Question

I have been searching for a zone amplifier for my house that would allow me to independently control each zone on and off, just that, on and off. I currently have three separate power amps for each zone. Would it be easier to just get 3 smart outlets that can be controlled via Google? Is this possible? Thanks.  

Answer 1

One amp and a speaker selector would do too

Comments

@univalve is there one that can be controlled by my phone? Also, you we need a fairly powerful amp to handle the load of 3-4 sets of speakers when simultaneously playing.  

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@hunks10 sorry I didn’t see that in your post. Add smart plugs (or outlets). WI-FI or zwave or zigbee depending on what you have.  

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@univalve I have wifi, I see alot of talk about wave and zigbee, but not familiar with those. By wifi, do you mean wifi controlled?  

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@hunks10 WiFi uses router bandwidth whereas ZWave and Zigbee require their own hub use their own frequencies. For the most part if you end up having a lot of smart switches, plugs, etc. it’s best to get one of these hubs. Though it can be argued that going that route versus WiFi is better long term as at CES there were indications that WiFi is improving and more manufacturers are opting for WiFi including smart locks because they would be easier to set up, you likely already have WiFi and you wouldn’t have to get a hub. I personally go ZWave and although only a a room or two worth of switches, I have a ZWave hub as part of my alarm system control panel. ZWave plus devices also extend a mesh network the more of them you have throughout your home.  

Answer 2

I have an old system with speaker wire back to a closet. Currently With a speaker selector and single amplifier. I am thinking of sticking multiple Alexas, each with its own Mini amp. Then each zone could be played individually by voice as well as grouped.  

Comments

@rutkowski Your Alexas would be your source. Not a bad idea, however, I will be running a turntable to my pre/pro used as one of my sources.  

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May be able to use an AB8SS. And an infrared controller like Logitech Harmony together.  
https://www.hacs.com/ab8ss.php

Answer 3

Yamaha currently has the market on this technology look into their XDA-QS5400RK it hurts the pocketbook but you literally cannot find a better system right now for what you’re trying to do. Especially with the proprietary music cast software which does exactly what you are wanting. zone control with all your streaming services available.  

Comments

@surrebutter nice, but yes, a bit pricey.  

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@hunks10 you just gotta do it  

Answer 4

Niles or equivalent 12 channel amp (assuming you have 6 zones) and 6 Amazon Echo Inputs.  

Comments

@stonefish66 link?  

Answer 5

@hunks10 I was looking for the same thing, with good app control(no wall control) multiple sonos amps were an option with good control but way to expensive. I ended up with multiple Polk Omni A1( reasonable cheap on eBay) they have a decent app and you can also control from Play-Fi, has worked for me for the last year

Answer 6

My 10yo Yamaha AVR does this. It has a http interface so easy to automate.  

Comments

@cassady324 Thomas but can it turn on multiple amps? I am using an Integra 40. 2 that has 3 12 volt outputs that I wonder if they can be controlled separately?  

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@hunks10 the amp has a separate set of speaker outputs for each of the zones. Each zone can be turned on/off and managed independently.  

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OK, similar to mine, but mine only has Zone 2 not, not 3. I have 2 separate amps daisy chained, signal is the same for both, but I am fine with that. If I have it turned off at the AVR, I can't turn it on via phone. So I leave it on and turn the amps on and off for that specific zone. I can then change the source and adjust volume. Just wanted to be able to turn amps on and off as I go without having to go to the basement.  

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Cant advise on the integra sorry. I know I can power my amp on and off using simple http post requests. Is there a HTTP interface for the integra?  

Answer 7

VSSL A. 3

Answer 8

Have an Onkyo amp that controls with an iPhone amp. I’ve not used it, but my amp does up to 3 zones.