Dream Home System Planning

[joshk03]

Well hopefully "audiophile" doesn't have any bad connotations. It's just a term I learned growing up. I've never gave it much thought before...
I do/did a bit of recording, just narrating really. I have had a dream of starting a YouTube channel for years. I do a lot of odd projects, and like to really refine them. They really intrigue anyone asks me "What did you do today". I often do full 3D drawings and laser-cut-steel for many of them. The problem is I have never got my video editing skills to the level I want them at. So I have yet to upload my first video.
I bought a lavaliere mic at first, thinking any dedicated device would be as good as I would need. Wow, was I wrong. It sucked SO bad. I returned it and went back to searching. I ended up with a "CAD U37 USB Studio Condenser Recording Microphone" from Amazon. Wow, good stuff.

 

[sholling]

Any opinions on the Edifier R1280T?

I use couple of them (plugged into Echo Dots) to play whole-house background music. I also use powered studio monitors for the same purpose.

The main advantages of the R1280T are that they are small and attractive, offer a lot of bang for for the $99 buck, and sound good for the price. The downsides are also related to size and cost, that is that the frequency response is 70-18,000hz +- 6db. Perhaps not audio snob quality but plenty good enough for background music. Their size also limits output, in other words, they are not party speakers.

 

[lovinthehd]

Well hopefully "audiophile" doesn't have any bad connotations. It's just a term I learned growing up. I've never gave it much thought before...
I do/did a bit of recording, just narrating really. I have had a dream of starting a YouTube channel for years. I do a lot of odd projects, and like to really refine them. They really intrigue anyone asks me "What did you do today". I often do full 3D drawings and laser-cut-steel for many of them. The problem is I have never got my video editing skills to the level I want them at. So I have yet to upload my first video.
I bought a lavaliere mic at first, thinking any dedicated device would be as good as I would need. Wow, was I wrong. It sucked SO bad. I returned it and went back to searching. I ended up with a "CAD U37 USB Studio Condenser Recording Microphone" from Amazon. Wow, good stuff.

Actually audiophile has some connotations you may not want to attach to I've had a few friends use the term audiophile where I've had to straighten them out that it's not taste or how much you spend particularly...

Recording/production has differencent issues from reproduction somewhat....

We use special microphones for setting up our gear with computers in this addiction. Like the Umik-1 from miniDSP or the Dayton UMM-6 and using software like RoomEQWizard (REW for short)....

 

[joshk03]

I wanted to come back and say thanks for to everyone that took the time to help me out. I'm a beginner and appreciate the experienced members taking time to help with my basic questions.

So the conclusion to this thread is that I will plan for either a Denon HEOS 7 or a Sonos PLAY:5. They have the same pre-wire needs, so when the day comes that I have a shiny new home, I might just buy both and return the one that sounds the least impressive.
I will pre-wire (1) outlet and (2) CAT7 ethernet to each location. The first CAT7 is for the internet. Not using the built-in WiFi should reduce noise on the PCB and improve audio. Being CAT7 means it is well shielded and won't act like an antenna. The second CAT7 is just future-proofing. With 2 CAT7 you can (for example) combine them into an HDMI cable with some adapters. The possibilities are endless if good wires are installed.

I decided I should start a music Library, so I created the thread 'Creating My Lossless Library'. Hopefully I will see you guys over there. Thanks again, and cheers!

 

[slipperybidness]

I wanted to come back and say thanks for to everyone that took the time to help me out. I'm a beginner and appreciate the experienced members taking time to help with my basic questions.

So the conclusion to this thread is that I will plan for either a Denon HEOS 7 or a Sonos PLAY:5. They have the same pre-wire needs, so when the day comes that I have a shiny new home, I might just buy both and return the one that sounds the least impressive.
I will pre-wire (1) outlet and (2) CAT7 ethernet to each location. The first CAT7 is for the internet. Not using the built-in WiFi should reduce noise on the PCB and improve audio. Being CAT7 means it is well shielded and won't act like an antenna. The second CAT7 is just future-proofing. With 2 CAT7 you can (for example) combine them into an HDMI cable with some adapters. The possibilities are endless if good wires are installed.

I decided I should start a music Library, so I created the thread 'Creating My Lossless Library'. Hopefully I will see you guys over there. Thanks again, and cheers!

Hey, it's good to see you come here with your (not so great) ideas, but then actually follow the advice that was given.

Too often, people just come here for validation, then get butt-hurt when they are told that their ideas aren't any good.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Screw the rest.

I think that Pyle piece with the separate pre-amp/rca output section is completely genius. It's ideal for what you are striving for and provides a nice way to get audio from the garage to a head-end location while giving you basic control of your Bluetooth or a local audio device.

The speakers are generic and I would go to at least an 8" model, preferably 3-way, but in the same price category. This will give you more bass response and will be nice for listening in that zone.

The amplifiers... Yes, and yes.
The cheap one is wimpy, the good one is overkill.

Check eBay for 12-channel power amplifiers. You can pick up a complete amp which can independently power all your zones for under $200 fairly easily. Check for major brands like Niles, Sonance, or Speakercraft. Ask about others.

ie: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Niles-SI-1230-12-Channel-Power-Amplifier/162911217004?epid=73215323&hash=item25ee43e56c:g:E-0AAOSwUg9ajIeS

If it is listed as 'used' then eBay will protect you. Used product MUST work regardless of someone saying 'as-is'. I've had good luck with eBay this way, but I tend to spend a bit more (up to about $400).

Make sure to run 14/4 cabling and give your head-end location enough room for proper cable management.

Also consider running more wiring if you feel you may want to upgrade and add other locations, like your bathroom, dining room, kitchen, etc. I put about 20+ zones in my home. It's a great thing to do, especially if you are building an new home.