OTHER TECH

NuVo keypads are powered and communicate via Cat5, and standard two-conductor wiring feeds the speakers. Each pad has two RJ-45 ports - one for NuVoNet communication and another for the optional NV-LSI24 ($99), an automatic override that enables a local amplified source (such as a TV) to play through the room's speakers.

The first bit of the Grand Concerto's genius lies in the EZ Port connection hub. The double-gang-sized hub enables simple and professional-looking termination of as many as 20 keypads. Up to six NuVoNet-capable sources and the NV-18GM connect to the front, making for a tidy installation.

My demo system included NuVo's NV-M3 music server (three sources), the NV-T2FX AM/FM/Weather plus XM dual-source tuner, and the NV-WIPS wireless iPod dock. NuVo also offers a dual AM/FM/Weather tuner ($799) and a dual XM model ($1,399), plus a wired version of its iPod dock ($299).

When the tuner and the server are connected and powered up for the first time, the system prompts you through selecting the inputs they are connected to on the NV-18GM. A rotary switch on the iPod receiver and dock tells it which input it is connected to. And that's all the setup required when using NuVoNet components.

The system ships with NuVo's Grand Concerto Configurator software (Windows 2000-, XP-, and Vista-compatible) to speed you through the setup. Except for programming IR codes from non-NuVo components and assigning names to audio zones, however, all configuration can be done right from the keypads. This great capability permits quick tweaks without breaking out a computer. Programming is downloaded using a serial cable (included), and all keypads are updated from the main unit with only a single download. One caveat for DIY-ers: Teaching the system new IR codes requires hardware available only to NuVo dealers.

A variety of useful adjustments are included, such as zone turn-on volume, overall maximum volume, party turn-on volume, and whether a zone is included in party mode. Additionally, you can tweak performance by turning on loudness compensation, adjusting the volume level of each source, or employing a huge ±18-dB range of bass and treble adjustment.