Hello all. I'VE been reading a ton of threads here since it seems like the only place people discuss b&k home systems.

I have a bit of a different question. I received a ct600.3 for free and after reading up on it have decided I'd like to try to use its 6 stereo zones in my home theater.

I don't have the key pad and all I want to do is trigger all zones on and referencing the RCA inputs so I can use it.

Is there a way I can do this such as wire a 12v DC source to the +12 and -12 pins of a cat 5 cable and turn the amp on? I hope I've made myself clear enough. I'm not looking to run keypads and multi source. Just RCA in and sound out like a normal amplifier. I'm fine with physically bypassing circuitry internally if that would work. Thanks.

Don’t do it. It’s not worth it.

If it is free and something to play around with, why wouldn't it be worth it? If it soundsbad, no harm. But I may find a use for it. Just wondering if there was a way to do it without buying and I stalling ck1's. Let alone finding software.

Because they were a pain to work with, even if you had all the parts and software. They were problematic as **** when set up correctly and required constant rebooting. I cry tears of joy every time I come across one that has died and needs replacing

They do have it inputs and rs232 control. But you’ll regret it. Also, I believe they only ran 55 watts. Great for background music, a little weak for surround.

They actually sounded quite good.

The problem is that they are a pain in the ass to program and set up. you need a program called B&K C-Suite first and foremost. Its hard to find at this point and even f you found it, your going to have a bad time connecting it to your PC and figuring out what your doing.

There is no "Hotwire"

they only thing I can think of... Which would be even more painful than finding the software and reprogramming it, would be to wire a IR receiver to the zones, B&K has 128 code sets. Most likely each zone is set up to respond to one already.

You can find Home Theater Master SL-9000 remotes on ebay for cheap. THats what B&K used back in the day and they have all 128 codesets built in.

I must mention that I am rather confused as to how you are trying to use the amp as its not a Home theater amp at all. Perhaps if you tell us what your trying to do, we can come up with a better solution.

Actually, if you have some sort of control system (even just a urc base) you could wire the ir into the ir input on the back. Depending on which version of ct, I think this might even be a 3.5mm mono jack. But you would have to program the urc remote to spit out correct codes for each zone and input. When I did a lot of B&K, I knew the codesets for each zone. I don’t remember now.

The problem you are going to have though is volume control. Without B&K suite software, you can’t make the CT default to max volume.

Someone has lost their marbles

I know it's only February but this is sitting on the throne for stupidest thread of the year and it's gonna take something magical to dethrone it. Marbles obviously has too much time on his hands.

Using a 600.3 for a surround amp is like trying to use BBQ tongs to fish. You've been warned by Fins and now me. Will it work? Maybe. Is it worth it? A resounding hell no! You better have pretty good programming skills and a great control system to create the labyrinth of macros needed to even have a prayer. I suggest you take up cribbage with all this time on your hands (or knitting). It certainly would be more productive

I can think of 2 good things to do with this 600.3 and neither one are close to your suggested use.

As for FP’s 2 good uses, one of them requires you to own a boat.

you guys are so mean spirited

If I were mean, I would have encouraged him to go for it.

Correct, and the other use requires a door that won't stay open!