More Intercom Information

Nutone IM5000 Replacement Advice

Well, the Nutone IM5000's intercom systems are history.  I loved my IM5000!  .What I liked the most was the select call feature that allowed me to call any room privately, from any other room in the house.

Last month Roger had a customer who was looking for parts for his IM5000 and what he needed was no longer available.  The guy was desperate and asked Roger if he knew anywhere he might be able to buy them used.  Well, long story short, Roger sold the room stations and my IM5000 Master station right off my wall! Now, you have to understand...Roger and I are empty nesters, so the intercom feature is not as important as it used to be.  However, my doorbell was electronic and rang through the intercom system, so I have no doorbell!  Right now we are installing a Valet intercom in the house to replace the IM5000.  It has a lot of the same features, including selective call, but is much smaller. The upgrade doesn't seem to be too difficult  I'm actually pretty excited about it, and we'll probably post a video of the progress on YouTube.  If you'd like technical assistance in any intercom upgrade, just try our Intercom Upgrade Wizard or give us a call at 1-800-221-8227 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.  However, in the meantime,  if you drop by the house and see my car in the driveway, please knock.  

 

Nutone IMA4406 Intercom Available For a Limited Time

We've been blogging about the limited availability of the Nutone IMA4406 intercom systems.  Nutone is discontinuing these models and we have been waiting for the last shipments for quite a while. Great news!   Last week we got a shipment in, and after we called all the customers on our waiting list and filled their orders, we have a few left.  The Nutone IMA4406's we have left are all customized and iPod ready.  Check it out today, because they won't last long.   Learn more about the Nutone IMA4406-IP

Nutone IMA4406 Intercom Information

 
I've blogged in several previous posts concerning the discontinuation of the Nutone IMA4406 intercom. These units will no longer be manufactured by Nutone.  We have dozens and dozens of the IMA4406's on order, but to be perfectly honest, we are not sure of Nutone's delivery date.  This has been going on for several months now, and we like to keep our customers fully informed as to the status of these systems.  We were first given an estimated delivery date of March, then May, then July, and now there is talk of August, but we are doubtful.  In fact, we are wondering if these systems will be coming at all, so we wanted to just take this blog to let you know.

We still have replacements speakers for these systems, but they won't be around forever, either.  So if you have a Nutone IMA4406 intercom system, then you may want to think about replacing any older Nutone speakers, now.  Only the Nutone speakers made by Nutone, for this system will work with it.  There are no alternative, compatible components manufactured by other companies.

If I were in need of an intercom or trying to replace mine, I don't think I'd be waiting for these units.  Now, I could be wrong, and we might see them in August, but I wouldn't bet on it.  If you need to replace your older 6 wire Nutone intercom there are alternatives to the Nutone 4406. Take a look at our Intercom Wizard for complete information about alternative units.

Nutone IMA3303 Intercom Information

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I've blogged in several previous posts concerning the discontinuation of the Nutone IMA3303 intercom. These units will no longer be manufactured by Nutone.  We have dozens and dozens of the IMA3303's on order, but to be perfectly honest, we are not sure of Nutone's delivery date.  This has been going on for several months now, and we like to keep our customers fully informed as to the status of these systems.  We were first given an estimated delivery date of March, then May, then July, and now there is talk of August, but we are doubtful.  In fact, we are wondering if these systems will be coming at all, so we wanted to just take this blog to let you know.

We still have replacements speakers for these systems, but they won't be around forever, either.  So if you have a Nutone IMA3303 intercom system, then you may want to think about replacing any older Nutone speakers, now.  Only the Nutone speakers made by Nutone, for this system will work with it.  There are no alternative, compatible components manufactured by other companies.

If I were in need of an intercom or trying to replace mine, I don't think I'd be waiting for these units.  Now, I could be wrong, and we might see them in August, but I wouldn't bet on it.  If you need to replace your older 3 wire Nutone intercom there are alternatives to the Nutone 3303. Take a look at our Intercom Wizard for complete information about alternative units.

Nutone IMA3303 and IMA4406 Intercoms

If you haven't already heard, Nutone is discontinuing their IMA3303 and IMA4406 Intercom systems.  This style intercom system has been the flagship intercom of Nutone for 25 years.  If you own a Nutone intercom you might find this kind of scary...but have no fear, at Central Vacuum Stores we have been installing intercom systems for decades and we are preparing to guide our customers through the change. 

