game room audio/video amp

[ctb_24]

Here's the scenario: I have a game rooom of approximately 25' x 25'. I want to put in a 5.1 theater system, and I have the rear channels prewired for in-ceiling speakers. I have the back patio prewired for in-ceiling speakers, and I want to install two additional pairs of speakers, one on the other side of the building, and one about 50-60 feet away in the gazebo. So a 5.1 theater set-up, plus three additional pairs of speakers. (Hopefully my diagram attachment is included in my post). In the gazebo, I will also have a 32 inch LCD screen, which I would like to hook-up to the pair of outdoor speakers at the same location. I am trying to create a multizone set-up with the ability to turn on/off and adjust the volume on each pair of speakers. I would also like to be able to use the gazebo speakers for either the LCD or for music from a different source, or to view the LCD using the gazebo speakers while simultaneously listening to music from a different source on the other outdoor speakers. I would like to put a volume control device in the gazebo for convenience when playing music from the second source. What kind of amp/speaker distribution/speaker selector/volume control would be best to accomodate this set-up? Finally, would there be a way to integrate this system into my main home system to be able to play the same audio source throughout all zones (main home and gameroom)? I hope this is somewhat intelligible. If anyone has any questions, I would be more than happy to clarify.

Thanks

 

[ctb_24]

Thoughts and additional information

The following products are what I'm leaning toward at this point:

Power/Distribution/Control

Denon 3806 (1) - zone 1 home theater 5.1
Behringer A500 (1) - from Denon pre-outs
Niles Audio SSVC-4 speaker selector w/volume control (1)
Niles Audio MVC HUB4 Speaker Distribution Hub (1)
Niles Audio WMVC 100 Muting Volume Control switch (1)

Speakers

Polk Audio RC80i in-ceiling (2 pair)
Polk Audio Atrium 55 outdoor (2 pair) or Klipsh AW525 all-weather (2 pair)
Polk Audio Monitor 40 bookshelf or Axiom M22ti bookshelf
Polk Audio CS2 center or Axiom VP100 center
SVS PB12NSD subwoofer or AV123 Rocket VLW-10 subwoofer

I am pretty sure this equipment will be sufficient, but I'm not entirely clear on how I would wire the system between the Behringer and the speaker selector, distribution hub and single volume control switch for the gazebo speakers.
I am also not clear on how I will be able to use my gazebo speakers for television and dvd viewing on my LCD in the same location without interfering with my main home theater set-up. I need to be able to use the gazebo speakers to either play music in zone 2, or use them in conjunction with the LCD independent of zone 2 audio.
Is there a simple solution that I have overlooked?

Any comments or suggestions are welcome.

 

[jcPanny]

HT and outdoor system

CTB,
I think you are on the right track with your system. First, for the main HT, you have a pretty large room. You should consider the Axiom floorstanders, VP150 center, and maybe the QS8's for the surround channels. Definetly go with a 12" sub like the SVS you listed. Since you are using an outboard amp for zone 2, wire for 7.1 in the main HT for a future upgrade.

For the outdoor speakers, your plan will work assuming that you want to play the same source at all 3 pairs of outdoor speakers. After the Amp, I would recommend an impedance matching VC at each speaker location, so you wont have to run inside to adjust the volume. In this case, the speaker selector would not be necessary.
If you want to get a little more elaborate, you could use 2 outboard behringer or audio source amps (or the receiver's powered zone 2 feature) and put the gazibo on zone 2 and the other speakers on zone 3. In this case, your receiver could be playing a different source on the main HT, zone 2, and zone 3.
I would run 3 coax RG6 cables to provide component video to the LCD. You can use the HDMI connection for your main HT.

 

[ctb_24]

Thanks for the input

The reason I went with the Axiom bookshelfs and the in-ceiling speakers for the surround channels is because space is at a premium. Ideally I would go with larger floorstanding speakers and stand-alone surrounds, but it isn't feasible with the way the room is set-up. Good idea about wiring the 7.1 for future upgrade, I'll definitely consider that.
I realize that IMVCs at each outdoor speaker location site would allow me to cut out the speaker selector switch, but it would also mean cutting up some drywall. Because of this, I'm willing to forego the convenience, especially since two pairs of outdoor speakers will be mounted just outside the door (meaning I would only have to walk 15-20 feet to adjust the volume). The IMVC in the gazebo is a must because it is approximately 50-60 feet away from the gameroom.
I really like your idea of setting up three zones:

Zone 1 - HT 5.1
Zone 2 - 2.0 Denon's powered zone 2 feature
Zone 3 - Behringer A500 from Denon pre-outs

After taking a look at Denon's website, I'm pretty sure the 3806 can output two distinct video sources (main and zone 2). What do you think is the best way to establish source control for the gazebo LCD and speakers? Should I install a IR repeater or just use a good RF remote?
Why are you suggesting I run 3 RG6 coax cables? Also, is zone 2 only analog?

