Dayton Audio DAX66 6-Source 6-Zone Distributed Whole House Audio System Instruction Manual

Introduction

The Dayton Audio DAX66 is a 6-source, 6-zone distributed whole house audio system designed to provide high-quality audio throughout multiple areas of your home or business. This system allows you to select and control audio from various sources independently in up to six zones, with expandability to 18 zones. This manual provides detailed instructions for installation, operation, and maintenance of your DAX66 system.

Safety Information

• Read all instructions before operating the unit.
• Retain this manual for future reference.
• Do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
• Ensure proper ventilation; do not block ventilation openings.
• Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Package Contents

Verify that all items listed below are included in your package:

• Dayton Audio DAX66 Main Unit
• 6 x Zone Keypads
• 6 x Keypad Wall Plates
• Remote Control
• Power Cable
• IR Emitter Cable
• User Manual (this document)

Image: Complete package contents of the Dayton Audio DAX66 system, showing the main amplifier unit, six white zone keypads, six matching wall plates, an infrared remote control, an IR emitter cable, and a power cable.

Product Overview

Main Unit Front Panel

Image: Front view of the Dayton Audio DAX66 main unit, displaying the power button, Dayton Audio logo, and six sets of LED indicators for 'Peak' and 'Standby/On' for each zone.

• Power Button: Toggles the main unit power on or off.
• Zone Indicators (1-6): Blue LEDs indicate if a zone is active.
• Peak Indicators (1-6): Red LEDs illuminate when the audio signal in a zone is clipping or exceeding safe levels.

Main Unit Rear Panel

Image: Rear view of the Dayton Audio DAX66 main unit, showing various input and output connections including RCA pre-amp outputs, RCA inputs, digital optical/coaxial inputs, speaker outputs, RS232 port, IR ports, 12V trigger outputs, and power input with voltage selector.

• Pre-Amp Outputs (Zone 1-6): RCA outputs for connecting external amplifiers or expanding zones.
• Inputs (Source 1-6): RCA stereo inputs for connecting audio sources.
• Digital Inputs (Source 1-3): Optical (Toslink) and Coaxial digital inputs.
• Speaker Outputs (Zone 1-6): Phoenix connectors for connecting speakers. Supports bridgeable outputs.
• RS232 Port: For integration with automation systems.
• IR Emitter Ports: For controlling external source devices.
• 12V Trigger Outputs: For activating external devices.
• Keypad Port: RJ45 connection for keypads.
• Voltage Selector: Switch for 115V/230V operation.
• AC Power Input: For connecting the power cable.

Zone Keypad

Image: Front view of a single Dayton Audio DAX66 zone keypad, featuring a digital display for volume, source, treble, and bass, along with control buttons for volume up/down, source selection, and power/select.

• Digital Display: Shows current volume level, selected source, treble, or bass settings.
• Volume Up/Down Buttons: Adjusts the volume for the current zone.
• Source Selection: Press the Source button to cycle through the connected audio sources. The display will show the selected source number.
• Tone Control: Press the Select button repeatedly to cycle through Volume, Treble, and Bass settings. Once the desired setting is displayed, use the Volume Up/Down buttons to adjust.
• IR Receiver: Receives commands from the remote control.

Remote Control

Image: The infrared remote control for the Dayton Audio DAX66 system, showing buttons for Mute, Power, Source selection, Volume, Treble, Bass, and Balance.

• Power: Turns the system on/off.
• Mute: Mutes/unmutes audio.
• Source: Selects audio input source.
• Volume: Adjusts volume level.
• Treble/Bass: Adjusts tone controls.
• Balance: Adjusts left/right channel balance.

Setup and Installation

1. Physical Placement

Place the DAX66 main unit in a well-ventilated area, preferably in an equipment rack. Ensure adequate space around the unit for heat dissipation. Avoid placing it near heat sources or in direct sunlight.

2. Connecting Audio Sources

Connect your audio sources (CD player, streaming device, TV, etc.) to the RCA or digital inputs on the rear panel. Label your sources for easy identification.

