From digital music storage to amplification, whole-house audio systems are catching on with consumers and dealers. This second annual awards program will showcase the best in the market.

Distributed audio is booming, with an increasing number of consumers wanting on-demand music throughout their homes. And increasingly, homebuyers want the low-voltage wire that carries the music to run hidden behind the drywall of their new homes, just as the high-voltage AC wiring is nowhere to be seen. So it's no surprise that audio manufacturers have been busy rolling out new products. To help recognize the best of the batch, EH Publishing, the publishers of TecHome Builder, created the Distributed Audio Awards. Now in their second year, the awards are sponsored by the Distributed Audio Alliance subdivision of the Consumer Electronics Association. Submissions will be judged by a panel of integrators, association executives, consumer electronics magazine editors, and consumer electronics retailers.

The criteria include ease of installation, usability, and performance quality. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2003, at the Electronic House Expo (EHX) in Long Beach, Calif. Winners will be named from the following companies competing in the following categories:

All-Inclusive Distributed Audio Systems

Crestron Electronics Inc.
Crestron Audio Six-Pack
The Crestron Audio Six-Pack is a package of 14 components plus software. It's designed to give the builder and integrator a single resource for their multiroom audio system. The package includes an amplifier, wiring connections for up to 15 devices, wall-mounted keypads, and a processor that allows the homeowner to switch between the CD player, AM/FM tuner, cassette deck, satellite radio, digital cable music and more.

Crestron Electronics, Rockleigh, NJ, 800-237-2041, www.crestron.com, MSRP is $7,900

GE Interlogix
Smart ConnectionCenter Audio Series
The Smart ConnectionCenter Audio Series is a multiroom/multisource audio system that can handle up to four different audio sources. It is designed to be a base package in a new mid-range-priced home. The system includes a module that fits into the company's Smart Connection Center structured-wiring enclosure. GE Interlogix is billing it as an affordable distributed-audio system that can be installed as a standard feature or upgraded at any time.

GE Interlogix, North St. Paul, MN, 651-779-4801, www.GE-Interlogix.com, MSRP N/A

NetStreams, L.L.C.
Musica
Musica claims to simplify the installation of a distributed-audio system, because it requires only a single cable pull. That's right...one wire is pulled from the audio source (e.g., an AM/FM tuner) to the keypads, then daisy-chained to the speakers. The system features an internal amplifier and keypads for control. It also includes an RS-232 port, through which it can interface with a control system such as Crestron or AMX.

NetStreams, L.L.C., Austin, TX, 512-977-9393, www.netstreams.com, MSRP is N/A

Niles Audio Corporation
ZR-8630 A/V Multizone Receiver
Targeted at custom homes with families that have diverse music tastes, the ZR-8630 A/V multizone receiver can distribute up to eight sources (e.g., AM/FM tuner, CD player, digital cable music) to six different zones (e.g., bedroom, great room, master suite, kitchen). It includes a 12-channel 30-watt amplifier. The receiver includes two AM/FM tuners that offer 10 AM and 10 FM presets. It works with the company's Ci keypads.

Niles Audio Corporation, Miami, FL, 305-238-4373, www.nilesaudio.com, MSRP is $2,995

NuVo Technologies
Simplese Dual Source, Four-Zone Audio Distribution System
This whole-house audio system will distribute two audio sources (e.g., CD player and AM/FM tuner) to four zones (e.g., bedroom, kitchen, great room, patio) for less than $1,000. NuVo ships each system with four backlit keypads, a remote control with batteries, two infrared emitters, and an amplifier that houses four discrete 30-watt stereo amplifiers.

NuVo Technologies, Cincinnati, OH, 513-347-2180, www.nuvotechnologies.com, MSRP is $999

OPUS Technologies, distributed by Marantz America
OPUS Technologies Distributed Audio System
The OPUS family of products is a multisource/multizone system that includes a master control unit, keypad displays, remote controls, stereo amplifiers, video switching, and other accessories. The eight-room system can be expanded to accommodate up to 24 zones and 24 sub-zones (i.e., the ability to control the sound in the master bathroom using controls located in the master bedroom). It uses A-BUS technology for sub-zone control. RS-232 and RS-422 ports let it work with a Crestron or AMX system.

