2 channel system ?

[wrb]

After reading throught this forum over the past few months, I have become very confused! When I last bought equipment, the choices were 2 channel or two channel!

We use our family room as a gathering point for friends and family, and therefor TV or movies is not important in this room, but being able to listen to music is.

The house came with in celing speakers every where! The wires terminate in the family room. I am trying to figure out what equipment to acquire to listen just in the family room and also being able to send the signal throughout the rest of the house, on an as needed basis.

Speakers are Polk Audio bookshelf speakers and Klipsh powered sub, plus in ceiling speakers in 6 rooms. The balance of my gear went on the moving truck, but either did not get off or in the case of my Nakamichi CD, was damaged in the move.

What recommendations for quality sound in the family room, and then the ability to pipe the sound over the whole house can you make? Budget for componets only is about $3000.

Thanks

Randy

 

[Seth=L]

A multizone amplifier is recomended, along with stereo preamp with multizone capability.

 

[billnchristy]

Home theater direct sells something like a 14 zone amp...

 

[wrb]

Thanks seth and billnchristy. I never knew that audio equipment could do this, especially after doing an internet search for "multi zone". I was hoping there was a better solution than just using "Y" connectors out of my sources into 2 separate preamp/ amp set ups. Of course, I think this will do away with obtaining tube preamps.

Thanks again for your help

Randy

 

[jcPanny]

Whole House speakers

WRB,
Check out the Volume controls connected to the speakers in each room. Remove the decora cover plate and look for a switch or jumper that says 1x, 2x, 4x, etc. If they have this feature, they are the impedance matching type and you can use a stereo amp to drive all of the house speakers (i.e. Behringer A500 for $180). If not, you will need a distribution amp with a seterate channel for each speaker or change the VCs or add an impedance matching speaker selector.

For the main HT, you will want a 7.1 receiver with a zone 2 line level output. If you are not concerned about video features, a Yamaha RX-V659 would work well for about $400.

 

[wrb]

Thanks seth and billnchristy. I never knew that audio equipment could do this, especially after doing an internet search for "multi zone". I was hoping there was a better solution than just using "Y" connectors out of my sources into 2 separate preamp/ amp set ups. Of course, I think this will do away with obtaining tube preamps.

Thanks again for your help

Randy

 

[AVRat]

As mentioned, a multi-channel (12) amp from companies like Niles, Russound, Sonance, etc. tied to a head unit receiver with multi-zone capability is your best bet. This can be done for well under $3K. Try "whole house audio" for your 'net search.