Newbie.....Multiroom Home Audio

[sam9s]

Hi all,

I am a complete noob when it comes to distributing audio in multiple rooms. I am getting my house constructed and the construction has just started. I would like to built a Multiroom stereo set up, with atleast two sources, where in I can control the source, track and volume from independent rooms. Now I have been talking with some professionals like "Life Style Networks" to get this done, but it looks like they are asking too much price for it. My queries start from here....

1. Is it feasible to go DIY way. I have no idea how to set this up, but rest assured I am a fast Lerner if I get proper Help........ Or choose the professional route
2. Can Audio Gurus here help me understand how do we actually go about developing and installing Multi Room Audio Network.
3. I have heard about NuVo and Russound but how do I integrate them with my existing AVR or Stereo AMP.
4. Like I said I already have an Onkyo AVR, a DENON 1910, a Marantz AMP and a Marantz CD player. I also have iPod touch, Logitech Squeezbox and WD Live
5. Since my house is getting constructed I can easily lay down any cables that might be required for this setup, so kindly guide me on this as well.

I would be obliged if little patience and effort is taken in explaining things to me........

Thanking You with Regards
Sammy

PS :: BTW I need to cover 3 rooms including my main hub room and my bathroom as well

 

[Neurorad]

Howdy, welcome to CT.

Be patient, will take some time to learn, whether you DIY or just need to become more knowledgeable if you go the pro install route. You can install the cable immediately, during construction, and choose the hardware later. You may be able to roll the cost of the hardware into the mortgage, though, if you do it now - don't really know, but something to consider.

You cabling should be installed according to the CEA 2030 Standard, to accomodate most systems. It's basically a catx/category/ethernet (8 conductor) cable run from the 'head end'/cabinet/closet location to each keypad location, plus a 4 conductor speaker cable from the the closet to the speaker locations, but loop the speaker cable down into the wall near the keypad locations (to tap into if necessary).

Do you want to listen to more than 1 source, in different zones? For example, wife listens to 1 thing in the kitchen, you listen to a different song in the garage? How about in 8 years?

Wire every possible zone - even though you want 3 now, you may want more later (outside, garage, guest BR).

I'd like to put the idea of Sonos into your mind. They have a product that is designed for in-wall/in-ceiling speakers, with the amps located in a closet. It looks pretty slick.

 

[drozwood90]

I rolled my own using PC USB Sound cards and PC speakers.

My total out of pocket expense was ~$300 for 9 zones. Most of the cost was my time writing the software for my Home Automation controller. BUt that was a labor of love.

--Dan

 

[jwilson56]

Well be sure to check out my blog as it details how I did a GIY six zone whole house audio system. Many people have copied my work also.

 

[roussell]

Well be sure to check out my blog as it details how I did a GIY six zone whole house audio system. Many people have copied my work also.

There's about to be another copy - I'm waiting on #6 and #7 of Insignia NS-R2000 receivers that I got from eBay. I've scored them used/refurb'ed from $30-$55. I'm going to digress from your setup though John by building a custom linux box with multiple sound cards, MPD for playing audio, and an 8-channel IR controller based on LIRC and the parallel port. The whole box will receive instructions from my main HouseBot server. I could do it with HouseBot, multiple Winamps and an Ocelot but I'm trying to avoid spending $300+ on the Ocelot and IR expander. Once I collect all the goodies I'll post the build up as it progresses.

Terry

 

[sam9s]

Howdy, welcome to CT.

Be patient, will take some time to learn, whether you DIY or just need to become more knowledgeable if you go the pro install route. You can install the cable immediately, during construction, and choose the hardware later. You may be able to roll the cost of the hardware into the mortgage, though, if you do it now - don't really know, but something to consider.

You cabling should be installed according to the CEA 2030 Standard, to accomodate most systems. It's basically a catx/category/ethernet (8 conductor) cable run from the 'head end'/cabinet/closet location to each keypad location, plus a 4 conductor speaker cable from the the closet to the speaker locations, but loop the speaker cable down into the wall near the keypad locations (to tap into if necessary).

Do you want to listen to more than 1 source, in different zones? For example, wife listens to 1 thing in the kitchen, you listen to a different song in the garage? How about in 8 years?

