Setting up audio system in office and need some help?

Question

ok so im gonna get some in celieng speakers and put the in the celiengs in the hallways and the individual offices in this suite i own, i would like to have one central place (in the staff lounge) where i can put on a cd and it will play in the hallway and in all offices i dont have to control wat office as long as all the speakers play im only using about 2-5 speakers wat kind of reciever thing should i use because most are made for surround sound and this isnt surround sound i need it to be cheap probaly lower than 200 if possible

thanks in advanced

Answer 1

I would go with a stereo (2 channel) receiver and a speaker selector switch. You can buy in-ceiling stereo speakers and run the speaker wire from the switch into the ceiling.

I recommend an inexpensive Yamaha or Sony receiver. Speaker switches are inexpensive as well and would allow you to turn off the speakers as you desire.

Answer 2

Since you only want to use 2-5 speakers you can simply buy a stereo receiver with an A/B speaker switch built in. Most all models have this feature. This will allow you to run 4 speakers without the use of a speaker selector, thus saving you money.  Depending on the length of wire runs, a 50 watt receiver will be plenty of power for 6.5" to 8" in-ceiling speakers. You can use any portable CD player with a 3.5mm headphone output as a music source. You will need a patch cable with a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack on one end to a Stereo RCA end on the other (typically red and white RCA ends). With this type cable you can also use i-pods or anything else with a headphone output.  Plug the RCA ends into the CD input on the rear of the receiver and your in business.

Answer 3

There are many inexpensive audio systems available for commercial use.  They are designed to run 24 hrs a day and have features that you may possibly find useful.  As well they are easy to install.  If you have a number of offices I would suggest running a 70 Volt system to make the wiring and installation simpler.  Distributors of these products usually have packages that include the amplifier, speakers, wire and installation material.

Answer 4

Once you've got your speakers and the wires, there are three options:

-Use the amplified output of a minicomponent or boombox.

-Connect the CD player to an amplifier (more expensive)

-Or buildong your own amplifier (More difficult)

In my home I use the output of my mother's CD player to get sound all around the house, and hears excellent.