If you like music, and who doesn’t, there’s no better smart home technology to add to your house than a whole-house audio system. It’s probably one of the most affordable upgrades you can make, and with many wireless systems available, even old homes can be blessed with beautiful music. With options galore, your only challenge will be choosing which system to buy. You really can’t go wrong with any of the systems in our showcase, but you’ll be able to pick out a few favorites after reading about the features, installation guidelines, and streaming capabilities.
(Editor’s Note: Some of the manufacturers contacted to participate in the showcase chose to not provide details about their systems; in these cases, only basic information is published. Also, most systems can be easily expanded to support additional listening zones, audio components, and music streams. The figures provided in the showcase are a baseline.)
AUTONOMIC CONTROLS
www.autonomic-controls.com
System: Mirage Audio System (comprised of Mirage Media Server-MMS-2A or MMS-5A, and Mirage Media AmplifierM-400 or M-800)
Network: Hardwired from a central location to speakers throughout the house; wireless control from Apple or Android phones and tablets
Cabling Needed: Category 5 Ethernet cabling, traditional speaker wire
Communications: Wi-Fi-based control of the system from Apple or Android phones and tablets, as well as from in-wall keypads (KP-1)
MSRP: $3,795 for a 4-room system
System Includes: Server, Amplifier, and Keypads
Installation: Requires a Professional
Number of Listening Zones Supported: 4 to 96 (the latter will require additional amplifiers)
Number of Audio Components Supported: 2 components if using the MMS-2A; 5 components if using the MMS-5A
Number of Music Streams Supported: 2 streams if using the MMS-2A; 5 streams if using the MMS-5A. Additional third (for the MMS-2A) and sixth (for the MMS-5A) simultaneous streams are available via USB
Streaming Services Supported: iTunes, Windows Media, Pandora, Internet Radio, Rhapsody, TuneIn Radio, SiriusXM, Slacker, Napster, Tidal, Murfie, Deezer, Spotify, and iHeartRadio
Controlled by: Wi-Fi-based wireless control from Apple or Android phones and tablets, as well as from in-wall keypads (KP-1 provides basic control; KP-iOS provides control and displays full metadata about songs)
Special Features:
- The Mirage Audio System offers an exclusive feature called TuneBridge, a complete music discovery and exploration tool that is dependent on what’s playing at the moment. Users can quickly jump sources to search for artists’ complete discographies or kickoff a Pandora station based on artist or track.
- The Mirage Audio Systems also supports high-resolution audio playback, so users can enjoy everything from MP3 and streaming services to the highest resolution digital music formats.
- If a homeowner wants to start off with a standalone whole-house music system but is interested in full home automation at a later date, the Mirage Audio System will easily integrate with popular home automation platforms.
BOSE
www.bose.com
System: SoundTouch
Network: Hardwired or Wireless
Cabling Needed: Category 5 Ethernet cabling, traditional speaker wire
Communications: Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n; dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
MSRP: Starts at $349.95
System Includes: Speakers and infrared remote control
Installation: Can be installed by a professional and do-it-yourselfers
Number of Listening Zones Supported: N/A
Number of Audio Components Supported: N/A
Number of Music Streams Supported: Unlimited over wiring; 6 typically via Wi-Fi
Streaming Services Supported: Pandora, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Deezer, stored music on a computer or NAS
Controlled by: smartphone, tablet, computer, or included remote control
Special Features: The SoundTouch series of products lets you preset as many as six playlists or stations, so you can access them quickly at the touch of a button.
CASATUNES
www.casatunes.com
System: CT-3
Network: Hardwired or Wireless, or a combination of the two
Cabling Needed: Category 5 Ethernet cabling (if keypads are used), traditional speaker wire
Communications: Wi-Fi via Airplay. Plus, a homeowner can play music wirelessly from any music app on his or her iOS device through CasaTunes to any combination of wired and wireless speakers
MSRP: $1,295
System Includes: Preamp outputs for every listening room, AirPlay capability for up to five rooms (expandable), and storage for local music (up to 50,000 high-quality lossless songs)
Installation: Requires a Professional
Number of Listening Zones Supported: 3 wired rooms and 5 wireless rooms
Number of Audio Components Supported: 3
Number of Music Streams Supported: 3
Streaming Services Supported: Pandora, TuneIn Radio, SiriusXM, Tidal, Deezer, Spotify, SHOUTcast, and many others
Controlled by: iOS or Android phone or tablet, keypads, and various other types of control devices when integrated with a home automation system
Special Features: Users can stream any music service to any room or room groups in the home from the native app on their iOS devices. There is no need for users to learn a new application. The system supports separate (and multiple) wake-to-music schedules in each room.
