Home Audio

[Idaho Jarhead]

Hey all,

I am going to start a home remodel this summer and have been considering a whole-home audio system with anywhere from four to six zones. At this point I'm only thinking of sourcing from the main receiver in the livingroom, but that is mostly in an attempt to keep cost down. One of my zones will be outdoors. Must have volume control and on/off in every zone. Does anyone have any experience doing this that is willing to offer some solid advice? Or since I'm not an audio geek, are there any forums for this topic?

 

[KNaB]

Have you checked out a SONOS system? I have three Sonos "Play 5" speakers that, with the addition of a sonos bridge, can be controlled via your wireless network by a computer or the sonos app that is available for iphone and android. Each can be controlled individually and individuals speakers can be grouped. With the addition of a "sonos connect" or a " sonos connect:amp" (depending on your requirements) you can also stream from your home stereo to sonos speakers. I got mine at best buy and received my bridge for free ( a promotion they were running. Buy a sonos speaker get a free sonos bridge.). If this is something you are interested in and end up going this route, let me know. I have an extra bridge still in the box that i'll give to you if you aren't provided one. One bridge can control a ridiculous amount of speakers. Check 'em out http://www.sonos.com/

 

[Idaho Jarhead]

Wow, thanks for the offer KNaB! I have heard of the Sonos brand, but wasn't familiar with this product. So it looks like all you need to make the system work is a bridge, which is plugged into the router, and then a speaker. Is that correct? What does the amplifier do besides amplify? Is it practical to move the speaker from room to room, or would you want a different one for each place you want music? Also, since each "Play 5" has 5 speakers in it, do you need more than one in a room to have decent stereo sound?

Thanks much!!

 

[KNaB]

I haven't used the connect:amp or connect because I didn't have a home theater/stereo system to begin with. I believe one would use the connect:amp when using passive speakers that are not connected to a receiver, thus needing to be powered by the amp. The plain 'ole connect is used, i believe, when you have an existing home theater/stereo system but want to integrate it into a wireless/streaming sonos environment. So, if you wanted to go with a strictly sonos setup, you wouldn't have to worry about the connect:amp or the connect. You would only need the speakers and a bridge (if using multiple speakers) I only have the "5's" and I think that one in a room is adequate. I suppose you could move the speaker from room to room, but I think the system really shines with its ability to have multiple speaker units throughout an area/home that can be controlled individually or in groups and zones. I enjoy that aspect of it because I can have music playing throughout my place without having to turn it up too loud. Another cool thing about it is that two of the same speakers can be paired for stereo sound, left and right channels. That is the only instance when you need two of the same speaker. Other than that you can use any combination of the components together (play: 5 with a play:3 for example). There's a lot of info on their website with a forum, faq, etc. There should be a demo setup at a best buy if there is on near you. The difference between the play 5 and play 3 is that the 5 has two high, two mid and one bass speaker, whereas the 3 has one of each. You may have seen the sonos sub and the new soundbar that will be coming out. I've been looking at them, but they are pretty pricey.

 

[harkamus]

Or since I'm not an audio geek, are there any forums for this topic?

http://www.avsforum.com/

There is more information there than you will know what to do with.

We run a 7.2 surround system at home.

powered by a home theater PC

You don't see the side channels, rear channels, and .2 downfiring subs (15 inchers)