Welcome input on multi-room audio distro

Hi all,

We are doing an addition and will have access to open walls. When the walls are open, I will be wiring as much CAT6, coax, and security as I can. I also will be wiring for speakers. I plan to wire for 7.1 in the family room, 2 speakers in the kitchen, and 2 speakers for outdoors (maybe 1 in hallway and 1 in d/s bathroom too). For video, I am using SageTV extenders (unfortunately no longer supported).

So for audio, I am starting from scratch (well I have a few shelf speakers) in terms of equipment. But I am on a very tight budget. I would like some input on what I need to get audio distributed to the different rooms / speakers. Ideally I would like to play a different audio source in each zone, but if that jacks up the price, then just one source but able to control on/off/volume in each zone.

I would like input on the best way to do this. I was looking at a Denon 1712/1612 as a receiver (will also be putting all video into it and HDMI out to TV). And of course I will need speaker wire/speakers (can route all to receiver or to basement). And controls for each zone/set of speakers. But what do I need to distribute it? and what is best to control it? Do I run CAT6 to each wall plate? Do I need an amp? I would like to stream from internet, and ipods, computer.

I am behind the times on audio and could use some good advice. Thank you.

Thanks Jeff, yes I have been reading a lot on this over the last couple of days. I have probably read too much and have it all cluttered in my brain. I can't determine if I can do this all off of a Denon receiver and use wall plates from monoprice, or need a centralized control (server) like the NuVo, HTD, Sonos, Control4, Russound and hardware that goes with them. of course i would like a nice system, but sadly cost takes priority (so maybe need to be creative).

Thanks Jeff, this helps greatly. I will look into such a setup. So I will go with one receiver for one output, but can have mutiple input (ie, CD, FM, ipod -- Pandora if network port?). And between the receiver and the speakers is the selector which goes to the wall plates, which go to the speakers. If I have that right. So no need to run CAT5/6 to the wallpates, just 4 wire?

Sorry to keep going on this, but if I wanted to play all speakers at once -- up to 13 -- would there be any issue w/ signal? When wound an amp be needed? They will probably be mid range shelf/ceiling/outdoor speakers.

If going right to a whole home audio solution, what would be the cheapest solution?

Also, wiring with CAT5e, I assume this could support HA in the future?


-Tim

Thanks all, I think I would go for an AVR like the Denon 1712, which has 2 zones. That should be able to handle all my video hook up for my main TV. And if i have it right i would need an output from that to an amp, and the amp would take all of the speaker inputs from the "non 7.1" (or 5.1) speakers? From the amp, I would run 4 wire to the volume control and 2 wire to the speakers. I would also run a lot of CAT5e/6, and locate plates at switch height.

This would probably be the most economical setup to achieve the task. If I wanted to get more complex, I guess I would have to move to Russound or Nuvo type system to control the distribution -- and I assume that adds a lot of $$. Anyone care to guess how much $$ that would add. I am pretty much starting from zero on the equipment side, so all will have to be bought (given tight budget I would likely go with the above setup, but I just want to get a sense of what the next step would cost) . Thanks much.

Based on looking at this article
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-YcnxMYs...oom_power.html

I am now thinking about using a new AVR (now leaning to Denon 2112CI for networking, and zone 2 preamp, happy to hear any better low cost ideas) for the main room 5.1/7.1 setup, and run that zone 2 preamp out to an input on a 2nd receiver i have (Sony STR-DE435). I would then run 4 wire to vol controls, and 2 wire to ceiling speakers and pair of outdoor speakers.

Questions:
-the Sony is 5.1 with an A/B. If I have to extra zone, do i run the speaker wire from say L/R front on the 5.1 to zone 1 and L/R surround on the 5.1 to zone 2? Or use the L/R front on the 5.1 for zone 1 and the B pair for zone 2?

-Control: with this setup I can only control vol at the zones, so would have to physically go to the AVR each time to select source and speaker selection. I guess the only way around this is a more expensive distributed audio system. (I forgot, with the 2112CI, does it have an app for control?)

-I assume the Sony would be strong enough for the 4 extra speakers? (it is 400 watts). Would getting a multichannel amp be much better -- while adding some cost.

-Forgot to mention, I think most zone 2 can only take an analog source -- so I assume I would have to run RCA output from ie, DVD and other HDMI inputs (used for the main zone) either to the main AVR, or maybe the 2nd receiver?

Thanks

Agreed, the Denon thread is great, and swayed me to the 2112 from the 1712. And confirmed there is an app. Thanks

Of course, now I am reading more about Russound, mainly CAA66 and CA4. Seems much neater and more useful w/ keypad controls. Yes, more $$. Hmmm