Adding speakers for "almost" whole-home audio

[breaks911]

Hiya folks,

I am n00b, hear me whine. My wife has asked me to add speakers to the 2nd floor of our "under-construction" home so she can enjoy the music while upstairs. Please know that b/c I'm using a very large builder to build the home, I can't go in and run my own cabling, place r/i kits, etc...I just can't do it -- been down that road already...several times.

Because shoe-string budget doesn't even come close to portraying how cheaply I need to pull this off, I'm looking for advice. I have purchased 2 boston acoustic in ceiling speakers for upstairs already. In addition, I currently own a Sony 5.1 home theatre, and would like to leverage the Left and Right channel speakers from that setup if possible.

In my head, the concept I want to accomplish to be able to switch the two home theatre speakers to work in tandem with the upstairs speakers. That would give me audio coverage on the main floor and the second floor. Then, when we want to watch a movie, switch the home theatre speakers back to "home theatre" mode.

I know you can purchase speaker selectors, but I'm not sure if that is what I need. I'll take all advice possible. Thanks in advance!

Ryan

 

[kay]

Sounds like you have a HTIB, which probably won't cut it. If your receiver has pre-outs, you can connect it to a power-amp which can drive your in-ceiling speakers. In all probability however, your Sony won't have pre-outs so you might have to upgrade the receiver first Might just be cheaper to get a mini stereo for upstairs till you have the budget to do it properly. Multi-room audio is expensive.

 

[JohnA]

Get a new builder...ok that won't work...can you pay extra to have them run the wires and have them install pre-construction speaker brackets. These get installed before drywall, all the drywallers do is cut out the hole. Then when you finally move in, you can hook up the speakers yourself.

Does your receiver have an A/B speaker switch? If it does just run the speaker wire from the upstairs to your receiver and hook them to speaker B, this way you can have them playing the same thing but be able to turn them off (speaker B) when not in use. Also don't forget about a volume control (Impedance matching).

hope that helps

 

[breaks911]

Definitely know I need a new builder...too late for that though. He actually did agree today to let me install the r/i brackets for ceiling speakers, just cannot run wiring. Not sure how much that buys me, though -- considering I can handle cutting a hole in sheetrock for free afterwards, and the brackets cost ~ $40. I will take pictures of the installation point before sheetrock goes up to make sure it's a "no-fly zone". Am I missing something?

About my receiver, I'm not sure if it's HTIB, but probably close. It's a Sony STR-DE675. See the link below for the specs if interested. And for the idea of the mini-stereo, while that is a good option, I already made the statement to my wife that I CAN do this. So going back now would be VERY BAD!

Conceptually, could I just purchase a Niles 4-way speaker selector, then run speaker cable from the L&R connector on my receiver to the receiver input on the selector? Then, attach the L&R home theater speakers into the "A" slot on the selector, then the upstairs speakers to the "B" slot? When I wanted whole home audio, I'd select both the A&B buttons, then for home theatre, just "A"? Does this whole plan not work?

I realize I'll break my own "cheap" rule, but I'm sure I can find pre-owned units on ebay. Please let me know what you think. Thank you all so much for your help!

http://www.epinions.com/597418_Sony_STR_DE675_Dolby_Digital_DTS_Receiver/display_~full_specs


Ryan

 

[kay]

Sounds like you're on the right track Good luck!

 

[markw]

I'm really startin' to wonder...

What with all the extra wiring, cost and complexity of having a multi zone system, and the ever lowering costs of reasonable receivers and source components, I kinds think it just might make sense to pich uop a separate receiverand CD/DVD player. Then you'll be able to have control over everything.

If ya really wanna get fancy and have the same source repliclated in all zones, relatively inexpensive FM stereo transmitters exist.

I'm running several systems in several rooms and never felt the need for anyrhing beyond an A/B speaker switch on one for the patio speakers.

 

[Resident Loser]

Holy cr@p...

What with all the extra wiring, cost and complexity of having a multi zone system, and the ever lowering costs of reasonable receivers and source components, I kinds think it just might make sense to pich uop a separate receiverand CD/DVD player. Then you'll be able to have control over everything.

