Receiver for music in multiple rooms?

[rl.penn]

Hello everyone. I am setting up sound in an office building with four different areas they want to have music in. Three indoor and one outdoor area. The areas aren't very big. They are about 12' x 20'. They just want background/ambient music.

I am new to this and want to try and get eight stereo speakers onto a receiver -- a right and a left for each room. Can I do that on one receiver? I don't need a home theater receiver (or do I?). It seems like that is all you see these days. I just need two channels, but want eight speakers.

Or... can I get a home theater receiver and just connect the speakers to the center and rear connections.

How do I do this in the cheapest way possible?

Thanks

[deacongreg]

Originally Posted by rl.penn

Hello everyone. I am setting up sound in an office building with four different areas they want to have music in. Three indoor and one outdoor area. The areas aren't very big. They are about 12' x 20'. They just want background/ambient music.

I am new to this and want to try and get eight stereo speakers onto a receiver -- a right and a left for each room. Can I do that on one receiver? I don't need a home theater receiver (or do I?). It seems like that is all you see these days. I just need two channels, but want eight speakers.

Or... can I get a home theater receiver and just connect the speakers to the center and rear connections.

How do I do this in the cheapest way possible?

Thanks

A receiver will be the most inexpensive. However, we are in the Home Theater arena now. A good many of them have multi-zoning. That is the way you will have to go.
My choice would be Onkyo, for quality, reliability, and also flexibility. you will have to check the different models, price them out, and decide for yourself, what you want to spend to acheive your goal.

[rlpiii]

An inexpensive HT Receiver and a niles switch box is all you need. You might want to also get volume control for each room.
I think if you find a few good deals you could probably do the whole set-up including wire for less than $1k.