Russound CA4KT1 Multiroom Controller Amplifier

I finally got this system setup and it works very well. I am very happy with it. It is easy to setup and use, has tons of cool features and ships with just about everything you'll need, including alternate face plates of a different colour. I use all four zones available, three being fixed and one variable (powered by a separate amp). You can select whichever source you want (you can have up to four) at any zone independent of all others, all with independent volume, bass and treble control or you can have party mode, allowing all zones to play the same source, with the control being provided by one master zone. You get full stereo in all zones.In comparing this system to the Niles ZR-4, I find this one is better value, albeit providing less watts per channel and not including a built-in tuner. However, I was able to get a stand alone tuner for less than $100, still bringing the total cost of this system (in comparison to the Niles) to about $200 - $400 less. To make wire management easier, the system uses a wall port that is used as the hub for the CAT-5 and speaker connections. The only materials you have to worry about are the speaker wire, itself, the CAT-5 cables to the zones and the speakers, themselves.I am particularly impressed with the IR routing capability of the system, which allows you to use an IR remote from any particular zone, to control equipment residing remotely in your entertainment media centre, using the supplied IR micro-emitters.One down side, if you're energy conscious (and who isn't?), is that the controller is always on. It would be nice if it could "stand by" and be triggered once a zone is activated, but I guess that's not the way Power over Ethernet (PoE) works. PoE, in itself, is actually another good feature, eliminating the need for separate power at the keypads, as the keypads are powered by the controller via the Ethernet cable.The speakers, too, are powered by the controller, so no need for powered speakers at the zones (unless you're using the variable output). However, this means long speaker wire runs, depending on your zone distances.

This product is exactly what I was looking for and has not disappointed!!I had a standalone system with speakers in the ceiling and a pair outside in my old house, but wanted to upgrade in our new "fixer-upper". I was getting a little bit disenchanted with other produts that I was seeing because they were too expensive and elaborate for what I was looking for...but then I stumbled upon this bad boy!I am using 2 Audiocasts, a Bluetooth receiver, and an input from a tv as my inputs and am using a single stereo speaker for most zones, and I couldnt be happier.The fact that I can adjust bass, treble, and loudness per zone is cool. I also like the fact that it defaults to a low volume when powered up. As a sound tech, I always like to be in complete control of what is coming out of my speakers and hate when a system gets left at a hi volume for the next person, but this eliminates that fear. In other words, if someone has it cranked up and then shuts it off, it will power up at a low volume.For the price, this thing is fantastic! A great solution for a budget. Thanks Russound!!!

Russound never fails to impress with its products, and this one is equal quality. I have installed many whole house audio systems and Russound has always been a great product. The instructions are always thorough, but please BEWARE of one item.You HAVE to hook up all network connections from the amplifier to the wall plate for the system to work. This is buried in the instruction manual but I spent over an hour troubleshooting why I was only getting audio out of the 3 rooms I was using. I had only hooked up network cables from output 1-3 on the unit to inputs 1-3 on the wall plate. You have to have all 4 hooked up for it to work properly.Pros-Solid design-Compact sized amp-Easy to install (see note above)Cons-Could be a bit louder (I think power rating is inflated)-Keypads have slight pause when turning on and off, causes user to press power more than once-Speaker wire connections are a bit tricky (all whole house audio systems seem to suffer from this)

Let me start off by saying this company that sold me this on here sucks. I bought this system in September. Two of the key pads never worked. I had to go back and forth with them to even get a keypad sent out. After finally sending me it out the zones just shut off if you have all zones on gas techs come out and even contacted russound and they stated it’s sounds like a bad unit or a bad connector. So holiday time came up and I went away came back and now they entire system isn’t working it stays on for 1-2 mins then cuts off with or with out any zones on. So of course at this point I just want my money so I can buy something else seller never answered and Amazon’s AtoZ team gets involved then Denys my claim saying it’s outside 30days not even looking at all the times I’ve contacted the seller and I’ve already got replacement parts for a brand new system that was well over 800 bucks. Now I have to now buy a completely new system because the system that I’ve bought from Amazon no longer works so if you are thinking of buying anything from this seller or this system please look else where

Purchased here far cheaper than I could have with my ADI wholesale account. Connected to Directv as audio source, the controls and amp work great. I used the included faceplate adapters to change color from white to beige to match rest of house switches.The system only has 15 watts per channel, so don't expect this to "rock the house" it's great whole house audio and will provide nice background and listening music with the options of changing the channels, or audio source in each of the rooms.Don't expect Russsound to give you any direct support on this product. They are not happy to see their products on Amazon or Ebay. They want to protect profit margins of their dealers and make sure installations are done professionally.

Product worked out well

Great product works perfectly !