Has anyone worked with an a/d/s multi room system? I was wondering how they compare to other multi room systems in the same price range. 4 zone system with 3 gang keypad with lcd display aprox $6000 for conroller amp and 4 keypads.
Thanks Zinon

I'm not familiar with the Dominet, although ADS is typically a "high-quality" brand. However, for that amount of money you could buy a Crestron multi-room audio system, which would be much more versatile. $6000 would buy you a CNX-PAD8 multi-zone pre-amp, four CNWP12F single-gang "transport/source" keypads, four CNWP12N single-gang numeric keypads, an ST-CP controller, and leave $1000 to $1200 for an amplifier (probably Niles or Xantech).

Since the Crestron is "logic-based", it can be programmed to accomodate numerous functions that are not possible with other systems.

For example, minimum and maximum volume levels can not only be pre-defined, but they can be altered by other system events in "real time" -- ie, Zone 1 (kids' room) has a maximum volume of 80% during the day, 50% after 7 pm, and 0% after 9 pm. Or, Zone 1 can never exceed Zone 2, etc.

The buttons on the keypad aren't "locked" into any particular function either. With most other systems, if you had four satellite receivers (or CD players, FM tuners, etc), you'd need to have *four* SAT buttons -- Sat 1, Sat 2, etc. With Crestron, you could use *only one* SAT button, programmed to select the first receiver with one press, the second receiver with two presses, and so on. And the Sat button's LED will blink a corresponding number, to confirm the selection. You could even set it up so that a single press *automatically* selects the first available (not currently in use) receiver, from a pool of however many.

With the numeric keypads, entering a value greater than 100 selects the satellite channel as you would normally expect, however entering a value *below* 100, such as 1 through 0, will recall one of the *preset* stations. Pressing and holding 1 through 0 will store the present channel to the corresponding preset. This same logic can be applied to radio tuners, CD changers, and hard-disc "jukeboxes" (groups, playlists, etc).

Since you'd already have the Crestron controller, it would facilitate integrating other subsystems in the home. The ST-CP has two serial ports, four IR ports, and a built-in RF receiver (for wireless touchscreens and remotes). You can also add up to 255 I/O expansion devices or hardwired touchscreens.

And that's just the "tip of the iceberg" :-)

I've installed both the original dominet and the dominet 2. They are a great peice of gear, but they have several drawbacks. They are not a 'learning' style system, you have to enter the three digit code for your gear, and if they don't have your gear, be prepared to wait for it to be programmed. Usually they are the cutting edge of design also, there is a problem with this, bugs....the software had a bunch of bugs in it. And I don't really like 'all in one' boxes. If the video distribution goes out of it, you have to lose your entire system to get it repaired.

If you don't want to get as fancy as Tony suggests, albiet cool, then I'd recommend a different system than the dominet. Look at The Director by AudioControl, theress a great piece of gear,it is audio only, which I like. Then there is the standby AudioAccess, another great piece and recently made more flexible with the windows programming software.

Then there are the EAD's etc. Lots of choice these days in multi-zone, multi-source equipment...AIN'T IT GREAT!

I used to work on the original Dominet system and it was nice. It didn't like power problems though and would lock up at the slightest hiccup. I solved that problem by installing a UPS on the controller preamp. Another thing, the amps were class A and generated ALOT of heat. Other than that, I liked the system. If I were to choose now, I'd seriously look at the Crestron stuff.

David

It looks like we will go with the crestron system
Thanks guys