Wire every possible zone - even though you want 3 now, you may want more later (outside, garage, guest BR).

I'd like to put the idea of Sonos into your mind. They have a product that is designed for in-wall/in-ceiling speakers, with the amps located in a closet. It looks pretty slick.

First of all, thank you for taking time and replying to the query. Rolling cable now is the Idea. So I need to run a catx cable (Cat 6 I suppose is the way to go) from cabinet/closet (which would be my main hub...right?) to each keypad location ........... by keypad we mean, the juncture where we would install
the part that would control the music right?? (the track, vol etc)...

After that I am lost.......I understand that I need to run a 4 conductor spk cable from my main hub to each spk location and then... what??..... loop down to keypad and spk, how would we do that............any diagrammatic explanation available

And yes I want to listen to more than one source, 2 at the max if that makes things a bit too complex.....

I will try and see if I can find Sonos here.

really appreciate your response, I am reading more threads from this wonderful forum and trying to gain more information and as much as knowledge as possible, just need a bit direction and guidance....

Thanks and Regards
Sammy

 

[sam9s]

Well be sure to check out my blog as it details how I did a GIY six zone whole house audio system. Many people have copied my work also.

There's about to be another copy - I'm waiting on #6 and #7 of Insignia NS-R2000 receivers that I got from eBay. I've scored them used/refurb'ed from $30-$55. I'm going to digress from your setup though John by building a custom linux box with multiple sound cards, MPD for playing audio, and an 8-channel IR controller based on LIRC and the parallel port. The whole box will receive instructions from my main HouseBot server. I could do it with HouseBot, multiple Winamps and an Ocelot but I'm trying to avoid spending $300+ on the Ocelot and IR expander. Once I collect all the goodies I'll post the build up as it progresses.

Terry

This sounds so Complex...... Every word is like Latin to me .....

 

[sam9s]

Well be sure to check out my blog as it details how I did a GIY six zone whole house audio system. Many people have copied my work also.

Jwilson, bro you have given me toooo complicated stuff to even start on. I cant even copy that stuff on paper, forget about actually implementing it. All I want is simple stereo setup in 3,4 rooms with independent volume, track, and source control.......

BTW ..... Atleast My PC config is something far ahead of what you have (as if I know how much is needed, but whats wrong in flaunting..... )

Mine is 3.2Ghz Core2Duo, 6 GB DDR2 Ram, 3 TB Storage, HD5850 1GB GPU and an ASUS P5B Wifi Motherboard ....... and yes a 22" Display for working and a 47" full HD LCD for gaming.....

 

[dkemme]

It is very daunting at first, but with time it starts to sink in. Any idea when you need to have the wire pulled? If it is a few weeks away, I'm sure these guys can get you ready.

 

[Frunple]

Listen, just get the nuvo or russound and be done with it. No need to "roll your own" as its been said.
Most people on this forum love the work needed to do the job and the gratification that comes with it. You dont sound like that type (yet )
Take a look at line 4 in your OP and ask yourself if 2 sources is really gonna be enough?? (I'll answer to save time)
No its not. Dont limit yourself right from the start. Either of the two amps mentioned have 6 sources and 6 zones, so you can play 6 different sources in the 6 zones at the same time, one source per zone or the same source in all zones or any combo therein, so they would be the way to go.

Once you get an amp, the instruction manuals will explain everything. It's really very simple. You can go to either of their websites and DL the manual now so you know what is needed to be prewired.
Basically you run the cat to the keypads, then a speaker cable to each speaker you plan to place. No need for a four wire unless you plan on using dual coil speakers everywhere but keep in mind, a zone is typically one pair of speakers, so with dual coil you now need two zones for each room or put both coils on one "side" of each zone providing the amp is ok with the cut in ohms. Both mentioned amps will be ok. All cables will be "homerunned" to where ever your equipment will be located. Some will suggest you run the speaker cables through the keypad location for "future proofing". You can do this if you want but my opinion is the future will go forward, not backwards, so this is kinda unneeded I think.

I personally use a Nuvo amp and a Russound satellite tuner, both work together great with the Elve HA software controlling them.
Hope this helps and welcome to the never ending saga of HA!! You're gonna love it!

 

[jwilson56]

Well be sure to check out my blog as it details how I did a GIY six zone whole house audio system. Many people have copied my work also.

