Pioneer Elite SC-61 2nd Zone Audio

ArsenalFC

Hey everyone,

I've looked through the manual a few times, searched threads here and at AVS Forum, and I just can't find the answer I'm looking for. I'm sure it's there, I'm just not seeing it.

I recently picked up an SC-61 and am trying to incorporate it into my setup.

I've got a 5.1 system in the main living room. I've also got 2 in-ceiling speakers in a separate area (kitchen). I'm having trouble figuring out a few things.

What I'd ideally like to do is have it set-up so we can listen to an independent audio source in the 2nd room (record player, airplay) and also have the ability to listen to the audio output from the 5.1 system.

From what I understand, both are independently possible using either Zone 2 or A/B functions. Though, I haven't been able to figure out how to get airplay to only stream to Zone 2. Is it possible to set it up so I can switch back and forth between independent zone 2 audio and mixing down the other room's 5.1 source into either mono or stereo in the kitchen?

Also, any insight on how I could get airplay to just stream to Zone 2 would be appreciated.


Thanks!

kcoc321

Check page 67 of the manual. Says you need to make sure zone 2 or 3 needs to be enabled first and the selected when you change the sourse. It does not say anything about NOT being able to play Airplay only on zone 2, it does say you can have it seperate from the main sourse. Hope that helps.

mantis

If you want to listen to Airplay in Zone 2 , you have to stream it to the man in zone first. This is a huge flaw from Pioneer as I was upset about this from day one. I don't think it's fixed in the 7 series.
Once you get Airplay playing , you can now change zone 1 or main zone back to whatever you want it to be and zone 2 will continue to play Airplay.
This is all done smoothly with the Pioneer Ap.

ArsenalFC

Thanks for the help guys.

Another question...

So, I have Zone 2 activated. Without changing over the speaker wire and switching modes to A/B every time I want to do it, can I just mirror the audio that's playing in zone 1? For example, right now I'm watching cable TV. I'd like to be able to walk out to the kitchen and still hear the audio. I know zone 2 can only play analog sources, but in this case Zone 2 would just be mirroring (or downmixing from 5.1 to 2.0, I suppose).

I guess basically I'm just wondering if Zone 2 can also act as a set of B speakers.

codyc1ark

Yes, you can. I'm not sure about your model (there might be an easier way) but I ran stereo out of my cable box to an RCA input. Works great, very nice when a game is on and your cooking. I use zone two for my outside deck speakers FWIW.

mantis

Just run a pair of RCA's out of the cable box and your golden. It's basically standard protocol when doing a zone 2. Most people want to hear the game on the deck or in the kitchen etc

codyc1ark

mantis wrote: »

Just run a pair of RCA's out of the cable box and your golden. It's basically standard protocol when doing a zone 2. Most people want to hear the game on the deck or in the kitchen etc

This is my only beef with the SC's. I would love to be able to run video pass through and listen to another audio source on zone one at the same time. I have an old sony avr that let's me do it, so nice for gaming.

mantis

codyc1ark wrote: »

This is my only beef with the SC's. I would love to be able to run video pass through and listen to another audio source on zone one at the same time. I have an old sony avr that let's me do it, so nice for gaming.

No it doesn't , your Sony had to be setup as a B room not a zone 2. The only anything on the market that allowed Zone 2 from a digital source was lexicon. All zone 2 in all receivers are analog only my friend. This isn't an issue , your making it into one. Use it as intended and enjoy.