This article has been written to help you understand and install a multiple-source, multiple-room house of stereo system.
What exactly will this system offer that a single source system will not? Well right off the bat the fact that the system will accept multiple sources of audio as inputs is in itself remarkable.
With a touch of a button you, the end user, can select from FM radio, CD player, DVD player, iPod®, and TV channel music.
You are not locked into whatever the source your home theater amplifier happens to be selected.
Complete Control From Each Room The second remarkable capability all your family members will enjoy is the ability to select any of those music sources for their individual listening zone, at the same time everybody else in the house is selecting and listening to their own choice.
Each room has an in-wall mounted zone controller that allows the occupant to turn the power on or off in the zone, select his or her own source of music, and play it at the desired volume without any regard to what other people have chosen to listen to in other zones.
The System I Install Most Often I recommend you install a robust system.
You don't necessarily need the system with the most bells and whistles.
But I can tell you from personal installation experience a powerful 8 x 8 multi-source, multi-room house stereo system can and will change the way you and your family members enjoy music.
The amplifier uses state-of-the-art digital technology.
Power output to each listening zone is a whopping 50 watts which works out to 25 watts per channel.
Fifty watts per listening zone at 8-ohms means robust power for some serious whole-house entertainment.
I dare say you will not be able to listen to music in a room at more than 50% capacity as it will blow the paint off the walls.
Do You Have a Big House? So you say you have a very big house and you want more listening zones.
A quality house stereo system has an expansion amplifier which gives you an additional eight listening zones plus two more variable line-out amplification outputs available as inputs to a separate amplifier for zones where you think you might want more power.
Automation Controller Integration In my opinion, the primary feature you want in your whole-house stereo system is one that is designed to integrate with the Security/Home Automation controller within the home.
You not only have a powerful and expandable system, but you can control it in multiple ways.
The three most common control methods are with the in-wall controller, color touch screens, and with automation.
Think about this: When you swipe your entry card over the access control reader at your front door after a hard day's work, your security system disarms, a preprogrammed lighting scene is activated, and the music source you love the most comes on at a volume level you have selected.
Cost and Programming Are The Two Keys The two keys to all this technology are cost and the ability to make personal programming choices.
The best way to have a handle on both is to install the system yourself.
To do that you a generic installation guide will not be adequate.
You will need an installation manual which is very specific and names the manufacturers equipment make and model.
You will want to know the exact specifications like dimensions, amplifier outputs, in-wall mounted keypads, and speaker sizes.
You'll also want the installation guide to have very detailed information on programming your system and integrating it with an automation controller if one is expected to be part of an overall package.
Will You Be Installing Multiple Systems? It has been my experience that when home owners are considering one system for their new or remodeled home, they are likely considering other technologies as well.
It would be in your best interest to have installation guides on each system you would like to include in your project.
Read them all then procure your components, special tools, and cable so that they are all on the job site ahead of your proposed start date.