Been in the house I built for 3 years now. I wired for a lync 6 system. Already got my speakers in the ceiling. Just trying to find a good time to purchase a 2800$ setup. I can’t wait to get it. Just don’t know when it will be
One idea would be to start with a “no keypad” set and control entirely with the HTD Home Audio app. A Lync 6, 12-channel amplifier, and a WiFi gateway starts at $1799. You could always add LyncTouch keypads later. We typically recommend adding at least one keypad, usually installed in the kitchen, to take advantage of the intercom feature where you could at least page into one or all zones. A keypad is also handy if your WiFi goes down. www.htd.com/Lync6-and-GW-SL1_2
Hello Ben, all of our amplifiers are 4-ohm stable which means you can connect one or two 8-ohm speakers per amplifier CHANNEL. With a 6-zone system and a single 12-channel amplifier, you are provided with two amp channels per zone. Typically, the first channel is set to play the LEFT side of a stereo recording and the second channel is set to play the RIGHT side of a stereo recording. You can connect just one speaker per amp channel, or you could connect two left speakers to the first amp channel and two right speakers to the second amp channel. We sell pre-packaged whole-house audio sets on our site that typically combine a 6-zone whole-house audio controller with one 12-channel amplifier or the set will combine a 12-zone whole-house audio controller with two 12-channel amplifiers. Since these pre-packaged sets provide 2 amp channels per zone, we say if all zones are used then each zone can include up to 4 speakers. But you can always add more speakers to a zone by adding more amplifier channels. As an example, if you are using all 12 zones, but need one zone to have more than 4 speakers in it, then you could add a 2-channel amplifier like our SZA-1 or PLA-240ADS to power additional speakers for a zone. Another example: let's say you are only using 5 zones of a 6-zone system. That means you will have two extra amplifier channels available. Those extra amp channels can be used to power more speakers in one of the 5 zones. We can assist you in how to connect the zone on the whole-house controller to these extra amp channels, but essentially it involves plugging the Variable Output for the zone on the whole-house audio controller into one of the Bus inputs on the left side of the back of the amplifier; you then assign 4 amplifier channels to that Bus input and set each amp channel to either power the left, right, or left+right (mono) side of the stereo recording.
Why do you still utilize RCA connections when they’re old technology? My previous home had your system that the original owner put in. Sdx speakers and they were okay but the audio was flat. Purchasing another home that’s already built and considering your system again due to price over a Sonos, maybe several of your hybrid wireless systems but can’t get over all the old technology RCA cables. Change my mind…….
Hi JP, thank you for the question. This comes up occasionally, so I’ll address it here in detail. RCA analog connectors have been around for a long time and they will continue to be used for home audio, especially when it comes to stereo audio. Because digital audio is a newer technology than analog, people sometimes mistakenly believe digital has completely replaced analog. This is not the case. Digital audio formats offer a great way to transport audio signals over long cables (across the Internet and within your home) and over wireless technology like cellular, Bluetooth and WiFi. But all digital audio signals must be converted to analog using a DAC (digital to analog converter) before they can be amplified. Regarding Zone Outputs: Both the variable volume and fixed volume outputs available with every zone on the back of the Lync Controller need to be in analog format before being connected to the amplifier for amplification. That is why they are all RCA type connectors. To reiterate, it is not possible to amplify a digital audio signal without first converting it to analog. Regarding Source Inputs: When you see a digital input (HDMI, Toslink) on a device like a home theater receiver, inside the receiver is a processor that divides the digital signal into its various surround sound channels and then converts them to analog before amplifying them. While a home theater receiver will include many digital input connectors, each of those source inputs still get routed through a common processor and DAC. This is because it will only output one source at a time. A home theater receiver will typically only include more than one built-in DAC if it offers a zone 2 or even zone 3 analog output (hence their higher cost). In contrast to a home theater receiver, with whole-house audio every source input must be available at all times to every zone. This is often referred to as a matrix switcher. So every digital source input would require its own built-in DAC. Lync provides one digital source input (source number 7 on a Lync 6, and source number 13 on a Lync 12) with a quality built-in DAC. The other 4 inputs on the central Lync controller are analog. This allows the customer to decide whether or not to use an analog audio output from their source, i.e. using the source’s own built-in DAC, or adding a separate external DAC to their digital audio source. HTD makes a great stand-alone DAC, but other audiophile brands make even better ones, albeit more expensive. In any case, the choice is up to the customer. The other source inputs available to Lync systems are optional and can be installed throughout the home, such as behind a nightstand or TV. While the input connectors for each of our Source Input Panels may be analog or digital, they all get converted to digital for the long transport across the home (over Cat cable) to the central Lync controller. Inside the Lync Controller, these digital audio signals get converted to analog before being added to the audio matrix and sent out of the Variable or Fixed RCA outputs into the RCA inputs on the amplifier. Finally, regarding the speakers in your home, did you try adjusting the +/- 3dB switches on the speakers themselves or adjusting the treble and bass from within the app? As mentioned above, you could also try improving the sound quality with a different streamer or external DAC.
