After a lot of research of trying to find the best multi room audio distribution system I have come across a solution that works perfectly for my needs that I'd like to share with you. I looked at ABus as well as other solutions but did not like the costs and I wanted something that I could easily control by computer or home automation. I had an existing Yamaha 797 100 watts per channel amp that I wanted to drive 8 sets of speakers (4 ceiling in the house and 4 outdoors) for background music only. The ESS modules that I purchased from Ray at Home Automation Control Systems:
http://hacs.com/
worked perfectly. They fit between the receiver speaker output and the speakers. I have then installed at my basement wiring panel. I bought the modules that are fully controllable and have interfaced my Ocelot to communicate with it by IR. I will be playing with the serial interface on the ESS and Housebot to create software remote controls to my audio for around the house. The 8 modules plus control module fit perfectly in a standard rack mount 19" configuration. Each module is the same size and made of steel.
Some ESS modules that are sold provide fixed volume levels while others allow you to change the volume levels for a pair of speakers independently. You can mix and match the modules to your specific needs. Using the ESS IR remote or through home automation software (by serial communications or through IR) you can control all your distributed room speakers at the same time or individually. You can even create downloadable macros into the ESS that sets all the volume levels of your speakers to the desired levels with one command. Then you use optional IR remote to have full control to macros as well as each speaker. Also, the ESS modules provide full impedance matching for protection and provide a constant level of volume to a pair of speakers despite turning off others. If I heard Ray correctly, he tells me that the ESS will handle about 200 watts per channel max. I have plenty of volume with my setup.
The cost for 8 modules, controller, 2 remotes, transformer and shipping was around $500. Ray even shipped it in a custom built wooden box so as not to sustain any damage!
Ray dealt with me in a highly professional manner and was quick to answer any questions that I had.
Very impressed.
Sonny
(for the record, I am not affiliated in any way with Ray or his business)
http://hacs.com/
worked perfectly. They fit between the receiver speaker output and the speakers. I have then installed at my basement wiring panel. I bought the modules that are fully controllable and have interfaced my Ocelot to communicate with it by IR. I will be playing with the serial interface on the ESS and Housebot to create software remote controls to my audio for around the house. The 8 modules plus control module fit perfectly in a standard rack mount 19" configuration. Each module is the same size and made of steel.
Some ESS modules that are sold provide fixed volume levels while others allow you to change the volume levels for a pair of speakers independently. You can mix and match the modules to your specific needs. Using the ESS IR remote or through home automation software (by serial communications or through IR) you can control all your distributed room speakers at the same time or individually. You can even create downloadable macros into the ESS that sets all the volume levels of your speakers to the desired levels with one command. Then you use optional IR remote to have full control to macros as well as each speaker. Also, the ESS modules provide full impedance matching for protection and provide a constant level of volume to a pair of speakers despite turning off others. If I heard Ray correctly, he tells me that the ESS will handle about 200 watts per channel max. I have plenty of volume with my setup.
The cost for 8 modules, controller, 2 remotes, transformer and shipping was around $500. Ray even shipped it in a custom built wooden box so as not to sustain any damage!
Ray dealt with me in a highly professional manner and was quick to answer any questions that I had.
Very impressed.
Sonny
(for the record, I am not affiliated in any way with Ray or his business)