• Analog Sources: Use RCA cables to connect to INPUTS 1-6.
• Digital Sources: Use optical (Toslink) or coaxial cables to connect to DIGITAL INPUTS 1-3.
• PA Input: For public address or paging systems.

3. Connecting Speakers

Connect your speakers to the SPEAKER OUTPUTS (Zone 1-6) using appropriate speaker wire. Ensure correct polarity (+ to + and - to -). The DAX66 supports 8-ohm speakers. For higher power, outputs can be bridged (refer to advanced wiring diagrams).

4. Connecting Keypads

Connect each zone keypad to the main unit using standard RJ45 Ethernet cables. Each keypad controls a specific zone. Ensure the keypad's zone setting matches the desired zone on the main unit (refer to keypad DIP switch settings if applicable, though not explicitly shown in images, it's common for such systems).

Image: Rear view of a Dayton Audio DAX66 keypad, showing the RJ45 port for connection to the main unit and a DIP switch block for zone configuration.

5. IR Repeater Setup

If you wish to control your source devices (e.g., CD player) from the keypads, connect the included IR emitter cable to the IR OUT ports on the DAX66 rear panel. Attach the emitters over the IR receiver windows of your source devices.

6. Power Connection

Before connecting power, ensure the Voltage Selector switch on the rear panel is set to the correct voltage for your region (115V or 230V). Then, connect the power cable to the AC Power Input and plug it into a suitable electrical outlet.

Operation

Powering On/Off

Press the Power button on the front panel of the main unit or the Power button on the remote control to turn the system on or off. Individual zones can also be powered on/off via their respective keypads.

Using the Zone Keypads

1. Volume Control: Use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to adjust the audio level for that zone.
2. Source Selection: Press the Source button to cycle through the connected audio sources. The display will show the selected source number.
3. Tone Control: Press the Select button repeatedly to cycle through Volume, Treble, and Bass settings. Once the desired setting is displayed, use the Volume Up/Down buttons to adjust.
4. Mute: Press the Mute button on the remote control to mute audio for the selected zone.

Using the Remote Control

The remote control provides centralized control over all zones. Point the remote towards the main unit or any active keypad's IR receiver.

• Power: Turns the entire system on/off.
• Mute: Mutes/unmutes all active zones.
• Source: Selects the audio input source for the currently selected zone (if controlling via keypad IR) or all zones (if controlling main unit directly).
• Volume: Adjusts the volume for the currently selected zone.
• Treble/Bass: Adjusts tone controls for the currently selected zone.
• Balance: Adjusts left/right channel balance for the currently selected zone.

Zone Expansion

The DAX66 can be expanded to up to 18 zones by linking additional DAX66 units. Use the Pre-Amp Outputs to connect to the inputs of another DAX66 unit. Consult advanced wiring diagrams for multi-unit configurations.

RS232 Control

For advanced integration with home automation systems, the DAX66 features an RS232 port. Refer to the separate RS232 control protocol document for command sets and programming instructions.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the unit. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosols.
• Ventilation: Ensure that the ventilation openings on the unit are not blocked to prevent overheating.
• Power: Disconnect the power cord from the outlet if the unit will be unused for an extended period.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

• Model: DAX66
• Output Power: 25 watts per channel at 8 ohms (12 channels total); 100 watts per channel bridged (up to 6 channels).
• Zones: 6 (expandable to 18)
• Source Inputs: 6 x Stereo RCA, 3 x Digital (Optical/Coaxial)
• Control Interfaces: IR Remote, Keypads, RS232
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 22 x 22 x 9 inches
• Weight: 32.6 pounds
• Connectivity Technology: Infrared
• Color: Black

Warranty and Support

Dayton Audio products are designed for reliability and performance. For specific warranty details, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Dayton Audio website. For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or service inquiries, please contact Dayton Audio customer support.

Website: www.daytonaudio.com