Multi Room Home Media Video & Audio System - Advice Needed

Idleater

knx wrote: »

I have to say these are seriously good speakers. Have installed them and replaced others with them and have heard first hand the difference. And what a difference..Saucy saucy though..

Aye, they do the trick all right. Nice bit of Rotel amplification too. Only have them for surround duties though.

knx wrote: »

An AVR, no matter how many zones, is not what you want for what you want to achieve here.
:
:
But this is why you do need some professional help with all of this.

Agreed completely. There are the workings of a great system here, but unfortunately that cannot be done on the cheap without reasonable knowledge. Unfortunately I am not the right person to ask about this technology, HiFi on the other hand work away....

The Ritz

torrestorres,

sorry if ive got on people nerves deffo not intended, its just im new to this and don't wanna shell out money on the wrong products.

All wanted to know was for 6-8 zone multiroom audio/Video/broadband etc im going to need A,B,C,D etc and where in ireland the could be got at good prices.

My response to you was not intended to be interpretted like that, it''s just that the best advce that nereid and knx and I for that matter can give you is to seek professional assistance - a 6-8 zone multiroom audio/Video/broadband setup is not simple or straightforward and there isn't an "A,B,C,D" answer to your question. The fact that you're not familiar with the basics doesn't help you either. The best way to deal with this is to get professional assistance from a reputable company who specialise in multi-room installations.

Feel free to do further research, chat away here etc., but sometimes the right solution is not the DIY one.

Cheers,

Ritz

torrestorres

The Ritz wrote: »

torrestorres,

My response to you was not intended to be interpretted like that, it''s just that the best advce that nereid and knx and I for that matter can give you is to seek professional assistance - a 6-8 zone multiroom audio/Video/broadband setup is not simple or straightforward and there isn't an "A,B,C,D" answer to your question. The fact that you're not familiar with the basics doesn't help you either. The best way to deal with this is to get professional assistance from a reputable company who specialise in multi-room installations.

Feel free to do further research, chat away here etc., but sometimes the right solution is not the DIY one.

Cheers,

Ritz

No probs i knew it wasn't intended, but i also know im been a bit slow to learn in this area

Perfessional help would be great but it comes at a price

Why is it not as simple as ABCD

someone could know the equipment i need and then say "ok to start you need"

A-Ceiling Speakers
B-Control Keypads
C-multizone Amp/receiver

Recommend some good ones at decent prices.

Then you can add

D
E
F

At a later stage

torrestorres

Would you guys chance buying a system from USA and upstepping the power from 120v to 240v?

This seems like a great deal, but im just a little concerned because of the power issue, i contacted a local Electrical wholesaler and he said that they are cheap enough. (€100 or so)

NUVO Original CONCERTO NV-18DMS System

This would get me us and running with 6 sources, 8 Zone amplifier and i could add some other equipment down the road, what do you the experts think?

The systems are alot more expensive in Ireland than USA for some reason.

Idleater

torrestorres wrote: »

Perfessional help would be great but it comes at a price

Why is it not as simple as ABCD

If you can't understand the current terminology being used to describe the technology, how do you even know that we haven't done that. In fact there have been numerous suggestions for you but you dismiss them due to price.

torrestorres wrote: »

someone could know the equipment i need and then say "ok to start you need"

This is exactly what was done, but it has been limited by your understanding and us not having access to your house and wiring. The suggestions for people who would know exactly what to do in A, B, C, D terms are dismissed by you for costing money.

torrestorres wrote: »

Would you guys chance buying a system from USA and upstepping the power from 120v to 240v?

At this stage, do you really think you can handle buying this technology blind, and then also adding out voltage transformations to the mix?

torrestorres wrote: »

i contacted a local Electrical wholesaler and he said that they are cheap enough. (€100 or so)

per transformer that is, you will need one per device that you intend to power.

torrestorres wrote: »

i
The systems are alot more expensive in Ireland than USA for some reason.

Bigger market for one. Are you comparing the exact same product prices? or prices for systems in general?

torrestorres

nereid wrote: »

If you can't understand the current terminology being used to describe the technology, how do you even know that we haven't done that. In fact there have been numerous suggestions for you but you dismiss them due to price.

