NuVo Essentia (NV-E6GXS Expander) — Distributed Audio System Installation Guide

Installation Guide for the NuVo Essentia distributed audio system — a 6-source, 6-zone (expandable to 12 zones with the NV-E6GXS Expander) whole-home audio system delivering 40 watts per zone over CAT5-based Control Pad wiring and standard speaker wire.

Introduction

Essentia provides clear, efficient sound to up to 12 listening zones (with the expander). NuVo's Generation D amplification uses digital technology for peak efficiency — Essentia is the first distributed audio system of its kind to bear the ENERGY STAR label, consuming less than 1 watt in standby. NuVoNet communication through the award-winning Control Pads lets you interact with source equipment as if standing at the rack.

Essentia Back Panel Connections

1. Source Inputs (1-6): Accepts up to six audio sources via standard stereo RCA cables.
2. Fixed Lineouts: Preamp outputs for an external power amplifier at constant volume (zones 1 & 2 only) — useful for large areas needing additional speaker pairs.
3. Variable Lineouts: Preamp outputs whose volume is controlled by that zone's Control Pad (zones 1 & 2 only).
4. Zone Trigger Outputs: 5-volt, zone-specific voltage triggers for external amplification.
5. Allport Connection: 25-pin connector consolidating zone speaker connections into a single cable.
6. IR Emitter Outputs: Passes IR signals from Control Pads to source equipment via supplied emitters (Outputs 1-6 route to corresponding sources; SUM output passes all IR signals).
7. RS232: 9-pin bi-directional serial port for external home automation control and configuration programming download.
8. Status: Constant 5V output for triggering external equipment (no output when zones are off).
9. NuVoNet: RJ45 input for all Control Pad zone information and NuVoNet Suite source communication (pre-terminated CAT5 or standard network CAT5).
10. Link: RJ45 output connecting to the Essentia Expander's Link input, transferring zone control commands for 6 additional zones.
11. Mute: Input for temporarily muting audio when a doorbell/phone rings (works with the NV-MI1 mute interface accessory); can also trigger whole-house paging.
12. AC: Detachable power cord to external AC power supply.

Essentia Control Pad

Each Control Pad includes an OLED display, source indicator, volume level bar graph, and buttons for Power, Menu, Play/Pause, Forward/Reverse, OK, and Up/Down volume arrows. Wall plates are available in white, ivory, almond, and black finishes for a screwless, finished installation.

I. Prewire

The Essentia System uses CAT5 cable for Control Pad control, plus 2- or 4-conductor 16-gauge speaker wire. The system can accommodate up to 2,000 total feet of CAT5 cable; for the most reliable operation, keep individual cable runs as short as practical. Use standard 568A or 568B wiring for CAT5 termination — a CAT5 tester is the best way to confirm correct wiring.

II. Speaker & CAT5 Termination

All NuVo systems use a "homerun" wiring scheme; Essentia's zone speaker and CAT5 connections terminate at "Euro" connectors used with the speakers. Once terminations are complete, connect them to the Allport hub.

III. Installing the Essentia Amplifier

System setup works best when the amplifier is placed in the equipment rack near source components. The Allport is designed to fit into most dual-gang openings and provides RJ45 jacks for CAT5 connections from the NuVoNet Suite, the M3 Audio Server, and Wired/Wireless NuVoDocks, plus a "link" jack for expansion. Speaker connections use the 25-pin Allport Cable — modular speaker connectors must be plugged in correctly for each zone.

Using Fixed and Variable Lineouts

Each output has an attached voltage trigger for external amplifier power-on. At initial startup, the front panel display highlights the connected source automatically once the T2G tuner (or similar source) is plugged in.

NuVoDock for iPod

Both Wired and Wireless NuVoDocks use a standard connection cable. Control Pads automatically display iPod information when connected. The NuVoDock system supports 16 position presets, accessible from any zone — commonly used with a remote control or third-party remote featuring the appropriate cable.

Connecting IR Emitters for Third-Party Sources

IR emitters plug into the Essentia System's IR Emitter Outputs, allowing the Control Pads to control third-party source equipment via infrared pass-through.

Expanding to 12 Zones (NV-E6GXS Expander)

Six additional listening zones can be added using the Essentia Expander System (NV-E6GXS). NuVoNet and RS232 command input are transferred through the Link connection. Expansion requires the Allport included with the expander system — connect the Allport to the expander amplifier and a short CAT5 jumper as shown in the manual's wiring diagrams.

Configurator Software

The Essentia Configurator is a tabbed, Wizard-style interface for programming the system (available as a package with the NuVo Learning Station). When launched, the Start tab is highlighted; selecting "View > E6G Mode" tailors the interface for Essentia. You can open an existing configuration file or retrieve/create a new one — clicking "Create New" for a component prompts you to define the manufacturer ("Make"), select or record IR codes, and test them in the IR Library Test window.

Key configuration areas include: Select Source (assigns sources to zones, defines source-specific macros), Macro Definition (customizes button function commands per Control Pad and source), and Edit Zone Properties (per-zone settings like Exclusive Source Control, Party Volume range -78dB to -30dB, Balance, Lock Zone By Default, and AutoDim options).

RS232 Interface

The RS232 port allows external two-way communication for home automation integration. The full RS232 protocol document is available for download from NuVo's website at nuvotechnologies.com/prozone.

Essentia Specifications

Safety Listings: USA (UL 6500), Canada (CAN/CSA E60065.00), CE/SEMKO, Australia C-Tick, ENERGY STAR.

Package Contents

NV-E6GMS Essentia System: NV-E6GM Main Amp, 6 NV-E6GCP-DC Decora-style Control Pads (white/ivory/almond/black trim plates), 1 NV-GRC1 Remote Control, 6 NV-VEC visible IR emitters, 1 NV-E6GMAP-DC Allport hub, 1 NV-E6GAPC Allport Cable, 1 NV-NC1 10-ft network cable, Rack Ear Mounts, IEC power cable (USA models).

NV-E6GXS Essentia Expander System: NV-E6GX expander amplifier, 6 Control Pads, 1 Remote Control, 1 NV-E6GXAP-DC Expander Allport hub, 1 Allport Cable, 6 NV-RCAY3 3-ft RCA "Y" cables, 2 NV-NC 1-ft network cables, Rack Ear Mounts, IEC power cable.

Troubleshooting

Manufacturer

NuVo Technologies LLC, Hebron, Kentucky, USA  |  www.nuvotechnologies.com