I have been using URC DMS amps outside of Total Control for awhile now. Plug them all into the same switch that is disconnected from the main network and control them with IR from the control system of your choice. The only limitations in this configuration are that you can't link zones like you can when using Total Control and there is no feedback.That said, we have recently made the jump to Total Control on our boats after testing it in my house for the past couple years. I am confident in it.