I am in the market for a new receiver and have what might be considered a dumb question. I have a sound system in a large room and sometime like to drive all 4 speakers with 2 channel music. It generates a fullness that I can't get with surround modes. Is there a receiver that can drive rear speakers as a set of 2 channel speakers (kinda like A/B speaker settings), or as rear channel surround speakers?

What about receivers with more tonal control as well. Any with built in EQ's?????

Well, probably not, but you could maybe use a speaker selector (that can have two inputs) and wire your normal rears from your receiver on one side, and the B section of the receiver on the other. One output would go to your rear speakers. Then simply select between what amp you want to use.

A company called Audioplex Technology has these.

www.audioplex.com

Dean, my B&K AVP-4090 pre-pro has, as one of thesurround modes, what is called 'stereo front-rear', which parallels the front signal to the rear speakers. I would imagine the B&K receivers have this same option.

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

Dean,

Although your past experience has been that surround modes don't generate as much fullness, as a "double-stereo" configuration does, I would urge you to audition a Pro-Logic II receiver.

My first "stereo" was actually a "quadrophonic" system, which meant that unless I was listening to a discrete four-channel tape or record the front and back pairs of speakers got the same signal. I've never used less than four speakers in my life!

I'm so happy with the PL2 "music" mode that I use it virtually all the time when listening to two-channel music sources. If you live near a quality audio store, I highly recommend you audition it. It really opens up the sound stage in a way that a "double stereo" configuration just can't match. Hope this helps, I realize I didn't actually answer the question you asked.

On the EQ question, I have seen some receivers with built in EQ. But generally they are only five or six bands, and I have to wonder about the quality when the manufacturer is trying to keep the receiver's price in line with other receivers. I would think you will get better quality with dedicated equalizers.

-Bruce

Most receivers out today have an "all-channel stereo" mode. Also called "5 channel", "7 channel", etc. This was a recent addition to most receiver's capabilities.

Denon, Onkyo, B&K, Marantz, Harman Kardon, Yamaha, etc. should all have this in their receivers.

I agree with Bruce about DPLII, but if you just want lots of sound, all-channel stereo is better.