Opus Technologies, distributed by Marantz America, Itasca, FL, 630-741-0300, www.opus-technologies.co.uk, MSRP varies depending on configuration

Oxmoor Corporation, LLC
ZON Digital Whole House Audio System
The ZON whole-house audio system has an appearance totally different from other distributed audio systems, thanks mostly to the jog-wheel interface in its ZAC-60 controller. The controller connects to a ZON router via Cat 5 wiring, and the system connects to source components using a module that converts signals from analog to digital. There is also a built-in IR receiver that doubles as a microphone, allowing a user to listen in on any room in the home.

Oxmoor Corporation, LLC, Pelham, AL, 205-982-8200, www.oxmoor.com, MSRP varies depending on configuration

Sonance
Architectural Audio by Sonance Amplified Volume Control (AVC)
The Architectural Audio AVC line of products is designed for new-home construction. It includes in-wall amplified keypads, in-wall hubs, and a stand-alone hub, as well as rotary and slider volume control units. The line of products uses Class D amplifier technology and Cat 5 wiring to distribute satellite, CD, MP3 and AM/FM signals throughout a home.

Sonance, San Clemente, CA, 800-582-7777, www.architectural-audio.com, MSRP is $49.99 to $239.99

Xantech Corporation
MRC88
The MRC88 system is the second product in Xantech's Whole-House Audio/Video Entertainment (WAVE) line. The system includes a 35-watts-per-channel controller/amplifier, six LCD keypads, and eight infrared emitters. It can distribute sound from up to eight sources (e.g., CD player, MP3, satellite, AM/FM tuner) to an equal number of zones (e.g., bedrooms, bathrooms, patio, great room). The system can be expanded beyond the eight sources and zones by adding another controller and keypads.

Xantech Corporation, Sylmar, CA, 818-362-0353, www.xantech.com, MSRP is $6,800 - $9,000

Connectivity Products

Knoll Systems
VC226PM
The VC226PM from Knoll Systems is a single-box, six-room in-wall or surface-mount audio controller that generates lower heat levels. When used with the company's VC201i keypads and Cat 5 wiring, a room's speakers can be controlled individually by the control unit or by remote control. The controller is compatible with amplifiers that range in impedance from 4 ohms to 16 ohms.

Knoll Systems, Orange, CT, 604-272-4555, www.knollsystems.com, MSRP is $459

Digital Audio Storage and Music Management Systems

Escient
FireBall E-120 Digital Music Manager
Many homeowners are abandoning CDs in favor of storing all their music files on digital servers. The advantage: No more fumbling for the right CD to load. The Escient E-120 Digital Music Manager lets users manage almost any type of digital-music file (e.g., MP3), three connected CD changers (1,200 CDs) and Internet radio. It can store up to 1,800 hours of compressed music or 180 hours of uncompressed music. Users can organize their music by genre, alphabetically, or using a customized playlist. The system has a graphical interface that shows song titles, artist information, and album art on-screen for the homeowner.

Escient, Indianapolis, IN, 800-372-4368, www.escient.com

Sonance
Sonance Trio Triple Tuner
Sonance's Trio Triple Tuner includes three AM/FM stereo tuners that can play three different radio stations simultaneously over the same audio system. It can handle 45 station presets, so that users can save their favorite radio stations. It also has RDS technology that displays programming information. (It's the same technology that shows the call letters of a radio station on your car stereo system.) Users can search stations by call letters or program format, as well as by frequency.

Sonance, San Clemente, CA, 800-582-7777, www.sonance.com, MSRP is $849

Distribution Amplifiers

AudioControl
The Architect Model 950
This 16-channel amp monitors input signal levels and draws only as much power as is needed, using what is called Class H circuitry (which produces very low heat). The amplifier also features a five-band equalizer designed specifically to work with in-wall speakers. If the customer needs support, a built-in Ethernet port will let a custom integrator monitor and control the amplifier via the Internet. The amp also resets itself after power surges or spikes occur.

Audio Control, Mountlake Terrace, WA, 425-775-8461, www.audiocontrol.com, MSRP is $3,250

Crestron Electronics, Inc.
CNAMPX-16x60
This amp's built-in diagnostic-intelligence technology will report any electrical faults and even monitor the temperature of each speaker terminal. The temperature information in turn is sent over the Crestron's proprietary Ethernet network (called Cresnet) to automatically lower the volume, activate an external fan, or turn the system off. It has power ratings of 60 watts per channel at 8 ohms and 90 watts per channel at 4 ohms. Crestron builds the system by using its modular approach that allows in-field repair.

