Zone-2 and a Subwoofer...

[AVspec]

Can Zone-2 be setup to use a subwoofer? Perhaps using one of the custom aux channel??

[Chris D]

Well, how are you wanting to set up zone 2? To display an independant audio/video source, different from the main zone? If so, then the C1/C2/7100 wouldn't be able to make a sub output on its own. However, you could use something like an external crossover to separate out the bass frequencies from the L and R channels of Zone 2.

[AVspec]

Well, how are you wanting to set up zone 2? To display an independant audio/video source, different from the main zone? If so, then the C1/C2/7100 wouldn't be able to make a sub output on its own. However, you could use something like an external crossover to separate out the bass frequencies from the L and R channels of Zone 2.

Yes, I am thinking of down converting the main zone from 7.1 to 5.1 and using the extra two speakers for Zone-2 which I would want to be completely independant from the main zone. I wonder why they did not think to incorporate a Sub output for zone-2 or at least let you take one of the custom channels and be able to configure it to pass a zone-2 sub? Wonder if they could add it with a firmware update?

Well at least the sub I am thinking of using does have speaker level inputs and outputs so I could just run the amp outputs thru it and use its built in cross-over.

[Chris D]

Well, other companies do have "configurable" multichannel outputs, so you could do something like you're talking about and use main zone channels for a different purpose like zone. However, Parasound goes with a different approach, that the main zone 7.1 channels are just that, and can't be reconfigured for zone use. But instead of having to give up main zone functionality, they give you lots of extra channels that you CAN configure and use for those purposes. (BTW, for you specifically, are we talking about a C1, C2, or 7100?)

Here's the back of the C1:


Note that in addition to main zone 7.1 outputs, you also have Audio 5 out, Record 1, Record 2, Zone, and Pro 1-4. (of which two Pro's are FULLY customizable) So to keep it simple, just use the Zone outputs, which can be completely controlled by the C1 as a source independant from the main zone.

Great, you've already identified one solution to take the zone outputs and extract subwoofer signals. Are you sure it's speaker level and not line level though?

[AVspec]

I have the C2 (now using it with a Rotel 1077 which sounds very impressive).

The sub has both low level and high level so I am good to go there. It is only the spring loaded clamp down terminals but I guess I could convert them to binding posts if I feel ambitious. Spring loaded clips with Totem model-1's just does not sound right to me..... LOL