Just Audio distribution

[amacphee]

So I am looking to add some speakers throughout my house and I am researching my options. It looks like a lot of people here are using ABUS which looks pretty cool but I am concerned that those tiny CAT5e cables are not going to be able to push the sound level I am looking for with 6" speakers. So I was looking for just a good multi-zone (4 or more zones) distribution amplifier. I didn't see a lot of people posting about this so I thought I would ask you guys.

Things I want:
- at least 4 zones stereo output
- individual volume control (not necessarily at the wall with a wall port)
- IR / RF / iPhone remote control for volume and input selection

Any suggestions?

 

[Neurorad]

With ABUS, the ethernet cable carries line-level signals, and the amplification is performed at the keypad.

Sonos is probably the easiest to install, and controllers look pretty slick. Any plans to control the system from a whole-house controller (CQC, HomeSeer, etc.)? Sonos has historically been difficult to integrate. It's a wireless system, with local amplification (like ABUS, but I think with more amplification available).

HTD (Home Theater Direct) is probably one of the more 'affordable' options, for hardwired. I think they offer a distribution amp with 232 control, for integration.

Russound and Nuvo offer a few products each, depending on your needs and price point.

The Nuvo Simplese and Essentia EG6 might be worth checking out. I've been fairly happy with my Nuvo Grand Concerto - still installing it.

sic0048 (Brian) put together an awesome list of distributed audio and video systems.

 

[KevB]

Hi,

I have been looking for a long time and found that CasaTunes is the best. I just bought it two weeks ago while using it for 14days.

My main reason is that I can do 6 zones, all my music is on the PC, and I can control using my Itouch. Takes about 10 min to setup and works great! I have a twelve channel amp that delivers great sound to the house. 5 different sources can be playing through the house all at the same time in different areas. Most important, my wife can actually control using her Itouch.

Support is instant, and price is cheap($500 includes card and software). They do offer wall switches etc, but I think they are useless(from every type of manufacturer). I want instant access/control without getting up to turn volume up/down or trying to choose something to listen to. And an Itouch is only $150.

I prewired for all wall switch type control and after the Itouch came out, it changed everything. It beats any wall mount hands down.

Also has ability for serial control. Meaning I can can connect my ELKM1g to my server through the serial port and control Casatunes.
L8r
kev

 

[KevB]

Oh and I forgot to mention that I bought my amp from HTD. 12 channel digital really well built...was surprised that it even has a Toroidal transformer. Provided the biggest bang for the money.

 

[Kevin L]

I have two of Proficient Audio's M6 units. They are six-zone, six-source audio controllers/amps that perform quite well. They make the M4 that is four-zone, six-source units. I don't know about ITouch control, but they have IR control, keypad control (keypads included), RS-232, and support is coming from the Elk M1. I've had them installed for about two years now (along with all Proficient speakers indoors and out) and am very pleased.

HTH,

Kevin