APPENDIX 4 — A/V WIRING CONSIDERATIONS
Audio Distribution
The Aris System switches line-level stereo audio signals. Aris System provides zone control of
volume/bass/treble/muting functions, internally in the Controller.
Audio Power Amps
To distribute zoned audio throughout your home, you will require a stereo (2-channel) power amplifier for
each zone. Since the Aris System provides Volume/Bass/Treble control internally, these zone amplifiers are
fixed-gain (no volume control) power amps. Optionally, you can use a multi-channel amp — 2 channels (left
and right) are needed for each zone (for example, a 6-channel amp will service 3 stereo zones).
You connect the amplifier inputs to the stereo zone outputs on the Aris System using coaxial audio patch
cables, and run the speaker wiring to the destination zones around the home.
The Aris System allows you to choose the type and quality of amp to suit the zone. For example, you may
choose a less expensive amp to service the kitchen as opposed to the Living Room.
Speaker Wiring
The speaker wiring to use will depend on the power rating of the amplifier/speaker system and the distance
from the amp to the speakers. Low power/short distance runs may use wire as small as 20 or 18 gauge, but
16 gauge or larger is usually a safer bet to minimize losses.
Parallel zip cable or a twisted-pair cable may be chosen for the speaker wiring. Twisting wires will lower
noise pickup on high-impedance signals, but on low-impedance signals, such as 2 to 8 ohm speaker lines,
noise pickup is not usually an issue; however, twisted-pair wiring may reduce signals from radiating from
the speaker wiring and getting into other lines.
Of course, the impedance and number of speakers supported is dependent on the power amp chosen for
the zone.
Remotely Locating Power Amps
The power amps may be remotely located in each zone, up to 100 feet away from the Aris Controller, as
opposed to being located in the audio/video cabinet with the Aris System. The stereo zone outputs (line-
level audio) must be connected to the amplifier inputs with coaxial audio cables. You may also use shielded
twisted-pair wiring (e.g. 22 gauge) and connect the shield to ground only at the amplifier; unshielded
twisted pair should be avoided since it will pick up unwanted noise.
Aris System audio outputs, and the source components connected to the Aris inputs, are unbalanced — the
audio signal exists between the center conductor and the outer ground shield. Long runs of unbalanced
audio may pick up ground-loop noise (usually 60 Hertz powerline hum). For better noise rejection on long
runs, you may use professional audio line drivers/receivers to convert to/from balanced (or differential)
audio signals, and interconnect using shielded twisted pair cable.
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