When using 3 (or however many) receivers, do you use different brands so you have discrete codes to control them or just route the IR control only to the receiver for that room?

I guess the downside that I saw to separate receivers of the same brand is you can't easily do a global off, on, etc. In other words, you can't shut off all from one room.

Using different brands eliminates some problems, but adds to the complexity as you have to learn how each works and programs for their separate IR codes.

If you use the Niles piece I posted above, you can use all the same model receiver and it does the routing... It has routable and shareable IR outs - quite flexible. Also cascadeable to make more than 4 zones.

I took a look at the manual. It seems like though you can route each rooms IR (from keypad or sensor) to each receiver, there is no global command that can be executed. This would be an IR code that would precede and ON or OFF IR command and tell it to turn on/off all receivers.

To turn them all off, you would have to go to each room and do it separately. Am I missing something?

one of the disadvantages is that Apple is not really savy about the CI market, the main audience of this forum, and has not designed their product around the needs of this type of installation. for single user, single zone, however, it is an awesome solution. Apple is not the only one running audio over network infrastructure, but everyone seems to think that they invented it, but because their marketing people were actually able to deploy it in a consumer friendly package, they might as well have.

I have used card framed based switchers such as the FCP Digimax (Midi Controllable), or Crestron PVID type devices to switch large numbers of digital sources, such as the Airtunes, as well as traditional CE sources for larger digital systems, which gives you back the ability to group zones together and distribute audio to very flexible scenes of zones, rather than a single zone. Also, how do you control priority, force iTunes clients to not use iTunes volumes control, or force everyone to use iTunes volume control, etc... It is a neat solution, but still not a professional solution. The Airport Express needs to have additional programmability built into it to set up these policies before it can be utilized in a professional manner.

I haven't used this, only played around with it here at home, so the small things elude me... There is a 'master sync that can control the attached peripherals (CD/Other), but I believe you are right with the Global Off problem. Still, for cheap, it's pretty cool.

FYI: 795-20 by CXantech is similar and around $150.

When I bought my equipment, I found the Niles and Xantech lines to be similar, but Niles has dealer MRSP pricing and it is harder to get discounts.

one work around is available for the global off command, although it may be more trouble then you want to go through.

In past, I've installed an ir router (xantech rt-8). The off command structure is an rc68 command opening three gates simultaneously, which then allows the following global command (off, or on are most common) to pass. Requires programming of remotes or keypads that you may not want to do.

get a cheap russound, nuvo or something else...by the time you guys play with all that bs you have spent way more time and moneynthan if you went with a inexpensive multi room multi source system....

stop spinning your wheels....

it will be more reliable and easier to use....

just my 2 cents

I have used Knoll Systems for budget installation, they have 4 and 6 zones system with their 4 zones 4 source system around 1600$ for controller, 4 keypads and remote control.
All you need is add speakers and sources, the controller is 50 watt x 8.

[Link: knollsystems.com]

What receiver do you use? Do they have discrete on/off?
I found a Sony but cant get it through distribution.
Any suggestions?

I second the recommendation of the Nuvo products. Their Simplese is only $1000 MSRP and you get a four zone four source system with keypads. It has 15 watts per channel and it can be expanded to 4x8 with an expander unit. The Nuvo stuff is also very simple to setup. We have had good reliability from Nuvo products and on the few problems we have had the tech staff has been very responsive.

If you are familiar with Xantech check out their 4x4 systems. They are certainly in your desired price range and they have controller/amps with keypads packages. I believe the MRC44 and/or the BXAudio something fit the bill. I agree with ceied. Putting together these adhoc systems can be made to work but they are a hassle and a huge time waster.

If there is a way to post an attachment on here, I will attach the comparison chart for D/A systems that I posted on IP (less wholesale costs)

Or, I can e-mail it to anyone interested, and maybe we can get a pretty decent sized comparison chart if we get enough feedback.

Integra has a DTM5.3 2 channel 100 watt receiver that can be stacked with up to 9 others. Each can be set to a different remote code for independent operation. Has zone 2 function requiring second power amp.

I will third or fourth the NuVo choice. We have discontinued our Russound MS/MZ association to go w/ them, on a recommendation of our HAI rep. We are HAI dealers & the integration w/ the NuVo & the OmniTouch is awesome. Since we tried NuVo we have not looked back....

Though the Concerto, & Essentia do not fall into your 'entry-level' catagory, the NuVo Simplese is a great piece, & you can't beat the $1000 MSRP. Just wish it had a little more power.