Sub-zones with Mid-Level and Advanced Systems

With any of our systems, you can place an unlimited number of speakers into any one zone as long as you add the appropriate amplification to that zone.  As-is, the built-in (MCA-66) or separate (MC-66 and MC2-86) multi-channel amplifier can support 2 pairs (4 total) of 8 ohm speakers across 6 zones for a maxium of 24 speakers.  In order to add more than 4 speakers in a zone, we recommend you add additional amplification.  When using a separate controller and multi-channel amplifier, if you are using less than six zones, then you will have unused amplifier channels available to add into one of the zones, e.g. if you only have 5 zones, you could dedicate four of the channels on the multi-channel amplifier (instead of two) for one zone, and thus have 8 speakers in that zone.
 
We define a "sub-zone" as an area within a zone that has independent volume control.  A "sub-zone" is forced to listen to the same source selected for that zone, but its volume is controlled using a standard "in-line" volume control- either rotary, or slide-type.  These volume controls are connected between the amplifier and the speakers.

 

With the Advanced System, the pre-amp outputs (Line Out), are always variable.  With the Mid-Level System, the pre-amp outputs can be set to either fixed or variable.
 
If the pre-amp output for a zone is "Variable", then the volume in all sub-zones will move simultaneously with the volume up/down on the Keypad.  In this case, the volume in all sub-zones cannot be louder than the volume set on the Keypad, but you can still independently turn the volume down in each sub-zone.  Conversely, if the pre-amp output is fixed, then the volume up/down buttons on the keypad have no impact on the zone whatsoever.  Only the in-line volume control connected to the speakers in the sub-zone will control the volume in that sub-zone.
 
If you require the option to have the Keypad indepently control the primary zone (with no impact on the sub-zones), then you will need to purchase the MCA-66.  With the MCA-66, the Keypad will always control the volume of the built-in amplifier, i.e. the speakers connected to the speaker outputs.  With the MCA-66, the pre-amp output can be set to Variable in which case the volume in all sub-zones are also controlled by the Keypad, or Fixed in which case the Keypad has no effect on the volume of sub-zones.