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The Scottish Environmental Technology Network

residential audio systems

Kef iQ5 in MapleResidential audio for Intelligent Buildings falls into two categories, surround sound and distributed or Multiroom audio.

We find the two terms are often confused so before we get to the 'nitty gritty' we will explain. Surround Sound is the term given to multi channel audio systems used together with a suitable monitor or projector to create a home cinema. Surround Sound comes in many different flavours from 2.1 all the way to 10.2!

Multiroom audio or distributed audio is a system of distributing audio around different rooms (or sound zones) in a property. This can be from the same audio source (i.e. the input) or from multiple sources that are listened to in different rooms by different people.

 

Surround Sound / Home Cinema Systems

It is possible to get very carried away with home cinema systems and budgets in excess of £80k are not unknown and a £250k spend is possible. Here at i-B we feel that it perfectly possible to end up with a very respectable system including a decent monitor for a maximum budget of around £10K.

Key to the whole system is the component grandly called the 'AV receiver'. This effectively is your surround sound amplifier and video processor rolled into one, to the AV receiver you will need to add a DVD player, a monitor (TV to thee & me) and some speakers. This is one of those cases where you get exactly what you pay for up to a certain limit and beyond that you are paying for bells and whistles that you don't need or for the name (essentially why we set the maximum budget at £10k!).

AV Receivers

If you are looking for a decent AV receiver then look no further than brands like Onkyo, Denon and Yamaha. Current flavour of the month with us is the Onkyo TX-SR605. a stunning 7.1 AV receiver that offers excellent value for money. For further select offerings please consult our current 'kit list' that contains our latest pricing and please consult our AV Receivers Buyers guide for what you should be looking out for in an AV receiver.

Speakers & Subwoofers

This is the one area where we can point you in the right direction but we can't give a definitive answer as to what you should be buying. The key again is quality and for home cinema speakers its a level playing field between manufacturers Bowers & Wilkins, Kef and Tannoy. It all depends on budget and performance, B&W are simply great all rounders to our ears but can be a little bit pricey, Kef's look and sound great but some people think 'they could be better'. Tannoy's Arena speakers are stunning to look and listen to but can be a little too eclectic in their appearance for some peoples taste. We offer a small number of surround sound speaker bundles from both Kef & Tannoy for Bowers & Wilkins we can refer you to a number of specialist stockists.

 

Multiroom / Distributed Audio Systems

Nuvo Grand Concerto Wall PlateWhen it comes to residential multiroom audio systems then I am afraid to say we are a bit biased, in fact we are a WHOLE lot biased. We only tend to supply and install Nuvo systems. The reason is very simple, they do exactly what they say they will do, they are easy to install and configure, the way they operate is simple and understandable, they are ultra reliable and to top that all of they sound superb. Don't take our word for it, here's NuVo's thoughts on the subject

"Throughout the years, our focus has always been on the consumer. Their systems are designed for simplicity, and to integrate seamlessly into the home. NuVo puts superior home audio within reach blending the advanced technology of superior audio distribution with the simplicity of user friendly design, all at a price that's easy to live with - home never sounded so good."

For the very latest in pricing on NuVo systems and components please refer to our price lists from the navigation bar to the left of this page

Systems

Remember that all Nuvo systems "ship complete", this means that along with the amplifier you get the keypads, connectors, specialist backboxes if required, full instructions even batteries for the remote - all you have to add is some speakers and the installation cables (we can supply these as well) If you purchase one of the NuVo Smart Source products you will get the interconnection cables with that to hook it all up to your amp.

Simplese D

The NuVo range starts with the Simplese D - as the name suggests this little beastie gives you four listening zones and four audio source inputs, one of the most affordable and simple home sound systems on the market.

NuVo Simplese D

Essentia D

Next up is the Essentia D - this maintains the same trim, clean lines as the Simplese but gives you more power in more zones whist still maintaining the clean and pure audio sound Nuvo's are known for.

Nuvo Essentia D

Essentia G

New kid on the block is the Essentia G (orders now being taken for March/April delivery) - this maintains the similar trim, clean lines as the old Essentia D but takes whole home audio control to a whole different level with NuVoNet AND a 4 line OLED display similar to the Grand Concerto.

Nuvo Essentia D

Orders now being taken for March/April Delivery!

More info>>>>>>>>>>

Grand Concerto

Daddy of them all is the Grand Concerto - this elegant, intelligent whole home audio system that combines NuVo's unparalleled performance with the industry's most innovative technology - at an affordable price.

