Results 1 to 17 of 17
Thread: Smart Dimmer Light Switches...
-
January 5, 2023, 01:56 PM #1
Smart Dimmer Light Switches...
I'm planning on installing recessed LED ceiling lighting in my listening room in the next few weeks. Thinking of 12 lights in total, in three different "zones", each zone having four lights and each zone being able to be dimmed independently.
There's a bunch of different smart switches on the market, some really expensive units as well as some really cheap (sketchy) units.
What I've been kind of gravitating to is the new Lutron Caseta Diva switches. They're clean and simple, don't require a neutral line, their app is well sorted and stable, and aren't all that expensive from a reliable company.
What's your thoughts?Pass Labs XP-20 | Auralic Altair G1 | Odyssey Audio Stratos Monoblocks | JVC XL-Z411 | Nakamichi DR-1 | Technics SL-1700MK2 | Magnepan 1.7i | SVS PB-1000 Pro x 2
-
January 5, 2023, 02:46 PM #2
Re: Smart Dimmer Light Switches...
For the most part we use Control4 for our distributed Audio/Video/Lighting throughout our house. All connected to our wifi. The C4 app works very nicely for lighting and while the C4 control dimmers are relatively expensive I think they are superior to the Lutron dimmers that we have installed in a couple of rooms.
YMMVPreamp; WestminsterLab Quest with w/ Audioquest Dragon source PC (C15)
Interconnects; Nordost Valhalla V2 XLR
SACD Player/DAC; Esoteric K-01XD w/ Shunyata Omega QRs PC (C15)
Music Server/Streamer; Aurender N20 w/ Shunyata Omega QRs PC (C15)
Digital cables; Shunyata Sigma V2 Clock (50 Ω & 75 Ω), Nordost Valhalla V2 S/PDIF
Amplifier;Westminster Lab Rei Monoblock w/ Westminster Lab Ultra PC (C15) x 2
Speakers; Magico A5 w/Apods, Westminster Lab Ultra speaker cable
Power; Shunyata Everest 8000 w/ Sigma XC PC (C19)
Grounding; Nordost QKore6 w/ premium and standard grounding wires
Master Clock; Cybershaft OP21A-D Ultra Precision OCXO 10MHz w/ UpTone Audio JS-2 Linear Power Supply
Network switch; Nordost QNET 5 Port Network Switch w/ QNet Stand and Nordost TC SORT Kones, Shunyata Omega Ethernet
-
January 5, 2023, 03:47 PM #3
Re: Smart Dimmer Light Switches...
You can’t go wrong with Lutron and will be much cheaper than a Control4 setup.
MAIN SYSTEM - SST Ambrosia 2000 Second Edition Preamp, SST Son of Ampzilla II Amp, PS Audio Directstream DAC w/Bridge II, PS Audio Directstream Memory Player, PS Audio P3 Power Plant, Focal Sopra No. 1 Speakers, ELAC 3070 Sub, Roon Nucleus w/8TB SSD storage
HOME OFFICE SYSTEM - HiFi Rose RS250, KEF LS50W Nocturne Speakers
-
January 5, 2023, 04:38 PM #4
- Join Date
- May 2017
- Location
- Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Posts
- 531
Re: Smart Dimmer Light Switches...
Without the Hot & Neutral lines in close proximity to each other for the line's total length, you have a great interference transmitting antenna.
-
January 5, 2023, 05:50 PM #5
Re: Smart Dimmer Light Switches...
Could you elaborate on that a little more, please?
Because if I go with the Lutron system, those Caseta Diva switches do not use a neutral line. And to be honest, the fact that our house was built in 1969, I kind of doubt there's any neutral lines running to any of the current cheap switches anyway.Pass Labs XP-20 | Auralic Altair G1 | Odyssey Audio Stratos Monoblocks | JVC XL-Z411 | Nakamichi DR-1 | Technics SL-1700MK2 | Magnepan 1.7i | SVS PB-1000 Pro x 2
-
January 5, 2023, 06:18 PM #6
- Join Date
- May 2017
- Location
- Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Posts
- 531
Re: Smart Dimmer Light Switches...
That probably is not what no Neutral means.
I did a quick look and the switch has a Neutral wire.
Don't have time to puzzle how the system works.
-
January 5, 2023, 06:27 PM #7
Re: Smart Dimmer Light Switches...
Pass Labs XP-20 | Auralic Altair G1 | Odyssey Audio Stratos Monoblocks | JVC XL-Z411 | Nakamichi DR-1 | Technics SL-1700MK2 | Magnepan 1.7i | SVS PB-1000 Pro x 2
-
January 5, 2023, 08:28 PM #8
- Join Date
- Sep 2022
- Location
- memphis/chicago
- Posts
- 171
Re: Smart Dimmer Light Switches...
lutron is by far the best lighting system on the market, crestron is very close behind but lutron is the best in the business
Burmester 911mk3 amplifier
Burmester 077 pre-amp
Burmester 217 turntable system
Burmester 111 streamer
Burmester 948 conditioner
Master Artist Signature Full Range Towers
Master Artist Signature Rack
Espirit Eureka cables
Silent Angel NX Network Switch
-
January 6, 2023, 10:14 AM #9
Re: Smart Dimmer Light Switches...
I have a mix of Caseta and Phillips Hue and both have been great, leaps and bounds better than any of the off-brands I tried in my 140 year old house with wiring from probably the 50s.
-
January 6, 2023, 12:39 PM #10
Re: Smart Dimmer Light Switches...
I'm 99.9% certain I'll be going with Lutron. As everyone says, they are proven and have been in the business for years. Heck, we used to use their products back in the late 90's when I was doing home theater/audio installs along with some home automation.