@@HomeTheaterDirect wow thank you for the detailed response. This is very helpful to understand. Regarding your question, I did adjust the +/- 3db switch. These SDX speakers were installed with homemade “boxes” framed in between the ceiling joists with 2x10’s and insulation. I suspect the original homeowner did that to isolate sound from going upstairs and perhaps this was prior to you offering the speaker mount brackets. They were also using an older Sony stereo receiver with one of your zone controllers/switches. Because of your response and support I’ll absolutely purchase your products again for our new home. Likely several hybrid wireless systems because I don’t think wirh existing construction I can run everything back to a central location although I may be able to via the basements drop ceiling. I Will also be purchasing a surround sound setup for the living room which has vaulted ceilings so I’ll call and work with your customer support on a plan for ideal placement. All from the HDX line and an in wall sub. (Previous house has this as well) Your customer service is outstanding so far. Thank you
@@JP-ec8fe Thank you! A quick note regarding the installation of boxes behind in-ceiling speakers - this is usually not necessary, and most customers achieve great results by just lying about a two-foot sheet of batt insulation behind the speaker. This can be stuffed through the hole cut for the speaker before installing the speaker. Never use blown-in insulation directly behind a speaker as it can work its way inside the speaker frame and inhibit the movement of the speaker cone. If your batt insulation has a paper (barrier) side, make sure it is facing away so that the batt side sits right up against the speaker frame. Adding a box that traps the correct volume of air (contact us for your particular model) is not harmful and can sometimes improve bass performance. This box should have insulation inside of it, but it should never be packed in. We look forward to working with you in the future!
Thanks for your explanation regarding digital signals being converted to analog before amplification. I had no idea that's how even modern stereos with digital inputs processed the signals and then converted them before amplification. The knowledge you gave definitely gives me a whole new outlook on the HTD equipment I recently aquired ( HTD MC86 multi zone audio controller, HTD A-2106 Amplifier and HTD 1235 Amplifier)
Not sure to what exactly you are referring, but this is very much a modern system. If you are looking for an all-in-one solution with just a single centrally located device, you should consider our mid-level MCA system. Bottom line: if you are installing speakers in your ceiling, you need to have some way to power them, which means you need an amplifier. If you'd like to select between multiple sources and have independent volume control per zone, you need a controller. Generally speaking, it is better to separate these two devices in order to have flexibility in how much amplification you want to assign to any one zone (room). The efficiency and "sleep" options, the ability to have a visual indicator of source strength, the ability to connect sources throughout the house as well as at a central location, and the option to control with a smart device and/or touch keypads are all modern features.
Okay, I'll respond in good faith. By "wifi" I will assume you mean control of your system with our app over your existing WiFi network. If your WiFi network is set up correctly as a single mesh network and not just a bunch of access points that each manage their own bank of IP addresses, and you have properly configured the "HTD Home Audio app", it will work every time. Read more in our online support pages. For Lync specifically: www.htd.com/blog/troubleshooting-lync Specific to the app: www.htd.com/apphelp
Best system for the price, can't go wrong!, this opens the door for the average family that wants a system for the house without breaking the bank.
