Hi all 🙂
So I've been looking at some of the multi-channel amplifiers that are used in multi-room audio setups. They appear to be fairly simple devices - but with fairly high prices. Take for example the Control4 amplifiers.
http://www.control4.com/docs/product/4-zone-power-amplifier/data-sheet/english/latest/4-zone-power-amplifier-data-sheet-rev-b.pdf
The C4-AMP108 offers 16 channels (8 stereo zones) plus bridging ability and low voltage trigger switch-on. It retails circa $1500 / £990 😱
Looking at the specs and weight of the product - could it be using something akin to Class D amplification?
So it got me thinking about how difficult and how much cheaper would it be to replicate something similar to this using readily available Class D boards?
Some random thoughts that came to mind for my application:
Lots to think about & learn - and I'm a novice - forgive me.
But do you guys think it would be possible to achieve with what is now available - and for a substantial saving compared to off-the-shelf products like the Control4?
Thanks!
So I've been looking at some of the multi-channel amplifiers that are used in multi-room audio setups. They appear to be fairly simple devices - but with fairly high prices. Take for example the Control4 amplifiers.
http://www.control4.com/docs/product/4-zone-power-amplifier/data-sheet/english/latest/4-zone-power-amplifier-data-sheet-rev-b.pdf
The C4-AMP108 offers 16 channels (8 stereo zones) plus bridging ability and low voltage trigger switch-on. It retails circa $1500 / £990 😱
Looking at the specs and weight of the product - could it be using something akin to Class D amplification?
So it got me thinking about how difficult and how much cheaper would it be to replicate something similar to this using readily available Class D boards?
Some random thoughts that came to mind for my application:
- Low power / standby consumption desired - preferably one PSU
- Four rooms - each with stereo speakers & one passive sub
- Active / passive filtering for the Sub's?
- Bridging two channels for the Sub's?
- Source signal derived from each room (e.g. iPad > DAC > Volume Control > Amp) and global source option from central location nearby the amp
- Simple wall mounted volume control in each room with potentiometer & combined on / off switch to provide amp on / off triggering
- How to achieve triggering for each zone - just switching the power supply rails?
- Power output similar to Control4 amp would be sufficient
- Decent sound quality - I know that's subjective - but something akin to readily available products like the Control4 - even though I don't know what it sounds like!
Lots to think about & learn - and I'm a novice - forgive me.
But do you guys think it would be possible to achieve with what is now available - and for a substantial saving compared to off-the-shelf products like the Control4?
Thanks!
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You need to take a look at the system as a whole and decide on a budget.
Have a look at Jriver JRiver Media Center software
Supports multiple zones.
Remote control from i/Android devices.
Crossover for Subs.
Loads more features.
The amp is only part of the total cost of a system like this.
Do you already have the speakers, cabling and DACs ?
Used AV amplifiers are the cheapest way to get a DAC and amp.
Some AV amplifer will support multiple zones with remote control from i/Android devices.
More recent ones support airplay.
Have a look at Sonos. Easy to install.
Have a look at Jriver JRiver Media Center software
Supports multiple zones.
Remote control from i/Android devices.
Crossover for Subs.
Loads more features.
The amp is only part of the total cost of a system like this.
Do you already have the speakers, cabling and DACs ?
Used AV amplifiers are the cheapest way to get a DAC and amp.
Some AV amplifer will support multiple zones with remote control from i/Android devices.
More recent ones support airplay.
Have a look at Sonos. Easy to install.
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Hi Deano
Yes I've looked at JRiver & other software - and I am still researching.
I wanted a single unit if possible with a single PSU - one of my first criteria to reduce consumption. I know I could have a few AV amps strung around but that feels too messy as well as having four extra units consuming standby power and to find space for. That said the two bedrooms & living room will have their own dedicated 5.1 AV amps (because I want 5.1 in those rooms only). I've investigated AV amps that support multiple zones - but without significant extra expense they have limitations - and most only support an extra 'zone'.
I already have speakers (been collecting for a while!) - and plenty of cabling.
I did have concerns about long cables - but having read Roger Russell's article which is often quoted I am less concerned about that aspect: Speaker Wire
I've looked at Sonos = expensive!
I already have speakers / cabling - so I just wanted to create a simple system with the equivalent of something like the Control4 amp. Having seen the price these Class D boards sell at it just looked like an attractive option. I have looked at the 2.1 boards - but it appears the sub amplification in these modules have short-comings in their XO filtering.
Yes I've looked at JRiver & other software - and I am still researching.
I wanted a single unit if possible with a single PSU - one of my first criteria to reduce consumption. I know I could have a few AV amps strung around but that feels too messy as well as having four extra units consuming standby power and to find space for. That said the two bedrooms & living room will have their own dedicated 5.1 AV amps (because I want 5.1 in those rooms only). I've investigated AV amps that support multiple zones - but without significant extra expense they have limitations - and most only support an extra 'zone'.
I already have speakers (been collecting for a while!) - and plenty of cabling.
I did have concerns about long cables - but having read Roger Russell's article which is often quoted I am less concerned about that aspect: Speaker Wire
I've looked at Sonos = expensive!
I already have speakers / cabling - so I just wanted to create a simple system with the equivalent of something like the Control4 amp. Having seen the price these Class D boards sell at it just looked like an attractive option. I have looked at the 2.1 boards - but it appears the sub amplification in these modules have short-comings in their XO filtering.
How big are the subs and other speakers ?
Power handling of the above ?
How do propose to connect the idevices to the DACs ?
High quality low standby power class D modules.
https://www.hypexshop.com/
No sure you will save much building you own.
However, this is diyAudio so be prepared for hundreds of hours of 'fun'.
Power handling of the above ?
How do propose to connect the idevices to the DACs ?
High quality low standby power class D modules.
https://www.hypexshop.com/
No sure you will save much building you own.
However, this is diyAudio so be prepared for hundreds of hours of 'fun'.
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