Reasons Why Multi-Source, Multi-Zone Whole-House Stereo Will Alter Your Life

This editorial has been authored to help you comprehend and install a multiple-source, multiple-room house of stereo system. What exactly will this technology provide that a single source system will not? Well right off the bat the fact that the system will support many sources of stereo 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 television channel music. You are not restricted to whatever the source your home theater amplifier happens to be selected.

Complete Control From Each Room

The impressive capability all your family members will appreciate is the ability to select any of those music sources for their individual listening zone, at the same time everybody else in the home is selecting and listening to their own choice. Each zone has an in-wall mounted room controller that allows the occupant to turn the power on or off in the zone, select his or her own source of stereo music, and play it at the desired volume without any regard to what other occupants have chosen to listen to in other zones.

The System I Favor Most Often

I recommend you install a solid system. You don't necessarily need the fanciest system on the market. 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 cherish music. The amplifier uses state-of-the-art digital technology. Power output to each listening zone is a colosal 50 watts which works out to 25 watts per channel. Fifty watts per listening zone at 8-ohms means rugged power for some major whole-house entertainment. I suspect you will not be able to listen to stereo music in a room at more than 50% capacity as it will melt the paint off the walls.

Have a Big House?

So you say you have a humongoushouse and you want more listening zones. A robust 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 figure you might want more power.

Whole-House Stereo Integrates with Automation Controller

In my opinion, the criterion you want in your whole-house audio system is one that is designed to integrate with the Security/Home Automation system within the home. You not only have a powerful and expandable system, but you can control it in several ways. The three most significant control methods are the in-wall controller, color touch screens, and automation. Think about this: When you skim your entry card over the access control reader at your front door after a hard day's work, your burglar system disarms, a preprogrammed lighting scene is activated, and the stereo option you love the most comes on at a volume level you have selected.

Two All-Important Keys

The two momentous keys to all this technology are cost and the ability to make personalized programming choices. The best way to have a handle on both is to install the system yourself. To do that a common installation book will not be acceptable. You will need an installation manual which is very specific and reveals the manufacturers equipment make and model. You will want to know the precise specifications like dimensions, amplifier outputs, in-wall mounted keypads and speaker sizes. You'll also want the installation guide to have very particular information on programming your system and integrating it with an automation controller if one is anticipated to be part of an comprehensive package.

Installing Numerous Systems?

It has been my experience that when home owners are contemplating one system for their new or remodeled home, they are probably considering other systems as well. It would be in your best interest to have installation manuals on each system you would like to include in your project. Read them all then purchase your components, special tools, and cable so that they are all on the jobsite ahead of your proposed start date.


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You can get Glenn Bell's FREE Video Mini Course on Multi-Source, Multi-Room Stereo. Glenn provides a FREE eBook on House of Stereo.