True im limited to say they least in understanding the technology, and of course price is always an issue.

This is exactly what was done, but it has been limited by your understanding and us not having access to your house and wiring. The suggestions for people who would know exactly what to do in A, B, C, D terms are dismissed by you for costing money.

Can you tell me then in A,B,C,D terms what i need then and maybe i can shop around as of course im on a budget.

At this stage, do you really think you can handle buying this technology blind, and then also adding out voltage transformations to the mix?

per transformer that is, you will need one per device that you intend to power.

My Brother-in-law is a electrican so he can handle this.

Bigger market for one. Are you comparing the exact same product prices? or prices for systems in general?

Not really but some irish websites have 6 zone systems for €6,000 to €9,000 crazy prices.

Of course im trying to get it done as cheap as possible, why spend extra you don't have?

Would you chance importing from the USA for a 1/8 of the price and just using Transformers/converters?

Idleater

torrestorres wrote: »

Can you tell me then in A,B,C,D terms what i need then and maybe i can shop around as of course im on a budget.

No, as I and others have already said, without an onsite visit to determine what cabling you have that is compatible with what system options this is unlikely for the type of system you think you want ("Multi-room AV"). The best we can do is point you in the direction of either professionals or the product manufacturers. With the former, you get the professional advice at albeit an extra expense, with the latter, you do the research yourself and take the risk that what you buy blind will suit you and that you will know what to do with it when it arrives in the DHL van.

Here are the helpful posts that all have pointed to various manufacturers that posters have had experience with for you to do your own research:

rob_ wrote: »

...either Russound (audio and video) or Nuvo (audio only).
... an all in system like Control4.

rob_ wrote: »

S... a second hand systemline audio system,

rob_ wrote: »

...the Russound CAV and the AMC...
... an AV reciever (€200-€900) and use a programmable remote with RF (€350)

knx wrote: »

... I install both russound and nuvo systems ... checking ebay and buying in from the states. I have had experience with systemline as well and all I'll say is stay away..

knx wrote: »

... The type of thing you need to be looking at as a base system is this or this. Then you can add something like this or this

torrestorres wrote: »

Of course im trying to get it done as cheap as possible, why spend extra you don't have?
:
:
Not really but some irish websites have 6 zone systems for €6,000 to €9,000 crazy prices.

Conversely, I ask you why you would spend anything at all on a system that you are unsure whether it fits with what you want? Surely you could cancel the whole plan and plaster over the holes, buy a nice TV and HE system in Currys for the main room and stick a radio in each other room cheaper than any consultation or multi-room install.

Also, that price you quote is for someone to come to your house and wire it all up for you. Does that come with your $499 ebay purchase?

torrestorres wrote: »

Would you chance importing from the USA for a 1/8 of the price and just using Transformers/converters?

Me personally? no. but like I said the equipment I would be buying tends to have dual voltage selectors in it anyway.

thxireland

<Snip>

Mod Comment:

Please do not tout for business on the HE Forums.


Ritz.

torrestorres

nereid wrote: »

No, as I and others have already said, without an onsite visit to determine what cabling you have that is compatible with what system options this is unlikely for the type of system you think you want ("Multi-room AV"). The best we can do is point you in the direction of either professionals or the product manufacturers. With the former, you get the professional advice at albeit an extra expense, with the latter, you do the research yourself and take the risk that what you buy blind will suit you and that you will know what to do with it when it arrives in the DHL van.

Its done for Multi-room A/V all right i spoke with the builder last night on it.

Here are the helpful posts that all have pointed to various manufacturers that posters have had experience with for you to do your own research:

Cheers

Conversely, I ask you why you would spend anything at all on a system that you are unsure whether it fits with what you want? Surely you could cancel the whole plan and plaster over the holes, buy a nice TV and HE system in Currys for the main room and stick a radio in each other room cheaper than any consultation or multi-room install.

Cause its cooler

Also, that price you quote is for someone to come to your house and wire it all up for you. Does that come with your $499 ebay purchase?
Me personally? no. but like I said the equipment I would be buying tends to have dual voltage selectors in it anyway.

No but if i could source the equipment cheaper, then get a Tech to install then there could be alot of savings.

