Why the right cable can make all the difference
Sure, you’ve heard that structured wiring is essential to take advantage of everything today's technologies have to offer – but did you know that choosing the right cable is the most important part?
NetStreams recommends Siamese Cat-5 + (4) conductors of 16 or 14 gauge speaker cable
Backwards & Future compatibility
Siamese CAT5/16AWG cable provides for compatibility with past, current and future technologies, so you can be confident that your house is ready for today and tomorrow!
CAT5 +16-4 or 14-4AWG cable is an industry-approved standard
The cabling infrastructure specifications within ANSI/TIA/EIA-570-B include support for voice, data, video, multimedia, automation systems, environmental control, security, audio, TV, sensors, alarms, and intercom.
Improved pull strength
Siamese CAT5/16AWG cable, just by its construction, is stronger than separate runs of CAT5 & 16/4 speaker cable since the two are united together in a dual-divided jacket. This means less chance of the cable being damaged during installation (especially retrofit installation).
Helps maintain minimum bend radiuses
The configuration of the Siamese CAT5/16AWG cable also helps to maintain minimum bend radiuses, insuring the integrity of the wire and the CAT5e rating itself – not to mention the integrity of the signal.
Saves labor
Siamese CAT5 /16-4 or 14-4AWG cable saves time and labor, since only one type of cable is needed for the whole job (compared to multiple reels of wire).
Prewiring for SpeakerLinX installations
The SpeakerLinX module is a very flexible device and can be installed anywhere from the head-end all the way up the speakers. The wiring requirements for SpeakerLinX modules are:
1. Siamese cable from head-end.
2. Speaker cable from the speakers to the SpeakerLinX. There are a number of ways to mount a SpeakerLinX – inside a wall, on the back of a speaker, or in a rack with a rack mount plate (sold separately).
3. 1 CAT5e (optional) from SpeakerLinX to EIM devices (NetStreams – Audio Ports, MU290 Power Amplifier, and keypads like the KL101 and KL201).
Regarding the use of "backless" boxes
Backless boxes allow the wires for the devices to hang free and not be damaged by smashing them into a box with a back. All of the cables for the keypads and SpeakerLinX devices are low voltage, so the National Electrical Code (NEC) allows the use of backless boxes for these types of products.
Choosing the right speakers
All speakers are not created equal. When choosing the right speakers for your system, please take into account the following:
1. Look for speakers that are efficient. Speaker efficiency is the ability of the speaker to reproduce the sound (use power). The more efficient the speaker; the less power is required for the speaker to produce sound. This is usually a spec that talks about sensitivity. (i.e. 89 db to 92 db).
2. The higher the wattage does not mean a better speaker. A conservative power rating with a good frequency response is a typically a good speaker.
3. The Ohms or "Resistance" specification of a speaker is also important. Especially when matching to a digital amp. When looking for speakers to use with the NetStreams Musica™ System – optimally, look for an 8 or 6 Ohm rating on the speakers.
4. Above all, after you have compared all the specifications, nothing is better than to actually listen to the speakers. Make sure you audition your speakers before you purchase them. You may also want to bring a CD of your favorite song or a song that you’re familiar with.
Easily add a subwoofer to any zone
Adding a subwoofer to any zone improves the overall sound by reproducing bass more accurately than other smaller speakers. A subwoofer allows you to isolate the signals sent to your other speakers. If a speaker is receiving low and high-frequency signals, there will be some “intermodulation” distortion, which will decrease your signal quality. By adding a subwoofer and adjusting the crossover to send the low-frequency signals to the subwoofer and the high frequency signals to your other speakers, you can play the whole system at a higher volume, because each speaker will be only receiving the signals it can handle.
Adding a subwoofer to a room is simple with NetStreams' Musica and DigiLinX™ distributed audio systems. With the EIM bus built in to both the DigiLinX and Musica systems, this allows a line level output to be passed from the SpeakerLinX or Musica Keypad to an Audio Port. All it needs is a CAT5e to be run from the SpeakerLinX or Musica Keypad to the Audio Port.
Control Musica over your network
Have you ever thought about the ability to control your music from your PC? Now you can with the simple addition of a NetStreams R2EM for the Musica system. The R2EM is a network device that allows a user to control all rooms simultaneously or individually from one location. A PC, Web Tablet or PocketPC can be used as control interfaces for the R2EM. You don’t have to purchase an expensive interface. You can use the ones you already have.
What about rack-mounting Musica ADC's or DigiLinX Products?
NetStreams provides rack mount faceplate kits (sold separately) for both the Musica ADC as well as for our DigiLinX products. DigiLinX products come in various forms so be sure to familiarize yourself with our rack mount options. Mount in rack (NS-RP24). Or mount near speaker, on speaker, or any surface (NS-MKSL220-SM).
International Installations - 240 VAC input or 50hz
Both Musica and DigiLinX products are 120 VAC or 240 VAC 50 to 60 Hz. This means they can be installed in all parts of the world.
Planning and interior design
When designing a project, the color of the keypad should be taken into consideration. This will keep from having to make frequent trips to finish a project. Musica and DigiLinX keypads, Control Points and Audio Ports come in a variety of colors. Visit the products portion of this website to see the selection of colors.
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