Working on a spec house, builder called us in a little late for prewire. Drywall is up but we have basement access. I need a low cost idea for a multi room system with either cat 5 volume controls or no volume control, app based like sonos. It is 4 zones. Sonos is $2000 for 4 connect amps and the the builder don't think he can get that back out of it.
I can run a cat 5 for a keypad/volume but probably not a traditional volume control because I will be running all speaker wire through a basement to attic conduit.

[Link: legrand.us]

So your putting all the Speakers and all the wiring in for free?

Why would you want to work with a builder that puts absolutely no value on what you do?

If he doesnt think that 4 connects would add $2000 in value to the house, then why is he even doing Audio in the first place?

something doesnt add up here....

The niles piece is nice. It's basically a stripped down version of Elan g. But it will still need a source (like a Sonos connect). You are not going to find an option for less than $2k

[Link: nilesaudio.com]

Sure you will...The linked Legrand digital audio uses NUVO technology....the app is really just a skinned NUVO wireless app....it is not ABUS at all anymore and has a pretty decent 10WPC (at the volume control)...gets plenty loud and has enough services available to make customers happy.

+1.

No way in hell can you even provide the infrastructure (labor, wiring and speakers) for $2k. Anyway you slice it you will exceed $4k installed, unless you run with 4 each Sonos Play 3 or 2, which is not built in.

All wiring is already finalized. We are also doing network wiring.. this was just an add on for $2000

I'll sell you my demo Nuvo grand concerto system for $750.

"Finalized" doesn't mean installed, does it? And then this comes along as an add-on?

If the GC didn't have it together enough to think of this when the walls were open and doesn't think he can get $2000 out of it, well, that's two strikes right there. I'd decline to offer my services for this. Reality is that there is simply no way you'll get it "down the road," either. He's done something stupid and he's trying not to pay for a) his mistake and b) the real price of work.

He just approached us for wiring.. and trust me he is paying for the fact of calling us in late. Deposit has been collected. I mentioned an audio system (sonos) to add on to the speakers we are going to already put in. He is interested.. just not $2000 interested.. I will ask him about the nuvo demo.

You can always get s couple more thousand out of a house that will sell for $100k+. The key is to make sure the music is on when the house is being shown. And even if you can't add $2k to the asking price, it will speed up the sale of the home enough to save him $2k in interest on a construction loan. He is being short sighted

I'm still pretty new on the home value stuff, but that's how I sold him on structured wiring. I told him it adds 2% to the home value.

Since I've always used Russound:

AD440 and a CD player or a tuner.

CA4KT1 and a CD or a tuner.


Both bring you in at a cost the builder can stand. Both put something in the house that can be used during open houses, etc, etc.

Both can easily be upgraded.

+1. How 'bout, "Mr. builder, you called me late and that's on you. Here's what I can do for you - it's $5k." Stick to your guns and eventually you'll dictate projects.

Guys you are missing the point he keeps repeating over & over...
The wiring and speakers has already been approved and they are installing it now - price unknown but he said he IS making his money on the builder, including rush fees.

What he WANTS to know is at trim-out. What audio system can he put in the home, on the speakers & wiring he is doing now. For much less than $2K. That has app control.

I think the Legrand option above would be interesting to try.