Multi Zone Audio system

K

Krusty Blade

Audioholic Intern
Hi all,

I am looking at putting together a multi zone audio system. I am not sure how many zones I will need for now, but lets say between 6 and 8. What I want from the system is the following.

Each zone must have its own volume control and must be able to play independent, for example plugin in an IPOD or any USB capable device. You must also be able to listen to music coming from any of the other zones or from the main system. One of the zones will be outside. Each zone will have 2 speakers. Maybe something in this line (Yamaha NS-B310BL) and for external Yamaha NS-AW592WH All-Weather Speakers

I was thinking to have the main system installed in the bar, which will have the AVR, DVD/CD player, and satellite decoder and Multi Zone controller with AMP. This area will have a 5.1 setup.

The system must be rated for 220v, that is what we use up here in deep dark Africa.

For the cabinet design I was looking at these Cabinets available in Canada.

Thanks in advance.
 

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BMXTRIX

BMXTRIX

Audioholic Warlord
This is where I would be looking at one of the multitude of manufacturers that makes integrated products.

Typically this all needs to be put in during the home build or during a serious renovation as control is not usually wirelessly convenient.

If this were my installation, I would go with a Crestron control system, separate amplification for all the zones (required) and a Pad8 for your preamp. I would probably add ethernet control for your system so you could have iPad/Phone control.

The rack you are showing is kind of small for this as you would typically dedicate a few sources to the system right away and you MUST have good cooling for the amplification.

While I might add a bit to the cost, this is the equipment I would be looking at...
Crestron CP2E Control Processor w/Ethernet | eBay

CRESTRON CNX-PAD8A AUDIO DISTRIBUTION PROCESSOR SWITCHER PREAMP 8 SOURCES 8 OUTS | eBay

a couple of these...
SpeakerCraft BB835 8 Channel Amplifier-Auto turn on via audio or 12v trigger (664254832048) | eBay

And control in each room...
CRESTRON C2N-DBF12 12-BUTTON FUNCTION KEYPAD C2N-DB12 C2N-DB12W C2N-DBF12W WHITE | eBay

Add sources of your own choosing.

Most of this stuff can have an international power supply used or is 240v compatible.
 
K

Krusty Blade

Audioholic Intern
Thanks for pointing me in a direction. This house will be a complete build from scratch. I am still working with the guys on the design, so everything will be designed around the audio.
 
BMXTRIX

BMXTRIX

Audioholic Warlord
The wiring is the key and your desired end result is going to be critical. Most builders have something they 'like' to work with, so ensuring that you get a custom A/V installer who can actually help you get the desired results you are after is critical.

It is also a good time to think about whether you want to do a distributed video system as well.

If the home is new construction I would avoid the pretty rack, and try to put a space in your home with good ventilation where all the gear can be hidden or accessed from behind. Rolling racks can be troublesome in the long run if not done properly, and you want to ensure that you have enough room to grow the system as your needs require.

Most of all - above all else - very important - this means you...

Wire your home!

Don't just kind of wire it, but ensure that you wire it fully and if at all possible put conduit in place between critical locations for future wiring possibilities.

Cat-6 wiring is cheap and putting in 3-6 runs to each display can be invaluable in the long run.

Decent speaker wire anywhere and everywhere is a good plan. Even if you aren't using it now, just having it there can really be beneficial in the long run.

I am amazed at how many builders claim knowledge and don't know what they are doing. Moreso, I'm amazed at how many A/V installers do the same. Properly designing a 8-16 zone system which allows you the future growth you may want and provides you the insight to get some ideas into your system which you hadn't previously considered is extremely important and can be difficult to find.

Here you are on an A/V board and see how many responses you've received already? :D
 
davidtwotrees

davidtwotrees

Audioholic General
Just a note to BMX that it is really, really nice that you devote time and energy into sharing what you know. You help a lot of folks and make the site a better place.
Have a great holiday, and I hope your work is fulfilling and profitable. David
 
T

toddious

Audioholic Intern
Sony, NuVo, Crestron, and many others have systems that will fit your needs.
 

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