Awesome series!!! Any luck on creating that Alexa skill you mentioned too be able to control the ws66i from Alexa and/or Google Home? Been looking for a solution to send RS-232 commands from Alexa/GH. Kind of got something working with TRIGGERcmd kicking off .bat files on my PC but seems like there should be a better and easier way. Any ideas?
Just purchased my first WS66i kit based off of these videos! What do you recommend speaker wise if I want to run 4 speakers to 4 of the 6 zones? Will that be too much for the amp? Should I look at adding additional amps? Anything I should be considering speaker wise? Appreciate your comments.
TheKMZ1: Based on your reassurance, I just ordered it and looking forward to the delivery. Features/ specs look great and I hope the device lives up to the promise! Let the Soundavo guys know that you did the sale for them 😉
Oh boy. After months of waiting for my new home construction to be finished, my unit seems defective. Hoping Soundavo supports me through this. The house is all pre-wired and ready for holiday music.
What kind of issues are you seeing? Yes don't worry, they will get you through it. If not, let me know and I can help assist some people I know on that side to email
@@TheKMZ1 It turns on but seems to partially turn off right away. There's a red light on inside, and the ethernet port flashes. The app won't recognize its IP address. I'm in communication with Soundavo, but my work schedule is getting in the way. I'll have to wait a couple days to get back to them..I'll keep you updated. I'll be very very happy to see this working!
Great video, was inspired by your previous videos so it's great to see an update! Do you know if it would be possible to connect this up to be controlled with Home Assistant instead of the app? Thanks
Heyo KMZ1! It's been a long year, but we finally closed on our home 3 weeks ago. I am finally just now looking at buying the equipment (ws66i), and speakers. Everything is on Black Friday discounts for massive savings through November 30th, and I hope I can use your coupon for even more savings, but we'll see! What I wanted to write in about before placing orders for everything were as follows: First, how has your ws66i/speakers/setup been working for you this past year, are you still enjoying it? Any new pros/cons you've run across in this past years use? Second, if I decide to use a single speaker per channel, per zone, is there a way for me to have specific zones run as mono (like a switch per zone), or would I have to physically wire both speakers to the same channel within a zone to achieve mono? Options? Third, I've re-watched your video several times on the Soundavo IC-8" and IC-6.5" in ceiling speakers, and what concerns me is that their backs are not enclosed and when reaching out to Soundavo about obtaining a BackBox for these, they say they don't make them so anything like that I would want to do I would have to do on my own. I don't understand why anyone would install an in-ceiling speaker without a BackBox when the speaker has an open back that's not enclosed. I've spent 10's of hours researching this over the past year and I can't find any forum, community, nor installer that advises installing these as is. The amount of sound loss, low bass reproduction, sound projection, and sound bleeding through your walls and/or ceiling into other rooms within your home have pretty much scared me away from these speakers. The speakers look phenomenal, are at a great price, are rated perfectly to match the ws66i, but I just don't know that I could feel confident installing them without an enclosed back, which is why I keep leaning back to the JBL 26C. Can you give me your thoughts/perspective on this?
Hello! Sorry for the late reply, been traveling for the Holidays! Unfortunately my coupon code will not work for black friday but it should continue to work afterwards. If I were you, you should do the Black Friday deal. Over the past year everything has held up perfectly. I have not had any issues, nor have I had to replace anything. We use the system daily... my kids like to listen to low volume music when they go to bed. Regarding your mono question, yes each zone has a switch on the back and you can change it from mono to stereo... although If i were you, i'd try to use stereo as much as possible. It will sound much better. You will find that there are not many speaker making companies that include the back on the speakers. So you should pick the speakers you truly want to have, and then you could build some kind of a custom box if you want to. But yes most companies don't.
Thanks for the great info. I would like to upgrade my keypads. They currently have 4 colored wires in the back. They are just a volume knob. Can I upgrade to these new keypads?? Thanks Jack
Hi, We finally got the new house ready and I am looking to install the Audio system. Can you please list the parts and if you let me know the best place to buy them. So far I need a total of 30 ceiling speakers 2 outdoor speakers. We going to have 4 to 5 sources and about 6 zones. I have a cat6 home run for volume control all the way to the audio room and all the speakers and source cables are also in the same audio room. I guess ur recommendation was the Soundavo WS66i. Please let me know. Thank you for your help
Looks like the added two streamers come at the cost of the source 3 & 4 RCA inputs on the rear. If you want the streaming that's great, but otherwise this is now only a four source system.
It does come at the cost of removing 2 of the RCA, there are still 2 left. In my experience talking with many people, most people did not use the RCA's at all, let alone 4 of them. So yes if someone needed specifically more RCA then this may not be the amp to go with. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for reviewing this amp! In my upcoming renovation I will need about 10 zones, can I use this amp as the master and the dayton or monoprice as the slave?
@@TheKMZ1 when you say ‘technically” is functionality or degradation of performance you lose in mixing? I don’t see a reason to purchase another WS66i ($$$) since the 2nd WS66i is going to be a slave unit . As a slave the source features, streamers etc.... are redundant and not in play? Will the WS66i app control the slave (Dayton or Mono) speakers wirelessly and can those slave speakers be controlled viA the mono/Dayton wall controls. Finally , Can I mix wall mounts and wireless control within the same WS66I ( I have locations where a wall control is not feasible within a WS66i)
@@timp.2693 There is no functionality degradation or performance issues when mixing the ws66i with the monoprice or dayton units as your slave units. the app works with it just fine and the wall controls work the same. So no issues at all
I would rather go with my setup again, I think it's better for the money. Sonos is good yes, but damn it's expensive. Plus I have had issues with their wireless pairing of speakers. In general hard wiring is better. yes it's more work to do and harder but once that wire is there you are set for good.
@@TheKMZ1 Thank you for the reply and perspective on this. I'll either go with this system, or the one HTD has to offer. I like their Alexa integration.
Hey KMZ1, thanks for your app support for monoprice amps!! just to confirm your monoprice app and the rs232 interface does not work on the osd bma-6012p aka 31028 - Monoprice 6 Zone Home Audio ... I would need to develop my own app for the 31028? Correct?
Is it possible to purchase a replacement remote? I purchased this a few months ago and the remote never worked. I assumed I needed some other product to make it work but I'm realizing now that it should actually work out the box. The app and keypads work fine but now I'm realizing how the remote would be handy!
@TheKMZ1 Any updade on this. Are you still using it? How well do the built in network streamers. Have they added any native apps to stream (like pandora)? How well does Airplay and Chromecast work? Reading the PDF of the WS66i, looks like they added Pandora? What can you say about that?
This question may have already been answered or I am not understanding correctly. I am concerned about output power. Specs for this unit say Output Power: 25W x 2 per zone (at 8Ω). Ceiling speakers I am seeing are ~60W RMS. I heard a rule of thumb for picking out an amp is to have double the RMS of the speaker. Is the output power enough on this unit? Would like to get 8Ω ceiling speakers with this unit. Appreciate all your videos!
You are correct, this particular amplifier is 25w per speaker. I dont think it's low in my opinion. If we reference JL audios own publication jlaudio.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/217201737-Doubling-Power-vs-Doubling-Output and this is also written in many other places (so it's not a made up concept) but doubling power does not make it sound "twice as loud". So doubling power even to 50 watts per speaker would have subtle differences in the actual SPL levels heard by our ears. Yes it'd be a little louder but subtly. In my own experience with this amp that I'm using (since 2017) it can get more than enough loud. It can throw a party. Thanks for watching and for the comment!!
I have a question. I moved into my house that has all these wall device like your but they are not digital. They are the press buttons one. I notice in the living room all the cables run over there. The home owner that lived here took everything and left the cables. Now I'm stuck figuring out how all this works. I notice were the cables come out they have the green connectors. What is the best device to connect everything but not so expensive. Just want to use the speakers since they are installed already. Maybe use it for tv or streaming from Spotify if possible. Please let me know when you have a moment. Thanks,
How does the bluetooth KBR1 devices work? They resemble the zone switches mounted on the wall, but I can't find any information on how they work or connect via the ethernet.
Great video, and thank you for what you're doing ! I'm building right now and I plan to use this system. I see there is a holiday sale now, and your discount. Is your discount always available? If not, how often do they have sales? I don't want to buy now and leave it in the box for 6 months if I can avoid it. But, I'd rather save $500 if I can. Can I wait and still save with your discount? Does your code only work on the unit with the older controllers? I don't see anything about support for iTunes (Apple Music). Do they offer a way to stream Apple Music? I do have the option of a Sonos device I could connect, but if it's native I think that would be better. Thanks again!
I think they only do holiday says around thanksgiving and christmas. Yes my code will still work outside of that, so you should still be able to save in 6 months. The discount code works on the controller and non-controller units. You can only use the discount code once per email address, so i think you could buy one unit with one email address and my discount code, and then do another separate order to be able to use it again. You can use the airplay streamers to stream apple music right? I am not an apple user so i am a little limited in this area lol but the amps have airplay streamers in them. Otherwise yes absolutely you can hook in another source into the back of it, check out my series on my channel, "Whole home audio from start to finish" if you havent seen that already. Thanks for watching
@@TheKMZ1 Thank you! It looks like the code is only available on the one with the old controllers. If that's not right please let me know. I think I'm going to order tomorrow, and would like to make sure you get credit for the sale if possible. The LCD controllers seem worth the extra cost. Do you agree?
BTW, yes I've see the recommended video. You do great videos! Liked and subscribed. Yes, you can use airplay streamers, so that would work. Thank you for the tremendously quick response!
Thanks for your Whole Home Audio Video Serie. I love loved it. I just have a probably a stupid question. Do the key pads need to be connected to the hub and then directly to the AMP? Or can those be connected through the network?
Sorry for the late reply, they are not connected to the network and they cannot be either. That is because the keypads are not a networked device, they are actually kinda dumb, they simply using the ethernet cable as the means to connect them. Ethernet cable is easy to come by and cheap, so that is what they used, so that simply allows them to be powered and send the digital signals back to the amp. Otherwise there is no network address or any kind of NIC in these! Thanks!
I will do a video on them when they are ready (I'm not sure when they will be ready, and i'm not sure what they will look like) but Soundavo is designing new ones now, they are gearing to be a more higher end look, similar to the amplifier how it's appearance is more higher end. Will keep everyone updated!
I moved into a home with a bunch of these 4 pin connectors. How do I get a unit to support this without spending freaking 1200 bucks! Seems really expensive.
Since this has no casting receiver for Android I have a question about the zoning ability via this amps app in combination with an exterior Chromecast enabled internet radio. The radio is a grace link, it also has an app and (I believe) separate Chromecast casting function built in. Now, this thing is universal to nearly every stream app, apple products, and android...holy grail. If I get the ws66i and this grace link, could I still use the zoning on the amp and it's application? I worry about this radio strictly requiring the use of it's app for casting, in that case could I still utilize the amps zoning function (apps side-by-side or in conjunction)? Does the amp app require streaming pass through for it to work? I don't want to have to press any buttons at all haha
Thanks for the video on this amp. I installed this system last weekend. Pretty simple setup. However I’m not able to stream Amazon music which is a bummer and I’m not able to stream music off my IPad since I’m not subscribed to their cloud services. I’m looking forward to your videos on the apps. It’s not perfect but workable. I’m sure there will be updates in the future.
1) Get an audioengine B1 and connect it directly to your Soundavo as one of your six sources. The B1 is a long range bluetooth receiver with a good quality DAC inside. 2) Pair the B1 to your amazon echos as a bluetooth device (can only connect the B1 to one echo at a time, but with an echo remote you can roam around with the remote in your pocket). 3) Then you can say "alexa, turn on bluetooth", then "alexa, play dinner music" (or whatever) and you are by default tapped into amazon music. Get the echo remote and you have remote control with alexa using the B1. Alternately, you can say "alexa, play dinner music ON PANDORA" (or whatever service you use in addition to Amazon Music) and you have voice (or echo remote) control over this as well. Very slick. My six echo devices and echo remote can reach the B1 via bluetooth from anywhere in my 4400 sq ft house, my outdoor patio, etc. This streaming is actually bluetooth from the echo devices, which use wifi, and adds even more versatility than using wifi only. It is whole home echo!!!
