I see that the Sherwood R871 will allow me to use the two rear channels to power a separate set of speakers in a separate room (such as outdoor speakers on the patio) and will allow me to control the volume of the separate speakers independently of the main 5.1 system. If I am reading the spec sheets correctly, (and don't assume that I am), I can also run a separate out from the receiver to my other stereo setup upstairs. The upstairs system is M60's with a Rotel RC1070 and a NAD c270.
Since the upstairs system has its own amp, I assume then that I could run the 5.1 system, the upstairs stereo system, and the outdoor patio speakers, all simultaneously, and all at separate volume levels.
Do you see any problems with this analysis?
What are your thoughts on the Sherwood components in general? Also, will the R871 power the 4 ohm M80's?
You might want to call Axiom for this question. We're relatively new to the Sherwood products so there's a good chance nobody knows the answers.
I have heard from Alan that Sherwood's amps can power the M80's without any current limiting.
Hello BobG,
Your reading of the "whole-house" operation possible with the Sherwood Newcastle R871 is accurate--it's "Room 2" amplifier output playback level is separately controllable with a second remote (supplied) from the patio, and different from the main 5.1-channel system playing in the main room.
According to the specs, it also has a low-level AV output that could drive your system upstairs, however, my understanding of the 871's operation is that the line-level AV output would be the same feed as the amplifier output to Zone 2. That is, you could not have three different sources playing simultaneously at different volume levels to the three areas.
Axiom has bench-tested the power amp sections of the Sherwood Newcastle AV receivers, and indeed they will drive 4-ohm loads--the Axiom M80s-- with no current limiting. Even a very inexpensive combo unit no longer in their line (a combo AV receiver and DVD player) drove the M80s with no difficulty in our listening tests .
Regards,
"That is, you could not have three different sources playing simultaneously at different volume levels to the three areas."
If I understand what you are saying, then that is not what I meant. All I really want to be able to do is connect my CD player to the Sherwood, and then play a CD through the sherwood, the upstairs stereo, and the patio, all simultaneously, with separately controllable volume at each location. From your answer, I think I can do that. I am not worried about separate video or, if that is even possible.
Thanks for your response.
BobG,
At the bottom of the Sherwood 871 page on the Axiom site there is a link (Official Product Page) to more detailed specs and information at the Sherwood site:
http://www.sherwoodusa.com/prod_r871.htmlIn passing, routing separate video to a Room2 location is possible with the 871.
Yes, a close reading of the Sherwood page on the 871 suggests you'll be able to do what you describe. Just to be sure, you might try emailing Sherwood to confirm this. You can download user's manuals as well from the Sherwood site.
Regards,