CLARE CONTROLS
www.clarecontrols.com
System: Clare Controls Whole-House Audio System
Network: Hardwired
Cabling Needed: Ethernet cabling, traditional speaker wire
Communications: Wi-Fi (for the user to control the system via the ClareHome mobile app)
MSRP: Starts at $430 per listening zone
System Includes: CLIQ.express controller and a 4- or 6-zone Streams iMR amplifier. Each piece can be purchased separately and can include any combination of Omni 10 and Omni 20 loudspeakers
Installation: Requires a Professional
Number of Listening Zones Supported: 4 to 36
Number of Audio Components Supported: Two local sources plus 3 streaming sources per iMR
Number of Music Streams Supported: 3
Streaming Services Supported: Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, SiriusXM, iTunes, Slacker, plus any other service through Apple AirPlay (through Apple TV) or Bluetooth plug-in device
Controlled by: ClareHome app running on iPhones, iPads, and Android phones. The system also integrates with select RTI and URC remote controls
Special Features: CobraNet uncompressed audio, preamplifier outputs, and a single unit that houses the audio matrix switch, three streaming Internet sources, and amplifier–all of this fits easily into a single-bay wall enclosure.
CONTROL4
www.control4.com
The System: Control4 Multi-Room Audio
Network: Hardwired and Wireless
Cabling Needed: Speaker wire
Communications: Airplay, DLNA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
MSRP: Starts at $2,200
System Includes: Control4 HC250 Home Automation Hub (with 2 zones of audio output), 4-zone Audio Matrix Amplifier, and Control4 Wireless Bridge
Installation: Requires a Professional
Number of Listening Zones Supported: 6
Number of Audio Components Supported: 5
Number of Music Streams Supported: 6
Streaming Services Supported: Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn Radio, Rhapsody, Rdio, Beats Music, Deezer, Tidal, Songza, iHeartRadio, Google Play Music, Amazon Cloud Player
Controlled by: Control4 in-wall and tabletop touchscreens, handheld remotes, mobile devices running iOS and Android operating systems, and Control4 wireless keypads and switches
Special Features: The Multi-Room Audio System doesn’t stop at delivering a great music experience to all of your rooms; it is the building block of an entire smart home that will scale with your needs. Once you get used to your new system you may want to integrate a smart doorbell/door station so that an audio message plays through the speakers when someone arrives on your porch. Or, you may want to integrate your smart security system to play an alarm over your audio system if a break-in is detected.
DEFINITIVE TECHNOLOGY
www.definitivetechnology.com
System: Definitive Technology Wireless Collection
Network: Wireless
Cabling Needed: N/A
Communications: DTS Play-Fi technology which connects over a Wi-Fi network
MSRP: $399 to $1,299
System Includes: W Amp, W Adapt Music Streamer, and a variety of speakers (components are sold a la carte)
Installation: Do-it-Yourselfers
Number of Listening Zones Supported: depends on the number of speakers purchased
Number of Audio Components Supported: varies
Number of Music Streams Supported: varies
Streaming Services Supported: Pandora, SiriusXM, Spotify Connect, Songza, as well as Internet radio stations and personal music libraries, such as iTunes
Special Features: Definitive Technology is known for a high standard of quality engineering in each and every speaker it manufactures. From the W Studio soundbar, which supports 5.1 channel surround-sound, to the W9 flagship loudspeaker that has a tri-polar speaker array, each product in this wireless line supports high-quality materials and audio. Additionally, DTS Play-Fi allows the products to work on an open ecosystem versus a closed platform as is the case with some wireless, multi-room loudspeakers. This allows users to mix and match speakers within the home and still stream over Play-Fi.
