Audio Matrix Hardware choice

Hi All,

Brand new user and first thread.
I tried to find a thread with the question I have but couldnt see anything, at least within the last 10 years.

I'm about to get the keys to a house which already has a clipsal wired system installed. All the rooms have speakers but the seller is taking his audio hardware (matrix, amp, etc). So my question is, what are my options for a new matrix? obviously I found the clipsal one but with it's $2000 price tag, I'd like to find out if there's other brands out there which I can integrate?

P.s. I'm not 100% sure the difference between a matrix device and a multi room amp? Can I remotely control the amp to produce music in a selected room without a matrix?

Thanks for any info. Tom

 

Personally I'd try to have my conveyancing solicitor argue that the existing equipment are part of the chattels and are to remain installed as a functioning system. Happy to stand corrected but as far as I know if you want to control the matrix switcher from the cbus switches then a cbus matrix switcher is the only way to go. Was the house sold to you as having a " cbus audio system" , if so this may add weight to the chattels argument.

 

Hi Tommo,

I am with PBelectrical, unless you agree'd to the owner removing pre settlement..

Now for info..

The cbus matrix switcher is basically an advanced audio switch module which can take up to 5 analogue audio signals and feed them out to upto 8 audio amplifiers/zones.. Depending on the model of matrix switcher you are looking at, the older models only had the 5 inputs and 8 outputs, the newer models have 5 inputs plus 2 am/fm tuners and 8 outputs, and the highest model also has network streaming capability..
Model numbers are 560884, 560884/2 and 560884/2E..

The amplifiers are what connects to the speakers to make noise.. The cbus amps have 2 inputs, 1 is called the digital in, which comes from the matrix or a audio distribution unit, the other input is called a local input and is designed to come from somewhere local to that zone, ie a tv or ipod, and can only be played in that zone.. The amplifiers control volume, bass, treble, and source..
Model numbers are 560125R/2, 560125D/2 and 560110R..

You can build a cbus audio system without a matrix, however you then get limited in your audio source capacity, ie, you will get 1 global source which can be listened to throughout all zones, and 1 local source which can only be listened to in the local zone..

Brochure outlining the system:
http://updates.clipsal.com/clipsalonline/Files/Brochures/C0000233.pdf

How many areas of audio does your house have?

I would suggest, if he does take the audio gear, it would be in your interest to contact a local CBus specialist and he have them come and have a look and offer some options..

Cheers..

 

Welcome to the forum. You're very welcome here!!

I agree wholeheartedly with my fellow posters. The previous owner seems from your description of the situation to be being a bit cheap taking embedded operating systems out of the home that he has probably sold at advantage as being a 'Smart Home' and C-Bus enabled home.

Having come across several other homes where the previous owner has acted in a similar vein, I would suggest the following.

CONSIDER NOT SETTLING UNLESS:
1. You have a full (and if possible checked by your local C-Bus specialist) copy of the C-Bus Toolkit project 'Tag Database' or project file. Without this, it could cost you quite a bit, even up to a few days paid work to add anything new or even to make small changes to your C-Bus network as the database really needs to be recreated by your new C-Bus specialist to properly manage your network going forward if you don't get it.

2. You have a full copy of any project files for any touch screens, automation controllers (PACS) or Wisers on the home's network. To recreate these from scratch can be equally quite expensive in time for a new attending specialist which is just dollars wasted for you. These are called PICED projects and are very important to updating touch screens.

3. A full accounting of what audio equipment (model numbers etc) was installed so at least you can easily replicate it. If it was a Clipsal C-Bus Multi Room Audio system fitted, you also should obtain a copy of the MARPA project file which contains the configuration of the multi zone audio system.

The cost of providing these data files to you now is minimal or nothing to the seller as they can all fit on a single USB zip drive, and they have all already been created. Unfortunately, if you don't insist on receiving them, you may need to recreate them exposing you to the possibility of several thousand dollars of additional cost.

Hit them now or lose the opportunity.

Happy to help in any way I can as this sort of thing pisses me off big time. A call to the real estate agent with a teleconference technical call is a suggested way forward. I am sure the other guys who posted are also happy to help if they can.

Some selling home owners can be a bit too mercenary for my liking and if you happen to be the seller on here, please take this advice........Not Cool Man!!!

Good Luck, and For help, PM me.

Brad

 

Hi all, thanks for all the responses.

So i'm in the new house. I have the program (yay). the amps and matrix went with the seller (boo)

So it turns out he did have it installed as by the book. a matrix switcher in the lounge and 4 amps located in a group in the roof.

So, two options now:

1. replicate his system and purchase 4 new amps and matrix switch. Can I purchase directly from clipsal or I have to go through a local installer?
I'm an electrical engineer and would be very capable of re-connecting the wires.

2. As all the cables meet in the roof right above where the entertainment unit is going, wouldn't it be more efficient to just run the speaker cables down to a receiver with zone capabilities? (Yamaha for example) they have a great app now too and could just control my music with that.
If this is a viable option then i could also set up an IR emitter so i can still use the cbus wall switches?

Basically I'm looking for the most cost effective way to use my ceiling speakers. I don't have thousands to throw around.

ps what is a good price for 4 cbus amps and 4 zone matrix??

 

You could get a good 7.1 receiver and as 5.1 in the lounge + 2.0 in second zone for about $1000. Or better option is something like the 5.1 Onkyo for lounge, with zone 2 line level out. run this into ceiling, split into zone 2,3,4 individual C-Bus MRA amps. The zone 2,3,4, volume can then be controlled from your wall switches. A network receiver will allow you to use smartphone as remote in wifi range. No matrix needed, only 3 amps + receiver. if any these zones only need lower volume get the smaller amps. I am doing something similar with only an apple airport express to each c-bus amp.

 

Thanks 71, that's the way I'm going to go.

Roosta, I sent you an email in reply to yours. Let me know if you didn't get it.

 

Hey tommo,

How'd you end up with this one mate?