Audio Systems: audio system for a new dental office, bells whistles, local radio station

Question
QUESTION: I have been put in charge of purchasing an audio system for a dental office of about 6000 sq ft.  there will be approx. 10 speakers in various locations with volume controls in 5 locations.  I have someone to run the cable, install the speakers and controls but I don't have a system!  I'm really not sure what type to buy, what bells & whistles it needs, etc.  Can you help direct me?

Thanks!
Sandy

ANSWER: There are dozens of ways to do the job. My company consults to guide people through the process of selecting an installing such systems. I need a little more information. How much are you looking to spend? How high tech or low tech do you want it to be. Remember that prices have dropped on systems that offer more state of the art control. Out of the 5 locations is there only one music source? What sound quality are you looking for?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I would like to spend no more than $500.00 but I don't know if that is realistic.  I did look on line before contacting you and prices ranged from several hundred up to $1000.00+.  I originally thought I could just purchase a receiver and plug it in, use a local radio station and all would be well,  but i was told that I would have to purchase a office audio system to have the power I would need.  There will be one music source, there will be volume controls in 5 of the areas/rooms for individual volume adjustment and the quality needs to be good but not top of the line.  We use the music to help offset the typical noises of a dental office - talking parents, drills, an occasional whinny child, and to prevent boring procedures without music to listen to!

This is an area I have absolutely no knowledge in - I was not aware prices had dropped, I would have no idea what to look for in a manual because I don't really know what the requirements would be.  I can go to the local electronics store and ask the sales person to help me but if I don't know what I need I will have no clue if he/she really has it!! They all seem to think they have the perfect item!!

I don't want to over spend the practice money nor do I want to get in a bind because I didn't know what I was doing!  Any help or directing you can give me would be wonderful!

Thanks,
Sandy

Answer
The least expensive way of doing what you want is to figure out where you want the equipment. Next is locate the 5 volume controls on the wall and the speaker locations. Use 18/2 gauge stranded cable to wire from the equipment position to each volume control. Then run another cable from each volume control to the speaker in the room with that volume control..

There is an explanation for the use of a distributed system such as yours at this link. http://www.alectrosystems.com/audio/Distribution/70volt.htm

Here is one manufacturers receiver but if you do a search for 'buy 70v distributed amplifier' you will see many more choices that may fit your budget. Bogen is another manufacturer that has been making these amplifiers for 50 plus years.

http://www.smarter.com/stereo-amplifiers/speco-technologies-p-30facd-70-volt-30-

Remember that adding up the number of speakers in the system will determine how much power you should have. 5 Watts per speaker should be more than adequate for background music

Below is a link to volume controls. My advise is to use the volume transformer type. The brand I use is Audioplex. If they are too pricey you can compare the prices in the link. Soundolier or Lowell are good companies for 70v speakers. Again if their too pricey see the same link below. Higher quality speakers are brands like Bose or JBL.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=70v+volume+transormers&btnG=Google+Search