Recommendations for HT multi-channel for 3-4zones?

[drwang84]

Please recommend a multi-zone receiver for the following rooms:

Downstairs:
-6.1(no center speaker) for HT in living room
-2 speakers in kitchen (audio only)

Upstairs:
-2 speakers in master bedroom (audio only)
-1 speaker in master bathroom (audio only)
-2 speakers in study room (audio only)



I was thinking about getting one receiver for the HT, one for the bedroom, and another for the study room. But using the search on this forum, I just learned about the multi-zones. I'm just confused as to how one would use the remote to control the receiver if I were upstairs and the receiver were to be downstairs...

 

[adk highlander]

Before I suggest a receiver or a particular way to control the system my question would be do you want independant source control for each of the zones or have all the non ht zones play the same source?

 

[drwang84]

non-HT zones playing the same source is ok, as long as I get to choose to turn off certain zones when not in use. Thanks.

 

[adk highlander]

non-HT zones playing the same source is ok, as long as I get to choose to turn off certain zones when not in use. Thanks.

No matter which receiver you choose in the long run you will need an external amp to push that many speakers. You will also need an impedance matching speaker switch to turn on the speakers you want to use.

Another thing to know is on 99% of the multizone receivers they will only use analog sources for the secondary zones so you will need to connect all of those sources both digitally and analog.

What is your budget for the gear? The speaker selector will cost in the $75 dollar range and an amp will be $100-$200 depending on how much power you want. Receivers will range from $500 on up to several thousand depending on what other features you want and how much power you want. What else is important to you? Scaling etc. What speakers are you using both in the HT and the zones?

 

[drwang84]

I was aiming for about $800 on the receiver. I will need the ability to phantom to fill in for the missing center speaker on the HT part. Other rooms, HD radio and usb/ipod would be nice. Speakers are in-wall and in-ceiling

http://www.thespeakercompany.com/NTIC-Premium-In-Ceiling-Speakers-C41.aspx

http://www.thespeakercompany.com/NTIW-Premium-In-Wall-Speakers-C39.aspx

I actually haven't purchased the speakers yet but they seem to be a great deal with the current 20% off promotion going on.

Multi-zone sounds kind of involved and complicated, installing local input selectors, volume controllers, etc to each room.

 

[XEagleDriver]

A budget friendly option at Monoprice

. . . Speakers are in-wall and in-ceiling

http://www.thespeakercompany.com/NTIC-Premium-In-Ceiling-Speakers-C41.aspx

http://www.thespeakercompany.com/NTIW-Premium-In-Wall-Speakers-C39.aspx

I actually haven't purchased the speakers yet but they seem to be a great deal with the current 20% off promotion going on.

Drwang,

If I got the count right, you are going to buy a total of ~13 in-wall or in-ceiling speakers for your project. The TSC in-walls price out between $120 and $200 each (depending on size) and the in-ceiling's between $80 and $130 each. (minus the 20% discount of course)

A more budget friendly option is available from Monoprice at about 1/4th the total cost!

I installed four of the 6.5" Kevlar In-walls in a Great room and they are only $42 for a PAIR!

In-wall link: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10837&cs_id=1083702&p_id=4100&seq=1&format=2

I also installed two of the 6.5" Kevlar In-ceilings in a bathroom at $45 a PAIR.

In-ceiling link: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10837&cs_id=1083702&p_id=4103&seq=1&format=2


I have not side-by-side compared them to the TSC speakers you are looking into, but I have been very pleased with the Monoprice performance.

At a minimum, it may be worth your while to order one pair from each company to compare for yourself before buying the set for the entire house!

I doubt if the TSC's would be noticably 4 times better than the Monoprice, but you would be able to tell in a side-by-side comparison for little cost.


Cheers,
XEagleDriver

 

[drwang84]

Acutally I did consider the speakers at monoprice. Unfortunately the speakers are "open" backs. They are good for the highs but mid bass response is poor. Don't get me wrong, they are great bank for the buck. But "closed" speakers are going to be easier for me to deal with. I don't have to build a separate box enclosure behind each speaker.