@@Theduallyshop The B1 is a single source, attached to a single echo device at a time, but you can then control it using a slim echo voice remote (which also can only be paired with one echo device at a time) that you can slip into your pocket to use throughout the house within thek range of the echo to echo remote (or even on a back patio) -- with all commands still going through that single B1 source. So, if I am in the kitchen, I say "alexa, turn on bluetooth" and that turns on and connects the B1 (B1 white light turns on) and is connected to my echo show in my kitchen. Then I check my wall switch source setting (or you could do this via the phone app) to ensure the B1 is selected as the source for the speakers is turned on (as I often use the Denon Receiver TV output as another source when not listening to music, so I need to switch from this source in my kitchen). Then I use my voice in the kitchen (or via the echo voice remote within range of the echo show in the kitchen) in the house or outside on the patio, to control the music -- "play x radio on pandora, or play x artist on amazon music, volume up, volume down, next, stop, etc." To switch back to other sources, I simply say "alexa, turn off bluetooth" and my B1 disconnects as the active source automatically and I put the wall switch back to my default TV sound source. You can pair the B1 to any echo device in your house, so therefore use whichever echo device you want as your voice control hub for the B1 from wherever you happen to be -- but just remember only one echo device can be connected to the B1 at a time. Also, if you turn on all speaker zones to the B1 source, you are controlling all sound zones at the same time (or any selected combination of zones) with your current pairing combination of echo and B1. So, if I am in the basement pool table area, I connect to the B1 from the echo device in the pool table area and use that echo as the paired device. So, for a large house with lots of echo devices like mine and lots of speaker zones (I have 12 stereo speaker zones - 24 channels), this works perfectly for my needs. I can still walk around my house and listen to the music from all zones, and with the echo remote, I can extend my voice control area to the connected Echo device well beyond the normal echo device listening range. As a normal matter of course I am usually not aimlessly walking around my house but rather staying in one or two adjacent areas -- Kitchen/Patio, Kitchen/Great Room, Pool Table/seating area, Master Bedroom/Hallway, etc. -- and for this setup this works fabulously. In my 4400 sq ft house, my echo dot in the far corner of the basement connects to my B1 on the far side of the house in my kitchen, one floor up, with no problem!
Yes, you could use more than one audioengine B1 as another source for another person to control music independently from a different echo in a different room, but for me it is only two of us in a large house, and one B1 source is all we would ever need to operate at one time.
I am in the market but am unsure how it all works. How many speakers can be run for each zone? Can I get my Apple Music to work? The house uses all Apple products.
I have an entire series on my UA-cam channel that you'll really like. It's called installing whole home audio from start to finish. These amps are meant for 2 speakers in a zone but you can get max 4 speakers in a zone as well, I also have a video on my channel named how to get 3 or more speakers in a zone
Have you added any Bluetooth receivers? I'm looking at a few inwall mounted options to control 2 speakers in a home guy setting use a phone to play music through inwall speakers. The inwall bluetooth receiver (source) looks like they use cat6 wire. Any advice?
Thanks for the great video. I was considering to use Sonos Amp per zone for my 6 zone setup hooking up my Denon AVR to it. I see you gave compared Soundavo Amp with Denon HEOS.. Can you please update / consider comparing with the Sonos Amp? I would need to shell out 3600$ just for the Amps. 1. What would one miss if they were to use Soundavo Amp instead of Sonos? 2. Is there an iPhone App ? How to control music zone / source etc if we chose not to go with the keypads? 3. What’s the RMS power output for each zone ? (compared to Sonos Amp) 4. Can we bridge (merge) two zones into one zone to connect say 4 in-ceiling speakers ?
Please check out my channel, I have many other videos that you will find helpful such as connecting 3, 4, and even many more speaker into 1 zone. Yes there is an iPhone app to control the soundavo. I think you should seriously consider it because it's a great amp and you'll save a lot of money
You can also hook up external amps as well, into the soundavo. I detail that in my video on my channel titled: pre-amp out, how to hook up 3,4 or hundreds of speakers into 1 zone. I also talk about how you would hook up your surround sound amp into the soundavo
Please watch my other videos on my channel, they are great resources. But you need the WS66i amplifier, use my code TKMZ to get a good discount. You need speakers, speaker wire, and ethernet cable (if you are installing the keypads) that's about it
Do you know/suggest a rotary volume control compatible with this amp? Need to use standard volume controller with this amp as house is wired with speaker wire at volume control and not Ethernet.
I Really like this unit. I'm building a new home and am planning to install this. My question is: I have a old stereo receiver/amp that I want to use in my man cave with my 4 JBL Jubal L65s speakers and run Bluetooth off the receiver to also stream off the Monoprice. The receiver is located in a room about 200' and one floor down from where I plan to mount the Monoprice. Do you have any suggestions on how I can achieve this? (Obviously I'm not very conversant with this stuff). Thanks for nay help.
Hi, I have total 14 speakers to set in 6 zones. 2-dining, 2-bedroom, 2-second floor hall way, 2-patio, 3-masterbedrrom+bathroom, 3-First floor hall way. Connecting 2 speakers to a zone is pretty clear. My question is that, how can I connect 3 speakers to a zone? Please advise!
I like the technology in the amp but for me, the surround sound processor or receiver should have most of this technology in it already. Also, for 1899 price point, I would rather buy a 5 ch amp with xlr connections possibly sacrificing channels but getting 250wpc without bridging the amp if the amp you are showing can bridge. I don’t like overworking amps so bridge mode is never an option to get more power. For my setup, this wouldn’t work for me, and I’d need to add a speaker selector but for someone without a receiver or surround sound processor, this is a GREAT option. What do you think?
This amp is not a surround sound amp, it's not meant to fill that gap. And likewise what surround sound amp can do this type of whole home audio zoning? Check out my video on my channel about more than 1 speaker in a zone, it talks about how you would integrate a dedicated surround sound amp into your ws66i whole home amp. Also 1899 is before my discount code, so you could get it about $550 cheaper
@@TheKMZ1 got ya, I’ll check it out but again, in my setup, I have a great surround sound processor, I only need an amp for power, nothing else, and I’d separate my speakers with a speaker selector. If I don’t need the 250wpc and the xlr connections, at the lower price point you’re saying this amp is a great option. I’ll check out your other video.
Hi Thank you for a great demo of this amplifier. My biggest question is, I would need 2 because I have 12 zones in my home with 3 zones bridged in the main family room. So 2 questions can I bridge/combine the 3 zones? Second question because HEOS can’t do this which is why I’m watching this video. We have the family Spotify package so our 5 individual accounts are my wife and I, my 2 children and a zone for the house. Can all 5 Spotify accounts access any of the 12 zones or really 9 because I’d have 3 combined zones. I hope that makes sense. With HEOS it’s 1 Spotify account per unit so we’re not going with them
Yes I think all Spotify accounts can access, because you don't add Spotify to the unit, instead when your unit is on the local network and your phone also, the Spotify app sees the streamers online and allows you to cast to the device. That means it shouldn't matter what account is signed in, they should all see the available streaming devices on your network. Also, there's only 2 streamers in the unit, it means only 2 people can listen to different things at a time. Any of your zones can listen to any source they want to, but it's just that there's only 2 streamers which means only 2 of your family members can stream different things at a time. Hopefully that makes sense!
I’ve been testing this product for about two weeks and I must say it’s been great! Very happy with the product itself. My only issue Is with the Apple version of the WS66i app, it’s unusable. Very glitchy. Used my android and it works great! Have you heard anything about updating apps. I have an iPad as my home controller and its horrible with the soundavo app right now.
Hey! Can you provide me some more insight to your apple device and setup? What iOS version are you on? I think they have a new version coming out so curious if maybe they just need to do an app update. Also, please tell me in what way and how to reproduce the issues and what behavior it's going. I'm happy to help out and try to get it looked into! Thanks
@@TheKMZ1 The issues I was experiencing were fixed with the update. The support team reached out throughout the process with updates. I’m very happy with the product and will be expanding my system with a second ws66i.
Price wise, a standard receiver would be a little cheaper. But function wise, is where they are different. These are specifically built for these whole home audio applications, with independent zones that can be controlled. Each zone can independently tune in to any source that it wants to listen to. So you could have 6 zones, listening to 6 different things, or any combination of whatever you want. Each zone can determine that by using the digital keypads. Any of the zones can be on or off, and can be controlled with a phone/tablet. A standard receiver usually has many source inputs, but whatever is the selected source would play out of every speaker, you don't have that granular ability to tell what speakers to listen to what. Also, most receivers you wouldn't have any kind of smart phone control. With a standard receiver, you could hook up analog rotary volume controls, but that is all you get control over, is volume. Hopefully this helps!
yes you can, it all depends on how you wire it. The amps specifications are: Output Power: 25W x 2 per zone (at 8Ω), Output Power: 50W x 2 per zone (at 4Ω), Output Power: 100W per zone (Bridged at 8Ω). So therefore, to get 4 speakers in 1 zone, you could wire 2 8 ohm speakers in parallel, and that would have 1 pair (+ and -) going back to the amp. Then wire your next set pair of speakers also in parallel, and this is completely independent of your first set you just did. If you use 8 ohm speakers, this means that the amp would see a 4 ohm load for your left channel and also a 4 ohm load on your right channel, which is completely fine and within the limits of the amp. The amp doesn't know or care that you have 2 speakers in your left channel , and 2 speaker sin your right channel, it just knows that the incoming speaker impedance is 4 ohms and that makes it happy. Subscribe to my channel and i'll probably do a video on this, as i get a lot of questions! Thanks
Hello, I have my house pre-wired with 6 zones (12) speakers and each zone is wired for a volume control. Will this system support my setup? Will the keypads work with the volume control?
Great video and review. I would not have found this product without you. Would you happen to know what the warranty is on the Soundavo? I can’t seem to find any information on their website other than a 30 day return for defects? Thx John Brunswick Maine
Definitely going to be setting up a very similar speaker system in my new-build home. I made this decision based on your videos and recommendations, so thank you very much. What I wanted to know was if the WS66i streaming option let's you use UA-cam music as a streaming player? I subscribe to UA-cam Music so hoping it works. I do not see any info regarding that.
Thanks I've been loving mine still. Check out my UA-cam series on my channel, installing this from start to finish. Unfortunately no I don't believe UA-cam music is supported
Awesome videos! I am wanting to install a 6 Zone in my Airbnb rental for my guests (probably still going for the mono-price) one question I had was on your video from about 2 years ago where you described your setup at your home using the mono price amp. How did you get the RCA wall input in the kitchen how does the back of the wall plug look like? Is there RCA cables going back to the amp itself? Only part I am confused about. Great videos!
Thanks for watching! I think you'll be happy then, to know of my upcoming series i'm recording, where i'm showing installing whole home audio from start to finish in my new house we bought. (Not new but new to us) To answer your question, the RCA cables are custom made by using RG6 cable. This is just standard TV coax cable. Use RCA compression connectors amzn.to/3dUCzno and here are the crimpers amzn.to/35sG2G3 You have to use 2 separate cables. I use keystone jacks like this then which make up the wall plate amzn.to/31CElEW amzn.to/2J1gaJL amzn.to/3ks6YM7 Hopefully this helps! Hope you subscribe and tune in to my series coming soon. I hope to have video 1 up in the next several days, and hoping to get the entire series project completed by end of year!
@theKMZ1 Hoping you read this! I'm working on a small VBS-like project for my church, and was wondering if this amp, using a USB stick, can play specific media to each zone via the app. I know it's such a simple request, but I'm trying to have music as well as ambient sound for a camping theme. Looks like a no-brainer to me if it will work as I believe it can!
You can have each zone play something different, but not from the same source. What i mean is, 1 usb stick plugged in is just 1 source. You can't have that usb stick playing multiple things, it's only ever playing 1 thing, and each zone can tune into that source if it wants to... or it can tune into a different source. So you can play 6 different things in each zone yes, but that means you have 6 different sources plugged in and playing different things. Hopefully this example makes sense
@@NovaFox238 you would need a different amp such as the soundavo MZ (multi-zone) amp. Please watch my video on my channel titled something like this. The 3 most popular amps people use.
I have already ran cat5e cables to all my locations and now I don't really have to use keypads with the WS66i, what's your suggestion in regard to using keypads? Also, do you recommend waiting for the new keypads to buy the kit or just buy just the amp now and get the new keypads when they come out?
Even though you don't HAVE to use keypads, my opinion and suggestion is to use them if you can. Because guests are more likely to use or adjust it if it's on the wall. If you ever sell your house, having them already there is more attractive. Buyers don't want to feel like they are going into something that have no clue about. I find myself using the keypads 60% of the time and the app 40% so my view is the app is great, but I would use the keypads a little more. The keypads really do look nice on the wall. I would get the system now, and then later decide if you like the new version of the keypad or not. You may not even like the way the new one looks, who knows!
I wondered what I should do because I am looking to get one of these amplifiers and have in ceiling speakers in all my rooms but I want to build a surround sound system for my home theater room and I want to know what to I should do, should I get a separate amplifier to control the surround sound in my theater or can I use this amplifier for surround sound in one room while not using it for surround sound in my other rooms but I was wondering if it would be possible to still use the soundavo software and just play music through the surround speakers and then go back to using them for surround for films, I am relatively new to this type of audio so if you could help then that would be great
The WS66i has what are called "pre-amp outputs" on the back. I made a video about that here: ua-cam.com/video/dVjiZeCCnqA/v-deo.html and I think you'll really find it helpful! I demonstrate and talk about how you could have a theater amp hooked up exactly like you are describing. Basically, pre amp outs pass the source data like volume, EQ, etc through to another amplifier. And you hook your speakers into the other external amp...in your case your speakers for that zone (your home theater zone) are hooked up and powered by the whole home amp. But, you plug the pre-amp outsputs into an input of your home theater amp. When your home theater amp is tuned to that source, your wall keypad and everything will still control it since it's passing the source data, volume, eq etc into the home theater amp. Yes, this does mean you need your home theater amp on all the time and it would be tuned to that source 90% of the time. When it is TV or Movie time, you would switch your source to like the HDMI tv source or whatever source has the movie audio. Hopefully this makes sense and hopefully that video helps!