Crestron Electronics, Rockleigh, NH, 800-237-2041, www.crestron.com, MSRP is $3,900

In-Ceiling Speakers

M&S Systems
WaveGuide Ceiling Speakers
WaveGuide in-wall and in-ceiling speakers are designed to be unnoticeable to the homeowner. They feature a 1-inch asymmetrical-pivoting tweeter with a creased dome that can be positioned to fill any room shape with sound. The speaker's baffle is designed to increase sound dispersion. The woofer is made from Kevlar and secured with a butyl surround. The in-ceiling model features a rubber gasket along the baffle and frame to reduce vibrations.

M&S Systems, Dallas, TX, 800-366-6874, www.mssystems.com, MSRP is $280 per pair

OnQ Technologies
OnQ Technologies Gold and Blue Line Series In-Ceiling Speakers
OnQ's Gold and Blue lines of in-ceiling loudspeakers were designed with low price in mind. They feature a patent-pending pre-construction bracket that eases speaker placement and installation. The Blue line series of speakers is aimed at new-home construction. The speakers are A-BUS compatible, and include moisture-resistant drivers.

OnQ Technologies, Middletown, PA, 800-321-2343, www.onqtech.com, Trade prices range from $95 to $175 per pair

Russound
Advantage Twist & Tilt Loudspeakers
The Advantage line of loudspeakers is designed to save the installer time and money, while providing the end user with quality. The "Twist & Tilt" design makes the speakers easy to install. They come in a variety of sizes, applications, performance levels and price points to help homebuilders match the homebuyer's needs.

Russound, Newmarket, NH, 603-659-5170, www.russound.com, MSRP ranges from $149 to $599 per pair

SpeakerCraft
AIM8 Five
SpeakerCraft's new AIM8 Five in-ceiling loudspeakers are designed to provide users with clean bass response, balanced midrange and accurate high end. The speaker incorporates an 8-inch Kevlar woofer and a 1-inch aluminum/magnesium-dome tweeter. The woofer can be pivoted and rotated independently from the pivoting tweeter, and the new WavePlan design provides a wider projection path for the woofer. The speakers also feature the company's new Accu-Grille that produces a flat-sound absorbing baffle, and SpeakerCraft places separate front-mounted EQ switches for bass and treble response.

SpeakerCraft, Riverside, CA, 909-787-0543, www.speakercraft.com, MSRP is $1,500 per pair

THIEL Audio
THIEL HigherPlane Loudspeaker
Thiel Audio's HigherPlane in-ceiling loudspeaker is designed to provide users with realistic, accurate sound for smaller rooms. The speaker, which comes in a rigidly braced chassis, features a 61/2-inch woofer and the same 1-inch dome tweeter Thiel uses in its flagship $13,500 CS7.2 floor standing loudspeaker. The speakers come self-enclosed with a mounting bracket that allow them to be secured to the ceiling joists vs. the ceiling drywall.

Thiel Audio, Lexington, KY, 859-254-9427, www.thielaudio.com, MSRP is $1,200 each

Installation Aids and Accessories

AMX Corporation
Design XPress v.1.4
This menu-driven software wizard simplifies the design and installation of a multiroom audio system within a whole-house integration control system (like one using a touchscreen control). Aimed at integrators, the system allows the system designer to merely fill in some on-screen menus in a laptop or PC, and the software creates source code and user-interface designs. It generates system reports such as component wiring and device addressing information. It also helps integrators document their installations.

AMX Corporation, Richardson, TX, 469-624-8000, www.amx.com, Free download

Crestron Electronics, Inc.
Crestron Digital Audio Tools
Aimed at integrators, this graphical Windows software solution can be used to configure Crestron's surround-sound processors and other Crestron products. It includes parameters for speaker size and configuration, source-input compensation, graphic and parametric equalization, choice of decoding modes, and choice of various internal or external noise types with steering to individual speakers.

Crestron Electronics, Rockleigh, NJ, 800-237-2041, www.crestron.com, MSRP: free download

Elan Home Systems
VIA!TOOLS 4.1
This software tool provides integrators with point-and-click installation. It includes a graphical template that contains all of a VIA! control keypad's buttons. The integrator can click to automatically load system presets for lighting, thermostats and security. The software is compatible with Elan's VIA!dj digital music server and DTNR dual digital tuner.

