Advice for new Multi-Source Multi-Zone  

Hi Jeff:

You might want to read through this thread. I posted some information about the Xantech ZPR-68.
http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/004126.html

Jeff:
Give me A call @ work tomorrow,(after PM EST) and I will go over the main options (Elan, Niles, Xantech etc.) with you.
I am not A dealer, we supply only the trade, but I will be happy to help in any way that I can.
Brent McCall
Tsunami HT
(800) 221-0932 #230
brentm2metra-autosound.com

Hey Jeff, I am in about the same boat. Just started framing my house and need to make a decision quick. I am looking at the Elan system a local guy is pushing. I think I only want need about 2 or 3 zones though and would like some video surveillance on the exterior as it is a larger home on the outskirts of town. Keep us informed on what you go with and why.

Thanks,
Jon

For 3 zones of audio Elan would be a good choice. I believe it'll run something like $1000/zone. Plus about $1800 for mini-touch panels. Security would probably be done by your security company who could then run composite outputs for you to modulate or something.

It is very easy to wire your home to accomodate any of these systems and give yourself the time needed to make the right decision. Any multiroom system, heck any low voltage cabling at all (in a modest sized home) should be run in a star topology ("home run"). If you pull a cat-5, 22/12 sheilded, and the speaker cable to the control location for each room, and continue the run of speaker cable to the speakers from there, you can install any one of these systems. If you eliminate the ADA Genesis from the mix, can substitue a 22/4 sheilded for the 22/12. If you are thinking of adding touchscreen controllers at some point in the future, add a 16/2 and a RG59. I always pull at least a 22/8 sheilded cable, you can never have too much copper. Well actually you can, the extra conductors can act as an antenna for noise, but they can always be tied to ground if not in use. Use a class 2 low voltage ring instead of an electrical box at the control locations, then you dont have to worry about the depth of the device, as long as that complies with the building code in your area.

As far as a product recommendation, as a DIYer, you have a limited number of resources. Some systems use proprietary hardware and software for programming etc. It really depends on what you have access to. If you just use a universal remote for a controller (something I don't recommend), I think the Elan Z system is the best choice. It will make sense to you when you go to put it together, and the components are modular so you buy what you need. Their keypad requires a dealer only programming kit and software. Intellinet Controls makes a feature packed system that seems well put together (I've been evaluating one at the shop for a couple of months) and is fairly easy to program, but you have to get your hands on the software, I'm not sure they release it to endusers. Xantech makes a fine product and you'll have no trouble if you use a remote capable of firing ir macros (with adjustble timing) from any key. The Philips Pronto, Xantech's URC2 and RTI's T2 are fine choices. You cannot easily program their keypads w/o the dealer only programming kit. The Matrix Audio stuff looks interesting. I actually sent off for a dealer info kit after reading a post on the product here. But I can't recommend a product I haven't installed. ADA is my favored multiroom manufacturer. But, other than Genesis, its definitely not DIY and your $10k price limit doesn't allow for this level of gear. Most of our ADA aystems run $30k and up. The B&W Casa and the Linn Knect are in the same catagory. Hope this helps.

jcmitch

The minute you say "multi-zone"/"multi-source" you've said you're prepared for a level of complexity..or capability in your system that quickly (a) adds cost and (b) adds complexity. The complexity is generally found almost entirely under the subject of "what has to be done to program this beast". 6-8 zones and 4 sources, on the other hand is not a big system.

ADA, Crestron, Elan, and others can all deal with this size of system very nicely. System like ADA and Crestron, however, have a basic architecture that allows expansion way, way beyond your target. Due to this basic architecture, the baseline systems have build costs, and programming complexities, to support large endeavors.

Systems from Xantech and Niles are perhaps better suited both in cost and system size for your application. The other very excellent system is the Audio Control Director...very well thoughtout, very easy to set up, and very reliable.

Audio Control will sell only to installing dealers. Niles and Xantech you can get yourself from various sources. Setting up Xantech and Niles may not be the most intuitive experience, but, it can be done with patience.

If you are going to do it yourself, get a basic system working. Once you're comfortable with that (and have something working) then add the bells and whistles.

------------------
D. Erskine
DEsign Cinema Privee
www.DEsignCinema.com
Imagine what you could do, if you could do all you imagine.

The labor should be similar for the new cabling, it is pulled to the same location, at the same time. All of the cables are taped together. You can pick up Cat5 cable at Home Depot for less than $70 a box. The multi-conductor, sheilded cable should be somewhat more expensive. As far as cabling "hubs", if your talking about structured wiring enclosures and accessories, I use OnQ. They are among the higher priced units, but they have the largest degree of choice. The Open House stuff from Channel Plus seems to be the value leader. BTW, you're paying less than half the going rate for the wiring work in my neighborhood. When installed properly, a Xantech system is as reliable as any of the others you're considering. Long runs are succeptible to noise however, and one needs to be careful.

jcmitch

Look also at Russound (www.russound.com) they have two multiroom/multisource solutions (4z/6s and 6z/4s)that I have been looking at for a while now.. price is 'normal' and is a DIY solution. They even have LCD keypads!! Smarthome has a OEM version of the same (or at least I think is the same). Good luck.

Hi, I did the Russound 6.4 installation myself over a year ago, works like a champ, and requires no programming. The keypads and volume controls are easy to use, and you can repeat IR through the system easily.
Phil Henderson

Phildude, I live in Livonia and was wondering where you bought your system. Also, are you using in wall speakers? Does this system provide enough power to each room for fairly loud good sound?

I bought my stuff online, I'll have to grab the invoice - I don't recall the name of the place. I found a couple places online that sold the CA 6.4, with prices all over the map. I find the sound to be plenty loud enough, but I'm not a youngster anymore, so I don't crank it up to ear-splitting levels any more http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif I started with Cat 5 cable to the keypads, but ended up going with heavier thermostat wire for some of the longer runs. I've got it powering:
2 in-wall speakers in my kitchen with a keypad, 2 in-wall speakers in our dining/living room with a keypad, 2 in-wall speakers in our kids playroom with a keypad, 4 outdoor speakers on our deck with a keypad in a weather proof box, and 4 outdoor speakers by our pool and hottub, with the keypad in the poolhouse. Still have one more zone left, can't decide if it will be used for a bedroom or my workshop. For Sources, I've got a couple jukebox CD players slaved together, an extra tuner that I use mainly as my radio source, my home theater tuner, which transmits anything on TV, VCR or DVD or Sat music channels, and lastly, a wireless receiver that gets mp3 and internet music from a PC. I'll track down the name of the place I bought it from and let you all know.
Phil
- I moved from Canton 2 years ago, got tired of fighting Ford road traffic.

[This message has been edited by PhilDude (edited 06-04-2001).]