Jwilson, bro you have given me toooo complicated stuff to even start on. I cant even copy that stuff on paper, forget about actually implementing it. All I want is simple stereo setup in 3,4 rooms with independent volume, track, and source control.......

BTW ..... Atleast My PC config is something far ahead of what you have (as if I know how much is needed, but whats wrong in flaunting..... )

Mine is 3.2Ghz Core2Duo, 6 GB DDR2 Ram, 3 TB Storage, HD5850 1GB GPU and an ASUS P5B Wifi Motherboard ....... and yes a 22" Display for working and a 47" full HD LCD for gaming.....

Well any DIY setup will seem complicated at first. The thing is to start simple and build upon it. Basics is a PC with multiple sound cards (Delta 410 and/or USB sound devices) and JRMC that supports multiple zones. These feed cheap independent stereo receivers. After that you can use a number of software solutions to control it.

If you have the money then sure go ahead and pay for a Nuvo if you can afford it but you will still be getting a steeper learning curve with whatever software you use (CQC, Homeseer, Elve or Promixis). If you think running wire for keypads is easier then using a GUI interface on touchscreens with WIFI then go for it. I love to be able to browse my CD library with a touchscreen and control any of my six independent zones from any screen.

As for PC power... my P4 is a bit dated but since it uses less then 25% CPU playing all six zones at the same time I have had no reason to upgrade.

Also lets not forget that my setup also handles a dozen other home automation functions and was developed over a period of time.

If you want to chat come to the IRC chatroom and look me up (JohnW)

 

[drozwood90]

Well be sure to check out my blog as it details how I did a GIY six zone whole house audio system. Many people have copied my work also.

There's about to be another copy - I'm waiting on #6 and #7 of Insignia NS-R2000 receivers that I got from eBay. I've scored them used/refurb'ed from $30-$55. I'm going to digress from your setup though John by building a custom linux box with multiple sound cards, MPD for playing audio, and an 8-channel IR controller based on LIRC and the parallel port. The whole box will receive instructions from my main HouseBot server. I could do it with HouseBot, multiple Winamps and an Ocelot but I'm trying to avoid spending $300+ on the Ocelot and IR expander. Once I collect all the goodies I'll post the build up as it progresses.

Terry

Terry, sounds interesting. Why would you need an Ocelot? I'm using X10 wireless keychain controllers. Nice and small.

--Dan

 

[Neurorad]

Diagram of Nuvo Grand Concerto wiring

http://www.nuvotechnologies.com/prozone/pd...tem_Diagram.pdf

That's will all the added devices, like external antennas, ipod dock, and accesory amps.

For CEA 2030, the speaker cables are run inside the wall to pass through the keypad location so that the speaker cable can be cut there, as some keypads control the volume directly. This is the method used in A-Bus systems, in which an amp is located within the keypad, instead of at the 'head end'. Alternatively, simple cheap volume controls could be used instead of a keypad.

So, if you go with CEA 2030, you'll be able to install the vast majority of currently offered systems. But, if you decide now what system you want, you may be able to skip the looping of the speaker cable through the keypad location.

Several manufacturers offer A-Bus systems, with small amps in the keypads. With these systems, the 'line level' audio signal is passed to the keypad via catx, and the amp in the keypad amplifies the signal, and passes it to the speakers. Audiophiles tend to avoid these, as the amps typically aren't great (low wattage). But, for background music, many people find them perfect.

Some builders won't let you run your own LV cables. What does your builder say? Will you have the local pro custom installer run your cables, and then you install the system yourself after you move in?

 

[pete_c]

Welcome to the forum Sammy. You will find lots of information and suggestions relating to what you want to do on the forum and from users.

Do what you feel comfortable with.

Personally I like music so along with network cabling wired my home sound right after I moved in. Knowing over the last 5 years that my methodologies would change relating to sound I added extra cabling.

 

[JimS]

Terry,

Would like to hear more about your setup. I am wanting to make something similar with LIRC. Am using misterhouse for automation.

Am currently looking for cheap recievers/amps that have IR so I can control them. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Currently I am using twisted pair to distribute line level audio to PC amplified speakers. Not currently using differential signals but haven't found the noise to be acceptable.

jwilson56, thanks for the write up!

Jim