The zone 2 on this receiver is for use with other speakers and has it's own amp. For example, you can listen and watch cable tv in the main room and listen to cd music in my garage or patio. Zone 2 does work with my cd player, which is quite old and is hooked up to the ONKYO with RCA cables. I am unable to get any clarification from the manufacturer of the ONKYO or the Scientific Atlantic Cable HD receiver or the cable company. I really can't seem to figure this one out.