OTHER TECH

The Short Form

Price $8,790 (AS TESTED), Base System Price $1,690 / coloradovnet.com / 970-203-3700

Snapshot

With its superb "pick up and play" interface, the only thing easier than installing a Vibe system is using one.

Plus

•Incredibly simple to connect and program •The most user-friendly system we've seen •Attractive touchscreen interface

Minus

•Audio delay with Audio Encoder •No system control over the network

Key Features

Tested System •(2) CA1-70 touchscreen amps ($1,300 each) •AS1-1250/6 800-GB Audio Server ($4,750) •ID1-1 Dock for iPod ($390) •TR1-1B Tuner Blade ($390) •AE1-1 Audio Encoder ($390) •ES1-8G 8-port switch ($270) ••System scalable from 1-source/1-zone to 20-source/40-zone ••Supports legacy audio components ••iPod, AM/FM tuner options

Once components are connected to the network switch, it's time for "commissioning." This involves discovering and naming the components. The whole process uses Colorado vNet's Producer software and is ridiculously easy. Commissioning my system took about 5 minutes and didn't require a single look at the instruction manual. Of course, one reason the programming is so fast is that no customization of the panels is allowed. Fortunately, the premade touchscreen templates are well designed and provide all needed control options.

PERFORMANCE Right out of the gate, I was impressed by how much this system offers in such a tiny footprint. A single Vibe server can send out up to 16 independent streams (six from the server and as many as 10 AM/FM). An entire house can be driven from this one box, which installs in 5 minutes and connects with just one wire. To an installer who has spent many a full day in a cramped audio closet connecting gear, this is truly awe-inspiring.

Ultimately, a multiroom system's success lies with its control interface. A system must be easy enough for everyone to use, or it doesn't matter how great it looks or sounds. Here, the Vibe scores an A+. Not only does the 7-inch ultra-widescreen LCD (480 x 234) look great; its buttons are well spaced for easy operation, and its interface is phenomenally intuitive and easy to use. I handed the touchscreen to both my wife and brother with the only instruction, "Here. See if you can make this work." Within seconds, both navigated to the iPod and started browsing for music. The Vibe system might be the reigning ease-of-use champion.

Modern distribution systems must also display metadata - the album, artist, and track information embedded in digital audio files and some broadcasts. Fortunately, all of the Vibe components provide this, including the Audio Server, the iPod dock, and even the AM/FM blades, which deliver track info from Radio Data System signals (when available). Additionally, the touchscreens display album art from the server. The only time you're on your own is when you're streaming over the audio encoders.