Remember those old Lexicon 700t touch screen remotes? Yeah, I used to program those darn things.Pass Labs XP-20 | Auralic Altair G1 | Odyssey Audio Stratos Monoblocks | JVC XL-Z411 | Nakamichi DR-1 | Technics SL-1700MK2 | Magnepan 1.7i | SVS PB-1000 Pro x 2
-
January 6, 2023, 12:41 PM #11
- Join Date
- Sep 2022
- Location
- memphis/chicago
- Posts
- 171
Re: Smart Dimmer Light Switches...
good choice, luton, crestron than everyone else is far behind
Burmester 911mk3 amplifier
Burmester 077 pre-amp
Burmester 217 turntable system
Burmester 111 streamer
Burmester 948 conditioner
Master Artist Signature Full Range Towers
Master Artist Signature Rack
Espirit Eureka cables
Silent Angel NX Network Switch
-
January 6, 2023, 01:20 PM #12
Re: Smart Dimmer Light Switches...
I just used home kit enabled bulbs. I have 4 in my room. I have the 2 over the Speakers/TV as a zone, and the one each over the computer, and gear rack, as separate zones. I control via the iphone, using the apple TV as the hub. I use it to turn off the bulbs over the TV and Speakers while watching video, and when doing Zoom on the computer. Sometimes I just have a dimmed light over the gear stack, or the computer. Setting the dimmed light to red further decreases eye strain.
Control4 is a complex system based on proprietary units that require professionals to install, and do all servicing. I have one friend who learned how to program his, and maintains his house (grey market). I had one, and my wife could never use it, and hated it. So I sold off those units, and converted everything to Sonos for the house. (not the man cave) She uses Spotify over Sonos, and continues to be happy.Amplification : Modwright LS300 - Atma-Sphere "Class D" monoblocks
Digital : MSB Premier DAC+Digital Director, Oppo 203, Sonos Port (W4S mod)
Analog : Technics SL1200G, Boulder 508
Speakers : Daedalus Audio Muse Studio
Headphone : BHSE + Voce
-
January 6, 2023, 06:41 PM #13
Re: Smart Dimmer Light Switches...
This would be a viable solution IF I had light fixtures in this room, but I don't. In fact, there's only one single light switch for this room, and it only operates a single switched outlet first next to the switch, right by the front door. In other words, pretty much useless.
The issue is there's only outlets in this room, nothing more. I have the two LED lamps in the front of the room on top of the subs, and one floor standing lamp in the back of the room, and all three of them together provide very little light in the room. Heck, they only give off about as much light as our Christmas tree does! LOL
Just for reference, this is what I have to work with at the moment...
Or this... Which I believe will be coming down tomorrow...
Pass Labs XP-20 | Auralic Altair G1 | Odyssey Audio Stratos Monoblocks | JVC XL-Z411 | Nakamichi DR-1 | Technics SL-1700MK2 | Magnepan 1.7i | SVS PB-1000 Pro x 2
-
January 6, 2023, 09:59 PM #14
- Join Date
- Nov 2014
- Posts
- 2,104
Re: Smart Dimmer Light Switches...
Agree with others that Lutron is a solid alternative for you. Lutron has several switches that do not require you to have a neutral line. They are ideal for older homes where there is no neutral.
You might also want to explore "smart" switches that you can control in different ways. For example, there are many "smart" switches that you can control via voice and connect/work with Apple/Google/Alexa devices (Lutron makes a few). I have several "smart" switches around the house and I find them quite useful.
Control4 makes a good product, however, they are more expensive and would be overkill for your needs.
-
January 7, 2023, 09:50 AM #15
Re: Smart Dimmer Light Switches...
If I’m understanding correctly, you are having new light fixtures, and new in wall wiring? In that case you can get it done however you want. I would agree that having smart switches for each zone is better than the smart bulbs in all locations.
Amplification : Modwright LS300 - Atma-Sphere "Class D" monoblocks
Digital : MSB Premier DAC+Digital Director, Oppo 203, Sonos Port (W4S mod)
Analog : Technics SL1200G, Boulder 508
Speakers : Daedalus Audio Muse Studio
Headphone : BHSE + Voce
-
January 7, 2023, 11:29 AM #16
Re: Smart Dimmer Light Switches...
That is correct. As I said, as far as lighting is concerned, there's zilch in this room, just a single switched outlet right by the switch, right by the front door. That in itself is useless as a switched outlet should be on the opposite side of the room from where the switch is.
Pass Labs XP-20 | Auralic Altair G1 | Odyssey Audio Stratos Monoblocks | JVC XL-Z411 | Nakamichi DR-1 | Technics SL-1700MK2 | Magnepan 1.7i | SVS PB-1000 Pro x 2
-
January 7, 2023, 10:41 PM #17
Re: Smart Dimmer Light Switches...
Lutron Caseta. Full stop. Super reliable. I have been using them for a decade or more. Probably have 30 control points in two houses. I have a hub in each house. Lutron uses a 900 MHz frequency hopping spread spectrum wireless communication system that works better than any WiFi solution ever will. A lot of stuff has come and gone in the meantime. It is all just toys by comparison.
Tom
Audio:
Amati Futura Mains
Amati Homage VOX Center,
Proac Response 1sc Rears,
Three MC2301's for L,C,R
MC 602 for the rears
C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 77
Nottingham Dais with Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation
SurfacePro 3, JRiver, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Video:
MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material.
Lake House:
Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 80, Rega P3
OnDeck:
McIntosh MAC 4300v
AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
I upgraded the power supply on my Gigafoil v4 to a Weiss PSU 102. It’s very nice step up. But with the new model, you’re looking at $2000 before even investing in a SOTA linear power supply.
GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter