The SA cable boxes I use don't work well for dual zone systems because their audio output volume level is extremely low. Customers that want cable music end up with a huge volume disparity between sources.

Fred gave me a solution with a car audio product that boosts the volume level, and it works. I was hoping to find a more home audio friendly solution with a built-in power supply.

Are there any fairly inexpensive stereo preamps (under $100) that will work for this application?

Thanks,

Dawn

Dawn;
Stay with Freds idea.
Cheap, works and is easy to replace if damaged.
This is one of my favs.
[Link: mobileaudiocontrol.com]

or maybe this Pro unit.
[Link: edcorusa.com]

Radio Design Labs little fix-it boxes have been a staple of pro sound for many years.

[Link: rdlnet.com]

[Link: rdlnet.com]

The #1 drawback is that they are all barrier strip terminations, but if you use interconnect with individual conductors for tip and ground (not a shield for ground) then it's pretty easy to strip them out and make your connections.

The original royal blue ProFlex PFT-A interconnect and the Monster Interlink 250, 300, or 400 are common examples of cables which use this type of construction.

Rick and Brent, Thanks!

That Edcor unit looks perfect!

Dawn

Definateley stick w/ the car audio route, its cheap and works. We also include the cable box volume up along w/ the system on macro w/ S/A boxes. This will ensure the box will stay at maximum level (30).

I assume you have also set the menu items for normal audio and fixed level. These will also get a little more level.

Audioplex makes a line level amplifier that is perfect for this application. We use it in every system just for this reason. It is like very inexpensive and gives like +/- 6db @ 1/3 watt. It retails for $75 the Little amp B. This is just a pc board with pods but a good double sided tape (moose dst100) will keep it on the back or the cable box or amplifier or rack or ceiling...... The little amp chasis version cost more then double. If you are not comfortable with just the pcb you can get a project box at radio shack for $5 and pot it in there.

What kind of power supply do you use with the Audiocontrol piece?

You can use the same powersupply that you use for IR systems.
12 volt / 500 mA.

Thanks, I'm going to try one out for the same problem with a Motorola cable box. Anyone know a good distribuitor?