Multi-Zone Home Audio Solution Needed ASAP

manveet · 21st July 2007, 09:55

Hi All,

We are urgently looking for a multi-zone solution for a certain portion of our house.

Namely,What this means is that I need a Solution wherein I have one Source Amplifier that gives output to speakers in the below mentioned 4 regions/zones. I should then have the capability to control (On/Off, Volume etc.) speakers in these 4 zones individually from this one Amplifier.

The Locations would be

Lobby
Drawing-Room
Dining Room
Garden (outdoors)

Example of the Application:

If Guests are over at home, I may decide to turn "On" only the Lobby and Drawing Speakers, when Dinner starts I can turn "On" the Dining Room as well. Later, If Guests decide to move outdoors, I can turn "On" the Garden as well and say, turn "Off" the Lobby.

My understanding:

From what I have gathered till now (which may be incorrect), to satisfy my Requirement I need to consider acquiring the following

Atleast 4 Set of Speakers
Cabling, Wires etc.
A Multi Zone Amplifier, or maybe the Zone thing is an add-on the Amplifier and the Amplifier will come seperately

A clarification:

The music will play softly, so i don't think I need separate Woofers etc. It will be more like a piped music setup one has in Hotels etc.

My Specific Queries

I'd appreciate Linkys to websites, articles that talk about this kind of solution
What are the Brands available in India?
Budget wise, am not really sure as of now, but am looking for a professional solution. Not advice wherein I have to link my Laptop to some Amp and install software etc. As a layman, I would go for Bose, but I somehow don't fancy them and am looking for more bang for the buck.

Immediate Advice Needed on the following point:

I can finalize the product later, in say about 20 days or so. But Laborers are already working at home so I need to know where the speakers are going to be placed so that at the very least I can lay the speaker Cables in the wall, or make provisions for the same before painting starts.

Looking forward to your Advice.

Thanks in advance,
Manveet.

Autophile · 21st July 2007, 10:50

Manveet,

You need 4 Zone background music system. You can also have 6 Zone system keeping in mind future requirement. All the things you have listed can be done.

There are various type of systems. Most of them are are one box solution with single unit containing control and amplication for all the zones, to this unit you can connect multiple music sources. The system is controlled via remote keypad (wired to unit via CAT5 cable) in every zone.

In the basic ones you can switch the zone on/off and control the volume. In the advanced ones you have LCD display keypads with which you can switch in-between different sources, change tracks sources along with volume control etc etc.

The music is not played loud as the application is background music, so no need of subwoofers and all. The systems are capable of putting out 30W - 80W of power per zone which is more than enough for background application.

The speakers you can have the option of on-wall or in-wall speakers. The speakers can vary in the price of Rs. 2000 to Rs. 20000 per piece depending upon the budget, speaker type and listening preference. For outdoor use you need all weather speakers.

manveet · 21st July 2007, 12:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autophile

You need 4 Zone background music system. You can also have 6 Zone system keeping in mind future requirement. All the things you have listed can be done.

4 Zone would be fine as I don't think I'll be adding Zones in future.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autophile

There are various type of systems. Most of them are are one box solution with single unit containing control and amplication for all the zones, to this unit you can connect multiple music sources. The system is controlled via remote keypad (wired to unit via CAT5 cable) in every zone.

Where can I buy/see such a solution in NCR?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autophile

In the basic ones you can switch the zone on/off and control the volume. In the advanced ones you have LCD display keypads with which you can switch in-between different sources, change tracks sources along with volume control etc etc.

I will ALWAYS be playing the same music in all Zones. So I think basic will suffice. But yes, I would prefer more than one Input possibility e.g. Ipod and CD-Player.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autophile

The music is not played loud as the application is background music, so no need of subwoofers and all. The systems are capable of putting out 30W - 80W of power per zone which is more than enough for background application.

Cool. Thats what I need then.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autophile

The speakers you can have the option of on-wall or in-wall speakers.

I think there is a minimum wall thickness for in-wall speakers, what is this?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autophile

The speakers can vary in the price of Rs. 2000 to Rs. 20000 per piece depending upon the budget, speaker type and listening preference.

I think I can look at 10,000/- per pair. What are these Speakers called? Where can I check them out in NCR? Any brand apart from Bose? I think my cousin is using Jamo - How are they?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autophile

For outdoor use you need all weather speakers.

Again, where to find them?