@@TheKMZ1 Thank you so much, also that was a very fast response, your videos have been amazing and I really appreciate you explaining it and you explained it really well in your other video, even simple enough for me. All your videos have answered every question that I have had now and I actually have a much better understanding of how it all works.
@thekmz1 This video and your whole home audio series have been extremely helpful to me. I have all my wiring done and my Soundavo WS66i came in this week. I began the setup which was pretty straight forward, but the app was a little testy to connect, but when it connected it worked great. I was able to get both streaming sources to work, but then I had to disconnect the ethernet cords to tidy things up when I connected them back, none of the blue source lights on the front of the amp will come on nor will the amp connect. I also had not connected the keypad controls yet, but when it did none of the keypads will light up or connect. Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for the videos.
Kadin, Great channel! I really appreciate all the information you are putting out there. I have a few questions. I’m installing a large system with about 15 zones all together. How many amps will I need? Also what speakers would recommend for a garage and a front porch? The porch speakers will be installed in the overhang and will not be getting wet. Thanks in advance! Keep up the good work!
Don, sorry for the late reply i'm not sure how i missed your comment. 15 zones, you would need 3 amplifiers. You could get 1 WS66i and use my code to save money, and then get 2 monoprice 6 zone amplifiers which will also save you more money and they will work just fine with these. You would link them all together and you'd have a system capable of up to 18 zones sharing the 6 sources!
Great video. I'm sold. Do you know if Soundavo can take orders over the phone? I have a rebate debit card I would like to use for most of the purchase, and the Soundavo site would not allow for a split purchase.
Absolutely it does! I also just made a new video on my channel, a Soundavo 2022 update. Also I am making a new one as we speak. Should have it posted in the next few days
Can the amplifier be hookup the audio/video system or like surround sound setup. I would like see if I hookup like one zone my tv in the living room? I hope you understand my questions.
@@the_bearded_anesthetist yes you can do that, so are you not wanting to use the keypads? Because if you are you will want more keypads not otherwise yes you don't need them if you don't plan to use them, and yes the soundavo will work with the monoprice! Use the coupon code to get you a good discount
@TheKMZ1 I just tried the discount code on the Amp only. (don't have lan cables ran in the house for control panels) it is not working. Is there an updated code? happy holidays!
These videos have helped so much in planning my new home whole home audio build! Quick question- when controlling with my phone- can I adjust the volume per each room using just the app (each room will have its own level of volume). Thanks for your help!
Yes you are correct, each room (zone) has it's own completely separate volume. You can control each zone independently in the app or with the wall keypad. Thanks!!
@@TheKMZ1 That’s amazing!! My builder is pushing a volume controller for each zone- and I don’t want them if I don’t need them! Good to know that they aren’t required! Thanks so much!
@@Vayner447 for this system they aren't required, other systems I can't speak for. I personally love the look of them on the wall. Makes a home feel higher end.. In my opinion. But certainly the choice is yours
@@TheKMZ1 Thanks so much for the advice. The wall plates just need a Ethernet cable right? Just thought of another question- am I able to connect my phone wirelessly as a “source”?
This is great for my next project. I need something like this for commercial 70/100v speakers. can I connect Soundavo speaker out with 70/100v amp line input and use it for commercial speakers. or is ther any easy way? I need about 10 speapers for Zone 1, 2 speakers for Zone2, 8 speakers for zone 3.... something like that. and I am gonna use JBL 8124 for ceiling and Control 25i for wall mount. (is there any other recommendation?) Thank you!!
I recall from one of your vids that you used 3 or even 4 core speaker cable. Which did you use? Reason I’m asking is that I tried using three core for two speakers (shared ground) but this didn’t work, one speaker was very quiet and it caused audio to cut out repeatedly…
In my videos i use either 2 conductor or 4 conductor cable. I have a video where I talk about installing 3 speakers, 4 speakers, or even more speakers in 1 zone. Each speaker has to have a Left and a Right cable hooked up to it. I am not sure what you mean by a shared ground cable.
Since the chrome cast is no longer available, what are the options for just streaming off your phone wirelessly from sources not supported in the unit?
I've read about how bright and some what annoying the keypads are. Does Soundavo fix that? Can this amp be integrated with smart switches like the Brilliant Switch?
I have a video on my channel talking about the keypad brightness ua-cam.com/video/RLN7CAil3a4/v-deo.html This is still currently the only way to modify it. This amp has ethernet and RS232 control, so it can be integrated into smart systems (such as Control 4 for example) so I can't comment directly about the Brilliant Switch, but in general yes the amp has control integration capabilities.
Hello Great video , in the process of building and this is very helpful. I also enjoyed your speaker selection video and in the process to purchase the 8 inch version. I’m a little confused, so here is my question. I have 22 zones (2 speakers per zone), snd some of these areas/rooms are close to each other. Can I hook up 3 to 4 speakers to 1 zone. Trying to limit the amount of WS66i’s that I need to purchase.
TBH, I don't understand much about audio systems, but your videos make everything seem easy! One question: I have a pair of speakers rated 106W RMS / 150 max. Will this amp support them? If not, what's a suggested resolution?
@@TheKMZ1 I have a somewhat larger room - combined LR and Kitchen. I'm trying to maintain a budget as the house is new construction, at the top of my price point.
@@rrassoc check out this video of mine I think you'll like and May help! ua-cam.com/video/mUrkIHvwFf8/v-deo.html if you have questions after this let me know
Thanks for this great video. VERY helpful, i've been looking for an audio solution for my house which is all wired, but with old keypads from Aegis. I will keep reading and watching your videos, very educational. Thanks much.
Thanks for the video, I ordered the AMP version that without using the keypads, following your video for setup and everything works flawless, the App is easy to use. I don’t do Spotify but using the SiriusXM radio for the airplay function to do streaming on this amp. Do you know when is the new keypad coming? We might consider to install 2 or 3 in kid’s room.
Actually I’m enjoying play around on the supported control App for the source/zone selection, it’s fun. To add the keypads just other thoughts, not really need it right now. For considering to do the extra work for the keypads wiring, I think so far by using the App is fine.
For the short run, i would use an optical cable like this amzn.to/36ICJf5 you can also get a 75 ft one at that same link if you wanted. But over 100ft you cannot use optical. So for your 2nd TV, your option would be to make yourself a long custom RCA cable. Run 2 RG6 coax cables to that TV. This is the same type of cable as regular TV cable. You have to run 2 because one coax is the left audio (think red color in the pre-made RCA cables) and then the other coax represents the right audio (the white color in pre-made RCA cables) Make sure your TV at that location has audio OUT with RCA, and if not you would have to get a converter. You can crimp RCA connectors on the RG6 cable using this amzn.to/2YJUYwq and this compression tool amzn.to/3ts5TZW
@@TheKMZ1 thank you I guess since I am going to buy RG 6 then I guess I will run RG6 to the two TVs, two cable each like you said Now looking at the back of ws66i I on the web site I only see 35mm jacks marked as source 1to 6 I guess I am confused on where should I connect the two RCA as left and Right Do you have a video talking about how to connect the sources Thanks
@@mueenel the WS66i has 2 RCA inputs on the back so they would plug in there. But why not only run 1 tv with rca and the other with the long optical cable?
Hello and thank you for your very nice vidéo :-). I wonder if i can use my Monoprice as a slave and this one as a master to control easily all the sound of my future house with the master and would only use the Monoprice as an app? Thank-you. Jean-Philippe.
Unfortunately, after purchasing the amplifier will not connect via the wsi66 app. I've sent it to Soundavo and it won't work. Frustrated. Any suggestions?
Yeah I have some ideas, also Soundavo has good support and it the amp is defective don't worry they will get you taken care of. You can also email me support@kztechconsulting.com
Hello and thanks for reviewing this and explaining things... One question I had was what do you use as a PreAmp for this amplifier? Can you use an existing AV receiver EX. Onkyo? Thanks.
To use the pre-amp your other amplifier just needs to accept RCA input. The pre-amp out is nice, because that allows you to still control the volume, source, EQ, etc using the keypad, but the speakers are being powered by the other amp. So think of pre-amp out as just passing along the source data, into the other amp, and the other amp is actually powering it.
I see how you connected your Alexa to this but my question is there no way to have Alexa from any echo device control the independent zones? For example ask Alexa to turn on zone1 or zone2? Your example just streams the music to that particular source. I want to be able to control the ability to control each zone independently either through alexa or Smartthings.
Are there any interfaces between the Soundavo WS66i and other amps? I have a Denon amp that is not connected to my cabinet and looking to be able to tie the Soundavo Ws66i to the Denon amp. Please advise. Thank you! Rich
Using the pre-amp outputs on the WS66i, you can use the Denon amp to power speakers while that becomes a zone on the WS66i. I have a video on my channel talking about the pre-amp outputs
Great video! Looking to purchase this new kit! I have also watched your speaker video reviewing the different types of speakers you had purchased but since I'm in the UK this isn't an option for me. I am just confused on what speaker to buy. I'm I correct in saying that the max output of a speaker can only be 25watt? So 2x 25watt speakers per zone? What if I found a speaker that is 50watt? Could I still connect a 2x 50watt speaker? Also what is the different between the two options at the back, Stero and Bridged? Thanks
Yes if you found a 50w speaker it would still work fine with this amplifier. The difference between stereo and bridged is that stereo means you have a left channel and a right channel for audio. Bridged means it becomes a mono sound, it does not send the audio out in 2 separate channels. Bridged mode is usually meant to combine the 2 into only 1 higher output speaker. Most people keep it in stereo mode
Thanks for reviewing! Just wondering since there are 2 streamers are you only able to play 2 different audio/songs for multiple zones? Also if you still want the ability to cast can you just add chromecast audio's to this? And can you play audio at different volumes in each separate zone through the app and together? Thank you!
Since there are 2 streamers, yes you can stream 2 separate things at once, and those can be played in any of the zones. If you want more streaming capability, you can still add a chromecast audio to one of the other sources, or you can also use an RCA to 3.5mm cable such as this amzn.to/3jDe0x9 and you can hook up your phone, ipad etc. Hopefully this answers your question, if you have all 6 sources being utilized, then you can technically listen to 6 completely different things, in any of the 6 zones. Each zone is independently controlled with volume, source, EQ etc.
For a 12 zone system, could I buy this as the primary controller, and then buy the cheaper no-logo monoprice (which is 1/2 as much even after your discount code) as the secondary box to control the second 6 zones and still take advantage of the streaming sources and IP control?
I was hoping for an upgrade... but at a $1200 price bump I can't justify going to it on my meager renovation budget. Will still be looking at the original Monoprice No-Logo version...
That's totally understandable, no harm in that. The streamers and built in LAN control module is nice to have, also with Soundavo they will be building their own higher end LCD backlit keypads, so that is something I'll be looking out for and doing a video on whenever they are completed. So they are actually invested into this unlike the other kit sellers. But again, it's nice to have options out there whether Soundavo or the others :) thanks for watching!
@@TheKMZ1 Speaking of the upgrades.. You mentioned that items can be purchased separately (opposite of the kit only from Monoprice). Would that mean that the remotes could be integrated into the monoprice system or do you think there would be an issue with the remotes ability to talk correctly with the monoprice amp?
@@NavyCopMA1 When you say the remote, do you mean the handheld remote? Or do you mean the keypads? Either way, no there are no integration issues, all of the components from the previous systems, all work with the Soundavo. So yes so far everything from soundavo, also would work backwards into the monoprice
@@TheKMZ1 I was specifically referring to the keypads as I am wiring drops with CAT 6 in each room (as I do renovations) so that I am prepared to add the audio system when I get to that point. Glad to hear about the backward compatibility though!
I like the product and want to buy it... but concerned about this company (Soundavo). I’m new to this but haven’t heard/ read about them before. How will they handle returns, warranties, support etc? Can you throw more light on this so that more consumers will be willing to confidently make the purchase?
They have been around for several years, they have a team of engineers and installers who work to make their products better. The reason you should trust them first of all, is that they were able to re-engineer this amplifier themselves. No one else has this amp to re-sell, it's only theirs. The others, are just resellers. Soundavo started out with other commercial products, they mostly worked with only installers and commercial people. With the introduction of this amp, is when they started doing more direct to consumer. So that could be why you've never heard of them also. But they have great support and a warranty, I think you'll be extremely happy as well!
