christman

Multi Room Audio

I am new to home audio systems so I'd like some suggestions on what components would be the best to use, to do the following:

I have 6 rooms I'd like to have music available to via one receiver. I'd like each of the rooms to have the ability to adjust the sound as well as the ability to change sources. Probably between the radio and a CD, however if it is possible to also have each of the rooms listen to different cds (via a cd changer) or different radio stations, then that would even be better. The only way I see that happening though is if I have multiple cd/radio receivers as inputs.

I would like to accomplish this for the smallest price that I can, so nothing to big please. Basically, just let me know what you would do (what components, accessories, etc. you would use) if you were building this system.

Thanks

JohnRice

Re: Multi Room Audio

I don't see any way you can do this without a receiver/boom box/ whatever in each room. Also, the only way I see of fully implementing all options is with a computer in each room as well, using iTunes and AirPort Expresses (or some other kind of wireless or wired networking) on each computer. You can do everything you ask, it just won't be cheap.

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Robert_J

Re: Multi Room Audio

Parts Express has some 12 channel amps as well as volume controls on sale (today only for under $100 each). Use a PC loaded with your music in digital format and multiple sound cards. You can assign each sound card as to an input of the amp. You will also need to work out a way for the volume/source controls to properly control the PC. The Ocelot remote control interface would be the first thing I look at.

Crestron has a system that can do this but it may require a 2nd mortgage to implement.

Like John said, this will not be cheap to properly implement. Yes, you could possible rig something up but rigged doesn't pass wife approval in my house. If someone can't come into the house and work it immediately, it doesn't get done. That's why the Harmony Remote is popular in my house. I don't think a Harmony can solve this problem though.

-Robert

christman

Re: Multi Room Audio

Thanks for the replies, they are very helpful.

I'm finding out that what I want to do isn't going to come cheap (cheap as in a few hundred bucks), but there are definitely some great options that accommodate my needs perfectly (I can't post url's yet, but crutchfield has some multi-room receivers for about $2.5k)

I also don't like the idea of "rigging something up," mainly because this is for a friends business so it does need to look as professional as possible, as well as easy to control. So thanks for the ideas, I will definitely take them into consideration.

Jeff Gatie

Re: Multi Room Audio

If they could give up CD's and use iTunes or other computer based music, this looks to be a pretty good solution:NuVo, Autonomic ‘Win’ EHX with Multi-Output iTunes Server - CE Pro Article

chris.big.money

Re: Multi Room Audio

have you looked at the crestron adagio system? It is practically the best of the best, but can possibly be very expensive. although after checking on ebay they have some new Adagio's that are going for less than some multi-zone receivers. you just have to connect the speakers (bought seperately) to the control units that you mount in the rooms. although you would definitely have a certified reseller install it for you; it's not child's play. good luck!

EDIT: sorry...didn't realize someone already mentioned it; i guess fully reading the thread first pays off!