DENON
www.denon.com
System: HEOS by Denon
Network: Hardwired or Wireless
Cabling Needed: Ethernet
Communications: Wi-Fi
MSRP: $199 to $2,499
System Includes: Products are sold a la carte
Installation: Can be installed by a professional or do-it-yourselfer, depending on the components selected
Number of Listening Zones Supported: as many as 32
Number of Audio Components Supported: N/A
Number of Music Streams Supported: N/A
Streaming Services Supported: Various (see website)
Controlled by: iOS and Android phones and tablets, Kindle Fire
FUSION RESEARCH
www.fusionrd.com
System: Ovation Wireless System
Network: Hardwired or Wireless
Cabling Needed: Standard networking cabling
Communications: Wi-Fi
MSRP: $599 per listening zone
System Includes: Single standalone zone player, which functions as a complete audio streaming source
Installation: Requires a Professional
Number of Listening Zones Supported: 1 to 20
Number of Audio Components Supported: as many as 20
Number of Music Streams Supported: 20
Streaming Services Supported: all major services, including Pandora, Spotify, SiriusXM, Google Play, Slacker, and Deezer
Controlled by: smartphones, tablets, web browsers, and major control systems
HARMAN KARDON
www.harmankardon.com
System: Omni
Network: Wireless
Cabling Needed: N/A
Communications: Wi-Fi
MSRP: $129.95 – $299.95
System Includes: Each piece can be purchased separately and can include any combination of Omni 10 and Omni 20 loudspeakers
Installation: Do-It-Yourselfers
Number of Listening Zones Supported: 5
Number of Audio Components Supported: 6 streaming services embedded in the Omni app
Number of Music Streams Supported: 4
Streaming Services Supported: Supports 24-bit, 96kHz Studio Quality HD audio streaming of MixRadio, Deezer, Tidal, Qobuz, Rdio, Juke, Rhapsody, TuneIn, Google Play, iTunes Radio, Spotify, and YouTube
Controlled by: smartphone or tablet
Special Features: The Omni’s BT re-streaming feature allows you to access all of your favorite music from any music account. Any incoming Bluetooth signal can be redistributed to three other Omni speakers wirelessly.
KORUS
www.korussound.com
System: Korus Wireless Speakers
Network: Wireless
Cabling Needed: N/A
Communications: SKAA, a standard used by pro musicians for wireless mics and guitars
MSRP: Speakers range from $199 to $449
System Includes: Korus speakers and three transmitter Batons to create the SKAA wireless network
Installation: Do-It-Yourselfers
Number of Listening Zones Supported: 4
Number of Audio Components Supported: 4
Number of Music Streams Supported: 4
Streaming Services Supported: Any streaming service
Controlled by: iOS and Android phones and tablets, plus Windows and Mac computers
Special Features: Korus is the portable wireless speaker that expands to a four-speaker wireless system. Korus does not need Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It uses SKAA, a standard used by pro musicians’ wireless mics and guitars to deliver the best possible wireless stream. Works up to nearly 60 feet within a home even around walls, and over 200 feet line-of-site outside.
LENBROOK
www.bluesound.com
System: Bluesound
Network: Hardwired or Wireless
Cabling Needed: Category 5 Ethernet cabling
Communications: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 with aptX
MSRP: Average price of $500 per listening zone
System Includes: Each zone has a choice of digital, line–level, or speaker level amplification, as well as speaker combinations in small, medium, and large sizes
Installation: Professional installation recommended
Number of Listening Zones Supported: 1 to 34
Number of Audio Components Supported: Digital and analog local sources, along with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi that extend to a broad array of local and cloud-based sources
Number of Music Streams Supported: 8
Streaming Services Supported: TuneIn, Slacker, iHeart, Spotify, Rdio, Tidal, HDtracks, Murfie, HighResAudio
Controlled by: iOS and Android phones and tablets, Kindle, MacOSX, and Windows desktop apps, as well as any Control4 (home automation) control device
Special Features: High-res audio streaming up to 24/192, along with audiophile-grade DACs, amplifiers, and speakers co-developed by sister companies NAD and PSB. Bluesound uses a unique, proprietary operating system called BluOS that has been specially designed for music, and gives Bluesound complete autonomy to integrate new features.
NILES AUDIO
www.nilesaudio.com
System: Niles Auriel
Network: Hardwired
Cabling Needed: Category 5 Ethernet cabling, traditional speaker wire
Communications: Over cabling
MSRP: $1,999.95 for 6-source, 6-zone system
System Includes: MRC-6430 Controller and support for mobile device-based control
Installation: Requires a Professional
Number of Listening Zones Supported: 6
Number of Audio Components Supported: 6, including wireless streaming
Number of Music Streams Supported: 1
Streaming Services Supported: Pandora, Spotify, Deezer, SiriusXM, and TuneIn—all through a Sonos interface
Controlled by: iOS and Android phones and tablets, Windows and Mac computers, Niles Auriel 4-inch and 7-inch touchscreens, and Niles nHR200 handheld remote
Special Features: The Niles Auriel system delivers seamless one-chassis integration of home theaters with whole-house audio while accepting streaming sources through its Sonos integration. Auriel enables an easy “one touch to music” for homeowners, and its wizard-based configurator cuts installation time to a fraction of other systems.
