Home A/V Build

[Russell]

I’m in the process of designing a major home renovation in NW Calgary. We are taking a 3 bedroom ~1200sq ft bungalow and updating it to a ~2300sq ft 3 bedroom 2 bathroom + loft modern home. I have been working through the home automation and audio visual layout and was looking for some feedback. The objective is to create a well-rounded system that can be expanded or upgraded in the future well meeting the needs of the home now.

My wife and I have spent some time looking through show homes and renovation projects and home automation systems have become very popular. My concern is that these systems will quickly become dated or outdated with advancements in technology. For example we were in a home which had wall docking stations for the first generation iPods. At the time I’m sure this seemed like a good idea but is somewhat obsolete now with blue-tooth and the new generation iPhones. Given this I have taken a less is more approach in the design of the system and have stuck with limited permanent equipment and stuck with the basics.

The system is broken out as follows:

Main system:
The main system will consist of a 5.1 in-ceiling speaker system directly connected to the receiver. 4 additional in-ceiling speaker zones will be powered by a multi-room amplifier connected to the 2nd Zone on the receiver. These speakers will be used for background music in entertaining areas.
Inputs: Sonos Connect, X-box, Shaw Box, Plex-App, Blu-Ray.

Receiver – LINK -RX-V677
The main reason for this selection is the multi-zone capabilities, built-in wifi, bluetooth connection and party mode to sync zone 2 speakers.

Multi-room Amplifier – LINK - HTD-DMA-1240
I’m looking for additional recommendations. The speakers connected to this system would run off zone 2 from the receiver and used to power the Patio, Kitchen, Dining Room, and Sitting Area speakers.

Wall Controls – Mono Price – LINK
Selected because of the IR function. Would consider any additional recommendations or feedback.

Indoor 5.1 In-Ceiling Speakers – Mono Price – LINK – 8” w/ 15 Degree Angled Woofer
These will be used to form the living room 5.1 sound system. Although an in-ceiling surround sound system is not ideal given the limited floor room this should do the trick.

Indoor In-Ceiling Speakers – Mono Price – LINK – 6-1/2”
These will be used to provide general listing in the remaining areas.

Outdoor In-Ceiling Speakers – Mono Price – LINK – 5-1/4”
Used on the patio/deck area

Bedroom system:
This system will be used in the main bedroom and bathroom for morning news/sports and general music listening. The bathroom will consist of stereo waterproof speakers for placement in a steam shower.

Receiver – LINK -RX-V677
I have selected the same multi-zone receiver as I am using in the main system for consistency and the multi-zone functionality.

Bedroom In-Ceiling Speakers – Mono Price – LINK – 6-1/2”
I’m currently debating between installing in-ceiling speakers versus a higher quality set of bookshelf speakers. This will largely depend on the final design of the bedroom layout.

Bathroom In-Ceiling Speakers - ?
I’m looking for recommendations. This would be stereo style speakers individually run to in wall volume control.

I have attached a SketchUp model of the rough speaker placement as well as a layout of how I envision the system being connected.

Any feedback or comments on selected equipment, speaker placement and equipment layout would be appreciated. In addition any input on things to consider during installation would be of benefit.

House:


Layout:


System Design 1 of 2:


System Design 2 of 2:

[Benjamin]

Re: Home A/V Build

My thoughts off the top of my head.

Connectivity between the amps I would run speaker wire, cat 6, and maybe a hdmi. You could also run a conduit between amps so you can easily pull newer wires when the ones you have become obsolete.

Speakers, I would run and use speaker wire. Wireless audio will always need a power source, so either way you need a wire (unless you want to deal with batteries). Wires are easier to setup, run, and typically have a better sound quality (assuming you don't use a really small guage dollar store speaker wire). Wireless works, more setup issues and sound is typically compressed.

Technology will make everything obsolete in time, go with what makes sense and fits your budget, and you will enjoy and move on.

[Silverstoned]

Re: Home A/V Build

I would not put speakers in your steam shower. Put them in the ceiling of the bathroom but not in the steam shower enclosure. Between the moisture issues and the horrible acoustics in a sealed tiled area, it doesn't make sense. I have a steam shower as well and can barely understand someone speaking at a normal volume due to the noise from the steam nozzle and the echos off the tile and glass. I can't even imagine how bad music would be.

[Stonewall]

Re: Home A/V Build

Since I have a drop ceiling in my basement I just put built in vacuum pipe (cheap) and low voltage open housing in the walls. This way I can easily add wires whenever needed. I think I still have a ton of audio related outlets and plates if you are interested in some. Otherwise I suggest monoprice for everything.