Hi Guys, I got some questions. I am not a super newb but I know a I lack a lot of info when it comes to AV stuff. Here is the scenario I have. Our new home has a kind of open concept going on. So in the living room I want to have 5.1 going. Off the living room is our den, the kitchen, and dining room. I want to get some audio in those rooms too when we entertain. Most turners have 2 room audio features. The three room ones cost over 1000 for a quality one (Pioneer etc). I think some people use their receivers to watch tv in one room listen to the radio or a cd in another. That isn't what i am going for. I want the same music broadcast throughout. I read somewhere you can add additional speakers to a existing receiver if it has preouts and buy separate amps. Is this a cheaper option that just dropping 1K on an receiver? I don't really know what a pre out does? I have always use a receiver that did everything for me. Will the normal volume knob control everything? How will I turn off the other speakers if they are not integrated into the existing receiver and I don't want them on? Sorry if these questions seem dumb.
Here's a good list: http://bored-bored.com/top-ten-stunning-ultra-geeky-home-cinemas I would choose the Batcave
Logitech Slim Server is also a good option without buying a $1k receiver. Each device can be synced up so they all play the same thing and controlled with one volume button. (or you can run them idenpendently)
If you could stretch your budget to about $1700, get a separate 5.1 home theater system (i.e. Onkyo TX-609 receiver, five quality budget-speakers from JBL/Klipsch/etc.) solely for your living room. And for the other three rooms, either buy the SONOS systems or take a look at HTD and Breathe Audio. They both sell well-integrated whole house music solutions at affordable prices. These two products below provide 4 zones of audio from two sources. $350 http://www.amazon.com/BreatheAudio-Elevate-Whole-Audio-System/dp/B000HIA30M http://www.breatheaudio.com/explore_products.shtml $370 http://www.htd.com/Products/basic I recommend these in-wall speakers for the other rooms. $100/pair (3 pairs for 3 rooms) = $300 http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-RC...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1309242977&sr=1-1