LEGRAND
www.legrand.us./nuvo
System: Nuvo Player Portfolio
Network: Hardwired and Wireless
Cabling Needed: Category 5 Ethernet cabling, traditional speaker wire
Communications: Dual-band Wi-Fi; the system also employs MIMO (Multiple-In-Multiple-Out) transmission technology to ensure the integrity of the signal for optimal performance
MSRP: $479 to $1,295 for Portfolio Player; speakers are sold separately starting at $275
System Includes: Portfolio Player and speakers
Installation: Requires a Professional; the wireless version can be installed by do-it-yourselfers
Number of Listening Zones Supported: 1 to 3
Number of Audio Components Supported: 16
Number of Music Streams Supported: 16
Streaming Services Supported: iTunes, Windows Media, iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, TuneIn, Spotify, Pandora, Rhapsody, as well as any music that can be transmitted via Bluetooth from a portable device
Controlled by: iOS and Android phones and tablets; can also be integrated with and controlled by a variety of home automation systems
Special Features: The Nuvo Player Portfolio can stream audio at up to 600 Kbps (near CD quality) to up to 16 zones simultaneously with no additional compression (this is dependent on the bit rate of the original source content).
LEVITON
www.leviton.com
System: Leviton Hi-Fi 2 Distributed Audio System
Network: Hardwired with Bluetooth inputs
Cabling Needed: Category 5 Ethernet cabling, traditional speaker wire
Communications: Bluetooth wireless from devices such as tablets and smartphones, to audio source input modules
MSRP: $1,000 for 4-source, 4-zone system
System Includes: Amplifier, Distribution Hub, 2 remote audio input modules, 4 volume controls, handheld remote
Installation: Requires a Professional; also can be installed by do-it-yourselfers
Number of Listening Zones Supported: 4
Number of Audio Components Supported: 4
Number of Music Streams Supported: 4
Streaming Services Supported: Any streaming or stored music can be shared with the system
Controlled by: Smartphone, in-wall keypads, handheld remote, optional in-wall touchscreens
Special Features: The main processor of the Hi-Fi 2 is mounted in a structured media center (typically between two studs in a wall) and the speakers are designed to be recessed into a ceiling or wall, offering an incredibly clean appearance. Thanks to the system’s wiring backbone, homeowners can plug in whatever audio components they wish or may already own. Also, free standalone apps are available for Android and iOS devices, or the system can be tied into a larger automation system.
PEERLESS-AV
www.peerless-av.com
System: PeerSoundâ„:¢ Wireless Audio System
Network: Wireless
Cabling Needed: N/A
Communications: 2.4GHz Spread Spectrum Wi-Fi Network
MSRP: $699 to $2,854
System Includes: Hub, Transmitter, Antenna, Rack Ears, Receiver, Amplifier and Mounting Hardware
Installation: Requires a Professional
Number of Listening Zones Supported: 1
Number of Audio Components Supported: 8
Number of Music Streams Supported: 8 (4 stereo or 8 mono)
Streaming Services Supported: N/A
Controlled by: The audio source that’s connected to the system
Special Features: The PeerSound Wireless Audio System supports uncompressed audio at a bit depth of 16 bits and a sample rate of 48 kHz. The amplifiers are UL2043 Plenum Rated and can be mounted in-wall or on-wall, creating a clean look. The system boasts a wireless range of 140 feet. Plus, unlike many other solutions, the PeerSound Wireless Audio System interfaces with any audio component or speaker, giving homeowners the freedom to use the brands and equipment they like. Additionally, the PeerSound Wireless Audio System creates its own independent 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network with adaptive frequency hopping and error correction so it does not affect any existing wireless data network service.
POLK AUDIO
www.polkaudio.com
System: Polk Audio Omni Collection
Network: Wireless
Cabling Needed: N/A
Communications: DTS Play-Fi technology, which connects over a Wi-Fi network
MSRP: $179 to $699
System Includes: Omni S2 speaker, Omni S2R portable speaker, Omni SB1 soundbar, Omni P1 preamp, and Omni A1 amp (all sold a la carte)
Installation: Can be installed by do-it-yourselfers
Number of Listening Zones Supported: Varies
Number of Audio Components Supported: Varies
Number of Music Streams Supported: Varies
Streaming Services Supported: Spotify Connect, Pandora, SiriusXM, Songza, Deezer, as well as Internet radio stations and personal music libraries like iTunes
Controlled by: Smartphones, tablets, and PCs that are running the Polk Audio Omni app
Special Features: Polk Audio combines its heritage and traditional speaker engineering into a new evolution of wireless speakers. Between carefully crafted drivers, tweeters, and passive radiators, homeowners get a great sounding system at the best values in wireless, multi-room loudspeakers. Additionally, DTS Play-Fi allows the products to work on an open ecosystem versus a closed platform like other wireless, multi-room loudspeakers. This allows users to mix and match speakers within the home and still stream over Play-Fi.
