Thanks, Wylie.
Q. Do want to control the volume of each zone independently?
A. Yes. I've bought some Niles volume controls to do this, one for
each zone. One of them is an auto-muting version, and the others will
essentially be on always. I'm coordinating this through a Niles
automuting-aware "hub".

Q. Is the desired SPL background music loud or serious party blasting
loud?
A. No.

Q. Does the SPL need vary by zone?
A. Yes, and I think that the configuration I've got on the hub and
volume controls addresses this.

The server has our music collection on it, and we use a web-based
interface (and wireless laptops) to control the selection and queuing
of music. So, in this way, I think I have the begin point (i.e., the
server and Xitel output) and the end point (i.e., speakers and speaker
volume control) handled. I know that I could drive this with a home
theater receiver, but the server (and the amp or whatever) will be in
a utility closet in the basement, with nothing else connected, so the
amp/preamp or integrated amp approach appeals to me.


"Wylie Williams" wrote in message ...
"John P. Wilkin" wrote in message
om...
I'd like to get a system that will drive four zones of speakers (Bang
& Olufson, and Polk). My sole input is a server with a Xitel device
that sends sound to a TOSLINK cable. I think that I need roughly
100w/ch, and of course I need an optical input. I'd like to keep it
simple, and so have felt that a home theater system is a bit of
overkill.

Is something like an Onkyo 301 Dolby Digital Decoder, or a Dolby
Digital Preamp (e.g., Denon DAP-5500 or B&K Reference 20) in
conjuction with a power amp a reasonable approach?

Should I consider an integrated amp (instead? as a secondary
alternative?)?

Should I just chuck it in and get a home theater system?

Thanks! I really know nothing about amplification systems, but love
my music.

John, I can maybe give a little advice, but more specifics about what you
want the system to do would help. Do want to control the volume of each zone
independently? Is the desired SPL background music loud or serious party
blasting loud? Does the SPL need vary by zone?

Wylie Williams
The Speaker and Stereo Store
Saint Louis MO