Thanks for reply

Idleater

torrestorres wrote: »

Cause its cooler

only if you can afford what you think is cool and then, it's cool only if you can use it

Seriously though, I don't mind helping you out with advice. I'm interested in all this stuff but more from the HiFi end so it is nice to research my way through a few products and the like. It is amazing how much the technology can do, and I only use a fraction of what my Processor can do

Now then, where was I... aah yes, the mac mini....

torrestorres

<Snip>

PM Sent thxireland

nereid wrote: »

only if you can afford what you think is cool and then, it's cool only if you can use it

Seriously though, I don't mind helping you out with advice. I'm interested in all this stuff but more from the HiFi end so it is nice to research my way through a few products and the like. It is amazing how much the technology can do, and I only use a fraction of what my Processor can do

Now then, where was I... aah yes, the mac mini....

torrestorres

Ok i've done somemore research, i think im gonna go for a Opus 300 or 500 system, the 300 is self install and not to pricey, a 4 zone set can be both for €1,500.00.

The 500 is kind outta my price range at about 7k installed and programmed.

Been on a tight budget this seems the right thing for me at the moment and i can upgrade up-zones at a later date.

Whats people experience with OPus 300 system??

edit: opus 300 wont work as ceiling speakers are wired back to node 0, system requires them to be wired back to the keypads.

so now spoke to another guy and looking at the legrand home system.

torrestorres

Just to update this thread.

In the end i decided to go with the russound cav6.6 system, have speakers installed in the ceiling of 4 zones to date (Kitchen/Living room, Sitting Room, MasterBed and Playroom) got 6 Uno-S2 keypads off ebay for $430.00 inc delivery, i also picked up the remote for $40.00 inc delivery and then picked up a Demo Model CAV6.6 from a Russound dealer in the States for $599 inc delivery.

Russound CAV6.6 $599.00
Russound UNO-S2 $430.00
Russound Remote $40.00

Total Paid $1,069.00 = €800 approx massive savings

Keypads and remote are in hand, Cav unit is in transit at the moment should be here next week, then the problem of programming begins

Can't wait to get it up and running, will post pic's when im finally finished, just wanted to say thanks to all the guys who posted and advised me along the way

I'll be running the following off the system.
1. Sky Digital
2. Sky Free View
3. DVD Player
4. Media Player
5. Music System / PC with J River Media Center so i get feedback to keypads
6. Xbox 360

Really looking forward to testing this baby out, will give opinons and feedback as i get sorted.

rob_

Happy days, sounds like you got a bargain. The keypads are only compatible with the russound rnet devices for feedback though(unless there is a hack I am unaware of).
Also the Russound remotes are not great, I think the universal remote (think the model is the mx500) is a sweet remote, with really nice macro programming.

Still I have used many CAV systems, and they are pretty much bullet proof, as long as you dont short the speaker terminals.

Count yourself lucky the opus option didnt work, yuck!!!!

torrestorres

rob_ wrote: »

Happy days, sounds like you got a bargain. The keypads are only compatible with the russound rnet devices for feedback though(unless there is a hack I am unaware of).
Also the Russound remotes are not great, I think the universal remote (think the model is the mx500) is a sweet remote, with really nice macro programming.

Still I have used many CAV systems, and they are pretty much bullet proof, as long as you dont short the speaker terminals.

Count yourself lucky the opus option didnt work, yuck!!!!

hi rob seems you know your stuff maybe you can give me pointers on this thread.

http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056052160

Also yes i know the keypads wont give feedback for non-russound sources but there is a program J.River that will give feedback for the music, Track, Album name etc, dont need feedback for sky digital and xbox to be honest.

If you could reply concerning the link above it would be great.

Fingers crossed CAV6.6 is not dead on arrival but i got it from a dealer in USA.

Hifi Keith

Russound system is nice and simple to use, no massively upgradable but with your video source equipment it doesn't need to be. Proper audio cabling and speakers are a must for me can get some nasty tin-y sounding ceiling speakers.

I was going to buy from a US company but the lack of support scares the bejesus out of me, don't want a large outlay only to be told that items have to be shipped back to the US for warranty works.

