As long as I'm building out the attic, I better put speakers
in every single room now even if I don't know if I want it.
It's cheap now as I just have to drill holes in the ceiling
and mount speakers - it's much more expensive once the
attic is built out.
You don't necessarily have to install all the speakers now. You can just
run wires for them possibly for a multi-zone A/V controller for now. If you
want to be ready for *most* of the current systems, wire as follows using
cable that is rated for in-wall use:
From the music center (or HT rack) to a volume control location in each room
(2) CAT5 cables plus 14/4 stranded speaker cable. At the VC location leave
a couple of feet of extra cable in the wall. Do the same behind the music
center or AV rack.
From the volume control location to each speaker run 14/2 stranded speaker
cable. Again, leave a couple of feet of extra cable at each end. Make an
18-24" service loop in one of the CAT5 cables at the VC location and bring
the end over to one of the speakers. It makes no difference whether the
CAT5 goes to the left or right speaker but be consistent from room to room.
Leaving a couple of feet of extra, cut off the other CAT5 cable at the VC
location.
If there will be a TV set in the room, also run (1) CAT5 and (2) RG6Q/S
cables from the AV rack location to the wall behind the set. Some folks
recommend running composite cable to remote TVs but IMO it's overkill.
Other than in the family room / home theater locations it's not necessary.
The CAT5 at the volume control locations will allow you to install any
number of multi-zone entertainment systems. By running speaker and video
cables as well, you also have the option of using simpler (less expensive)
impedance-matching volume controls. The CAT5 at the speaker will allow you
to connect an IR receiver to control whatever system you use by pointing
your remote at the speaker. That's especially handy in bedrooms where the
VC near the door may not be within view.
Many of the better quality in-wall and in-ceiling speakers can be installed
without using pre-wire brackets. Proficient Audio, for example, has
swing-out clamps on their speakers which grip the sheetrock. The advantage
of not using brackets is threefold. You save the cost of the brackets, you
can cut the speakers in later when funds allow and there's one less thing to
rattle later. The advantage of using brackets is there's a huge hole in the
ceiling so your wife will let you install the speakers immediately. :^)
Take a look at Proficient Audio, Russound and Niles Audio for DIY
whole-house AV. Proficient, a division of SpeakerCraft, makes really good
sounding architectural speakers. Russound's speakers are good too, though
having listened to and installed most both I prefer Proficient. Russound
and Niles both make excellent controls and distribution goodies. Another
brand worth considering if budget permits is Xantech. Their MARC88 system
is one of excellent.
Note: I sell most of these brands (except Niles) online so I have a vested
interest in promoting them but they really are good stuff. Niles is fine
quality too. I just don't carry it.
--
Regards,
Robert L Bass
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