Cheap A/V Receiver with A/B speaker outs AND phono

The trick is how the "B" circuit exists relative to the "A" circuit and the CC/RL/RR speakers. On the $300 or so receivers, the speakers for the "B" circuit are on the same cicuit as the CC/RL/RR and therefore, you can not run both the HT and B speakers at the same time, without the protection circuits kicking in (Ohm's Law). If you are able to download an old users manual for the ONKYO 434, they explain this type of design in much greater detail. The Harman Kardon receivers may be able to accomodate this, as well as the phono stage, for you.

Justin:

The Onkyo 474/484/494 are all latter day descendants of the 434. The 555 was in vogue when the 434 was, so it probably is AC-3 and not 5.1. Onkyo USA is located in Ramsey, New Jersey. You can probably call them and ask for information. (If you live in NY or NJ, Shortline buses go right by Onkyo.) Also, the existence of an A/B switch on a HT receiver, does not guarantee that you can run them both at the same time. Research that as well as model numbers. Good luck.

The multi-room capability will give you the amp side of the equation. You then supply an additional pre-amp; source; & speakers. Denon & SONY offered this feature on both their stereo and HT receivers. The situation that I was describing comes up (used to come up) with HT receivers a lot, because the "B" line would be the same line used for the rear & center channel speakers. So, you would wind up running 5 speakers at the same time on the same line and the line resistance could go down to 1 ohm and you would have the protection circuitry kick-in.

yamaha is a good sound choice ... good with movies & music ...