Elan Home Systems, Lexington, KY, 859-269-7760, www.elanhomesystems.com, Software is free

Panamax Corporation
MAX 5510 ACRegenerator
For discriminating homeowners that want to enhance the sound performance and boost the life expectancy of their audio system, this AC power-cleansing solution filters out unwanted electromagnetic and radio frequency noise. The ACRegenerator can be used for a home theater or dedicated listening room in a new home. It can also eliminate line noise for an audio system with analog or digital components.

Panamax Corporation, Petaluma, CA, 800-472-5555, www.panamax.com, MSRP is $1,299

In-Wall Speakers ($1,000 or more per pair)

SpeakerCraft
Starlet 9
Sometimes, a room is shaped with lots of angles, or a homeowner cannot put chairs in the "optimum" listening spot within a room. The Starlet 9 in-wall loudspeaker features Kevlar woofers, ribbon tweeters and extruded aluminum enclosures. The ribbon tweeter is designed to provide a wide sound dispersion pattern, so the in-wall does not have to be placed in the "perfect" spot on the wall for listening quality. The company covers the speakers with a lifetime warranty.

SpeakerCraft, Riverside, CA, 909-787-0543, www.speakercraft.com, MSRP is $6,500

In-Wall Speakers (Less than $1,000 per pair)

M&S Systems
WaveGuide Speakers
WaveGuide in-wall speakers are designed to blend into a room's décor. Like the in-ceiling model, the in-wall models incorporate a 1-inch aluminum-dome asymmetrical pivoting tweeter. A homeowner can aim the tweeter up to 15 degrees in any direction—up, down, left or right) to improve listening quality. It includes controls for bass and treble adjustment, and a molded infrared lens, which allows for an infrared emitter to be installed with the speaker.

M&S Systems, Dallas, TX, 800-366-6874, www.mssystems.com, MSRP is $350 per pair

OnQ Technologies
OnQ Technologies Gold Line and Blue Line Series In-Wall Speakers
OnQ's Gold and Blue in-wall lines were engineered to keep costs low for homebuilders. The speakers feature a patent-pending installation bracketing system for new construction that helps with speaker placement and mounting. The Blue line is the budget series aimed at the builder market. The Gold line series speakers include equalization (EQ) controls to adjust the speaker's sound to its environment.

OnQ Technologies, Middletown, PA, 800-321-2343, www.onqtech.com, Trade price ranges from $95 to $175

In-Wall/Ceiling Subwoofers

Broan-NuTone
SS4110PB; 150-watt in-wall powered subwoofer
No sound system would be complete without the booming bass that comes from a subwoofer. Traditionally, the subwoofer is a clunky floorstanding box that is placed in the room. Now it can be mounted in the wall. The SS4110PB powered in-wall subwoofer incorporates a 150-watt Class D amplifier and a 10-inch bass reflex driver. The term "powered" means that the subwoofer has its own amplifier, which makes installation easier. Designed for new construction, the subwoofer can be used in either a home theater or a distributed-audio system. The subwoofer's cabinet and amplifier mount between a room's wall studs. After drywall is finished, the woofer is mounted to the woofer module.

Broan-NuTone, Hartford, WI, 262-673-8530, MSRP is $1,720

Phase Technology
SUB 200 System
Phase Technology's SUB 200 in-wall powered subwoofer system features the company's Positive Clamping System, which creates a rigid barrier around the speaker baffle to reduce vibrations and improve performance. The term "powered" means that the subwoofer has its own amplifier, which makes installation easier. The sub's low-distortion amp provides 350 watts of peak power, and it has a user-adjustable equalization (EQ) to tune the sub to meet the room conditions.

Phase Technology, Jacksonville, FL, 904-777-0700, www.phasetech.com, MSRP is $999

Multiroom Audio Controls/User Interfaces

AMX Corporation
Modero Touchpanel Family
High-end homeowners love the cool graphics and ease of use that comes with a touchscreen. The Modero touchpanels come in 12-inch, 15-inch and 17-inch models. Active-matrix displays offer 24-bit color depth and an anti-glare screen with a 170-degree viewing radius. The touchpanels also feature integrated stereo speakers, wireless battery portability and a microphone that can be used for intercom-type functions. AMX's G4 computer controls provide for remote access and control of any networked computer in the home.

