tx-nr609 volume control zone 2?

Just purchased and installed tx-nr609 for home use. I have zone 2 connected to outdoor speakers via a SpeakerCraft 12 channel Amp. The speakers work, but I can't control the volume output on zone 2. I've tried adjusting manually (press zone 2 and adjust 2/in 8 seconds) and w/ the remote control (press zone 2 and volume control), but neither adjust the volume? Based on the manual, it seems like it should work? Pretty sure I have things connected correctly b/c all the speakers are receiving signal and have output. When I turn zone 2 off, the output stops. Trying to troubleshoot before calling a tech. -- Thx - SD

Hi sdumin,

Does the speakercraft have its own separate volume control? If so the volume for zone-2 is controlled by that amp and not the Onkyo at that point.

Ugh! There are individual channel volume controls, but they are on the back of the amp and the amp is up in an entertainment center cabinet, no remote control. Not realistic to adjust volume levels manually. I may have to return the amp. I thought zone 2 would control the volume output...

Do you have a 12 channel amp that you recommend for compatibility with the TX-NR609, that I will not have this issue with? Under $1000...
Thx,
SD

Hi sdumin,

Unfortunately we do not have a 12 channel amp.

I was told that there may be a "Fixed" vs "Variable" volume setting for Zone 2 and that I may need to switch that setting on the receiver in order to contol Zone 2 volume through the receiver?

Hi sdumin,

That is true if you have the speakers directly connected to the zone-2 outputs.

can you provide quick instructions for switching zone 2 from Fixed to Variable so I can test this? Thx.

Hi sdumin,

Setup => Then Miscellaneous => Then Volume setup.

I did not see the option, or could not identify what it's call? Trying to switch "Fixed" to "Variable" volume control for zone 2...

Went to: Setup>Miscellaneous>Volume Set Up and see the following list of items to select.

Volume Display
Muting Level
Power On Volume
Headphone Level
On Screen Display
Languange

Am I looking in the wrong place?

Hi sdumin,

On this model if you connect this to the zone-2 line out it is set to fixed and can not be changed but if you have it connected to the actual speaker posts you can change the output to either fixed or variable.

Thanks for the reply and helping me thru this. I really appreciate it.

This does throw a kink in my plans, but I was told that I can get a external level control for about $15 that will allow me to control the volume for the 12channel amp connected to zone 2. Can you provide feedback on the options below?

Option 1: Shelf top RCA level controller (connects to RCA connector and has volume controller)

Option 2: High/low level converter (connects to Zone 2 speaker output and coverts to RCA input to the 12 channel amp., this should allow zone 2 volume control for amp via the Onkyo receiver volume control)

I can send links to products if needed. I have 2questions.
1) Does this sound right? Is there one of these solutions that will provide better sound quality/volume?
2) are there any settings/controls to make sure volume output to zone 2 amp is maximized?

Hi sdumin,

Unfortunately we do not recommend 3rd party devices as we leave that up to the individual or a professional installer. I do apologize.

On your remote hit zone two and then hit the receiver button to the left and then volume..should work

Hi Onkyo,
I understand the policy of not recommending 3rd party devices, but can you tell me if either of the options suggested will accomplish the task of allowing me to control Zone 2 volume through the 12 channel amp? (RCA level controller, or High/Low Level converter)?

Otherwise, my option is to return the receiver. The main reason I bought a new receiver was to have zone 2 output for the outdoor speakers via the 12 channel amp. I'm trying to find a work around before returning the product. Thx,
SD

Hi sdumin,

You may provide the links to the 3rd party devices and I will look it to it for you. Thank you for choosing Onkyo products.

Thanks, the system would not allow me to input weblinks... I just sent you a PM w/ the item description, let me know if you need more?

Thanks.

The system would not allow me to input weblinks. I just sent you a PM w/ the product description. I can send more if needed? Appreciate it.

Hi sdumin,

Please see the PM I sent you on this.

Closing this thread out, just in case anyone else has this issue, the RCA peripheral level controller works to control the volume for the amp for zone 2 output. It's easy to install and about $20, it connects to the RCA cables between the receiver and amp.

Hi sdumin,
Thank you for your suggestion and contributing to the thread.

sdumin wrote:Hi Onkyo,
I understand the policy of not recommending 3rd party devices, but can you tell me if either of the options suggested will accomplish the task of allowing me to control Zone 2 volume through the 12 channel amp? (RCA level controller, or High/Low Level converter)?

Otherwise, my option is to return the receiver. The main reason I bought a new receiver was to have zone 2 output for the outdoor speakers via the 12 channel amp. I'm trying to find a work around before returning the product. Thx,
SD

I Can suggest something that I use - I use zone two - Connected to my old Onkyo 909 pro and then feed all my remote location (speakers) are connected to the 909 pro and the volume control is handled by the 909. Any A/v receiver would work. I took the speaker leads from the receiver connected to a Switch so I can turn them off and on when and when needed.

Hi westdc,
Thank you for your input and for contributing to the thread.