Thanks a ton Jasdeep, but I need more help from you guys.

navin · 21st July 2007, 19:05

manveet, google can help you sort out your thoughts.

what you areally need is a multi zone controller. a set of sources, a set of amplifers/speakers and some wiring. companies like Niles and Russound have ben doing this since the 80s. Sonus offers you a different more modern view poiint.
ZON Audio, Russound, and NuVo Audio Distribution Amplifiers - Future Home Systems
Whole House Audio and Multi-Room Sound systems by SpeakerCraft, Zon and B&K
Future Home Systems - home security, surveillance cameras, audio distribution, wiring panels, telephone intercoms, wire and more.
Russound Audio Department, amplifiers, distribution amplifiers, speakers, volume controls and more from Russound.
Niles Audio Corporation
Niles Audio - IntelliControl ICS
Sonos Multi Zone Digital Music System - play digital music from PC in any room
Niles Audio Corporation

I pulled a few links from my bookmarks.

you can use multiple amps or a single multi channel amp like this one
Channel Vision A1260 Multi-Zone Audio Amplifier

Autophile · 22nd July 2007, 10:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by manveet

4 Zone would be fine as I don't think I'll be adding Zones in future

---> Ok thats fine. In the systems offering more Zones you get more features like changing tracks adding more than 2 sources etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by manveet

I will ALWAYS be playing the same music in all Zones. So I think basic will suffice. But yes, I would prefer more than one Input possibility e.g. Ipod and CD-Player.

---> Two sources are not a problem at all

Quote:

Originally Posted by manveet

I think there is a minimum wall thickness for in-wall speakers, what is this?

---> You need 9" wall thickness for In-Wall Speakers. As the speakers are mounted inside the wall. You need 9" Wall to make the enclosure for the speaker and accomodate the mounting depth.

Quote:

Originally Posted by manveet

I think I can look at 10,000/- per pair. What are these Speakers called? Where can I check them out in NCR? Any brand apart from Bose? I think my cousin is using Jamo - How are they?

---> Bose does not sell their speakers intended for Custom Install directly they sell as a package and solution. I would recommend speakers from professional manufacturer like Tannoy etc. Or you can look for on-wall options from Multi Zone manufacturers like Nuvo etc

manveet · 22nd July 2007, 12:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autophile

---> You need 9" wall thickness for In-Wall Speakers. As the speakers are mounted inside the wall. You need 9" Wall to make the enclosure for the speaker and accomodate the mounting depth.

I'm ruling this out then, as this is not really possible in the existing scenario.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autophile

---> Bose does not sell their speakers intended for Custom Install directly they sell as a package and solution.

I understand that. I mentioned the speaker price to give you an idea of the Budget I was working on.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autophile

I would recommend speakers from professional manufacturer like Tannoy etc. Or you can look for on-wall options from Multi Zone manufacturers like Nuvo etc

I'll be visiting the Bose Showroom today to see what solution they are offering. Will also visit my cousin in Gurgaon who has a Jamos solution installed.

Aha ! Now I remember. Gunbir had mentioned Tannoy and Nuvo the other day - the name slipped off my mind. Is there any Brochure or Website Link that would give me an indication of the prices and Range available in India. Feel free to PM details if Forum rules don't permit posting info on Dealers etc.

One more thing, on a serious note, if you'd be so kind to tell me - is JBL also into this kind of stuff?

Also, my immediate Query is this:

Since Laborers will be starting work in those Zones shortly, can you give me an idea of where the Speakers should be installed in terms of optimal Room Accoustics, so that I can start making provisions for the wiring atleast.

Autophile · 22nd July 2007, 15:33

Bose solution does not offer you the flexibility and is expensive compared to the other solutions which are much better at lesser price.

Rs. 10000 for a pair of speakers is a good budget, though you may have to spend a little more on outdoor models.

Here are the links

NuVo Technologies: The Leaders in Whole Home Audio

Welcome to Tannoy

JBL and Jamo are loudspeaker manufacturers and they manufacture loudspeakers on-wall / inwall / in-cieling for the custom install - multi zone audio.

The electronics offering control and amplification are manufactured by specialist companies in the field like NuVo, Russound, Niles, Elan etc. and the best value for money offering at present is NuVo.