First, let me say that Nutone has hundreds of these units coming in the next couple of months.  Notice, I did not say thousands.  We will maintain a good stock of the IMA3303 and IMA4406 intercoms, until Nutone runs out, so if you want to replace your unit, now is the time.  

Now the most exciting part...in the past when a customer's Nutone intercom master needed replacing, the customer usually stayed with their same intercom because they did not want to have to replace the components, like speakers.  Well, once the Nutone IMA3303 and IMA4406 stock is gone, you are going to have to replace your speakers and master unit when you upgrade.  I think this is the exciting part...it's going to cost you a little more money, but you actually can look at a variety of intercom systems that will work with your wiring and choose just what you want!  Right now, as I blog, we are testing a variety of intercom systems that will work with your current wiring. 

We have an exclusive Intercom Upgrade Wizard that will walk you through the steps to replace your existing system.  I saw the musical Wicked recently, and that Wizard was good for nothing.  Our Intercom Wizard, on the other hand, is good for everything you need to know about changing out your intercom system. I don't know if our Wizard will be  Defying Gravity, but it is definitely Pop-u-lar with our customers. (A little "Wicked" humor)  And of course, you can always call us at 1-800-221-8227 and we will talk you through the complete change out process.  We don't need to refer you to the factory techs because the fact is, they refer people to us! I can say without a doubt, we have the most intercom installation expertise in the online industry.

So, I guess I want to say again, "fear not!"  Change is good, and you will have some great options available when the Nutone IMA3303 and IMA4406 are gone.  We will keep you up to date as we update our site with the latest products available to replace your existing systems. 

Intercom Systems are Easier Than Ever to Find

2009 is drawing to a close and you would think we would sit back and coast for the last few days of the year...not at Central Vacuum Stores.  Yesterday we completed a redesign of our intercom navigation so that our customers can find what they are looking for easily, and without a bunch of frustration. 

DIY Help and Information	Residential Systems	Commercial Systems
iPod Options	Update Your System	Get Design Help

Don't let our name confuse you, at Central Vacuum Stores we have been installing intercom systems in our local market for over 25 years.  Each of our experts answering the phones have been trained to address all your technical questions.  Our team of experts are prepared to help you design your system from start to finish, and then talk you through any installation problems you may encounter.  In addition to unmatched experience, we are low voltage contractors and even have a Professional Engineer as part of our team...You will have a hard time finding anyone on the Internet with the level of intercom expertise at Central Vacuum Stores.  We also carry one of, if not the largest, selection of intercoms for residential and commercial use. Brands like Nutone, Aiphone, M&S, Valet, KoCom, IntraSonic, AudioShare, GE Smartcom, Dakota Alert, and others are in warehouses ready to ship to our customers.  So call us at 1-800-221-8227 if you need some suggestions or advice on choosing a system, or check out our new navigation and peruse our extensive intercom selection. 

Expert Advice Installing a Nutone IMA3303

One evening our son, Nathan, was answering the Central Vacuum phones and he got a call from a customer who wanted to upgrade his Nutone intercom system to a new Nutone IMA3303.  For Nate it was a routine call as he talked the customer through everything he would need to do...end of story, we thought.  Then last week I got an email from this same customer and kudos to Nathan for a job well done!  if you are considering upgrading your intercom, Central Vacuum Stores is the place to call at 1-800-221-8227.  We have trained experts standing by to answer your questions and talk you through the process, or you can use our  Intercom Upgrade Wizard to guide you step by step.  Here's the email from Nathan's very happy customer.

Hello Renee and everyone at Central Vacuum!

I don't usually agree to provide feedback but I feel compelled to do so in this case. By sheer serendipity, I stumbled on your website while trying to find replacement parts for my NuTone whole house intercom system.

What a lucky day for me.  I had been very frustrated trying to accomplish an upgrade to our system by visiting local dealers here in Greater Atlanta. I found it impossible to find the parts I needed and even more frustrating was the fact that the clerks at the local stores were completely in the dark about NuTone and therefore could provide no help whatsoever. So imagine my delight when I discovered Central Vacuum on line.  I submitted my questions on-line and ended up talking to a staff member (sorry, I have forgotten his name) who was incredibly knowledgeable about the entire Nutone product line.  The most impressive part was that he was able to describe to me, from memory, details of which new units replace what older units AND the details of how the wiring would be connected.  I was amazed, I had stumbled on the expertise I had been searching for over the last two years.  With his help, I was able to confidently order the replacement part needed on line and within a week, the parts arrived.

