OTHER TECH

Although I didn't have an automated door-strike or gate release to test the ISDR1, I could hear the relay energize with a click, giving me every confidence that it works exactly as promised. It also emits an apartment-complex "buzz!" at both the door station and intercom zone to let both parties know that the relay has been triggered. This is definitely a cool piece of automation that can be incorporated for very little money.

Paging-audio quality through existing speakers is quite good, and the system provides plenty of volume to ensure that anyone will hear you. Audio quality from the ISSP standalone speaker is about what you would expect from a driver that fits in a single-gang wall box. It is a bit crackly and electronic-sounding, though more than adequate to fulfill its intercom role.

BOTTOM LINE To paraphrase "Dirty" Harry Callahan, an intercom system's got to know its limitations. Many try to be full-blown audio systems as well and often end up not doing either job adequately. Russound's ComPoint system has no interest in being your audio system; its sole desire is to be an intercom, and it not only fulfills that role perfectly but pulls it off with aplomb. The system has a modern look that won't dominate a wall, call undue attention to itself, or detract from your audio controls. Plus, when used with an ISSP, the whole system fits neatly in a double-gang wall box.

Most important for Sound & Vision readers, ComPoint is designed to work with your audio system, enabling you to add intercom functions while retaining great sound quality. That's having your cake and eating it, too!

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