Have found an Irish company that offer a touchscreen system thats fully integrated, meeting them in their showroom next week for a demo so will update after that but looks pormising.

<Snip>

rob_

Hi Keith,

actually the CAV is upgradable in the sense that you can add a Control4 controller down the line, and control it with rs232. You then have the ability to integrate your whole house control, from lighting to heating and security, so it can in a sense be grown.

Rob_

Hifi Keith

Ah right very limited knowledge of them have only used the igcognito really

The Ritz

Mod Comment:

@Hifi Keith,

I've snipped the reference to the ebay sale in your post. I think you've already been made well aware of the position on promoting businesses on these forums, you've been warned (and banned ) in the past for this, see PMs from me 19th May last.

Please take this as a final warning, do not post like that on these forums again. If you persist a lengthy ban will be imposed. If you have any queries on this please do not raise them on this thread, send me a PM.


Ritz.

drnmalone

depending on you budget i would look at russound or systemline av imports could help

randombar

Hi Guys, just to butt in on this thread, I've wired for sound in all rooms and two cat 6 in all but the dining room, I also have a cat6 going to a light switch in the kitchen for a control unit / intercom, I'm just wondering do I need another wire for power to that and what kind of box space should I leave, would a lightswitch socket be enough space.

I know that's like asking how long is a piece of string, without knowing the system, but my system will probably be a cheap n cheerful, one wired control in the kitchen and a few RC remotes around the house.

Thanks
Gary

Hifi Keith

If its just to power the intercom Gary there is no reason you wont be able to power it off the Cat 6, most control panels will be powered over Cat6 also

randombar

Nice one for that, just having a look at the price of those audio controls, bloody hell they're pricey enough!!!!

Hifi Keith

Any types in particular you were looking at, once you get involved with zones you are looking at seperate amplifiers for each area so there is going to be a certain level of cost I guess. The budget system has never really been catered for in the market, the likes of the Opus Octopus were always overpriced and underwhelming, that said there are a few much more affordable multi room systems out there now

randombar

Was looking at Russound but it's about 1k???

Hifi Keith

For just the system controller? Even still thats not overly expensive to be honest. That is the highest cost adding the zones is the cheap part. The Russound stuff is reliable enough too. Speakercraft went bust in Ireland recently so may be some bargains floating around :P

Worth looking around as there is some quite affordable stuff out there

randombar

Thanks for that, might keep an eye on adverts so, if you know of anything I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know too!

torrestorres

GaryCocs wrote: »

Thanks for that, might keep an eye on adverts so, if you know of anything I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know too!

Hi Gary

I went with a Russound cav system, bought it off ebay and and bought the keypads, remote, speakers all seperate off ebay from USA Sellers, i've no warranty of course but they system is working good for me so far and have not had a problem.

All in all the complete system cost me about €1,000.00 that was for 8 Ceiling Speakers (4pairs for 4 zones), CAV6.6 controller, 6 Uno-S2 keypads, and remote.

The cheapest price i got in ireland was €1,800.00 + Vat , so i saved over €1,000.00.

The Russound cav6.6 is an oldish system in terms of whats available on the market these days, but it does exactly what i want, distributes 6 sources (Sky TV, Freeview, DVD, Media System(Music and Movies),2 x Xbox360's) to 6 zones(rooms) although i only have 4 set up at the moment but only in standard definition (Not HD) this was ok for me as my wiring was only suitable for SD so a HD system would have been a waste of money for me, need more money for tv's and speakers for the other rooms lol.

I know you mentioned intercom feature above, to be honest im not sure if the CAV has a intercom system, its just something i never looked into, i could be wrong though.

Happy hunting hope this helped.

Note: Also the is a guy that uses these boards, check back through the thread, Rob is his name i've been texting him now and again and he has been good enough to advise me with installation(free), drop him a pm and im sure he only be to happy to give you some advice orprice up a system for you.

randombar

Thanks for the advice, I dont need the video at the moment tough, only sound, intercom, maybe connect with an alarm system of some kind? Does anyone know if that would make it cheaper?

duffman21

Hi

@ TorresTorres, do you have any pictures of your setup, (central hub) Currently in the middle of a new build and wanted to setup a similar system to your one..