Hello, pretty cool features on this Soundavo amp. I know you swapped it out for one of your Dayton Audios, is the Soundavo specs exactly same as Daytons/Monoprice in terms of ohms, watts, etc.
No, I dont think it's possible to use a keypad from another brand. Soundavo is however, making an LCD backlit keypad version and it should be out around Q2 2021. When it comes out i'll do a video on it!
Hello. I am so happy to come across your reviews. I just recently moved into a house where the owners installed a multi-room system, and I am stuck in trying to figure it out. Is there a way I can get you to help tell me what to do???
Hey I just came across your videos I currently have open walls during remodel and want to pre wire can you please show video on how you hook up speakers to keypad / receiver I’m a little confused on what I need to do videos are great
@@brianwilliams3305 not that I'm aware of. If you find it and want to tell me which video at what time I'll explain. I did have to build a custom length ribbon cable for connecting 2 amplifiers together
Was just about to buy the monoprice kit when I saw this video! Thanks for the updates man! Looks like they're sold out for the time being. But what a great value. I'm doing new construction soon, so this is definitely on my list. Have you gotten any word on when the new wall controllers will be released? I'd honestly rather just wait until they are redesigned and included with the kit. Also, any word on any Google integration? ex. Google Assistant or UA-cam music? I'm probably going to have to get a secondhand chromecast audio like you used to have because I'm vested in the Google ecosystem and have everything on Google Homes. HTD makes a ceiling mounting kit for Alexa but nothing for Google Home.
They have 2 available to purchase now if you wanted to get them now, they are expected to ship on 12/15. After that, I think their next wave of shipments will be the later part of December. They had just a temporary shortage of amps due to one of their integrated circuit board providers, but they said their next wave is caught up, so this shouldn't really be a continuing problem. Plus the holidays add to more purchases. But anyway I've asked for an update to the new wall keypads so I will let you know when I hear back on that. I am assuming it will be an option to either get these keypads, or the new ones. I don't know what they look like, but it could also be a small up-charge for the new ones as well, depending on them (who knows). I will do a video on those when they are available. So far, no google/alexa integration, I am contemplating seeing if I can figure out how to write the alexa skill for it, but I would start out with alexa and not google (if i could figure it out...sorry lol) Yes, HTD's ceiling mount is cool! Idk why they don't have a google home version
@@TheKMZ1 thanks for all the info! You're the best! It's mainly because none of the google home/nest devices have audio out I think. So the only reason you'd have one in your ceiling is to have it hear you... then in the google home app create a group for the chromecast audio. So you could say, 'hey google, play Lame Impala on Google Chromecast'. so you could have all the voice switching. I like how HTD has a ducking feature so you can basically continue to use all of the features of Alexa and basically never have to pick up your phone, but they (nor anyone else) seems to be interested in developing anything for Google. Sonos used to make a device that had audio out and had Google Assistant built in but they've discontinued it. When speaking with the folks at Soundavo, see if there's any chance they can just have 'Alexa Built In' or 'Google Assistant Built in' There are plenty of soundbars and receivers with the assistants built in so I'm sure it wouldn't be that difficult. That would eliminate EVERYTHING complicated because you can literally stream anything with the voice assistants. wouldn't ever have to touch an app or phone if it was configured correctly. The only issue is a mic to activate the assistants, but if they could put mics in the new keypads, that'd be DOPE af! I'd definitely pay extra for that!
@@TaylorMMontgomery Here is how i integrate all my alexa's with my soundavo currently. (and i'll try and remember to cover this in my next series video. My series i'm doing now called whole home audio from start 2 finish) But what I do is I use an echo dot hooked into my amp as a source. That is because the echo dot's do have a 3.5mm audio OUT on them. So i have an RCA to 3.5mm audio cable, and it goes into my source 1 on soundavo. Then, in the alexa app you can create groups, so I create a group called "All Echos" and then I add all my other echos around the house including the one hooked into the soundavo, into this group. Then, in the group you can set a preferred speaker. I set the preferred speaker to the echo dot hooked into the soundavo. No matter what echo you talk into, it will play through that source # 1 echo dot, so i just have to say, alexa play pop music, and it will always output through the soundavo. The nice thing is, if you ask simple questions, that audio still comes through the local echo you asked. But AUDIO gets sent to the preferred speaker. So literally everything works perfect and audio which you don't want to come through the local echos, always goes through the preferred speaker.... AKA soundavo. It works awesome!
@@TheKMZ1 right. Sounds awesome, and that's the functionality I'd like to see, but without having an echo or google home in each room ya know? It's like I've got these amazing speakers installed throughout my house but I also have Homes/Echos everywhere. My whole point to be to get rid of them all together. One more question that you didn't mention: What are the USB ports on the front for?
@@TaylorMMontgomery the USB is for plugging in a usb stick that has music on it. It'll automatically read it and start playing, I think it does it on a loop. I need to test that out!
Great video and thankful for this info. The Mono Price amp is still less by about half (even with the big discount your extending). Not sure the benefits outweigh the more than 2x the cost.
Thanks for watching! After adding up the cost of 2 wireless streaming, and the control module, if you were to go out and buy these external components to add to the monoprice you'd be adding probably $300. The WS66i does still technically come out a little more, but you get a cleaner install still. There are pros and cons of both! Let me know if you have any specific other questions
On a 70v setup there are no zones. The amplifier has a rating, lets say 120w for example. A 70v system is just 1 giant long bus... meaning all the speakers are essentially chained together. Yes you can create "zones" by having an in-line volume knob to turn that set off, but it's still a giant bus. So the way you compute the wattage, is that you can have as many speakers as you want, as long as you dont go over the 120w. You simply add up the amount of speakers and the wattage. So you could have 24 total speakers at 5 watts... you could have 48 running at 2.5 watts, etc. It's just a numbers addition game that is all. Also, it's recommended to leave 10 to 20% wattage room. In other words dont have speakers that add up to exactly 120w. It could over stress the system. Instead, maybe only add up to 100w and leave the 20w of head room (in this example)
@@TheKMZ1 i have the monoprice 6 zone model 110761 with the 6 keypads and 20 speakers. All are 70v speakers with tap knobs .. Some of the 6 zones have only a single speaker and other zones have as many as 12 speakers .. So in order for me to set the tap settings in order to not go over the wattage output of each zone i would need to know what the maximum output for each zone is. Right?
Great video and great price! Looking for alternative to VSSL. Does this unit now or maybe in the future support google home? Building a new home and Google Home will be the infrastructure for the house. Thanks!
Currently it does not have a google home / alexa skill. That is not to say that there will not be one, I am actually investigating the alexa skill myself. I wrote the android app for monoprice/dax66 controlling, and I have added support for the WS66i in my app as well. So my goal is that I would like to, but right now it's not there. Thanks for watching, these are great amps! Check out my series i'm filming, whole home audio from start 2 finish, I am installing 10 zones with these amps, in my existing 2 story house.
It would be awesome if Soundavo's new keypads (which will hopefully be dimmable) will function on the Monoprice and Dayton units. Looking forward to your testing. I've also got an email in with Soundavo asking them about this, but if they haven't told you, they're probably not going to tell me, either.
@@TheKMZ1 I received a message back from Soundavo... they included a drawing of the new keypad and said it should be available July 2021. It looks very much like the Monoprice keypad, but with a red LED display up top, and the buttons are shaped differently and slightly smaller. They did not mention if the new keypad will be dimmable. I have asked them and will let you know what they say. Thanks!
Hi! thank you for posting this great video. I just bought the WS66i ( amp only) and I am looking forward to installing it. I have a question... Can more than one iphone with the app installed control the amp? Like my iphone and my wife's? iphone both control the amp? So I can use my phone to listen to one input in the living room and my wife can use her phone to choose the input for the kitchen?
Yes that's correct, you can have the app installed on multiple phones and can control the amp and cast music from either one. Thanks for buying and I'll be doing more videos soon, including showing how you can connect 3 and even 4 speakers in 1 zone. And I'll be doing a larger video in me installing this amp and speakers in my existing 2 story house!
@@TheKMZ1 Did you create the video about hooking up more than two speakers to 1 zone? I have a number of speakers that are close and would be better if they were combined into a single zone. Thanks
@@TheKMZ1 Thanks. I watched it! Follow-up questions - Why did you decide to get the wall mounted controlers if you can use the app? I am on the fence about getting them. Also, is the app able to control playing music on a usb drive?
@@kevingormley679 I did the wall controllers/ key pads because in my opinion it gives a higher end look. Also if I ever sell my house, I want the new owners to not feel like they have no idea how to run it, and guests are more likely to use it too, if they are on the wall. But this is just my opinion and it's totally fine to just control it with the app!
I received mine and tested connected it to my speakers but the volume sound low even after increasing to the highest in the app. What should I do to make the sound louder ?
What source are you using? I assume you are using the 3.5mm or an RCA input. These are analog inputs, and so the device that you are playing music on needs to have the volume set to 100%. So if you are playing through your phone, please turn your phone volume all the way up so the signal incoming is stronger.
I have already purchased the Monoprice and am wondering what options are available to stream wirelessly from my iphone since the chromecast is no longer available?
Buy a chromecast on eBay, or you can hook an alexa up to your amp and create an alexa group in your Alexa app. Add all Alexas into that group and set the preferred speaker to be the echo dot plugged into the amp. Then no matter what echo you talk into the music will output through the echo plugged into the amp
We've got more great things coming from Soundavo for whole home audio, so please stick around! Many more developments coming! :)
hi there @TheKMZ1 - how does this compare to Martin Logan 8zone-16 channel - MDA16? and also Triad systems?
Awesome series!!! Any luck on creating that Alexa skill you mentioned too be able to control the ws66i from Alexa and/or Google Home? Been looking for a solution to send RS-232 commands from Alexa/GH. Kind of got something working with TRIGGERcmd kicking off .bat files on my PC but seems like there should be a better and easier way. Any ideas?
Just purchased my first WS66i kit based off of these videos! What do you recommend speaker wise if I want to run 4 speakers to 4 of the 6 zones? Will that be too much for the amp? Should I look at adding additional amps? Anything I should be considering speaker wise? Appreciate your comments.
Can out have the tv audio in the living room and music in the patio playing at the same time?
TheKMZ1: Based on your reassurance, I just ordered it and looking forward to the delivery.
Features/ specs look great and I hope the device lives up to the promise!
Let the Soundavo guys know that you did the sale for them 😉
Oh boy. After months of waiting for my new home construction to be finished, my unit seems defective. Hoping Soundavo supports me through this. The house is all pre-wired and ready for holiday music.
What kind of issues are you seeing? Yes don't worry, they will get you through it. If not, let me know and I can help assist some people I know on that side to email
@@TheKMZ1 It turns on but seems to partially turn off right away. There's a red light on inside, and the ethernet port flashes. The app won't recognize its IP address.
I'm in communication with Soundavo, but my work schedule is getting in the way. I'll have to wait a couple days to get back to them..I'll keep you updated. I'll be very very happy to see this working!
Just wanted to comment to say thanks for answering so many questions in the comments! Its really helpful!
No problem I have enjoyed helping people out on my UA-cam channel!
Great video, was inspired by your previous videos so it's great to see an update! Do you know if it would be possible to connect this up to be controlled with Home Assistant instead of the app? Thanks
Just wanted to thank Kadin for the great information he provides , based on his channel I ended up ordering 1 Ws66i Kit and 1 WS66i slave
Any issues just let me know
Heyo KMZ1! It's been a long year, but we finally closed on our home 3 weeks ago. I am finally just now looking at buying the equipment (ws66i), and speakers. Everything is on Black Friday discounts for massive savings through November 30th, and I hope I can use your coupon for even more savings, but we'll see! What I wanted to write in about before placing orders for everything were as follows: First, how has your ws66i/speakers/setup been working for you this past year, are you still enjoying it? Any new pros/cons you've run across in this past years use? Second, if I decide to use a single speaker per channel, per zone, is there a way for me to have specific zones run as mono (like a switch per zone), or would I have to physically wire both speakers to the same channel within a zone to achieve mono? Options? Third, I've re-watched your video several times on the Soundavo IC-8" and IC-6.5" in ceiling speakers, and what concerns me is that their backs are not enclosed and when reaching out to Soundavo about obtaining a BackBox for these, they say they don't make them so anything like that I would want to do I would have to do on my own. I don't understand why anyone would install an in-ceiling speaker without a BackBox when the speaker has an open back that's not enclosed. I've spent 10's of hours researching this over the past year and I can't find any forum, community, nor installer that advises installing these as is. The amount of sound loss, low bass reproduction, sound projection, and sound bleeding through your walls and/or ceiling into other rooms within your home have pretty much scared me away from these speakers. The speakers look phenomenal, are at a great price, are rated perfectly to match the ws66i, but I just don't know that I could feel confident installing them without an enclosed back, which is why I keep leaning back to the JBL 26C. Can you give me your thoughts/perspective on this?
