Features
Connections
Features
Overview: The Niles ZR-6 is a 6-source, 6-zone receiver that
is designed to be the heart of your home's entertainment system. It has a
built-in AM/FM tuner, plug-n-play iPod integration, and high-power digital
amplification to help you and your family enjoy your favorite music anywhere in
your home. If more than six zones are required, you can add two more ZR-6s to
create up to an 18-zone system.
Amplification: The ZR-6 has a total of 12 channels of high-quality,
4-ohm stable digital amplification. There are 6 pairs of speaker outputs, each
with 25 watts per channel or 50 watts per zone. You can easily drive two pairs
of 8-ohm speakers or one pair of 4-ohm speakers in each zone. In addition, Zones 4, 5, and 6
have stereo preamp outputs in the event you should require more power in those
zones.
Rack Mountable: The unit comes with two rack mounting ears that can be
attached to each side if you wish to mount the amplifier in a rack. The unit is
approximately 4" high, or 2 rack space units in height.
Interfaces: There are several ways to interface with the ZR-6
MultiZone receiver. Behind a removable cover on the front panel, the programming
panel lets you set up the ZR-6 system, guided by the two-line, 16-character LCD
display. In addition, you can control the receiver using one of the following
interfaces:
- R-8L Remote: The supplied R-8L wireless remote control provides
advanced automated control of all six of the ZR-6's sources, as well as a
local TV and an additional local source such as a DVD player or satellite
receiver. The R-8L can create IR macros and comes preloaded with a library
of IR commands for both the ZR-6 as well as many popular brands of
equipment. The R-8L can also learn IR commands directly from factory remote
controls.
- Solo-6MD: The optional Solo-6MD (item # 190S6MD) is a single-gang
accessory keypad with a 2" LCD screen. The display provides iPod and tuner
metadata, plus source selection and zone setup info. You can control basic
playback functions, as well as volume in the zone. It also has a plasma and
LCD-proof infrared sensor so you can use the R-8L or other remote control
from another room. It connects to the ZR-6 via Cat-5 cable.
- Solo-6IR: Like the Solo-6MD, the Solo-6IR (item # 190S6IR) has an
IR sensor, and can control basic playback functions and volume. Instead of
an LCD screen, the Solo-6IR has six Master Keys to select any of the sources
connected to the ZR-6 receiver. It also connects to the ZR-6 via Cat-5
cable.
- Numeric-6P: The Numeric-6P (item # 190NUM6P), when paired with
the Solo-6IR keypad, can provide numeric key access to playlists, discs,
tracks, stations, or satellite/cable channels. Advanced playback control,
such as random, repeat, and favorites, is accessible through the Numeric-6P.
It connects to the Solo-6 keypad via a Cat-5 jumper.
- TS-PRO: The TS-PRO is an advanced, simple-to-use, high-contrast
touchscreen interface, which automatically configures itself when connected
to the ZR-6.
- ZR-KE: If you want to install multiple keypads in a single zone,
you can use the Niles ZR-KE keypad expander. Up to 3 keypads can be
connected to the ZR-KE via Cat-5 cable.
iPod Integration: The ZR-6 is equipped with a plug-in
connection for an iPod with a standard dock connector. When the Solo-6MD or
TS-PRO touchscreen are used, display metadata is provided for easy and intuitive
operation of the iPod and other menu-driven digital sources.
Note: Only
USB host devices are supported. The ZR-6 is compatible with the new charging
protocol found in the new iPod classic (80/120/160GB), iPod touch (2nd/3rd/4th
gen), iPod nano (3rd/4th/5th gen), and iPhone (3G/3GS/4). It is also compatible with the Niles iWARE SmartDock2
(190SMRTDK2, sold separately), for iTunes syncing.
IR MicroFlashers: The ZR-6 has five 3.5mm minijack outputs
on the back panel, numbered 2-6, for use with Niles MicroFlashers (item #s
190MF1, 190MF1VF, 190MF2VF). These MicroFlashers send IR commands to the
individual source components for control. An optional Niles IRB-1
High-Output IR Flasher (190IRB1) can be connected to the flasher port labeled
High Output Flasher to control more than one source component at a time.
12V Triggers: There are four 12-volt control output triggers
to automate power turn-on and turn-off of connected components. A global 12V
trigger output (3.5mm minijack) allows you to use devices such as the Niles AC-3
voltage-triggered power strip for turning on/off components in the main zone.
