RE: Whole house audio control

["Paul Watkin" <groups@xxxxxxx>]

I took a look at Elan Home Systems previously and they worked out very
reasonably compared to the likes of QED and Linn

http://www.elanhomesystems.com

They also have someone based in the UK (cambridge if memory serves me
correctly) that is selling 240V UK versions.

Paul

-----Original Message-----
From: kw1816 [mailto:kw1816@xxxxxxx]
Sent: 13 January 2004 17:16
To: ukha_d@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [ukha_d] Whole house audio control

Time to ask for some helpful advice I think :-)

I've been planning/building a whole house audio system for our next house
(move imminent). I know that as soon as we move then money will be
swallowed
up by nice-to-haves like kitchens and things so I want to get as much of
the
gear as possible now.

I already have a 'mock up' running that consists of the following:

Win 2000 PC running J Rivers Media Centre, all my CD's ripped to MP3 and a
Psion Wavefinder USB DAB thingy. At the moment the output is connected to
an
old receiver and a pair of bookshelf speakers for testing.

I've also `created' a couple of touchscreen PC controllers out of a cheap
touchscreen add on linked to a laptop in a custom case with the screen
`flipped' so it's like a tablet PC - Don't ask why - I had a spare laptop
or
two !

These run the excellent Mainloby/Music lobby, giving me full control over
the MP3's and also the DAB radio (which appears as any other track would).

So I have the source control sorted, one touchscreen upstairs and one down
-
what I need is control over the volume etc in each room.
I'm not too bothered about multi source but I would like individual control
in each room.  The wall controllers must have a very high WAF, in this case
backlighting, soft touch buttons, twinkly lights score highly.

I've looked at the QED and Linn stuff and have been less than impressed,
not
with the products, but with the cost.

Casting a quick search over the pond it seems there are a number of systems
which are much better value - particularly at the moment with the exchange
rate, even taking into account shipping, duty and VAT.

I'm looking for any suggestions, or comments from anyone using something
like the Russound, Niles or Xantach systems, or suggestions for UK sourced
solutions.

Cheers
Kevin.



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