Hello! Sorry for the late reply, been traveling for the Holidays! Unfortunately my coupon code will not work for black friday but it should continue to work afterwards. If I were you, you should do the Black Friday deal. Over the past year everything has held up perfectly. I have not had any issues, nor have I had to replace anything. We use the system daily... my kids like to listen to low volume music when they go to bed. Regarding your mono question, yes each zone has a switch on the back and you can change it from mono to stereo... although If i were you, i'd try to use stereo as much as possible. It will sound much better. You will find that there are not many speaker making companies that include the back on the speakers. So you should pick the speakers you truly want to have, and then you could build some kind of a custom box if you want to. But yes most companies don't.
Thanks for the great info. I would like to upgrade my keypads. They currently have 4 colored wires in the back. They are just a volume knob. Can I upgrade to these new keypads?? Thanks Jack
Hi, We finally got the new house ready and I am looking to install the Audio system. Can you please list the parts and if you let me know the best place to buy them. So far I need a total of 30 ceiling speakers 2 outdoor speakers. We going to have 4 to 5 sources and about 6 zones. I have a cat6 home run for volume control all the way to the audio room and all the speakers and source cables are also in the same audio room. I guess ur recommendation was the Soundavo WS66i. Please let me know. Thank you for your help
Bro!! Just saved 540$!! By using your code. You da man
Enjoy, you'll love it
Looks like the added two streamers come at the cost of the source 3 & 4 RCA inputs on the rear. If you want the streaming that's great, but otherwise this is now only a four source system.
I noticed that too. Not sure why that wasn’t talked about.
It does come at the cost of removing 2 of the RCA, there are still 2 left. In my experience talking with many people, most people did not use the RCA's at all, let alone 4 of them. So yes if someone needed specifically more RCA then this may not be the amp to go with. Thanks for watching!
@@TheKMZ1 How do most people hook up their inputs to this unit. Sorry don't knwo the terminology on the back very well.
@@paulyeager6534 your options are either RCA inputs, or there's a 3.5mm input, a digital optical input, or the wireless streaming
@@TheKMZ1 So are there only 4 inputs total of mine and then the two streamers are zones?
Thanks for reviewing this amp! In my upcoming renovation I will need about 10 zones, can I use this amp as the master and the dayton or monoprice as the slave?
Yes, you can technically do that! In my demonstration, i technically had a mixed situation like you describe. :)
Great question, as this may be my upgrade path!
@@TheKMZ1 when you say ‘technically” is functionality or degradation of performance you lose in mixing? I don’t see a reason to purchase another WS66i ($$$) since the 2nd WS66i is going to be a slave unit . As a slave the source features, streamers etc.... are redundant and not in play? Will the WS66i app control the slave (Dayton or Mono) speakers wirelessly and can those slave speakers be controlled viA the mono/Dayton wall controls. Finally , Can I mix wall mounts and wireless control within the same WS66I ( I have locations where a wall control is not feasible within a WS66i)
@@timp.2693 There is no functionality degradation or performance issues when mixing the ws66i with the monoprice or dayton units as your slave units. the app works with it just fine and the wall controls work the same. So no issues at all
Just curious if you'd rather go with the setup you have in the video, or a sonos system?
I would rather go with my setup again, I think it's better for the money. Sonos is good yes, but damn it's expensive. Plus I have had issues with their wireless pairing of speakers. In general hard wiring is better. yes it's more work to do and harder but once that wire is there you are set for good.
@@TheKMZ1 Thank you for the reply and perspective on this. I'll either go with this system, or the one HTD has to offer. I like their Alexa integration.
Hey KMZ1, thanks for your app support for monoprice amps!! just to confirm your monoprice app and the rs232 interface does not work on the osd bma-6012p aka 31028 - Monoprice 6 Zone Home Audio ...
I would need to develop my own app for the 31028? Correct?
Is it possible to purchase a replacement remote? I purchased this a few months ago and the remote never worked. I assumed I needed some other product to make it work but I'm realizing now that it should actually work out the box. The app and keypads work fine but now I'm realizing how the remote would be handy!
I don't use mine, it's brand new. Want to buy it?
@TheKMZ1 Any updade on this. Are you still using it? How well do the built in network streamers. Have they added any native apps to stream (like pandora)? How well does Airplay and Chromecast work? Reading the PDF of the WS66i, looks like they added Pandora? What can you say about that?
This question may have already been answered or I am not understanding correctly. I am concerned about output power. Specs for this unit say Output Power: 25W x 2 per zone (at 8Ω). Ceiling speakers I am seeing are ~60W RMS. I heard a rule of thumb for picking out an amp is to have double the RMS of the speaker. Is the output power enough on this unit? Would like to get 8Ω ceiling speakers with this unit. Appreciate all your videos!
You are correct, this particular amplifier is 25w per speaker. I dont think it's low in my opinion. If we reference JL audios own publication jlaudio.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/217201737-Doubling-Power-vs-Doubling-Output and this is also written in many other places (so it's not a made up concept) but doubling power does not make it sound "twice as loud". So doubling power even to 50 watts per speaker would have subtle differences in the actual SPL levels heard by our ears. Yes it'd be a little louder but subtly. In my own experience with this amp that I'm using (since 2017) it can get more than enough loud. It can throw a party. Thanks for watching and for the comment!!
@@TheKMZ1 Great information, really appreciate it!
I have a question. I moved into my house that has all these wall device like your but they are not digital. They are the press buttons one. I notice in the living room all the cables run over there. The home owner that lived here took everything and left the cables. Now I'm stuck figuring out how all this works. I notice were the cables come out they have the green connectors. What is the best device to connect everything but not so expensive. Just want to use the speakers since they are installed already. Maybe use it for tv or streaming from Spotify if possible.
Please let me know when you have a moment.
Thanks,
How does the bluetooth KBR1 devices work? They resemble the zone switches mounted on the wall, but I can't find any information on how they work or connect via the ethernet.
Are you still able to make the 18 pin cable connectors? I need one for my system.
Great video, and thank you for what you're doing ! I'm building right now and I plan to use this system. I see there is a holiday sale now, and your discount. Is your discount always available? If not, how often do they have sales? I don't want to buy now and leave it in the box for 6 months if I can avoid it. But, I'd rather save $500 if I can. Can I wait and still save with your discount? Does your code only work on the unit with the older controllers?
I don't see anything about support for iTunes (Apple Music). Do they offer a way to stream Apple Music? I do have the option of a Sonos device I could connect, but if it's native I think that would be better. Thanks again!
I think they only do holiday says around thanksgiving and christmas. Yes my code will still work outside of that, so you should still be able to save in 6 months. The discount code works on the controller and non-controller units. You can only use the discount code once per email address, so i think you could buy one unit with one email address and my discount code, and then do another separate order to be able to use it again. You can use the airplay streamers to stream apple music right? I am not an apple user so i am a little limited in this area lol but the amps have airplay streamers in them. Otherwise yes absolutely you can hook in another source into the back of it, check out my series on my channel, "Whole home audio from start to finish" if you havent seen that already. Thanks for watching
@@TheKMZ1 Thank you! It looks like the code is only available on the one with the old controllers. If that's not right please let me know. I think I'm going to order tomorrow, and would like to make sure you get credit for the sale if possible. The LCD controllers seem worth the extra cost. Do you agree?
BTW, yes I've see the recommended video. You do great videos! Liked and subscribed. Yes, you can use airplay streamers, so that would work. Thank you for the tremendously quick response!
@@stevec3537 if you are building a house absolutely the controllers are worth it in my opinion!
Thanks for your Whole Home Audio Video Serie. I love loved it. I just have a probably a stupid question. Do the key pads need to be connected to the hub and then directly to the AMP? Or can those be connected through the network?
Sorry for the late reply, they are not connected to the network and they cannot be either. That is because the keypads are not a networked device, they are actually kinda dumb, they simply using the ethernet cable as the means to connect them. Ethernet cable is easy to come by and cheap, so that is what they used, so that simply allows them to be powered and send the digital signals back to the amp. Otherwise there is no network address or any kind of NIC in these! Thanks!
You talked about new design for the wall controls, can you point at more information about that new design?
I will do a video on them when they are ready (I'm not sure when they will be ready, and i'm not sure what they will look like) but Soundavo is designing new ones now, they are gearing to be a more higher end look, similar to the amplifier how it's appearance is more higher end. Will keep everyone updated!
@TheKMZ1 Thanks for the great video! Do you know what the bit depths are of this? I can see the sampling rate is up to 192 kHz. Thanks!
I moved into a home with a bunch of these 4 pin connectors. How do I get a unit to support this without spending freaking 1200 bucks! Seems really expensive.
Since this has no casting receiver for Android I have a question about the zoning ability via this amps app in combination with an exterior Chromecast enabled internet radio. The radio is a grace link, it also has an app and (I believe) separate Chromecast casting function built in. Now, this thing is universal to nearly every stream app, apple products, and android...holy grail. If I get the ws66i and this grace link, could I still use the zoning on the amp and it's application? I worry about this radio strictly requiring the use of it's app for casting, in that case could I still utilize the amps zoning function (apps side-by-side or in conjunction)? Does the amp app require streaming pass through for it to work? I don't want to have to press any buttons at all haha
Thanks for the video on this amp. I installed this system last weekend. Pretty simple setup. However I’m not able to stream Amazon music which is a bummer and I’m not able to stream music off my IPad since I’m not subscribed to their cloud services. I’m looking forward to your videos on the apps. It’s not perfect but workable. I’m sure there will be updates in the future.
Yes there will be updates for sure, if you are on an apple device, you should be able to use airplay, have you tried that?
1) Get an audioengine B1 and connect it directly to your Soundavo as one of your six sources. The B1 is a long range bluetooth receiver with a good quality DAC inside. 2) Pair the B1 to your amazon echos as a bluetooth device (can only connect the B1 to one echo at a time, but with an echo remote you can roam around with the remote in your pocket). 3) Then you can say "alexa, turn on bluetooth", then "alexa, play dinner music" (or whatever) and you are by default tapped into amazon music. Get the echo remote and you have remote control with alexa using the B1. Alternately, you can say "alexa, play dinner music ON PANDORA" (or whatever service you use in addition to Amazon Music) and you have voice (or echo remote) control over this as well. Very slick. My six echo devices and echo remote can reach the B1 via bluetooth from anywhere in my 4400 sq ft house, my outdoor patio, etc. This streaming is actually bluetooth from the echo devices, which use wifi, and adds even more versatility than using wifi only. It is whole home echo!!!
Patrick Will can you add a B1 to all of the different 6 sources to have 6 different B1’s?
@@Theduallyshop The B1 is a single source, attached to a single echo device at a time, but you can then control it using a slim echo voice remote (which also can only be paired with one echo device at a time) that you can slip into your pocket to use throughout the house within thek range of the echo to echo remote (or even on a back patio) -- with all commands still going through that single B1 source. So, if I am in the kitchen, I say "alexa, turn on bluetooth" and that turns on and connects the B1 (B1 white light turns on) and is connected to my echo show in my kitchen. Then I check my wall switch source setting (or you could do this via the phone app) to ensure the B1 is selected as the source for the speakers is turned on (as I often use the Denon Receiver TV output as another source when not listening to music, so I need to switch from this source in my kitchen). Then I use my voice in the kitchen (or via the echo voice remote within range of the echo show in the kitchen) in the house or outside on the patio, to control the music -- "play x radio on pandora, or play x artist on amazon music, volume up, volume down, next, stop, etc." To switch back to other sources, I simply say "alexa, turn off bluetooth" and my B1 disconnects as the active source automatically and I put the wall switch back to my default TV sound source.
You can pair the B1 to any echo device in your house, so therefore use whichever echo device you want as your voice control hub for the B1 from wherever you happen to be -- but just remember only one echo device can be connected to the B1 at a time. Also, if you turn on all speaker zones to the B1 source, you are controlling all sound zones at the same time (or any selected combination of zones) with your current pairing combination of echo and B1. So, if I am in the basement pool table area, I connect to the B1 from the echo device in the pool table area and use that echo as the paired device. So, for a large house with lots of echo devices like mine and lots of speaker zones (I have 12 stereo speaker zones - 24 channels), this works perfectly for my needs. I can still walk around my house and listen to the music from all zones, and with the echo remote, I can extend my voice control area to the connected Echo device well beyond the normal echo device listening range. As a normal matter of course I am usually not aimlessly walking around my house but rather staying in one or two adjacent areas -- Kitchen/Patio, Kitchen/Great Room, Pool Table/seating area, Master Bedroom/Hallway, etc. -- and for this setup this works fabulously. In my 4400 sq ft house, my echo dot in the far corner of the basement connects to my B1 on the far side of the house in my kitchen, one floor up, with no problem!
Yes, you could use more than one audioengine B1 as another source for another person to control music independently from a different echo in a different room, but for me it is only two of us in a large house, and one B1 source is all we would ever need to operate at one time.
I am in the market but am unsure how it all works.
How many speakers can be run for each zone?
