Whole Home Audio System with HTPC source

[FullyCompletely]

I'm building a house and I want to have the builder rough in wires for a whole home audio system. The problem is I am not sure what equipment I will need. Please feel free to make equipment recommendations or share your setup details.

Here are the details about how I want my setup to look like:

I watch all my television off a HTPC and I want to be able to hear television audio if I enter different zones of my house. My HTPC has digital optical audio and HDMI output. I'm not concerned about each zone being capable of playing different audio sources simultaneously (but this would be pretty cool). I would really like to control the audio source with my Android phone or tablet though.

I want speakers in 8 zones with each zone having its own volume dial.

How should I ask for these wires to be roughed in? Most zones will have 2-3 speakers and a volume dial.

What type of wires do I run and what do I do with these wires where they all meet at a central location? home theatre receiver? Amp? Speaker selector? What type of speakers are best - ceiling or in Wall?


Please provide as much detail as you can.


Thank you!

And

 

[Nlg01]

It looks like you have a fairly complex system planned. My recommendation would be to have a local A/V shop come and do a consultation to establish exactly what you want to accomplish and have them give you a quote. Most places will do this for free, even Best Buy offers a service that will help you get started. You certainly don't have to buy from these places but it will give you ideas. I have a whole home audio set up that sounds similar to what you are trying to do that I did mostly myself, but I brought in an expert first to help me determine the scope of the whole job.

 

[FullyCompletely]

Thanks for the advice.

I think I found exactly what I was looking for from HOME THEATER DIRECT. I'm considering the Lync Whole Home Audio + Intercom system (http/www.htd.com). They offer a service where you upload your home building plans and they create a custom audio plan for you. Their system is loaded with features and a lot cheaper than I expected to pay