21st July 2007, 09:55	#1
manveet Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,094 Thanked: 732 Times View My Garage	Multi-Zone Home Audio Solution Needed ASAP Hi All, We are urgently looking for a multi-zone solution for a certain portion of our house. Namely,What this means is that I need a Solution wherein I have one Source Amplifier that gives output to speakers in the below mentioned 4 regions/zones. I should then have the capability to control (On/Off, Volume etc.) speakers in these 4 zones individually from this one Amplifier. The Locations would be Lobby Drawing-Room Dining Room Garden (outdoors) Example of the Application: If Guests are over at home, I may decide to turn "On" only the Lobby and Drawing Speakers, when Dinner starts I can turn "On" the Dining Room as well. Later, If Guests decide to move outdoors, I can turn "On" the Garden as well and say, turn "Off" the Lobby. My understanding: From what I have gathered till now (which may be incorrect), to satisfy my Requirement I need to consider acquiring the following Atleast 4 Set of Speakers Cabling, Wires etc. A Multi Zone Amplifier, or maybe the Zone thing is an add-on the Amplifier and the Amplifier will come seperately A clarification: The music will play softly, so i don't think I need separate Woofers etc. It will be more like a piped music setup one has in Hotels etc. My Specific Queries I'd appreciate Linkys to websites, articles that talk about this kind of solution What are the Brands available in India? Budget wise, am not really sure as of now, but am looking for a professional solution. Not advice wherein I have to link my Laptop to some Amp and install software etc. As a layman, I would go for Bose, but I somehow don't fancy them and am looking for more bang for the buck. Immediate Advice Needed on the following point: I can finalize the product later, in say about 20 days or so. But Laborers are already working at home so I need to know where the speakers are going to be placed so that at the very least I can lay the speaker Cables in the wall, or make provisions for the same before painting starts. Looking forward to your Advice. Thanks in advance, Manveet. Last edited by manveet : 21st July 2007 at 10:06.
	() Thanks

21st July 2007, 10:50	#2
Autophile BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: New Delhi Posts: 931 Thanked: 4 Times	Manveet, You need 4 Zone background music system. You can also have 6 Zone system keeping in mind future requirement. All the things you have listed can be done. There are various type of systems. Most of them are are one box solution with single unit containing control and amplication for all the zones, to this unit you can connect multiple music sources. The system is controlled via remote keypad (wired to unit via CAT5 cable) in every zone. In the basic ones you can switch the zone on/off and control the volume. In the advanced ones you have LCD display keypads with which you can switch in-between different sources, change tracks sources along with volume control etc etc. The music is not played loud as the application is background music, so no need of subwoofers and all. The systems are capable of putting out 30W - 80W of power per zone which is more than enough for background application. The speakers you can have the option of on-wall or in-wall speakers. The speakers can vary in the price of Rs. 2000 to Rs. 20000 per piece depending upon the budget, speaker type and listening preference. For outdoor use you need all weather speakers.
	() Thanks

21st July 2007, 19:05	#4
navin Team-BHP Support Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 25,196 Thanked: 9,292 Times	manveet, google can help you sort out your thoughts. what you areally need is a multi zone controller. a set of sources, a set of amplifers/speakers and some wiring. companies like Niles and Russound have ben doing this since the 80s. Sonus offers you a different more modern view poiint. ZON Audio, Russound, and NuVo Audio Distribution Amplifiers - Future Home Systems Whole House Audio and Multi-Room Sound systems by SpeakerCraft, Zon and B&K Future Home Systems - home security, surveillance cameras, audio distribution, wiring panels, telephone intercoms, wire and more. Russound Audio Department, amplifiers, distribution amplifiers, speakers, volume controls and more from Russound. Niles Audio Corporation Niles Audio - IntelliControl ICS Sonos Multi Zone Digital Music System - play digital music from PC in any room Niles Audio Corporation I pulled a few links from my bookmarks. you can use multiple amps or a single multi channel amp like this one Channel Vision A1260 Multi-Zone Audio Amplifier
	() Thanks

22nd July 2007, 15:33	#7
Autophile BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: New Delhi Posts: 931 Thanked: 4 Times	Bose solution does not offer you the flexibility and is expensive compared to the other solutions which are much better at lesser price. Rs. 10000 for a pair of speakers is a good budget, though you may have to spend a little more on outdoor models. Here are the links NuVo Technologies: The Leaders in Whole Home Audio Welcome to Tannoy JBL and Jamo are loudspeaker manufacturers and they manufacture loudspeakers on-wall / inwall / in-cieling for the custom install - multi zone audio. The electronics offering control and amplification are manufactured by specialist companies in the field like NuVo, Russound, Niles, Elan etc. and the best value for money offering at present is NuVo.
	() Thanks