Thanks to all of you audiophiles for all the technical info re mixers, etc. I guess my elementary mind is only technical enough to know how to plug in a couple of good speakers to the outputs of the 7000 and let the music soar, without the use of mixing, etc. But I do appreciate all the data you have shared. The Mackie HR 824 speakers sound great, but $1800 is a bit rich for my blood; ye gads, I spent only a few hundred more than that for my 7000!!!! But thanks for the advice and your evaluation of the speakers, KN6 guy! And, again, thanks to all of you who responded.

Ted