If ya really wanna get fancy and have the same source repliclated in all zones, relatively inexpensive FM stereo transmitters exist.

I'm running several systems in several rooms and never felt the need for anyrhing beyond an A/B speaker switch on one for the patio speakers.

...a reasonable answer!!!

Me, I'd get a Bose wave radio/cdp for every room...not much of a footprint, no wiring other than an AC outlet...and heck, we're not talkin' "critical listening" here like them dad-burned audiopiles are always jabberin' about!

In fact you could get the non-cdp version of the Wave and a $20 GPX portable player and plug 'er right in...save some cash.

Of course if your lookin' for something a little more flexible(and less Bose), take a look at the Onkyo MC35TECH mini-system...An am/fm receiver, three disc CDP and two small bass reflex bookshelf(really) speakers...MSRP about $400...maybe even less...

jimHJJ(...whole house stuff can be a real pain in the @$$...)

 

[breaks911]

Thanks for all the great feedback. I've found that Niles 4-way speaker selectors can be obtained for about $30 on ebay. So I think I'm going to try that, and with about 100' of speaker, it sounds like this might work. Fortunately, the plumber agreed to adding a 2" conduit from attic to basement which makes the wire runs significantly easier.

I really like the idea of multiple receivers...Maybe that will be phase two. I'm thinking that based on the selector and wire, it's not throwaway technology, so if I want to change to something more advanced later, it's not wasted money.

Thanks everyone for your input and feedback.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Builders can be very interesting...

Who is wiring your phones? Where are they going? Is it 'predetermined' or do you have some say in it?

How about cable?

Ethernet?

Then ask about THEM running a speaker wire - the cost should be the SAME or very close.

I used a major builder (Ryan Homes) and they subcontract all wiring to Brinks. Brinks followed my instructions to the letter and I was there all day when they ran my wiring. Yes, it cost me a bit, but with about 100 wires in place, it was worth it. Don't necessarily work with the 'office', but talk to the job foreman and see if he can swing some stuff.

If all else fails, you can go in AFTER electrical inspection and run a few wires. Not necessarily legal, but it is easier to run them, then have THEM pull them out (are they going to prove it was you?) instead of asking. Not that I would ever do that myself... errmmm... right.

 

[designstate]

I agree with what was posted above. I designed the home sound system for friends while there house was in the drawing stage and then drew the plans for the electrician. The contractor needs to take a freaking chill pill. Who is paying him anyway? What I did was a real basic system. I used a sony multiroom reciever in the familly room with an amp set up for the rest of the downstairs. I used from partsexpress dot com their Dayton impedance matching volumn controll and distribution panel. Some rooms have in ceiling speakers, while others have wall jacks for bookshelf, or other free standing speakers. All rooms have a in wall volume control. It is really basic and cost very little. There electrician ran all the lines with the electrical and then put in a single gang box for volume controll etc and for the in wall jacks. If you need any advice just email me at kyle@designstate.org. I drew the whole house for them in autocad and worked with their contractor through the stages in order to get it built. I am by no means a professional sound guy but no a bit. There system is partially installed (speakers etc) since I am doing it room by room on my spare time. It sounds and works great. Definately check out partsexpress dot com though and look at what they have to offer.

Good luck,
Kyle

 

[breaks911]

Thanks again for the continued advice. Another question has come up in my mind...Most of the speaker selectors I've looked at require an amp/receiver capable of pushing 4 ohm...yeah well, my receiver is 8ohm. So what does that mean for me? Thanks!
Ryan

 

[BMXTRIX]

Ryan - Read this - I go over different configurations in detail:
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11812

 

[breaks911]

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I finally broke down and am paying for additional pre-wiring of the ceiling speakers as well as patio speakers. Actually meeting the guys at the jobsite shortly to make sure they know where to put everything.

I'm definitely going the speaker selector way at this route. The only thing I'm unsure of now is whether I'll need a separate amp. I guess the most effective way to determine that is to get everything setup, then if I'm not getting enough "UMPH" out of the extra speakers, purchase it then.

I'm really glad I found this website, everyone has been great!!