Got a budget based project where the client wants 6 zones of distributed audio with Airplay or Sonos as a source but does not have to have them as indepent zones. To be honest I have never installed a volume control on a new project ever. I know speaker selectors and volume controls are old tech and typically can push for a more elegant solution.

Current Options

1. Snap AV based speaker selector off of zone 2 on a Marantz with VC's in each zone.

2. Snap AV (or similar) multi zone amp (12 ch) with global inputs and fed by airport expresses or sonos (2)

3. Niles ZR6 system with Keypads feed by Cable, Airport express or Sonos


My questions is related to the retail price of the ZR6 system. My price sheet is not clear in terms of packaging. Does this system come with keypads like the Nuvo's or are they all separate? If so then they may not meet budget.

All would allow for future expansion to a control system. Right now we are just using MX880's in the tv zones but I hate adding mutli zone to wand remotes.

I guess I should add the budget to drive the DA should be around $2k.

Personally I'd go with option 2. Then zone independence can be added later just by adding more Connects as the clients budget allows until you have 1 per room (fully independent). That opens the door to more sales down the line with a clear (and super easy for you) upgrade path.

I did this exact same thing with a client on a budget that was going through a divorce. He used his Airport Express for now. It is tied into the global in on an Episode 12 CH amp. The thought is to add some Sonos Connects down the road when the divorce is finalized.

So he wants one zone of distributed audio in six rooms, with independent room volume control.


Then you should know that all six VCs in a central location probably means the volume will never be adjusted after being set once. VCs should go in the rooms where the speakers are so the client doesn't have to trudge to the other end of the house to, say, answer the phone.


You're likely to blow the zone 2 amp, which will take down the whole system. Never run more than two pairs of speakers.


My vote, too. But how do you adjust volume in the room you're in?



To allow for future, you need speaker wires past each VC location, speaker wire home runs, and data cables to each VC location so you can convert to a keypad.

Sorry Ernie the VC were always planned to be installed in the rooms with speakers and not at the rack.

No, the ZR6 does not include the keypads. I have done a few of these systems. The ZR6 has full discrete codes per zone if you want to add it to a control system. I am currently installing a system where I am using the ZR 6. Zone 1 is the main patio with a tv installed and a pair of OS6.5 speakers. Zone 2 is the pool area with another outdoor tv and 4 rock speakers. Zone 3 will be the bar with another tv and 1 pr. of flushmounts. This leaves 3 additional zones for house music. I will have keypads only on the 3 add rooms. Urc. controls for the others.

Thanks skynyrd. I thought that was the case. I was hoping it wasn't but what the heck.

VC will be based on how many Connects you have. Don't want all house party at the same volume? Easy sale for another Connect....and another and another.

Personally I'm not a fan of VCs. As Ernie mentioned you have to run the wire through the VC location which may not be ideal.

But yes, do remember to rough in for keypad locations. If you go the VC route, it's an easy swap out. Otherwise leave a coil and dig it out later.

You can get 2-3 Connects around the budget the client is looking at. Maybe that works or maybe it doesn't depending on how the zones are located and whether or not they can be grouped "ideally".

Yeah what drives me crazy/ inefficient is I don't do many projects where the Champagne dreams beer budgets. For some reason most folks get it and understand. Don't get me wrong I don't not live in the "Only the best will do" world either. Just lucky I guess.

Lack of experience is a pain. My biggest flaw as a business man is the fact that I always want to do the system the best way regardless of wants/budget. I know after a year of VC's they will want more control.

I just did something similar, sonos connect to a snap amp with volume controls. Had quoted all sonos but got shot down. Was visiting right after they moved in and she told me "I love sonos and should have just written you the check the way you designed it"

Yeah I am going to show both options. (Sonos interchanged with Airport Expresses)

I might show the Niles solution as I think it has the best upgrade path with the cat5 in place. I can always prewire but even prepping for these things is send the numbers up.

I would go with the Niles ZR6 and offer Ipad control to make it easy for single room and multi zone control.  Also I like the ability of seeing pandora and iTunes information on the iPad as I am walking around the house or backyard controlling zones