Three other 12V trigger outputs are tied to zones 4, 5, and 6 for turn on/off of
zone-specific devices, such as system integration amplifiers.
Independent Audio Controls: Independent bass, treble, and variable
loudness controls enable you to custom tune each zone of the ZR-6 for the best
sound quality and match room acoustics from zone to zone.
Zone Linking: You can program up to six zones so that turn-on, source
selection, and turn-off all work in unison. Each zone retains independent volume,
bass, treble and variable loudness control, which is a great feature for a
restaurant or bar, or for adjacent rooms such as a master bedroom and master bath.
Paging Input: You can connect a telephone system and/or doorbell to
provide paging throughout the home. The pager input overrides all other inputs,
and can be configured to work in any number of zones.
Party Mode: With a single press and hold from a keypad or remote
control, you can turn on your entire house (or a preset number of zones) to
listen to the same source, which is ideal for entertaining or setting the mood.
Virtual Home Theater Zone: The ZR-6's virtual home theater zone
function enables source sharing with an independent home theater system using
the ZR-6's global IR input and home theater sync port.
Default Turn-On Volume: The turn-on volume level for the system is
adjustable. Since the turn-on volume level will be the same for all zones, Niles
suggests setting a comfortable listening level in the room that will be used
most frequently, or in the smallest room.
Connections
iPod: A 30-pin connector, designed for use with the supplied
iPod cable, to provide plug-n-play integration, along with display metadata, for
an iPod digital music player. iPods with USB hosting protocol can also charge
the battery when the ZR-6 is powered on.
RCA Jacks:
- Audio Input: six pairs of stereo RCA input jacks. One
pair can be used as Input 2 or, when an iPod is connected to the system,
becomes a cascade audio output to route the iPod's audio signal to a Slave
ZR-6 receiver.
- Preamp Output: three pairs, labeled zone 4, 5, and 6, used to
connect external amplifiers in those zones. They can be configured as fixed
or variable.
- Video Sync: five composite video jacks used to determine the
on/off status connected video devices by detecting the presence of a video
signal. Note: these are not video inputs; the ZR-6 cannot route video
signals to other zones.
- Page: single mono RCA input for connecting a telephone system,
intercom system, or doorbell.
Speakers: Six pairs of removable set-screw type connectors
for connecting the speakers to the receiver. Each connector has 4 set screws
terminals that can accept up to 14-gauge wire. The connector unplugs from the
receiver, allowing you to individually connect the speaker wire to the terminal,
then plugs back into the receiver.
RJ-45 Jacks:
- Expansion Ports: Two RJ-45 ports, marked "In" and
"Out", allow you to expand the system to up to
eighteen zones by linking a second and third ZR-6 MultiZone receiver using CAT-5
cable.
- Keypad Zones: The ZR-6 multi-zone receiver's six RJ-45 keypad
connections use T-568A CAT-5 termination. Connect each zone's master keypad via
a CAT-5 cable.
3.5mm Minijacks:
- Voltage Sync: five 3.5mm minijacks used for determining
the on/off status of connected source devices by detecting the presence of a
trigger voltage between 3V and 30V.
- RS-232: a single jack that provides RS-232 serial connection so
the ZR-6 can be monitored and controlled by an external control system.
- MicroFlashers: Five 3.5mm ports used to connect the included IR
MicroFlashers and control up to five source components.
- High Output Flasher: 3.5mm port used to connect an optional Niles IRB-1
High Output IR Flasher (controls a stack of components with just one flasher)
- 12V Triggers: Three 3.5mm minijacks, labeled Zones 4,
5, and 6, provide a 12V DC trigger to automate the power turn-on of
zone-specific connected devices. A fourth Global minijack trigger output can
automate the power turn-on of connected components in the main zone.
- Global IR In: a single 3.5mm minijack provides an input for IR
commands from an external control system.
- HT Sync: a single 3.5mm port enables sharing of components with an
independent home theater. When the home theater receiver is on, the ZR-6 will
stay active (even if all zones are off) and execute the appropriate 12V and IR
functions.
AM/FM Connectors: The multi-zone receiver features a 75 ohm
female F-connector for the FM antenna, and a 300-ohm spring-clip AM antenna connection (The
receiver
includes an AM loop antenna and an FM wire antenna with a slip-on F-connector).
IEC Power Receptacle: The ZR-6 features a removable 6.5' power cord
for added flexibility when working in tight spaces.
