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There are many types of whole house audio speaker distribution systems. One of the most popular, and most versatile, is a multi zone amplifier with individual keypads for each zone; each keypad having the ability to operate the entire system. The speakers are usually home run wired with 16 or 14 gauge cable, and the keypads are home run wired with CAT5 networking cable. Often one would use a Pre amp that controls which audio/video source is selected (dvd, cd, home theater, ipod satellite radio, etc), processes the incoming sound signals, and distributes audio to the amplifiers, which powers the signal and sends it to the separate zones and/or channels. The more popular is an Amplifier and Pre Amp In One Combo.
Speaker Distribution Switchers and Selectors. As we have discussed before, if your Stereo or Audio Video Amplifier / Receiver does not have multi zone capability and you want to install more than one Audio Zone, the impedance (ohms) may drop to a dangerously low level causing circuitry damage or shutdown. Multi Zone Impedance Protecting Matching Speaker Selectors will help you avoid this potential nightmare. Impedance protection will cause the source to operate as if there were only one pair of speakers connected. However, many people use the terms "Switcher" or "Switch" and the term "Selector" interchangeably. This is not a big problem, but one must remember that a Switch or Switcher is often referring to an A/B device that is merely used when one sends a signal from one stereo receiver or amplifier to the switcher, which is merely used to switch between two pairs of speakers, where the Selector most often refers to a Multi Zone Audio Distribution Speaker System.
We at General & Install Necessities carry both. A/B, A + B, and A and/or B Switches and Multi Zone Selectors that can distribute audio from 4 to 12 stereo zones. Installation is also a snap. It is a 4 wire input (left -+ and Right +-), you wire from the output on your stereo receiver or amp to the 4 wire input on the new unit. Then from there you will find multiple outputs going out to separate zones, which can be turned off or on with the push of a button.
If your amplifier or receiver does not have multiple zone capabilities, and you do not plan on installing volume controls in all your zones, then this is definitely the correct route to travel, and invaluable, though an inexpensive tool to turn a simple stereo system into a whole house audio system.
Purchase at the GIN Electronics Custom Install Store