Been in the house I built for 3 years now. I wired for a lync 6 system. Already got my speakers in the ceiling. Just trying to find a good time to purchase a 2800$ setup. I can’t wait to get it. Just don’t know when it will be
One idea would be to start with a “no keypad” set and control entirely with the HTD Home Audio app. A Lync 6, 12-channel amplifier, and a WiFi gateway starts at $1799. You could always add LyncTouch keypads later. We typically recommend adding at least one keypad, usually installed in the kitchen, to take advantage of the intercom feature where you could at least page into one or all zones. A keypad is also handy if your WiFi goes down. www.htd.com/Lync6-and-GW-SL1_2
@@HomeTheaterDirect very good idea. 👍🏻
Can you only use 2 speakers per zone with the emplifier then? What should you do if you have more or less than 2 speakers per zone
Hello Ben, all of our amplifiers are 4-ohm stable which means you can connect one or two 8-ohm speakers per amplifier CHANNEL. With a 6-zone system and a single 12-channel amplifier, you are provided with two amp channels per zone. Typically, the first channel is set to play the LEFT side of a stereo recording and the second channel is set to play the RIGHT side of a stereo recording. You can connect just one speaker per amp channel, or you could connect two left speakers to the first amp channel and two right speakers to the second amp channel.
We sell pre-packaged whole-house audio sets on our site that typically combine a 6-zone whole-house audio controller with one 12-channel amplifier or the set will combine a 12-zone whole-house audio controller with two 12-channel amplifiers. Since these pre-packaged sets provide 2 amp channels per zone, we say if all zones are used then each zone can include up to 4 speakers. But you can always add more speakers to a zone by adding more amplifier channels. As an example, if you are using all 12 zones, but need one zone to have more than 4 speakers in it, then you could add a 2-channel amplifier like our SZA-1 or PLA-240ADS to power additional speakers for a zone. Another example: let's say you are only using 5 zones of a 6-zone system. That means you will have two extra amplifier channels available. Those extra amp channels can be used to power more speakers in one of the 5 zones.
We can assist you in how to connect the zone on the whole-house controller to these extra amp channels, but essentially it involves plugging the Variable Output for the zone on the whole-house audio controller into one of the Bus inputs on the left side of the back of the amplifier; you then assign 4 amplifier channels to that Bus input and set each amp channel to either power the left, right, or left+right (mono) side of the stereo recording.
Why do you still utilize RCA connections when they’re old technology? My previous home had your system that the original owner put in. Sdx speakers and they were okay but the audio was flat. Purchasing another home that’s already built and considering your system again due to price over a Sonos, maybe several of your hybrid wireless systems but can’t get over all the old technology RCA cables. Change my mind…….
Hi JP, thank you for the question. This comes up occasionally, so I’ll address it here in detail.
RCA analog connectors have been around for a long time and they will continue to be used for home audio, especially when it comes to stereo audio. Because digital audio is a newer technology than analog, people sometimes mistakenly believe digital has completely replaced analog. This is not the case. Digital audio formats offer a great way to transport audio signals over long cables (across the Internet and within your home) and over wireless technology like cellular, Bluetooth and WiFi. But all digital audio signals must be converted to analog using a DAC (digital to analog converter) before they can be amplified.
Regarding Zone Outputs: Both the variable volume and fixed volume outputs available with every zone on the back of the Lync Controller need to be in analog format before being connected to the amplifier for amplification. That is why they are all RCA type connectors. To reiterate, it is not possible to amplify a digital audio signal without first converting it to analog.
Regarding Source Inputs: When you see a digital input (HDMI, Toslink) on a device like a home theater receiver, inside the receiver is a processor that divides the digital signal into its various surround sound channels and then converts them to analog before amplifying them. While a home theater receiver will include many digital input connectors, each of those source inputs still get routed through a common processor and DAC. This is because it will only output one source at a time. A home theater receiver will typically only include more than one built-in DAC if it offers a zone 2 or even zone 3 analog output (hence their higher cost).
In contrast to a home theater receiver, with whole-house audio every source input must be available at all times to every zone. This is often referred to as a matrix switcher. So every digital source input would require its own built-in DAC. Lync provides one digital source input (source number 7 on a Lync 6, and source number 13 on a Lync 12) with a quality built-in DAC. The other 4 inputs on the central Lync controller are analog. This allows the customer to decide whether or not to use an analog audio output from their source, i.e. using the source’s own built-in DAC, or adding a separate external DAC to their digital audio source. HTD makes a great stand-alone DAC, but other audiophile brands make even better ones, albeit more expensive. In any case, the choice is up to the customer.