Can I get my Apple Music to work? The house uses all Apple products.
I have an entire series on my UA-cam channel that you'll really like. It's called installing whole home audio from start to finish. These amps are meant for 2 speakers in a zone but you can get max 4 speakers in a zone as well, I also have a video on my channel named how to get 3 or more speakers in a zone
Have you added any Bluetooth receivers? I'm looking at a few inwall mounted options to control 2 speakers in a home guy setting use a phone to play music through inwall speakers. The inwall bluetooth receiver (source) looks like they use cat6 wire. Any advice?
Thanks for the great video. I was considering to use Sonos Amp per zone for my 6 zone setup hooking up my Denon AVR to it. I see you gave compared Soundavo Amp with Denon HEOS..
Can you please update / consider comparing with the Sonos Amp?
I would need to shell out 3600$ just for the Amps.
1. What would one miss if they were to use Soundavo Amp instead of Sonos?
2. Is there an iPhone App ? How to control music zone / source etc if we chose not to go with the keypads?
3. What’s the RMS power output for each zone ? (compared to Sonos Amp)
4. Can we bridge (merge) two zones into one zone to connect say 4 in-ceiling speakers ?
Please check out my channel, I have many other videos that you will find helpful such as connecting 3, 4, and even many more speaker into 1 zone. Yes there is an iPhone app to control the soundavo. I think you should seriously consider it because it's a great amp and you'll save a lot of money
You can also hook up external amps as well, into the soundavo. I detail that in my video on my channel titled: pre-amp out, how to hook up 3,4 or hundreds of speakers into 1 zone. I also talk about how you would hook up your surround sound amp into the soundavo
I want to install 10 speakers what are all the components i need to order ?
Please watch my other videos on my channel, they are great resources. But you need the WS66i amplifier, use my code TKMZ to get a good discount. You need speakers, speaker wire, and ethernet cable (if you are installing the keypads) that's about it
Do you know/suggest a rotary volume control compatible with this amp? Need to use standard volume controller with this amp as house is wired with speaker wire at volume control and not Ethernet.
I Really like this unit. I'm building a new home and am planning to install this. My question is: I have a old stereo receiver/amp that I want to use in my man cave with my 4 JBL Jubal L65s speakers and run Bluetooth off the receiver to also stream off the Monoprice. The receiver is located in a room about 200' and one floor down from where I plan to mount the Monoprice. Do you have any suggestions on how I can achieve this? (Obviously I'm not very conversant with this stuff). Thanks for nay help.
Hi, I have total 14 speakers to set in 6 zones. 2-dining, 2-bedroom, 2-second floor hall way, 2-patio, 3-masterbedrrom+bathroom, 3-First floor hall way. Connecting 2 speakers to a zone is pretty clear. My question is that, how can I connect 3 speakers to a zone? Please advise!
My video here will help you :) ua-cam.com/video/dVjiZeCCnqA/v-deo.html
@@TheKMZ1 Great video! Thank you!
I like the technology in the amp but for me, the surround sound processor or receiver should have most of this technology in it already. Also, for 1899 price point, I would rather buy a 5 ch amp with xlr connections possibly sacrificing channels but getting 250wpc without bridging the amp if the amp you are showing can bridge. I don’t like overworking amps so bridge mode is never an option to get more power. For my setup, this wouldn’t work for me, and I’d need to add a speaker selector but for someone without a receiver or surround sound processor, this is a GREAT option. What do you think?
This amp is not a surround sound amp, it's not meant to fill that gap. And likewise what surround sound amp can do this type of whole home audio zoning? Check out my video on my channel about more than 1 speaker in a zone, it talks about how you would integrate a dedicated surround sound amp into your ws66i whole home amp. Also 1899 is before my discount code, so you could get it about $550 cheaper
@@TheKMZ1 got ya, I’ll check it out but again, in my setup, I have a great surround sound processor, I only need an amp for power, nothing else, and I’d separate my speakers with a speaker selector. If I don’t need the 250wpc and the xlr connections, at the lower price point you’re saying this amp is a great option. I’ll check out your other video.
@@TheKMZ1 I don’t see the video you’re talking about, can you link it below, thanks.
Hi Thank you for a great demo of this amplifier. My biggest question is, I would need 2 because I have 12 zones in my home with 3 zones bridged in the main family room. So 2 questions can I bridge/combine the 3 zones?
Second question because HEOS can’t do this which is why I’m watching this video. We have the family Spotify package so our 5 individual accounts are my wife and I, my 2 children and a zone for the house. Can all 5 Spotify accounts access any of the 12 zones or really 9 because I’d have 3 combined zones. I hope that makes sense. With HEOS it’s 1 Spotify account per unit so we’re not going with them
Yes I think all Spotify accounts can access, because you don't add Spotify to the unit, instead when your unit is on the local network and your phone also, the Spotify app sees the streamers online and allows you to cast to the device. That means it shouldn't matter what account is signed in, they should all see the available streaming devices on your network. Also, there's only 2 streamers in the unit, it means only 2 people can listen to different things at a time. Any of your zones can listen to any source they want to, but it's just that there's only 2 streamers which means only 2 of your family members can stream different things at a time. Hopefully that makes sense!
Do any of these support youtube music? I dont use any of these streaming services ....
I’ve been testing this product for about two weeks and I must say it’s been great! Very happy with the product itself. My only issue Is with the Apple version of the WS66i app, it’s unusable. Very glitchy. Used my android and it works great! Have you heard anything about updating apps. I have an iPad as my home controller and its horrible with the soundavo app right now.
Hey! Can you provide me some more insight to your apple device and setup? What iOS version are you on? I think they have a new version coming out so curious if maybe they just need to do an app update. Also, please tell me in what way and how to reproduce the issues and what behavior it's going. I'm happy to help out and try to get it looked into! Thanks
@@TheKMZ1 The issues I was experiencing were fixed with the update. The support team reached out throughout the process with updates. I’m very happy with the product and will be expanding my system with a second ws66i.
What is the difference between this amp vs a receiver? Price? Function?
Price wise, a standard receiver would be a little cheaper. But function wise, is where they are different. These are specifically built for these whole home audio applications, with independent zones that can be controlled. Each zone can independently tune in to any source that it wants to listen to. So you could have 6 zones, listening to 6 different things, or any combination of whatever you want. Each zone can determine that by using the digital keypads. Any of the zones can be on or off, and can be controlled with a phone/tablet. A standard receiver usually has many source inputs, but whatever is the selected source would play out of every speaker, you don't have that granular ability to tell what speakers to listen to what. Also, most receivers you wouldn't have any kind of smart phone control. With a standard receiver, you could hook up analog rotary volume controls, but that is all you get control over, is volume. Hopefully this helps!
How would you compare the new Dayton Audio DAX88 to the WS66i?
Hey great video man.. are we able to connect 4 speaker in each zone with this amplifier?
yes you can, it all depends on how you wire it. The amps specifications are: Output Power: 25W x 2 per zone (at 8Ω), Output Power: 50W x 2 per zone (at 4Ω), Output Power: 100W per zone (Bridged at 8Ω). So therefore, to get 4 speakers in 1 zone, you could wire 2 8 ohm speakers in parallel, and that would have 1 pair (+ and -) going back to the amp. Then wire your next set pair of speakers also in parallel, and this is completely independent of your first set you just did. If you use 8 ohm speakers, this means that the amp would see a 4 ohm load for your left channel and also a 4 ohm load on your right channel, which is completely fine and within the limits of the amp. The amp doesn't know or care that you have 2 speakers in your left channel , and 2 speaker sin your right channel, it just knows that the incoming speaker impedance is 4 ohms and that makes it happy. Subscribe to my channel and i'll probably do a video on this, as i get a lot of questions! Thanks
Thanks very much
Hello how do you connect a subwoofer to the pre amp output, where I can use with any zone?
Hello, I have my house pre-wired with 6 zones (12) speakers and each zone is wired for a volume control. Will this system support my setup? Will the keypads work with the volume control?
Are your volume controls speaker cable volume controls? Or is Ethernet cable ran to where the volume controls are??
Great video and review. I would not have found this product without you. Would you happen to know what the warranty is on the Soundavo? I can’t seem to find any information on their website other than a 30 day return for defects?
Thx John Brunswick Maine
Hi, great channel..
Does the led lights on the keypads stays ON at all times or it goes OFF when we turn that zone off ?
Thank you in advance.
They stay on all the time, but i have a video on my channel showing how you can cover it up / dim it.
@@TheKMZ1 Thank you for your fast response, I just saw your other video about of how to cover up, great idea!
Very helpful all your videos.
Definitely going to be setting up a very similar speaker system in my new-build home. I made this decision based on your videos and recommendations, so thank you very much. What I wanted to know was if the WS66i streaming option let's you use UA-cam music as a streaming player? I subscribe to UA-cam Music so hoping it works. I do not see any info regarding that.
Thanks I've been loving mine still. Check out my UA-cam series on my channel, installing this from start to finish. Unfortunately no I don't believe UA-cam music is supported
Awesome videos! I am wanting to install a 6 Zone in my Airbnb rental for my guests (probably still going for the mono-price) one question I had was on your video from about 2 years ago where you described your setup at your home using the mono price amp. How did you get the RCA wall input in the kitchen how does the back of the wall plug look like? Is there RCA cables going back to the amp itself? Only part I am confused about. Great videos!
Thanks for watching! I think you'll be happy then, to know of my upcoming series i'm recording, where i'm showing installing whole home audio from start to finish in my new house we bought. (Not new but new to us) To answer your question, the RCA cables are custom made by using RG6 cable. This is just standard TV coax cable. Use RCA compression connectors amzn.to/3dUCzno and here are the crimpers amzn.to/35sG2G3 You have to use 2 separate cables. I use keystone jacks like this then which make up the wall plate amzn.to/31CElEW amzn.to/2J1gaJL amzn.to/3ks6YM7 Hopefully this helps! Hope you subscribe and tune in to my series coming soon. I hope to have video 1 up in the next several days, and hoping to get the entire series project completed by end of year!
Hello, I really appreciate what you’re doing. One question that I have, do I put in each zone and auxiliary port or Bluetooth?
@theKMZ1 Hoping you read this! I'm working on a small VBS-like project for my church, and was wondering if this amp, using a USB stick, can play specific media to each zone via the app. I know it's such a simple request, but I'm trying to have music as well as ambient sound for a camping theme. Looks like a no-brainer to me if it will work as I believe it can!
You can have each zone play something different, but not from the same source. What i mean is, 1 usb stick plugged in is just 1 source. You can't have that usb stick playing multiple things, it's only ever playing 1 thing, and each zone can tune into that source if it wants to... or it can tune into a different source. So you can play 6 different things in each zone yes, but that means you have 6 different sources plugged in and playing different things. Hopefully this example makes sense
@@TheKMZ1 Absolutely. Thank you for replying! Is there any other way to provide more local sources?
@@NovaFox238 you would need a different amp such as the soundavo MZ (multi-zone) amp. Please watch my video on my channel titled something like this. The 3 most popular amps people use.
I have already ran cat5e cables to all my locations and now I don't really have to use keypads with the WS66i, what's your suggestion in regard to using keypads? Also, do you recommend waiting for the new keypads to buy the kit or just buy just the amp now and get the new keypads when they come out?
Even though you don't HAVE to use keypads, my opinion and suggestion is to use them if you can. Because guests are more likely to use or adjust it if it's on the wall. If you ever sell your house, having them already there is more attractive. Buyers don't want to feel like they are going into something that have no clue about. I find myself using the keypads 60% of the time and the app 40% so my view is the app is great, but I would use the keypads a little more. The keypads really do look nice on the wall. I would get the system now, and then later decide if you like the new version of the keypad or not. You may not even like the way the new one looks, who knows!
I wondered what I should do because I am looking to get one of these amplifiers and have in ceiling speakers in all my rooms but I want to build a surround sound system for my home theater room and I want to know what to I should do, should I get a separate amplifier to control the surround sound in my theater or can I use this amplifier for surround sound in one room while not using it for surround sound in my other rooms but I was wondering if it would be possible to still use the soundavo software and just play music through the surround speakers and then go back to using them for surround for films, I am relatively new to this type of audio so if you could help then that would be great
The WS66i has what are called "pre-amp outputs" on the back. I made a video about that here: ua-cam.com/video/dVjiZeCCnqA/v-deo.html and I think you'll really find it helpful! I demonstrate and talk about how you could have a theater amp hooked up exactly like you are describing. Basically, pre amp outs pass the source data like volume, EQ, etc through to another amplifier. And you hook your speakers into the other external amp...in your case your speakers for that zone (your home theater zone) are hooked up and powered by the whole home amp. But, you plug the pre-amp outsputs into an input of your home theater amp. When your home theater amp is tuned to that source, your wall keypad and everything will still control it since it's passing the source data, volume, eq etc into the home theater amp. Yes, this does mean you need your home theater amp on all the time and it would be tuned to that source 90% of the time. When it is TV or Movie time, you would switch your source to like the HDMI tv source or whatever source has the movie audio. Hopefully this makes sense and hopefully that video helps!