AMX Corporation, Richardson, TX, 469-624-8000, www.amx.com, MSRP ranges from $8,000 to $13,500

Crestron Electronics, Inc.
Isys TPS-2000L
This wall-mounted touchpanel for controlling a multiroom audio system features a 5-inch diagonal color display that can reproduce full-motion video, and a light sensor that brightens and dims the display depending on the room conditions. The display also incorporates Crestron's Virtual Digital Pan and Zoom technology, which allows users to pan and zoom by touching the screen. The touchpanel can store and play back audio WAV files, and through the unit's microphone and amplifier, homeowners can communicate with incoming guests.

Crestron Electronics, Inc., Rockleigh, NJ, 800-237-2041, www.crestron.com, MSRP is $1,900

IntelliNet Controls
RS3000
The IntelliNet RS3000 distributed audio system will deliver music to six zones out of the box, and can be expanded to handle up to 30 zones. It can be configured for web-enabled control through the company's RS-485 technology. A builder's custom integrator can take advantage of the system's web-based, open-ended architecture to customize the system to meet his client's needs as the technology changes.

Intellinet Controls, Newmarket, NH, 603-659-5170, www.intellinetcontrols.com, MSRP is $6,399

Niles Audio Corporation
IntelliPad Ci TS-1 Touchscreen
The TS-1 wall-mounted touchscreen offers customized labels for all control keys, real-time AM/FM tuner frequency, and display and zone volume indication. It is compatible with the company's ZR-4630 and ZR-8630 multiroom/multizone A/V receivers. Employing a backlit 3.8-inch LCD touchpanel, the interface features eight customizable master keys to select and automate source components, and the ZR receiver's AM/ FM tuner.

Niles Audio Corporation, Miami, FL, 305-238-4373, www.nilesaudio.com, MSRP is $549.95

Russound
CAV6.6/UNO-S2 System
This Audio/Video Controller Amplifier can distribute six A/V sources (e.g., tuner, CD player, satellite) to six different zones (e.g., master suite, kitchen, patio). A-BUS technology can be used to add four more sub-zones (i.e., the ability to control the sound in the master bath using controls in the master bedroom). For further expansion, Russound incorporates the ability for the system to grow to 36 zones and 24 sub-zones, which can be served by any six sources using additional "sub-zone" inputs on the back of each unit. Powering these zones is an amplifier section that is rated to deliver 40 watts per zone.

Russound, Newmarket, NH, 603-659-5170, www.russound.com

Multiroom Controllers/Processors

Crestron Electronics, Inc.
C2N-DAP8RC
This component provides A/V distribution, control and 7.1 Dolby Digital and dts surround-sound processing for any room within a house. The component also allows a homeowner to use it as an interface with the Cresnet proprietary Ethernet for control of A/V components and electronics such as a television, a front-projector, a VCR, or a DVD player. The C2N-DAP8RC includes one bi-directional RS-232 port and four IR ports. With its room control and Cat 5 video capabilities, it can accept up to four different signals, including high-definition television. It also receives and decodes video signals through the use of the companion Crestron PVID8 video processor.

Crestron Electronics, Inc., Rockleigh, NJ, 800-237-2041, www.crestron.com, MSRP $3,400

Elan Home Systems
System12 A/V Controller
The S12 can distribute up to 12 audio and 16 composite video signals to eight zones (locations in the home). For larger jobs, installers can link up to four S12s to create a system that is capable of up to 32 different zones. Each of these zones features controls for bass, treble and loudness. The unit is compatible with any of Elan's user interfaces.

Elan Home Systems, Lexington, KY, 859-269-7760, www.elanhomesystems.com, MSRP is $5,950

On-Wall Speakers ($500 or more per pair)

State of the Art Music
NlightN
NlightN flat-panel speakers are designed to work with flat-panel video displays, such as plasma monitors. They can be hung on a wall or can stand by themselves. The speakers have an extremely wide sound field to fill a room with sound. According to State of the Art, the NlightNs can be painted without any degradation of sound.

State of the Art Music, Kingson, MA, 508-830-0293, www.NlightNSpeakers.com, MSRP is $625

Wireless/No-New-Wires Transmission Media/Technology

Barix AG
Exstreamer/Instreamer
Using IP-based technology, the Exstreamer/Instreamer is a complete distributed-audio system that integrates with network-based and standard digital and audio sources. It lets a homeowner not only listen to CDs or MP3s in the home, but listen to their files remotely via the Internet. The system provides users with a reliable CD-quality audio stream by using Ethernet or wireless. The system also offers multisource/multizone capabilities by employing a home's existing network.

Barix AG, Zurich, +41 1 380 7850, www.barix.com, MSRP is $690 for both products