First off...I know this isnt considdered a Home theatre device, but was hoping someone here may have some input.

I recently moved into a new home which has a Nutone Intercom in it (model 4006). We would like to upgrade the system as we have been using it a bit but the system is 20 years old and needs an upgrade at this point as the speakers and face plates are past their prime.

I know I can install a new Nutone system (model 4406) but have also seen the M&S systems makes a product which can retrofit using the same wiring. The model I would use is the DMC1. ([Link: mssystems.com] )

Does anyone know about these systems and have any input as to which is better? They both seem to have very similar costs and and I am interested in getting the best system operationally and appearance wise....and using the same wiring (I have a 6 wire system). Does anyone know which is better for me? Appearance wise, I like the M&S system...but I want something that will work as well.

Do I have other options as well?

Thank you,

Bob

You might consider getting a phone system. Panasonic, Avaya, NEC, Toshiba. Wiring is different but some of your existing phone wiring will do. You will need sheet rock spackle and paint though

My intercom business has died the last year or so. We no longer install music intercoms (because everyone wants distributed audio). Now we just do Greyfox (OnQ/Legrand) if they want to talk from room to room.

We did do a replacement with the M&S DMC3-4 (the DMC1 is for new construction using Cat5 only). It is a nice unit, but the sound is terrible compared to distributed audio because it is mono only. We had some issues with the install because of room speaker size, etc. But for the most part was pretty simple.

If you are upgrading for sound, you would be better off looking into a distributed audio system, installed by a professional.

Bob,

The DMC-1 was designed SPECIFICALLY with replacement of the Nutone products in mind.

The "retro" trim rings are made to cover the standard size Nutone room stations. But if you have any of the larger 8" speakers, M&S has made no effort to produce a trim ring that will allow for their replacement, so you'll have to get a bit creative and make something on your own.

MY personal feeling is that the M&S system, even with it's shortcomings, is a far better option than replacement with a newer Nutone system.

Pretty simple DIY project. Just make sure you get all the correct parts.....

uoi seem to know this sustem well so I have another question. I am getting a hum in the back ground which I have been told may be caused by electrical wiring being too close. Do you know if that will affect one system more than the other?

Bob,

The hum isn't going to go away......

Yes, it could be, and most likely is, caused by the intercom wiring being run paralell with the electrical. But there are other possibilities.

The hum, are two speakers sharing the same wall bu in different rooms. Back to back?

Nutone does make a retro ring. You will never find it on there web site. Any installer who has done these can find you the part numbers.

Please note: the new retro kits dings very easy. be careful.

Good luck

Mike

Speakers back to back will cause issues, but not likely to cause the system to hum.

Major feedback problem? Yes. But hum? Nope.

And for what it's worth, the Nutone "retro" trim that I received as a sample was nothing more than a piece of flat, white, plexiglass....Sad, but true.

Bob, I am in a similar (but worse) situation. Let me explain: my 20-year old house has a Nutone IM-2003 series Intercom system. It has a very annoying hum and the door unit does not work. Given that it has only a loop wiring system, I think my options are even more limited. Any ideas anyone?

Have you looked at Aiphone? I installed their equipment for many years. good stuff and lots of system variety.

I did check it out and it looks neat. However, I don't get the impression that it would/could use my existing Nutone loop wiring. Would you know?

I think it is too inconvenient and no insurance.I mean,your intercom is too old,I worry it won't working in the future.so maybe it is necessary to buy a new video door intercom

Thanks for the ideas guys. My original thinking was to use all the intercoms that are already installed throughout the house. I know there are better systems out there but replacing all the units I have would be a lot more work (and more messy) than just replacing the base unit.

I think you could have replace the old intercom with the new one.

I'm afraid you're right, so far I did not get any suggestions/options to allow to only replace the base station...