@@TheKMZ1 Thank you so much, also that was a very fast response, your videos have been amazing and I really appreciate you explaining it and you explained it really well in your other video, even simple enough for me. All your videos have answered every question that I have had now and I actually have a much better understanding of how it all works.
@thekmz1 This video and your whole home audio series have been extremely helpful to me. I have all my wiring done and my Soundavo WS66i came in this week. I began the setup which was pretty straight forward, but the app was a little testy to connect, but when it connected it worked great. I was able to get both streaming sources to work, but then I had to disconnect the ethernet cords to tidy things up when I connected them back, none of the blue source lights on the front of the amp will come on nor will the amp connect. I also had not connected the keypad controls yet, but when it did none of the keypads will light up or connect. Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for the videos.
Hey Ted, sure thing I'd love to help you out. Please email me at support@kztechconsulting.com
Kadin,
Great channel! I really appreciate all the information you are putting out there. I have a few questions. I’m installing a large system with about 15 zones all together. How many amps will I need? Also what speakers would recommend for a garage and a front porch? The porch speakers will be installed in the overhang and will not be getting wet.
Thanks in advance! Keep up the good work!
Don, sorry for the late reply i'm not sure how i missed your comment. 15 zones, you would need 3 amplifiers. You could get 1 WS66i and use my code to save money, and then get 2 monoprice 6 zone amplifiers which will also save you more money and they will work just fine with these. You would link them all together and you'd have a system capable of up to 18 zones sharing the 6 sources!
Hi again,
Can you tell me what speakers you would install in a bathroom and what 4” speakers you like? Appreciate it!
Thanks!
Great video. I'm sold. Do you know if Soundavo can take orders over the phone? I have a rebate debit card I would like to use for most of the purchase, and the Soundavo site would not allow for a split purchase.
Yes I think they can, if you have troubles getting ahold of someone let me know
The discount code "TKMZ" still works! Great buy at that discounted price. Thanks for this video and introducing this company....
Absolutely it does! I also just made a new video on my channel, a Soundavo 2022 update. Also I am making a new one as we speak. Should have it posted in the next few days
Can the amplifier be hookup the audio/video system or like surround sound setup. I would like see if I hookup like one zone my tv in the living room? I hope you understand my questions.
Yes you can do that! Please watch this video where I talk about that ua-cam.com/video/dVjiZeCCnqA/v-deo.html
What gauge of speaker wire did you use for this project?
Thanks for all you videos. Do you happen to have one on how to connect the app?
Are you using the soundavo app or my Android app
@@TheKMZ1 Soundavo app
@@eswonderfulworld1808 Other than what i showed starting at 17:28 in this video, no I never did end up making one
Can you use monoprice and soundavo together???
Yes you can
Same question I had.
@@TheKMZ1 so I can get the monoprice kit with keypads, and get only the soundavo amp and link them? Just making sure
@@the_bearded_anesthetist yes you can do that, so are you not wanting to use the keypads? Because if you are you will want more keypads not otherwise yes you don't need them if you don't plan to use them, and yes the soundavo will work with the monoprice! Use the coupon code to get you a good discount
@TheKMZ1 I just tried the discount code on the Amp only. (don't have lan cables ran in the house for control panels) it is not working. Is there an updated code? happy holidays!
I think they are running a holiday special right now so it's just temporarily disabled since they are running their own special at the moment
These videos have helped so much in planning my new home whole home audio build! Quick question- when controlling with my phone- can I adjust the volume per each room using just the app (each room will have its own level of volume). Thanks for your help!
Yes you are correct, each room (zone) has it's own completely separate volume. You can control each zone independently in the app or with the wall keypad. Thanks!!
@@TheKMZ1 That’s amazing!! My builder is pushing a volume controller for each zone- and I don’t want them if I don’t need them! Good to know that they aren’t required! Thanks so much!
@@Vayner447 for this system they aren't required, other systems I can't speak for. I personally love the look of them on the wall. Makes a home feel higher end.. In my opinion. But certainly the choice is yours
@@TheKMZ1 Thanks so much for the advice. The wall plates just need a Ethernet cable right? Just thought of another question- am I able to connect my phone wirelessly as a “source”?
@@Vayner447 yes just an Ethernet cable, and yes the WS66i has 2 wireless streamers, you can play music wirelessly from your phone to it
This is great for my next project. I need something like this for commercial 70/100v speakers. can I connect Soundavo speaker out with 70/100v amp line input and use it for commercial speakers. or is ther any easy way? I need about 10 speapers for Zone 1, 2 speakers for Zone2, 8 speakers for zone 3.... something like that.
and I am gonna use JBL 8124 for ceiling and Control 25i for wall mount. (is there any other recommendation?)
Thank you!!
Thank you your information and help!!!!
I recall from one of your vids that you used 3 or even 4 core speaker cable. Which did you use? Reason I’m asking is that I tried using three core for two speakers (shared ground) but this didn’t work, one speaker was very quiet and it caused audio to cut out repeatedly…
In my videos i use either 2 conductor or 4 conductor cable. I have a video where I talk about installing 3 speakers, 4 speakers, or even more speakers in 1 zone. Each speaker has to have a Left and a Right cable hooked up to it. I am not sure what you mean by a shared ground cable.
Since the chrome cast is no longer available, what are the options for just streaming off your phone wirelessly from sources not supported in the unit?
wait, they took chomecast away?
I've read about how bright and some what annoying the keypads are. Does Soundavo fix that? Can this amp be integrated with smart switches like the Brilliant Switch?
I have a video on my channel talking about the keypad brightness ua-cam.com/video/RLN7CAil3a4/v-deo.html This is still currently the only way to modify it. This amp has ethernet and RS232 control, so it can be integrated into smart systems (such as Control 4 for example) so I can't comment directly about the Brilliant Switch, but in general yes the amp has control integration capabilities.
Hello
Great video , in the process of building and this is very helpful. I also enjoyed your speaker selection video and in the process to purchase the 8 inch version. I’m a little confused, so here is my question. I have 22 zones (2 speakers per zone), snd some of these areas/rooms are close to each other. Can I hook up 3 to 4 speakers to 1 zone. Trying to limit the amount of WS66i’s that I need to purchase.
Yes check out my channel I have a video talking about 3 and 4 speakers in a zone and demonstrate it!
TBH, I don't understand much about audio systems, but your videos make everything seem easy!
One question: I have a pair of speakers rated 106W RMS / 150 max. Will this amp support them? If not, what's a suggested resolution?
What brand/model of speaker? That's pretty high wattage for a home type speaker. So I was curious to look at it
@@TheKMZ1 I have a somewhat larger room - combined LR and Kitchen. I'm trying to maintain a budget as the house is new construction, at the top of my price point.
@@rrassoc check out this video of mine I think you'll like and May help! ua-cam.com/video/mUrkIHvwFf8/v-deo.html if you have questions after this let me know
@@TheKMZ1 Thanks!
Thanks for this great video. VERY helpful, i've been looking for an audio solution for my house which is all wired, but with old keypads from Aegis. I will keep reading and watching your videos, very educational. Thanks much.
Can you explain little more about input sources how to wire up all six sources
Check out my channel "installing whole home audio from start to finish"
Thanks for the video, I ordered the AMP version that without using the keypads, following your video for setup and everything works flawless, the App is easy to use. I don’t do Spotify but using the SiriusXM radio for the airplay function to do streaming on this amp. Do you know when is the new keypad coming? We might consider to install 2 or 3 in kid’s room.
Glad to hear! I don't have an exact time on when those keypads will be released, but I will be doing a video probably and letting you know!
Actually I’m enjoying play around on the supported control App for the source/zone selection, it’s fun. To add the keypads just other thoughts, not really need it right now. For considering to do the extra work for the keypads wiring, I think so far by using the App is fine.
How can make my tv in the master bedroom and in the living room to be a source? What kind of cable do I need to run?
How far away are your TVs from your amplifier? Approximately how many feet
@@TheKMZ1 first Tv about 50 feet and the 2nd tv close to a 125 feet
For the short run, i would use an optical cable like this amzn.to/36ICJf5 you can also get a 75 ft one at that same link if you wanted. But over 100ft you cannot use optical. So for your 2nd TV, your option would be to make yourself a long custom RCA cable. Run 2 RG6 coax cables to that TV. This is the same type of cable as regular TV cable. You have to run 2 because one coax is the left audio (think red color in the pre-made RCA cables) and then the other coax represents the right audio (the white color in pre-made RCA cables) Make sure your TV at that location has audio OUT with RCA, and if not you would have to get a converter. You can crimp RCA connectors on the RG6 cable using this amzn.to/2YJUYwq and this compression tool amzn.to/3ts5TZW
@@TheKMZ1 thank you
I guess since I am going to buy RG 6 then I guess I will run RG6 to the two TVs, two cable each like you said
Now looking at the back of ws66i I on the web site I only see 35mm jacks marked as source 1to 6
I guess I am confused on where should I connect the two RCA as left and Right
Do you have a video talking about how to connect the sources
Thanks
@@mueenel the WS66i has 2 RCA inputs on the back so they would plug in there. But why not only run 1 tv with rca and the other with the long optical cable?
Hello and thank you for your very nice vidéo :-). I wonder if i can use my Monoprice as a slave and this one as a master to control easily all the sound of my future house with the master and would only use the Monoprice as an app? Thank-you. Jean-Philippe.
Yes the monoprice will work as a slave
I have wired my house for 7 zones. Can I use the mono price amp as a slave to the Soundavo , so I don’t have to buy 2 Soundavos ?
Yes you can do that
Unfortunately, after purchasing the amplifier will not connect via the wsi66 app. I've sent it to Soundavo and it won't work. Frustrated. Any suggestions?
Yeah I have some ideas, also Soundavo has good support and it the amp is defective don't worry they will get you taken care of. You can also email me support@kztechconsulting.com
Hello and thanks for reviewing this and explaining things... One question I had was what do you use as a PreAmp for this amplifier? Can you use an existing AV receiver EX. Onkyo? Thanks.
To use the pre-amp your other amplifier just needs to accept RCA input. The pre-amp out is nice, because that allows you to still control the volume, source, EQ, etc using the keypad, but the speakers are being powered by the other amp. So think of pre-amp out as just passing along the source data, into the other amp, and the other amp is actually powering it.
If I buy one of these, will it be able to connect to and control an older monoprice unit, or does it only scale with Soundavo units?
It scales with the monoprice yes! So buy the Soundavo and use it as your master, then you could use monoprice as your slaves
I see how you connected your Alexa to this but my question is there no way to have Alexa from any echo device control the independent zones? For example ask Alexa to turn on zone1 or zone2? Your example just streams the music to that particular source. I want to be able to control the ability to control each zone independently either through alexa or Smartthings.
Correct, there is currently no way to control the zones in that manor yet. Until I build an Alexa skill lol
Are there any interfaces between the Soundavo WS66i and other amps? I have a Denon amp that is not connected to my cabinet and looking to be able to tie the Soundavo Ws66i to the Denon amp. Please advise. Thank you! Rich
Using the pre-amp outputs on the WS66i, you can use the Denon amp to power speakers while that becomes a zone on the WS66i. I have a video on my channel talking about the pre-amp outputs
Thanks for the code just bought the system! I was waiting for something like this.
No problem! Thank you, any questions or issues you know where to find me
where did you buy it?
@@sdlangdon7468 check my link in the description, plus the code TKMZ will get you $550 off.
@@TheKMZ1 Do you know if it expires? My house won't be finished till late next year.
@@Zinic_ no it should not expire
Great video! Looking to purchase this new kit! I have also watched your speaker video reviewing the different types of speakers you had purchased but since I'm in the UK this isn't an option for me.
I am just confused on what speaker to buy. I'm I correct in saying that the max output of a speaker can only be 25watt? So 2x 25watt speakers per zone? What if I found a speaker that is 50watt? Could I still connect a 2x 50watt speaker?
Also what is the different between the two options at the back, Stero and Bridged?
Thanks
Yes if you found a 50w speaker it would still work fine with this amplifier. The difference between stereo and bridged is that stereo means you have a left channel and a right channel for audio. Bridged means it becomes a mono sound, it does not send the audio out in 2 separate channels. Bridged mode is usually meant to combine the 2 into only 1 higher output speaker. Most people keep it in stereo mode
Thanks for reviewing! Just wondering since there are 2 streamers are you only able to play 2 different audio/songs for multiple zones? Also if you still want the ability to cast can you just add chromecast audio's to this? And can you play audio at different volumes in each separate zone through the app and together?
Thank you!
Since there are 2 streamers, yes you can stream 2 separate things at once, and those can be played in any of the zones. If you want more streaming capability, you can still add a chromecast audio to one of the other sources, or you can also use an RCA to 3.5mm cable such as this amzn.to/3jDe0x9 and you can hook up your phone, ipad etc. Hopefully this answers your question, if you have all 6 sources being utilized, then you can technically listen to 6 completely different things, in any of the 6 zones. Each zone is independently controlled with volume, source, EQ etc.
