Home Audio
I finally completed a project, well as much as these types of projects ever finish. Either way, I'm done working on home audio for a bit. I installed flush mounted ceiling speakers in every room (bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, etc.) and I also mounted Niles speakers outside in the back yard and in the garage. I'm still considering if I want to put a speaker out of the front porch. Probably not, but like I said these things tend to never end.
When I started this project I was hooking speakers up to my receiver. In case you ever consider doing this for anything but the primary zone, forget about it. It's a total joke and will lead to all sorts of frustration. Let me just run you through one of many scenarios, and yes I've tried 3 different receivers all have the same issues. One issue I had was once it's setup, you can't run audio from the same source at both locations. Sometimes you can, but you typically have to run a second set of audio cables from the source. I tried to use an Apple TV as a source, but you literally can only play it on one zone. It's really stupid, I'm told it's because of HDMI security. So let me get this right, I'm not able to patch sound into a second zone because of copyright security issues, even though anyone with a computer can download copyrighted videos from a bit torrent site. Nice, keeping the honest people honest. What a joke!
I've tried this with an Arcam AVR-600 (amazing sound quality) a Pioneer Elite SC-68 and a Yamaha receiver. They all have the same issues.
So what did I do? I bought a Crestron SWAMP and then connected both of my receivers to it as output and input sources. This allows me to run any audio from any device to any location. I also decided to get a couple source devices from Crestron along with there Pyng Hub. This allows you to configure the system with any iPad and then control things right from your iPhone, a traditional remote or even in wall switches and controls. I can now turn audio on or off right from my light switch walking into a room. Oh and I still haven't paid a Creston programmer a dollar yet. I bought everything off eBay and tested it immediately upon arrival.
If you are patient, you can save a fortune going this route. Retail on Crestron is out ridiculously high, and what fun is it if I can't tinker with it. At this point I'm ready for a programmer to just get my garage door and other doors connected. Yes the Pyng hub will do this, but I also have a CP3 controller that has a lot more functionality and relays all built in. Who knows, maybe I'll sell it and just buy some wireless relays for the hub.
Bottom line is, running home audio from a receiver will likely not give you the actual results you or I want. I'm not sure I recommend Crestron for the typical do it yourself'er but, I love it. There are other options out there, take your time in choosing, because things change really quickly. Another reason I chose Crestron, they are really good at supporting older devices.