[punkin]

Hello all,

I've been lurking here for some time and this would be my first post. I'm really not knowledgable in the area of home theater. If it's alright, I'd like to ask what is probably a very simplistic question.

My home stereo serves me quite well in the living room. The amplifier has a center, front, rear and a sub outputs. My home also is wired for sound in several rooms. They call it "Hi-Tek" wiring. Bottom line, there are 2 coaxial cables, 4 audio (2 pair) speaker wires, and 2 CAT-5 cables into virtually every room all converging upon a single distribution center in the basement (patch panels, punchblocks etc..). There are also speakers mounted in the ceilings/walls in most of the rooms as well so, it would seem that I'm pretty set with the exception of the delivery hardware.

I understand that it's unwise to "double up" or connect parallel speakers as it reduces over-all load resistance and stands to cause wear and possibly damage to the amplifier. So, I'm guessing someone will suggest a pre-amp and amplifier array type of device(s). While I'm not an expert in sound amplification and distribution and the products available on the market, I do have a very strong background in electronics. So, I'm here seeking advice of those who have a pulse on the consumer audio market.

My interest would be for a simple, clean and cost effective way of distributing audio to each of the rooms preferably switchable room by room. To be honest, most of the rooms don't need it, I'd be quite happy if I could do say, two or three rooms. It would also be good to be able to control the volume from those rooms without having to go all the way into the living room to make a simple volume adjustment. Things like channel/mode select not important to me at all.

Again, nothing real fancy. Thank you. I look forward to the comments and suggestions.



Regards,
Steve