The other source inputs available to Lync systems are optional and can be installed throughout the home, such as behind a nightstand or TV. While the input connectors for each of our Source Input Panels may be analog or digital, they all get converted to digital for the long transport across the home (over Cat cable) to the central Lync controller. Inside the Lync Controller, these digital audio signals get converted to analog before being added to the audio matrix and sent out of the Variable or Fixed RCA outputs into the RCA inputs on the amplifier.
Finally, regarding the speakers in your home, did you try adjusting the +/- 3dB switches on the speakers themselves or adjusting the treble and bass from within the app? As mentioned above, you could also try improving the sound quality with a different streamer or external DAC.
@@HomeTheaterDirect wow thank you for the detailed response. This is very helpful to understand.
Regarding your question, I did adjust the +/- 3db switch. These SDX speakers were installed with homemade “boxes” framed in between the ceiling joists with 2x10’s and insulation. I suspect the original homeowner did that to isolate sound from going upstairs and perhaps this was prior to you offering the speaker mount brackets. They were also using an older Sony stereo receiver with one of your zone controllers/switches.
Because of your response and support I’ll absolutely purchase your products again for our new home. Likely several hybrid wireless systems because I don’t think wirh existing construction I can run everything back to a central location although I may be able to via the basements drop ceiling.
I Will also be purchasing a surround sound setup for the living room which has vaulted ceilings so I’ll call and work with your customer support on a plan for ideal placement. All from the HDX line and an in wall sub. (Previous house has this as well)
Your customer service is outstanding so far. Thank you
@@JP-ec8fe Thank you! A quick note regarding the installation of boxes behind in-ceiling speakers - this is usually not necessary, and most customers achieve great results by just lying about a two-foot sheet of batt insulation behind the speaker. This can be stuffed through the hole cut for the speaker before installing the speaker. Never use blown-in insulation directly behind a speaker as it can work its way inside the speaker frame and inhibit the movement of the speaker cone. If your batt insulation has a paper (barrier) side, make sure it is facing away so that the batt side sits right up against the speaker frame. Adding a box that traps the correct volume of air (contact us for your particular model) is not harmful and can sometimes improve bass performance. This box should have insulation inside of it, but it should never be packed in. We look forward to working with you in the future!
Thanks for your explanation regarding digital signals being converted to analog before amplification. I had no idea that's how even modern stereos with digital inputs processed the signals and then converted them before amplification. The knowledge you gave definitely gives me a whole new outlook on the HTD equipment I recently aquired ( HTD MC86 multi zone audio controller, HTD A-2106 Amplifier and HTD 1235 Amplifier)
This system looks really dated I’m sure it’s not that old but it just looks that way
Not sure to what exactly you are referring, but this is very much a modern system. If you are looking for an all-in-one solution with just a single centrally located device, you should consider our mid-level MCA system. Bottom line: if you are installing speakers in your ceiling, you need to have some way to power them, which means you need an amplifier. If you'd like to select between multiple sources and have independent volume control per zone, you need a controller. Generally speaking, it is better to separate these two devices in order to have flexibility in how much amplification you want to assign to any one zone (room). The efficiency and "sleep" options, the ability to have a visual indicator of source strength, the ability to connect sources throughout the house as well as at a central location, and the option to control with a smart device and/or touch keypads are all modern features.
Does anyone own this system? Looks nice, but i'd like to hear some real world feedback.
Appears to be out of business. Links on other RUclips pages(of their channel) are dead
They are definitely not out of business, just Installed a complete audio system from HTD !
Can not use usb to play music and no help from htd.disappointed.
System is fine but your wifi is complete utter crap. Never seen anything like it just utter crap.
Okay, I'll respond in good faith. By "wifi" I will assume you mean control of your system with our app over your existing WiFi network. If your WiFi network is set up correctly as a single mesh network and not just a bunch of access points that each manage their own bank of IP addresses, and you have properly configured the "HTD Home Audio app", it will work every time. Read more in our online support pages. For Lync specifically: www.htd.com/blog/troubleshooting-lync
Specific to the app: www.htd.com/apphelp