Thanks

 

[mnnc]

The reason I went with the Axiom bookshelfs and the in-ceiling speakers for the surround channels is because space is at a premium. Ideally I would go with larger floorstanding speakers and stand-alone surrounds, but it isn't feasible with the way the room is set-up. Good idea about wiring the 7.1 for future upgrade, I'll definitely consider that.
I realize that IMVCs at each outdoor speaker location site would allow me to cut out the speaker selector switch, but it would also mean cutting up some drywall. Because of this, I'm willing to forego the convenience, especially since two pairs of outdoor speakers will be mounted just outside the door (meaning I would only have to walk 15-20 feet to adjust the volume). The IMVC in the gazebo is a must because it is approximately 50-60 feet away from the gameroom.
I really like your idea of setting up three zones:

Zone 1 - HT 5.1
Zone 2 - 2.0 Denon's powered zone 2 feature
Zone 3 - Behringer A500 from Denon pre-outs

After taking a look at Denon's website, I'm pretty sure the 3806 can output two distinct video sources (main and zone 2). What do you think is the best way to establish source control for the gazebo LCD and speakers? Should I install a IR repeater or just use a good RF remote?
Why are you suggesting I run 3 RG6 coax cables? Also, is zone 2 only analog?

Thanks

Not to put words in anybody's mouth but the reason you would run rg6 to spa tv is to save money on the cable run. Imagine buying a long, good quality component vid cable. By running rg6 coax cable through walls and ceilings, etc,...you can use wall plates with f connector on one side(for rg6 to connect to) and rca on the other(for rca male ends to connect to). This way you use shorter component vid cables to connect component to wall plate connection...the rg6 carries signal to other wall plate connection. It acts as a 'middle man'.

My setup...I run component cable from recv'r to wall plate(3ft cable). From wall plate through the walls and ceiling are three rg6 (25ft cables) that meet with plate mounted on my ceiling. I then have another short component vid cable connected from the ceiling plate to my ceiling mounted pj. The plates and cable cost me about $15! I see no degradation in picture quality. Component vid cables are coax but people get confused because most coax is stiff due to it being solid core coax rather than braided/stranded core coax that is more flexible. All in all, same thing.


Make sure you get good rg6 cable that is swept tested to about 2ghz. Bluejean cable sell rg6 coax that is tested to 3ghz which according to them is far beyond the limits of digi broadcast signal. However it is expensive rg6. Parts express are awesome suppliers of these types of decora wall plates/rg6 cable and offer numerous connector/adaptor possibilities. Cheap to! Your zone 2 will be digi as long as you send a digi signal to it via a cable that is able to transmit digi. And does not the 3806 have a zone 2/seperate remote? Book shelves in a 25x25? man...i'm thinking I could give up a few inches of floor space for some epic80's!!!

 

[ctb_24]

Cables

OK running RG6 coax makes sense, but why three coax cables for one LCD screen? I wonder what kind of digital output the Denon has for zone 2? I have no idea if the 3806 has a separate remote for zone 2. If it does the IR repeater would be a perfect set-up. I suppose I'll have to find out before I pull my cables/wire.
I'll definitely take a look at Parts Express for my cables and wall plates, sounds like got a very good deal for your projector and receiver accessories.
What are epic80s? And do you really think I should go with floorstanding speakers (I doubles checked and the room is more like 20'x20')?

Thanks

 

[jcPanny]

Zone 2 system

Ctb,
Email Axiom directly for advice on the best speakers for your room. They have a great service department. Also, since you are installing in-celing speakers, keep in mind that the surround channels should be on the sides of the listening position, and the surround backs behind that listening position. If you could get away with the QS8s and some omnimount ceiling brackets, it would sound much better than an in-ceiling type speaker.

Concerning video to the LCD:
3 coax cables = component video. HDTV quality.
2 coax cables = S-video
1 coax cable = composite video

It would be very difficult (and expensive) to get an HDMI cable that will work over your 50-60 foot range. Also, run a cat 5 cable incase you want an IR repeater or keypad in the future, but a good RF remote should work well for up to 100 feet.

You also asked about analog and Zone 2/3. Since your receiver will only route analog audio to Zone 2/3, you will need an extra anlog audio cable from each souce (CD, DVD, etc.) in additional to the normal digital optical or coax connection.

 

[ctb_24]

Thanks JcP

Looks like I'm going to have a run a ton or wire/cable if I want multiple sources for my zone 2 LCD (wish I had run more conduit). The longest HDMI cable I have seen is only 50', which isn't enough. I wish there were a decent wireless option out there.

I'm also working on a whole house audio design, and I need to integrate everything into a single system. I may just bite the bullet and go with a home automation system.

Thanks for the help

 

[jcPanny]

HT install

Ctb,
I think that you have a good plan in place for your multizone system. If you are concerned about running cables and making the terminations, you should consider something like this for the video out to Zone 2.
http://www.impactacoustics.com/rapidrun/howitworks.asp?#top

Modern recevers and multizone systems can be complex. However, if you set it up yourself, then you will actually understand how it works, how you use it, and how to fix it if there is a problem.