Newbie to home audio

[mexigeek]

I recently purchased a home with speakers wired in 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. They all have independent volume controls and the wires are all located in the kitchen. My question is what type of receiver or amplifier would be best and what to do with the wires. I have posted some photos of the wires to help.

 

[herbu]

Suggest you go to the search box at the top of the page, and search on "whole house". You'll find lots of questions/answers, some of which could be of particular interest to you. Though I don't have a whole house setup, I see the brand HTD suggested over and over... HTD Mid-Level Whole-House Audio System

 

[agarwalro]

That looks like in wall rated 12 or 10 gauge Romex. It will work just fine, but the stiffness makes it a bit unwieldy.

What is that white lamp cord twisted into the Romex? Get rid of it.

the wires are all located in the kitchen.

Kitchen? Seriously? Sometimes these pre-wire jobs just baffle me.

Is there a pantry space or do the wires lead into the main cooking space?

 

[macddmac]

That looks like stranded 10/4 or perhaps a 4 conductor extension cord .. Their are wires for 2 speakers- likely one stereo pair. The red and black go to one set of lugs on the volume control and the green/ white go to the other.
make sure you connect the + to + and - to-.
There was likely a small amp/ player on the counter and it was plugged into the outlet
the lamp cord looking stuff could have been used to extend the colored wires or??
cheers, Mac,

edit: a couple of brands sell orange 4 conductor in wall wire. Not real common and likely 16/4

 

[mexigeek]

well the guy who owned the place before us was a real DIY'er, so not sure what he was thinking. And all those wires were stuffed above a cabinet above the refrigerator.

 

[mexigeek]

and any good brands for a small amp/player recommendations as well?

 

[macddmac]

What features (cd, tuner, streaming capability)are you looking for? Budget?
with three pairs,you'll probably want a speaker selector as well