If ZONE 2 or ZONE 3 is turned on when the listeningmode of the main room is Pure Audio, it will automatically switch to Direct. While ZONE 2 or ZONE 3 is on, the RI linked systemfunction (interlink between Onkyo components) is disabled. WHOLE HOUSE MODE: If you press WHOLE HOUSE MODE while playback is being performed in the main room, the WHOLE HOUSE MODE is turned on, "Z2" and "Z3" on the display light at the same time and the playback sources of all the rooms are switched to the same source at once. WHOLE HOUSE MODE is effective only for playbackof the external player connected to the analog audio input jacks. This function cannot be used if headphones areconnected or audio is output from the speakers of the TV. You would control the AVR2 as you would if you were listening to a CD or an FM station on AVR2. All you did was tell it you want the input source (VCR) to be from AVR1. At that point you can do all your functions on the AVR2 that you could if it were connected to any input device. Edited June 25, 2016 by mustang guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang guy Posted June 25, 2016 Share Posted June 25, 2016 (edited) Here is a tip. If you get the 838 and you want to be able to adjust the volume from either AVR, then this is what you would do: Volume can be adjusted with both the unit and the pre-main amplifier used in a separate room. To adjust it with the unit, press RCV and then HOME on the remote controller, select "Setup" - "7.Hardware Setup" - "Multi Zone" - "Zone 2 Out" or "Zone 3 Out" and set the setting to "Variable". If you connect a power amplifier, be sure to make the setting and adjust the volume in the main room. If you wanted to adjust the volume in the other room with it's volume knob only, then you would not want this "Variable". This goes back to what Coyote was talking about. See this: Edited June 25, 2016 by mustang guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JiminSTL Posted June 25, 2016 Author Share Posted June 25, 2016 You guys are fantastic! This is exactly the understanding and explanations I needed. Gosh, my friend will think I actually know something now. I will be sure to credit the very helpful Forum members! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang guy Posted June 25, 2016 Share Posted June 25, 2016 Don't be so hard on yourself. Asking the right questions is a testimony to your intelligence. Wanting to help out a friend is a testimony to your character. Standing by friends that give you any feeling that you may not be knowledgeable for the sake of friendship is a testimony to your loyalty. More than happy to help. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JiminSTL Posted June 25, 2016 Author Share Posted June 25, 2016 ^ Kind words. Many thanks for them, and your help! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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