Music Distribution
 

A Basic Approach

            The most widely used and affordable manner to distribute music in a home is a system designed around the use of a stereo receiver, an additional amplifier, good quality inwall or in ceiling speakers and volume controls.  This system is commonly referred to as a ‘single zone- single source’ system.


The heart of the system is a stereo receiver.  This receiver provides you with your selection of music sources.  Typically a CD player, AM/FM tuner, cable or satellite receiver and /or a cassette player are the most used music sources. If wisely chosen this can often be the same receiver as used in a Home Theater system.  We suggest use Yamaha equipment and JBL or a/d/s speakers.

Although the chosen receiver may seem powerful in its own right, it will not be powerful enough to amplify multiple rooms of speakers.  A single zone system must rely on an appropriately designed separate power amplifier to handle such a heavy load. In most instances the amplifier is adjusted to produce a loudness of sound higher than normal background music.  This is especially true when outdoor speakers are used. Parasound amps are great for this application.

Russound volume controls are used to adjust the loudness of sound room by room.  These controls appear much like a light dimming switch and use transformers to buffer the sound.  When the control is turned fully back no audio passes through the system.

A Keypad Controlled Approach

Reliable and convenient control is the most commonly requested feature of most distributed music systems.  A volume controlled based system offers only and adjustment of loudness.  In order to change the radio station or select another CD one must hike back to the central equipment location. With the control of an in room keypad, full system operation in simple!


A major advantage to a keypad-controlled system is the lack of volume controls.  Volume controls use transformers, which inhibit the sound quality significantly.  By using Xantech or Crestron keypads the level of performance appreciates considerably.

A keypad-controlled system can always be upgradable to the more sophisticated Multi-Source Multi-Zone system.

A Multi-Zone Multi-Source Approach

While the Keypad Controlled System offer major advantages in control and sound quality over others, the ability to listen to different events at the same time in different rooms to some is of paramount importance. 
 

While mom can listen to Nora Jones in the Bedroom, Dad can catch Marty and Joe at the game in the Study, while Nine Inch Nails entertains at the pool. While tastes may certainly vary, a properly programmed Multi Zone-Multi Source system can handle all of your requests.

As keypads are a perfect choice for music control, more sophisticated control devices are right at home in a Multi Zone system.  In-wall touch sensitive screens by Crestron can replace keypads and offer far more control.  Even the cover art of you favorite CD in the Escient Fireball music management System can be displayed on the touchscreen.  The status of your heating and air conditioning system, security system, what’s on in the Home Theater, even access to the Intent is possible as your needs change.

In effect the equipment necessary for a Multi Zone system is the equipment used as the backbone of a full home control system.  Literally, you are only limited by your imagination.