Whole house distributed audio system

[Cie]

Who has one? Are you glad you have it? My builder's a/v guy recommends russound dms 3.1 media streamer, which would allow for streaming of pandora, iTunes, Netflix, apple tv(never heard of it) etc, to any room or television in the house. All cable boxes would be out of site in the media room, which is simply a closet off my upstairs den.

I definitely want audio feed to my rear porch and pool area, but not sure if it something we would use much in the house, so am have a hard time justifying the cost. reviews on the dms 3.1 appear mixed online. I don't know anyone locally with the system, so have had no luck seeking opinions from friends.

Any guidance or input would be appreciated. Tia.

 

[hogman14]

Hey Cie,

Hope all is well.

Although I think streaming audio/internet radio is here for a while, you'll have to look long term. Although then again, as long as the speakers are the only thing "hard wired" by room, and the rest of the stuff is upstairs, as you said, then this may not be as big of an issue as you think. Certainly I don't think Pandora is going to go the way of the laserdisc player anytime soon, but hey it's technology.

I would definitely wire the kitchen as well. Had a buddy who had the whole house wired, and for a the first few hours it was just us guys BSing there...I understand the weekly poker game won't be there, but when cooking, etc. not bad to have, especially if the guy is going to do the runs.

Are the boxes that unsightly? In my bedroom, I have the TV on one of the dressers, and a small IR cable connected to the box, which sits on the floor underneath. Is the goal in addition to hide the boxes, or is the thought process, do it all at once?

I understand the $$ thing, as apparently you and I are the only non madjack millionaires. :facepalm:

Best.

 

[bsucards]

I had it in my old house because it was a model home, and found it quite nice to have, out in the garage and to any bedroom

My new house doesn't have it but did come with the upstairs loft with in wall speakers

 

[Mags]

IE:

We have an older version of Russound.. called the ABUS system (they still offer it)..

We do love it - we got the expansion model, so we have 6 zones total, including the master bathroom and kitchen, along with the deck. Kitchen is pretty much mandatory (as was mentioned) - anytime you entertain, that is where all the folks hang out.

The ABUS system is old, but works well. Plus, I've got a newer AVR (Pioneer Elite) that uses it's Zone 2 capability to power it - meaning anything that goes through the AVR can be sent throughout the home. And the AVR has an Ipad and phone (Android and Iphone) app - so I can change stations on Satellite radio or change anything on my ipad/phone and hear it throughout the house. I just set my ipad in the kitchen, and change music to whatever my guests would like to hear.

Sounds like the system you are looking at is a step up from what I have. I've never had a single issue with the Russound ABUS - they are a very good company.

I ended up installing the ABUS system in our second home too - and did it myself. But it is important to pre-wire correctly for the systems.

If you are building a home, this is your ONLY chance to wire correctly - it is very difficult to run wire after the house is built. I went overboard and ran 2 CAT 6 to each TV and 2 RG6. I wanted to be able to run a phone line and internet to each TV, and wanted 2 coax to each TV - cuz you never know what is coming in the future. You may want to look at extra wiring for the sound system you put it - it is important to have flexibility when technology changes.

Yes, everything has been going wireless the last few years, but wireless is never as good as being directly connected.

 

[layinwood]

I have it but I don't have that media streamer. Everything goes thru my receiver. I can contol it anywhere with my phone. So when I'm out by the pool I use my phone and can control everything. I have Pandora and use it mainly thru my receiver.

I just ordered, should in be today, a raspberry pi. I'm putting XBMC on it as well as Pandora and will be able to control it from anywhere. I plano on making it my media hub.

 

[vinnie]

I got one set up with a receiver you can play music inside or out by the pool. Plays pandora, iTunes, Netflix, apple tv2 on it too.

LUV IT ! :00hour

 

[Jord20]

I use SONOS. It is great

 

[Mags]

I use SONOS. It is great

I've heard very good things about their system.