For a 12 zone system, could I buy this as the primary controller, and then buy the cheaper no-logo monoprice (which is 1/2 as much even after your discount code) as the secondary box to control the second 6 zones and still take advantage of the streaming sources and IP control?
Yes you technically could! In my video demo, I hooked it up and i technically had a mixed system as you described. Good idea ;)
@@TheKMZ1 did the app also recognize the slave monoprice device when combining them?
I was hoping for an upgrade... but at a $1200 price bump I can't justify going to it on my meager renovation budget. Will still be looking at the original Monoprice No-Logo version...
That's totally understandable, no harm in that. The streamers and built in LAN control module is nice to have, also with Soundavo they will be building their own higher end LCD backlit keypads, so that is something I'll be looking out for and doing a video on whenever they are completed. So they are actually invested into this unlike the other kit sellers. But again, it's nice to have options out there whether Soundavo or the others :) thanks for watching!
@@TheKMZ1 Speaking of the upgrades.. You mentioned that items can be purchased separately (opposite of the kit only from Monoprice). Would that mean that the remotes could be integrated into the monoprice system or do you think there would be an issue with the remotes ability to talk correctly with the monoprice amp?
@@NavyCopMA1 When you say the remote, do you mean the handheld remote? Or do you mean the keypads? Either way, no there are no integration issues, all of the components from the previous systems, all work with the Soundavo. So yes so far everything from soundavo, also would work backwards into the monoprice
@@TheKMZ1 I was specifically referring to the keypads as I am wiring drops with CAT 6 in each room (as I do renovations) so that I am prepared to add the audio system when I get to that point. Glad to hear about the backward compatibility though!
@@NavyCopMA1 I know it's great! And if you drop in your cat6, you will be prepared for this system, or others for sure. So you will be good!
I like the product and want to buy it... but concerned about this company (Soundavo). I’m new to this but haven’t heard/ read about them before. How will they handle returns, warranties, support etc?
Can you throw more light on this so that more consumers will be willing to confidently make the purchase?
They have been around for several years, they have a team of engineers and installers who work to make their products better. The reason you should trust them first of all, is that they were able to re-engineer this amplifier themselves. No one else has this amp to re-sell, it's only theirs. The others, are just resellers. Soundavo started out with other commercial products, they mostly worked with only installers and commercial people. With the introduction of this amp, is when they started doing more direct to consumer. So that could be why you've never heard of them also. But they have great support and a warranty, I think you'll be extremely happy as well!
Hello, pretty cool features on this Soundavo amp. I know you swapped it out for one of your Dayton Audios, is the Soundavo specs exactly same as Daytons/Monoprice in terms of ohms, watts, etc.
Yes
Awesome video! very informative. do you know if it would it be possible to use a keypad from a different brand with the soundavo?
No, I dont think it's possible to use a keypad from another brand. Soundavo is however, making an LCD backlit keypad version and it should be out around Q2 2021. When it comes out i'll do a video on it!
Hello. I am so happy to come across your reviews. I just recently moved into a house where the owners installed a multi-room system, and I am stuck in trying to figure it out. Is there a way I can get you to help tell me what to do???
You can email me support@kztechconsulting.com I do some consulting for cheap and can probably help
@@TheKMZ1 Thank you.i will do just that.
Hey I just came across your videos I currently have open walls during remodel and want to pre wire can you please show video on how you hook up speakers to keypad / receiver I’m a little confused on what I need to do videos are great
Check out my video series on my channel! Whole home audio from start to finish
Ok thanks also did you have some sort of WiFi extension in one of the episodes?
@@brianwilliams3305 not that I'm aware of. If you find it and want to tell me which video at what time I'll explain. I did have to build a custom length ribbon cable for connecting 2 amplifiers together
Episode 4 around 4:00 mark little box with a blue light
What do you mean by network that plug into o Ethernet from keypad to the amp and speaker wire from speaker to amp
Was just about to buy the monoprice kit when I saw this video! Thanks for the updates man!
Looks like they're sold out for the time being. But what a great value. I'm doing new construction soon, so this is definitely on my list.
Have you gotten any word on when the new wall controllers will be released? I'd honestly rather just wait until they are redesigned and included with the kit. Also, any word on any Google integration? ex. Google Assistant or UA-cam music? I'm probably going to have to get a secondhand chromecast audio like you used to have because I'm vested in the Google ecosystem and have everything on Google Homes. HTD makes a ceiling mounting kit for Alexa but nothing for Google Home.
They have 2 available to purchase now if you wanted to get them now, they are expected to ship on 12/15. After that, I think their next wave of shipments will be the later part of December. They had just a temporary shortage of amps due to one of their integrated circuit board providers, but they said their next wave is caught up, so this shouldn't really be a continuing problem. Plus the holidays add to more purchases. But anyway I've asked for an update to the new wall keypads so I will let you know when I hear back on that. I am assuming it will be an option to either get these keypads, or the new ones. I don't know what they look like, but it could also be a small up-charge for the new ones as well, depending on them (who knows). I will do a video on those when they are available. So far, no google/alexa integration, I am contemplating seeing if I can figure out how to write the alexa skill for it, but I would start out with alexa and not google (if i could figure it out...sorry lol) Yes, HTD's ceiling mount is cool! Idk why they don't have a google home version
@@TheKMZ1 thanks for all the info! You're the best! It's mainly because none of the google home/nest devices have audio out I think. So the only reason you'd have one in your ceiling is to have it hear you... then in the google home app create a group for the chromecast audio. So you could say, 'hey google, play Lame Impala on Google Chromecast'. so you could have all the voice switching. I like how HTD has a ducking feature so you can basically continue to use all of the features of Alexa and basically never have to pick up your phone, but they (nor anyone else) seems to be interested in developing anything for Google.
Sonos used to make a device that had audio out and had Google Assistant built in but they've discontinued it.
When speaking with the folks at Soundavo, see if there's any chance they can just have 'Alexa Built In' or 'Google Assistant Built in'
There are plenty of soundbars and receivers with the assistants built in so I'm sure it wouldn't be that difficult.
That would eliminate EVERYTHING complicated because you can literally stream anything with the voice assistants. wouldn't ever have to touch an app or phone if it was configured correctly.
The only issue is a mic to activate the assistants, but if they could put mics in the new keypads, that'd be DOPE af! I'd definitely pay extra for that!
@@TaylorMMontgomery Here is how i integrate all my alexa's with my soundavo currently. (and i'll try and remember to cover this in my next series video. My series i'm doing now called whole home audio from start 2 finish) But what I do is I use an echo dot hooked into my amp as a source. That is because the echo dot's do have a 3.5mm audio OUT on them. So i have an RCA to 3.5mm audio cable, and it goes into my source 1 on soundavo. Then, in the alexa app you can create groups, so I create a group called "All Echos" and then I add all my other echos around the house including the one hooked into the soundavo, into this group. Then, in the group you can set a preferred speaker. I set the preferred speaker to the echo dot hooked into the soundavo. No matter what echo you talk into, it will play through that source # 1 echo dot, so i just have to say, alexa play pop music, and it will always output through the soundavo. The nice thing is, if you ask simple questions, that audio still comes through the local echo you asked. But AUDIO gets sent to the preferred speaker. So literally everything works perfect and audio which you don't want to come through the local echos, always goes through the preferred speaker.... AKA soundavo. It works awesome!
@@TheKMZ1 right. Sounds awesome, and that's the functionality I'd like to see, but without having an echo or google home in each room ya know? It's like I've got these amazing speakers installed throughout my house but I also have Homes/Echos everywhere. My whole point to be to get rid of them all together.
One more question that you didn't mention: What are the USB ports on the front for?
@@TaylorMMontgomery the USB is for plugging in a usb stick that has music on it. It'll automatically read it and start playing, I think it does it on a loop. I need to test that out!
Great video and thankful for this info. The Mono Price amp is still less by about half (even with the big discount your extending). Not sure the benefits outweigh the more than 2x the cost.
Thanks for watching! After adding up the cost of 2 wireless streaming, and the control module, if you were to go out and buy these external components to add to the monoprice you'd be adding probably $300. The WS66i does still technically come out a little more, but you get a cleaner install still. There are pros and cons of both! Let me know if you have any specific other questions
Is the WS66i Roon Ready?
What is the maximum wattage rating for each of the 6 zones on a 70v setup?
So i know where to put the tap settings..
On a 70v setup there are no zones. The amplifier has a rating, lets say 120w for example. A 70v system is just 1 giant long bus... meaning all the speakers are essentially chained together. Yes you can create "zones" by having an in-line volume knob to turn that set off, but it's still a giant bus. So the way you compute the wattage, is that you can have as many speakers as you want, as long as you dont go over the 120w. You simply add up the amount of speakers and the wattage. So you could have 24 total speakers at 5 watts... you could have 48 running at 2.5 watts, etc. It's just a numbers addition game that is all. Also, it's recommended to leave 10 to 20% wattage room. In other words dont have speakers that add up to exactly 120w. It could over stress the system. Instead, maybe only add up to 100w and leave the 20w of head room (in this example)
@@TheKMZ1 i have the monoprice 6 zone model 110761 with the 6 keypads and 20 speakers. All are 70v speakers with tap knobs ..
Some of the 6 zones have only a single speaker and other zones have as many as 12 speakers ..
So in order for me to set the tap settings in order to not go over the wattage output of each zone i would need to know what the maximum output for each zone is. Right?
Great video and great price! Looking for alternative to VSSL. Does this unit now or maybe in the future support google home? Building a new home and Google Home will be the infrastructure for the house. Thanks!
Currently it does not have a google home / alexa skill. That is not to say that there will not be one, I am actually investigating the alexa skill myself. I wrote the android app for monoprice/dax66 controlling, and I have added support for the WS66i in my app as well. So my goal is that I would like to, but right now it's not there. Thanks for watching, these are great amps! Check out my series i'm filming, whole home audio from start 2 finish, I am installing 10 zones with these amps, in my existing 2 story house.
Tom, did you come up with Google home alternative? I'm trying to run 6 zone without six audio Chromecasts. Just started researching. Thanks
It would be awesome if Soundavo's new keypads (which will hopefully be dimmable) will function on the Monoprice and Dayton units. Looking forward to your testing. I've also got an email in with Soundavo asking them about this, but if they haven't told you, they're probably not going to tell me, either.
When they come out, i will get myself some for testing and will do a video and report back on all the good details! :)
@@TheKMZ1 I received a message back from Soundavo... they included a drawing of the new keypad and said it should be available July 2021. It looks very much like the Monoprice keypad, but with a red LED display up top, and the buttons are shaped differently and slightly smaller. They did not mention if the new keypad will be dimmable. I have asked them and will let you know what they say. Thanks!
Hi! thank you for posting this great video. I just bought the WS66i ( amp only) and I am looking forward to installing it. I have a question... Can more than one iphone with the app installed control the amp? Like my iphone and my wife's? iphone both control the amp? So I can use my phone to listen to one input in the living room and my wife can use her phone to choose the input for the kitchen?
Yes that's correct, you can have the app installed on multiple phones and can control the amp and cast music from either one. Thanks for buying and I'll be doing more videos soon, including showing how you can connect 3 and even 4 speakers in 1 zone. And I'll be doing a larger video in me installing this amp and speakers in my existing 2 story house!
@@TheKMZ1 Did you create the video about hooking up more than two speakers to 1 zone? I have a number of speakers that are close and would be better if they were combined into a single zone. Thanks
@@kevingormley679 yes I did! It's on my channel
@@TheKMZ1 Thanks. I watched it! Follow-up questions - Why did you decide to get the wall mounted controlers if you can use the app? I am on the fence about getting them. Also, is the app able to control playing music on a usb drive?
@@kevingormley679 I did the wall controllers/ key pads because in my opinion it gives a higher end look. Also if I ever sell my house, I want the new owners to not feel like they have no idea how to run it, and guests are more likely to use it too, if they are on the wall. But this is just my opinion and it's totally fine to just control it with the app!
Thank you. Just bought it using your code!
I received mine and tested connected it to my speakers but the volume sound low even after increasing to the highest in the app. What should I do to make the sound louder ?
What source are you using? I assume you are using the 3.5mm or an RCA input. These are analog inputs, and so the device that you are playing music on needs to have the volume set to 100%. So if you are playing through your phone, please turn your phone volume all the way up so the signal incoming is stronger.
I have already purchased the Monoprice and am wondering what options are available to stream wirelessly from my iphone since the chromecast is no longer available?
Buy a chromecast on eBay, or you can hook an alexa up to your amp and create an alexa group in your Alexa app. Add all Alexas into that group and set the preferred speaker to be the echo dot plugged into the amp. Then no matter what echo you talk into the music will output through the echo plugged into the amp