“A-BUS improves on our starter solution because it’s a lower cost implementation,” says Jeff Kussard, vice president of strategic development for Russound. Hardware prices run similarly he says, but cost savings are realized by simplified CAT 5 wiring versus more expensive speaker wire running from the equipment stack to keypads. “Not only is the cost of speaker wire more expensive, he says, “but heavier, larger-diameter cable takes more effort to run and pull, making labor costs go up.”
The Harman Consumer Group, another A-BUS licensee, is bringing single-source, multi-zone capability to consumers in four of its six audio/video receivers. According to Harman Kardon president Tom McLoughlin, “The single-cable approach allows installers to put in a moderately priced but capable system to a greater number of customers.”
Harman, which is a partner with Leviton for its LE&AP multi-room audio solution, is also “looking at creating systems to deal with the builders directly,” McLoughlin says. That could include next-generation-powered A-BUS speakers from one of Harman’s speaker brands including Harman Kardon, Infinity, and JBL. As for next-generation A-BUS products to complement its current A-BUS line, “We’re considering it,” McLoughlin says. —Rebecca Day specializes in writing about home electronics. She can be reached at customhomerd@aol.com.
