Need a new Multi-Room Audio System...

[Aaron]

I've been looking at...

Russound CAV6.6
Russound CAA66
Niles ZR-4630

Anyone know the "real" differences between CAV6.6 and CAA66?
- the CAV is still selling for more $ but seems that it is a discontinued model.

I'm selling my older Niles 6 zone (single source, no RS232 or A-Bus Control) setup to be able to get something more flexible that I can integrate with Homeseer and other HA or front-end solutions.

Thanks for any input!

 

[pkoslow]

Hi Aaron,

The CAV6.6 is still very much a current product and is expected to remain Russound "flagship" distributed audio system for the next couple years. The new Russound VM1 HD video switch which is expected to start shipping by summer can be added to the CAV6.6 to complete a nice multi-room audio/video solution.

Right now the CAV6.6 provides video switching, but it's only composite video so has limited use in a world that's quickly moving towards HD. The CAV6.6 has lots of additional features over the CAA66 (think of the CAA66 as more of a budget prices model). Along with the video switching it provides lots more flexibility with line-level outputs on all 6 zones, A-Bus expansion on the first 4 zones, audio/video paging and line-level pass through for all the sources (allowing you to easily share sources between a home theater & whole-house audio). On top of this, it's got more sophisticated IR capability and best of all the RNET feature allows metadata feedback to the UNO keypads.

The ZR-4630 is a nice unit but is audio only and has no provisions for metadata to the keypads unless you use the touch screen. The Russound keypads are a much better design in my opinion, but the ZR-4630 does have a built-in tuner which is an option on the CAV6.6 (but available on teh CAM6.6).

Here's a link to a good comparison chart of all the Russound systems:
http://www.russound.com/pdf/datasheets/SystCompChart.pdf

Since you're interested in interfacing with HS or other PC based automation packages you really should take a close look at Russound and especially the CAV6.6 as it's widely supported. The audio paging which isn't available on any of the other models allows for an easy way to send annoucements from HS or other systems.

Cheers,
Paul

 

[Steve]

Aaron,

If you don't need integrated intercom (like Compoint), have you considered the Nuvo Grand Concerto? It's got powerful digital amps and a new OLED touch keypad. And it will probably cost you less than an equivalent Russound.

 

[Aaron]

I have not considered the Nuvo as from what I've seen they cost more then anything else for less features... one reason for this may be the massive availability of Russound items online? Russound is all over eBay and many discounters online. BUT, I will look into it and let you know what I find.

Though I do not foresee using many of the CAV6.6 features I will see if I can find a used system so I can pay a reasonable amt for it.

Paul,
Is it possible to use the CAV without installing the keypads and just using existing IR receivers? I'd like to not cut holes in the walls and run more wires since there are already IR receivers in the ceiling speakers that have worked fine with the Niles system currently in use.

thanks for the help guys!

 

[pkoslow]

Aaron,

If you plan to control the Russound CAV6.6 with a PC based system such as HomeSeer, MainLobby, CQC, etc. you can get away without purchasing or installing keypads.

The CAV6.6 has a good IR distribution system built into it, but the only IR inputs are on the keypads themselves. The keypads also have IR connections on the back which would allow you to connect the IR receivers in you speakers, but still no way to get IR into the CAV for control without the keypad(s).

Serial will be the only way to control the device without keypads...

Cheers,
Paul

 

[Aaron]

Paul,
How do the CA series compare with the CAV? Looks like the CA6.4s on eBay a lot.

I'm trying to do this on a reasonable budget... max $800 for 6 zones.

 

[sic0048]

There are some differences in the two:

CAV has paging, the ability to turn all zones on via the keypads, has favorites, do not disturb, party mode, the optional A-Bus zones, and the obvious ability to run composite video as well as stereo audio.

The CAV also has different keypads that have RNET ability - this should give you better two way communication and allow you to see more information (like current song playing etc) that the CAA will show on their keypads.

There is a comparison PDF that goes into more detail

 

[Aaron]

I'm comparing to the older CA6.4 units... these are not on the comparison chart.

Are you saying the CA6.4 is the same as the CAA units?

 

[sic0048]

Sorry, I didn't pay enough attention. Have you looked at the manual to see the capabilities of the Ca6.4i?

It appears the Ca6.4i is a 6 zone, 4 source unit.
It has preouts for 2 zones only - they can be either fixed or variable outputs
It does have muting capabilities, but no paging function.
It is rated for 20 watts per channel.
It does have an adjustable maximum volume setting - so you can set each zone's max loudness

I don't see any provision for bass/treble adjustments
It doesn't seem to have all zones off control (each zone must be manually turned on and off at the ketpad, or the whole controller can be turned off as well, but not at the keypad)
It doesn't seem to have loudness compensation.

So it is basically a earlier, less capable version of the CAA system.

Here is the Ca6.4i manual if you need it.

 

[Aaron]

thanks Brian... I'll look it over.

Paul do you have experience with the CA6.4? Does it use the same commands as the CAV? Hoping I might be able to use the same plug-ins for the CA6.4 as teh CAV6.6 that HA software like Homeseer and others already have.

 

[pkoslow]

Aaron,

I've never worked with the older CA6.4 units but as far as I know they don't have a serial interface.

This means that you won't be able to integrate it for control with any other systems...

Paul

 

[pjwinstalls]

I know that russound makes a media server. I have a computer that has all of my mp3 stored on it. Is there any way to use that as the media server?

Also I have floor speakers in my living room that are hooked up to my denon receiver for surround sound. Is there any way to tie them into the cav 6.6 as well so i can play audio through them using the keypads?

Thanks

Philip

 

[royalj7]

I know that russound makes a media server. I have a computer that has all of my mp3 stored on it. Is there any way to use that as the media server?

Also I have floor speakers in my living room that are hooked up to my denon receiver for surround sound. Is there any way to tie them into the cav 6.6 as well so i can play audio through them using the keypads?

Thanks

Philip

I'll take the first question. There is a free program writen for J River Media Center that will allow you to use your computer as a media server and push meta data to the Russound keypads. If you seach over on AVS you should find it.

--Jamie

 

[opie]

Also I have floor speakers in my living room that are hooked up to my denon receiver for surround sound. Is there any way to tie them into the cav 6.6 as well so i can play audio through them using the keypads?

There are a few ways you can do this and it depends if you just want to share those speakers or if you want to use the Denon amp with the Russound as a source.

In the first case the simplest thing to do is use an automatic A/B selector like the Russound AB-3.2 listed on this page. It retails for $139 but has a lower street price.

If you want to input the Russound zone to your Denon you could use the pre-amp out (if your Russound model has one) or use the Russound ADP-1.2 speaker-level to line-level adapter found here.

Scott