NuVo Grand Concerto

Source Equipment

To get the most from your Nuvo System we recommend you have a good look at their range of compatible source equipment. For the very latest in pricing on NuVo systems and components please refer to our price lists from the navigation bar to the left of this page

M3 Music Server

The M3 Music server give you access to your own personalized music library from anywhere in your home in up to three zones simultaneously. No more arguing over which disc is in the CD player. Now the whole family's favorites take residence on the 160Gb or 320Gb hard drive and are easily controlled and navigated from any NuVoNet compatible keypad in the house. Designed for homes of the future, the M3 is the first in-home music server of its kind with full Digital Rights Management compliance and Windows® Media Player music management, at a stunning price.

NuVo M3 Music Server

T2 Tuner

With NuVo's T2 dual tuner radio enters the twenty-first century, Finally, you can enjoy the most advanced analogue radio technology with AM/FM & RDS one innovative tuner. The T2’s ground-breaking digital tuner design delivers reception quality that is nothing short of phenomenal. That’s because the NV-T2 utilizes Interference Adaptive Signal Processing (IASP) No standard AM/FM tuner can compare.

The NV-T2 is software configurable for worldwide AM/FM standards. And it’s compatible with NuVoNet, giving you RDS compatibility where available, which means any NuVoNet compatible Display Pad will display artist/selection information and station identification in real time - no programming necessary.

Nuvo T2 Dual Tuner

 

NuVoDock for iPod®

Escalate your iPod® to your entire home with the NuVoDock for iPod. Now you can listen to your iPod® collection from any zone in and around your home, through your whole home audio system. Regardless of the location of your dock, instantly call up, browse and control your iPod from any NuVoNet compatible Display Pad.

Wireless NuVoDock for iPod® Features

 

Wired NuVoDock for iPod® Features

Architectural Speakers

The soundscape you create is all up to you with in-ceiling, in-wall, on-wall and garden rock speakers. Complementary in any installation application, these speakers seamlessly blend with small-perforation grills that are paint-friendly. To find out what makes AccentPLUS speakers by NuVo so unique, just look at the features. Then look at the price, and you’ll understand. That’s because NuVo understand that home audio should only sound like a million pounds. NuVo puts advanced home audio distribution within reach.

For the very latest in pricing on NuVo systems and components please refer to our price lists from the navigation bar to the left of this page

AccentPLUS1

Give your home its own distinct Accent. NuVo has an AccentPLUS1 speaker to meet any listening need or home décor, bringing an impeccably clean audio experience to your home, inside or out.

AccentPLUS1 Indoor Speakers

NuVo’s AccentPLUS1 in-wall and in-ceiling speakers fill every room with impressively full, impeccably clean sound for an audio experience that is never compromised.

AccentPLUS1 Outdoor Speakers

AccentPLUS1 Outdoor Loudspeakers from NuVo deliver an outstanding performance in any environment, so you can take the sound of living to your patio, sunroom, or pool...anywhere you enjoy outdoor living at home.

AccentPLUS1 Rock Speakers

NuVo’s legendary AccentPLUS® speakers deliver their signature sound in an ingenious disguise that’s right at home in nature.

AccentPLUS2

For the truly discriminating listener, NuVo Presents the opulent sound quality of the AccentPLUS2 in-wall, in-ceiling and on-wall speakers.

Comprised of rigid DuPont™ Kevlar® woofers these speakers bathe you in vivid, pristine sound with a richer bass response and enhanced performance.

Tailor-made for detailed sound execution at any volume and with multiple enclosure options available, AccentPLUS2 speakers offer an unparalleled listening experience with astonishing clarity, from the comfort of your kitchen to the open-air of your patio.

AccentPLUS2 Indoor Speakers

From smooth, dulcet highs to clean precise mid-ranges to warm, robust bass tones, you’ll hear each distinct note with astonishing clarity from these architectural speakers.

AccentPLUS2 Outdoor Speakers

Enjoy the abundant output of the legendary AccentPLUS2 sound in the outdoor areas of your home from a rigid, weatherproof cabinet design that creates an intense audio output.

Amplifiers
NV-P2100

The NV-P2100 delivers high efficiency stereo amplification at 200 watts. The amplifier is compact, powerful, and cooler than other amplifiers. High efficiency technology means you'll use less operating power with the NV-P2100 than with other amplifiers. And output relays eliminate external interference and protect speakers from dangerous voltages, unwanted pops, and extraneous noise.

NV-LSA40

A 40 Watt stereo Local Source Amplifier designed to fit into a standard US single gang backbox box to amplify any local audio source, through that zones speakers. Available in two versions. For use with a local power supply, NV-LSA40S, for individual zone use, or without the power supply for use with the NV-LSA40PDS.

 

For the very latest in pricing on NuVo systems and components please refer to our price lists from the navigation bar to the left of this page



* Maximum wireless signal range may vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including building materials and construction may affect signal range.