The A-BUS multi-room audio is unique in distributing audio to the target room,
amplifying it at the keypad, then passing it to the loudspeaker. This means that
you can use your existing stereo source, eg normal stack system, micro or mini hi-fi
without any additional amplifying equipment in the source room.
In addition to your main listening room, which remains unaffected,
A-BUS delivers music to up to another 4 rooms using the standard single source kit, but this can be expanded considerably
Wiring installation is straightforward using Cat5e cable from the surface mount hub to the keypads, then
speaker cable to the loudspeakers.
Volume control is by the amplified keypads. The system has an IR receiver built into each of the
keypads that can receive and transmit signals back to the
stereo components via 4 built-in IR emitter outlets for full control. Single source
kits include hub, keypads, power supply, remote control and punch down tool. 4 source kits also include
a local source input plate and the learning remote control.
(Faceplates, back boxes and IR emitters
are supplied separately. The standard keypads require US style single backboxes and faceplates.
)
The system has a power rating of 8 Watts, which is ideal for general
listening throughout your house. Ceiling speakers with matched power ratings are
supplied separately and can be chosen from our in-ceiling speakers range.
Click here to see a schematic for a single source ABUS system
If you want to have a tidy termination of the Cat 5e cable from the keypads near the central hub, you can use the HNS RJ45 data outlets
either with or without the HomeCabling patch panel, and connect to the hub by a patch lead. If you use this system
you must use our special T568A to T568B patch leads, because the Russound unit uses the American RJ45 colour coding but
the HNS system uses the UK T568B colour coding. Price for the 1.5 metre patch lead is shown below.
Multi-source
Now ABUS has gone MULTI-SOURCE with their 4 source surface mount hub, which allows you
to choose independently from 4 sources in any of the 4 rooms. In fact each zone can drive two keypads so
you can easily have music to 8 rooms! (NB: if you have more than 4 keypads working off a single hub,
then to power these you need an extra power supply). You can add this to your existing A-BUS system,
or buy it as part of a complete kit (AMK401, see below),
including the 4 souce 4 zone hub, 4 AKP2.2 keypads, a learning remote,
APS power supply, and a single A-LC local source input.
Retrofit multi-source!
If you have a single source A-BUS system you can now convert it to multi-source
using the new A-MSS Music Source Selector.
The A-MSS allows you to select one of the four sources using either an A-BUS keypad or a Russound Remote Control.
The selected source is sent over the A-BUS link to a single-source Russound A-BUS hub (such as the A-H4, A-H4P or the A-H2)
and can be heard in every room in a whole house audio system.
The A-MSS features four stereo inputs with loop outputs for sharing audio sources with other A/V receivers.
The A-MSS provides control for A/V components via four IR Emitter mini-jacks with a confirmation LED indicator.
The A-MSS also provides a 12 volt trigger output for activating accessories.
System expansion
The range of surface mount hubs allow you to add an extra 2 or 4 zones to your
existing system, or have a complete 2 zone system.
The hubs
require an A-BUS APS power source, which drives 4 keypads. For 5 to 8 keypads you need two
power supply units. For 9 or more keypads you need extra hubs and more power units
You can combine the Russound ABUS keypad with Lutron Grafik Eye light control wall station keypads in a US style double gang
faceplate as shown in the photo. These faceplates can be white plastic (Decora type or screwless type as shown) or stainless steel
or brass Decora type, see here.
If you want to add extra keypads to a zone, and you do not need source selection or IR control, then why
not opt for the simple A-VC Amplified Volume Control and save £60 compared to the price of the
standard A-KP2 amplified keypad. NB Don't forget you still need an extra power supply!
Local source input
You can also add a local (room) input option with the ALC wall mount plate. This is ideal where your youngsters want
to listen to their own mini system or personal CD player through the room speakers. It is also ideal if you want
to use the stereo room speakers whilst watching TV. The ALC does not require power.
More power
For rooms
where you need more music volume, Russound
offer their
R235LS in-line amplifier, generating 35 Watts per
single zone (2 channel). This links to the AKP keypad and is controlled from it, using the keypad amp just as a pre-amp.
For installation manual of AH484 4 source/4 zone system click here (PDF file 1.2MB)
For installation manual of AH4 single source/4 zone system also showing the A-KP2 keypad connections click here (PDF file 683kB)
What's included in a kit
ABK2.2 Single source to 4 zone kit
- A-KP2 keypads (4)
- A-H4 single source to 4 zone hub
- A-PS power supply unit
- A-KP RC remote control (controls volume up/down, system on and zone on/off)
- Plastic punchdown tool
AMK401 Four source to 4 zone kit
- AKP2 keypads (4)
- A-H484 four source to 4 zone hub
- A-PS power supply unit
- A-LC local source input
- A-LRC learning remote control (as for AKP RC above plus selects and controls sources if optional IR emitters are used. Pre-programmed with most major brands of audio and video
equipment, but can also learn non standards, excluding IrDA NTL/Telewest)
- Plastic punchdown tool
Installation Tips
Buy the US style back boxes early
before the
walls are plastered. Cut out size for the back box - 56mm wide x 95mm tall x 78mm deep
01603 660901
