3+ zones for less than 1K?

[copernico]

Is anyone aware of a good receiver capable of 3 or more zones at less than a grand?

Cheers,

[57]

There are some AVRs that have 3 zones, however, most require an external amp for zone 3, while zone 2 is handled by the AVR if you only want 5.1 in zone 1.

If you want 7.1 in zone 1, then it gets really tricky. Might be a stretch at $1k, but may be doable with an external amp, which adds to the cost, but doesn't have to be too expensive. Also note that most of the AVRs require that you use the analogue inputs for zones 2, 3 and don't "transcode" from digital inputs. It would probably be good if you gave us more information about what you're trying to achieve since you may need to go with a "whole home" distribution system of some kind. Here's the FAQ on AVRs, features, etc:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=76082

[copernico]

Thanks, that thread is very interesting.

Well, I'm thinking in having speakers in a) the living room (HDTV, music, movies) with maybe a 5:1 or 7:1 setting, b) kitchen with a pair of speakers delivering FM/iPod and c) the deck with a pair of outdoor speakers (FM/iPod).

Would the Denon AVR 3312 do this? Futureshop has it at $1099.

Now that I am putting it in writing, it seems that I'd be better off with a 1-2 zone AVR and a nice iPod boombox to carry around

[remush]

From my personal search experience over the last 3-4 months, I am only aware of the 3312, Onkyo 809, Pioneer vsx 53, Yamaha rxa2000 and the Marantz 6006, which have the 3 zone capabilities that your looking for and that i have regulary seen under the $1000 price point. But you need an external amp as 57 explained. Another receiver to consider would be the onkyo 1009, i believe it will power zone 2 and 3 without an external amp, but it's a bit over a grand, unless you can negotiate a good deal.