I'm working on a bid for a 4 zone home in which the homeowner wants a multi-zone system, but is not a real audiophile by any means...

The ZR-4 is in the right price range and in the "media room" (A/V closet) audio will come from display speakers, etc. so no surround.

As you know if we can "show" control options, etc. we have a better chance of the sell, but in the case of the ZR-4 and in-wall control the client does not have the option of skipping iPod or CD tunes...  this is the first question I get with the Niles - "Is source and volume my only control option"...

So what are your thoughts on the Niles (or other suggestions in the 4-Zone price range) with perhaps the RK-1...

Just looking for some input on your experience with similar set-ups.

Best,

Wine.

If you're going RTI I would use the Nuvo da contoller and escient fp1. However I think you havebto use an rk3 & xp8 to get any feedback. Sounds like you would be best off going with a nukes zr6 with some metadata kp's or the Nuvo essentia system, but I do line the Niles zr6

Use the ZR4 and RKM-1 and CB-4 to control the sources. You will be able to skip tracks and channels etc. Cheap but good...

I would try the ZR6 with better keypad options.

I like the idea of bumping up to the ZR-6 as it's not much more and "you have room to expand"...

Couple that with a few Solo-6MD or even a TS-Pro and that would be nice.  I also like the iPod dock and that's it's all one system - clean...

Now for the Sat. music control??  I'd do a dedicated SD DTV receiver for music, but with this level of system I think they're stuck inputting channel numbers via DTV remote with no video feedback... 

I've serviced systems like this and it's a pain as you (they) are blindly changing channels and if the receiver resets or locks they have no idea what's going on (thus my service call...)

If they are doing a keypad in their family room, try and upgrade it to an RK2 or RK3 so you can have channel icons. Then if possible, get a DTV receiver with rs-232 (I know it costs a few more bucks monthly, but its the most reliable way) and use the direct channel input codes. I'm guessing they are already in RTI database, but I don't have the software to check! :D

Hope that helps.

I love the niles ZR4/6 simply because they have discrete IR commands for every zone going into a single input.

Sounds good Ali, but what RTI interface would you suggest for the ZR-4/6 and the RK2/3 keypads?

The goal here is to pitch a 4 zone (or 6 with the "upgrade" option) to a family that in their previous homes we've worked in just want AVR zone 2 volume control and not much else.

I'm going to pitch with labor all being the same with regard to a volume control vs. a control keypad your "growing" family will enjoy much more control with "X"...

I appreciate your continued input....

If you plan to go the RTI route, LABOR will not be the same. With the ZR6 and Metadata KP's, they will have 2-way control of an iPod and AM/FM Tuner, plus basic control of other legacy sources. To save money you can even use the basic (non metadata) KP's, in secondary zones. The Niles KP's don't require any programming and an RTI solution does.

While I like RTI the solution will likely cost more and have less functionality, unless you are also doing a control system for the family room tv and that includes an XP8. The 2-way RTI solution is sweet but also a BIG step both in performance and in Price from a 2nd zone AVR with VC's.

A ZR6 is like $1700, plus the RK2's are $450 each, so that's already $3500, plus you need power supply and control processor. You could use the MRP-64 bringing your total to $4200 plus programming (installation would be about the same). That system has room to grow, but you still need an iPod dock, so that's another few hundred bucks, say $4500 total for a 4 zones plus AT LEAST 4 hours of programming (most likely) AND no 2-way control.

ZR6 with 4 Solo-6 MD keypads gives you the 2-way iPod and AM/FM and the iPod connection built in (plus could add optional iPod dock). Total $2700 and no programming just a few settings.

Again, I like the RTI solution better if you think you may be upgrading this client and adding more automation over time and if you are doing a RTI system in the Family room or whatever already and especially if you have an XP8 in the budget.

But if you need to upgrade on a small budget, the ZR6 is rock solid and still somewhat flexible.

Sofa thanks for your reply...

I agree and after doing a pre-wire inspection today I'm more in the spirit of going with the pure Niles keypad system....

First of all, the home is huge.  Easily surpasses 6 zones, BUT as I wrote they're not into A/V. (or so they think...).  I'm all about the expansion.

My sources are: ipod, Sat. music, CD (really??), Tuner (really??)... it's 2010.  How about Internet music...

Metadata is not a problem with the TS-Pro or the Solo-6MD from the iPod source.

My only issue is - I'll need to have channel icons for the Sat music channels controlled via IR to the dedicated music sat receiver - is this possible with the Niles keypads?

Again, thanks.

You can't customize the Niles KP's, they are similar to Nuvo in that the programming is done. It is what it is. For true customizing you would have to go with an RTI solution or maybe something with URC, but both would cost much more (not that its not worth it, but you have to get it from your client.)

I'm not sure if you could do it with the TS-PRO b/c I haven't worked with it yet, but I know it has a little more flexibility and features than the MD KP.

I would drill for more answer on how they use the Sat Radio. I've found that a lot of people on really listen to one or two stations. If that is the case, there may be a way to make it work.

I would simply explain the limitations of a sub $3k solution (while it will meet your overall needs there are something it can't do such as provide you with an easy way to control your sat radio), then go into ALL the benefits of the $5k solution (endless expansion and growth).

I believe they have the IR control codes for the ZR6 iPod connection, but I may be wrong. IMO, the main problem with the RTI solution is the lack of MD. Maybe the ZR6 would work, but i Know the XP8 would making it really a $7k solution.

I think its VERY important to understand the limits and benefits of each solution.

Much agreed Sofa - You make good points and so true with the sat stations - one or two at the most.

I think if I can sink the full iPod solution as well as some sort of sat radio option along with CD, etc. I'll be in good shape for the price point.

I'll call Niles in the am and see what they say and I'll post back.

All the best,

-Wine

Wine,

ask for john hamilton in tech. he is the "best in the biz"

very helpful and a great asset to niles.

1 800 buy hifi is the tech number.

Somewhere in Florida, John Hamilton is looking at his phone with all the lights lit up and wondering what he has done to bring this upon himself....

hahaha.

funny fred!!