A wonderful experience all the way through.  It is reassuring to know that companies still exist that really know their stuff!

Dick Mueller

(Just a side note...This customer is my kind of guy...he used that great word, serendipity...If you get a chance be sure to visit Serendipity's in New York City.  It's between 2nd and 3rd Avenue near Bloomingdales and the desserts are awesome!)

Nutone Intercom Favorite with Customers

Our customers love their Nutone intercoms, and they love the satisfaction of installing them.  Here's some of our most recent emails from intercom customers...

Some 5 years past I had bad news that Sears could not service their installed music/voice intercom if it were to fail.  This prompted me to order from Central Vac a Nutone model IMA-516 with 8 remote stations,
transformer and mounting brackets, all of which were delivered.  Well, when I pulled the Sears system out sans wiring cable I found the NuTone had zero instruction not any manual.  One phone call and "walla" the info was PDF'd from the web site, for that a qualified "Thank You Very Much.
Charles A. Bailhache, 29 Sep 09

I recently upgraded my 20 year old NuTone IM 4006 master station  with IMA 4406.  I purchased all of my materials from Central Vacuum.  The services and delivery were great. It was a real pleasure dealing with you.
Lanny Floyd

I haven't the time to create a video or full narrative of my experience with Central Vacuum, but I can happily report that your service (and website) has been great. I had been deliberating for months about replacing our old NuTone intercom system (it was nearly 30 years old and showing its age), but until I visited your site it seemed to loom as a daunting task.  The information on your website with upgrade guides and full system specifications for different intercom models led me to a manageable solution and I was able to install the new master station and 10 remotes within two days using the existing wiring. Best of all, everything works as expected and there were no unwelcome surprises.  Thanks again for your great customer service and attention to detail!

I love my new Nutone IMA 4406 Intercom system!!  
It looks great in our newly updated kitchen.   I purchased the IMA that allows you to hook up your IPOD to the system and that has been great as well.  It is also nice to be able to page someone in the house and they can respond to the page without having to push a “talk” button.   
Best regards,
Mark
 

Nutone IM5000 Intercom

With 50 years of experience, Nutone is the brand that has longevity in the intercom market.  I have a Nutone intercom model IM5000 in my home.  I really like the product because of the select call feature.  This means I can call specific rooms and they can talk back to me, hands free, without having everyone else hear  what we are saying.  The system isn't intended for high quality stereo music, but it does have an audio output so you can add a cd player or iPod dock.  In fact we manufacture a product called the iMi.  It is a small built in dock that connects to your intercom and allows you to play your iPod through your system. 

Here are a few of the features of the Nutone 5000 intercom

• Uses up to 20 remote stations plus 3 door speakers, 6-wire system
• Master surface-mounts, no rough-in required
• Can be placed in utility room, closet or other out of the way place
• Auxiliary input distributes any audio source throughout the home
• perfect for residential or small office use
• An affordable selective call system
• Private Communication between two stations or between station and door speaker
• “Private” button prevents unwanted monitoring or unwanted calls
• Hands-free answering at all Stations - answer calls without touching a button
• Optional chime module or external electronic chime
• Connect any music audio source to your system
• Separate music and intercom volume controls
• Source audio is muted during intercom calls

For more information check out the links below
Nutone IM5000
iMi music interface for the iPod

Nutone IM5000 Intercom can be Adapted for a Door Release

I want to make sure our customers understand, the Nutone IM5000 does not come with a door release feature.  However, in our own market we have installed the 5000 with an optional door release.  All you need is the Nutone door release and power supply and you will need to purchase a momentary switch from an electrical supply house.  If you are interested in this...give us a call at 1-800-221-8227 and we will be more than happy to explain the installation process.  Ask for Roger or Brad if you call.

Aiphone, Valet,  and the M&S DMC actually are manufactured to operate a door release.  You may want to take a look at these products on our website.

Look at Residential Intercoms