RTI
www.rticorp.com
System: AD-4x and AD-8x
Network: Hardwired
Cabling Needed: Category 5 Ethernet cabling, traditional speaker wire
Communications: Over cabling
MSRP: $899 and $1,799, respectively
System Includes: The audio hub handles audio switching, amplification, and distribution; RTI processors and user interfaces handle the control and feedback of the system
Installation: Requires a Professional
Number of Listening Zones Supported: 4 and 8
Number of Audio Components Supported: 4 and 8
Number of Music Streams Supported: 8
Streaming Services Supported: A standalone music streamer can be connected
Controlled by: iOS and Android phones and tablets, in-wall touchpanels, keypads, and handheld remotes
Special Features: The AD-4x/AD-8x provide the audio switching, amplification, and distribution functions, while RTI central processors and user interfaces manage the audio source control, user input, and status feedback. This allows a handheld controller, wall-mounted touchpanel, or smart device to activate music anywhere in a home. For even more convenience, control can be extended to lighting, heating and cooling, home security, and more. Accessories are also available to further expand the capabilities of the AD-4x/AD-8x audio distribution systems.
RUSSOUND
www.russound.com
System: Russound XStream X5
Network: Wireless
Cabling Needed: N/A
Communications: Wi-Fi
MSRP: $599
System Includes: The XStream X5 hub and a power supply
Installation: Profession installation recommended
Number of Listening Zones Supported: 1
Number of Audio Components Supported: 2 digital inputs, 1 Bluetooth, 1 internal music streamer
Number of Music Streams Supported: 1
Streaming Services Supported: Spotify, iTunes, and others
Controlled by: Touchpad, MyRussound app on iOS and Android devices, and third-party remote controls
Special Features: The XStream X5 is a small but powerful device that is app or keypad controlled. The X5 includes built-in popular streaming services, including Pandora, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, and vTuner. (Additional services will be added over the course of the year.) With the X5, users can stream their iTunes library and other audio content from any Airplay-enabled device and enjoy it throughout their home. The external Bluetooth option—Russound’s BTC-1X—makes it easy for the installer to situate the receiver for the best Bluetooth reception in every room.
SIMPFONY LLC
www.simpfony.com
The System: Simpfony
Network: Hardwired
Cabling Needed: Category 5 or 6 Ethernet cabling, traditional speaker wire
Communications: Over wiring
MSRP: Starts at $2,000 for an 8-zone system
System Includes: Streaming sources, CD audio, built-in music library, 1 input, 1 output
Installation: Requires a Professional
Number of Listening Zones Supported: 8
Number of Audio Components Supported: No limit
Number of Music Streams Supported: 1 for every zone
Streaming Services Supported: Pandora, Spotify, vTuner Internet Radio, AirPlay
Controlled by: iPad, iPhone, iPod, Windows desktop, Android devices (coming soon)
Special Features:
- Utilizes standard hardware (speakers, amplifiers, etc.) for flexibility in design.
- Able to add a new zone as simply as plugging in an additional USB sound device.
- Can select from hundreds of sound devices, from economy to studio-quality options.
SONOS
www.sonos.com
System: Sonos
Network: Primarily wireless, but can be hardwired
Cabling Needed: Ethernet cabling
Communications: Dedicated Wi-Fi Mesh network and a home’s Wi-Fi network
MSRP: Starts at $199
System Includes: A variety of speakers and components
Installation: Professional installation or installation by do-it-yourselfers
Number of Listening Zones Supported: 32
Number of Audio Components Supported: 32
Number of Music Streams Supported: 32
Streaming Services Supported: More than 60 music services worldwide; also supports lossless FLAC and ALAC files, as well as most lossless files stored on a computer, smartphone, tablet, or network storage device
Controlled by: Free Sonos app on iOS and Android devices, plus Mac and PC
Special Features: Sonos has long been noted as the wireless home audio category creator and leader. Its great sound, simplicity, robust playback, regular software updates, and versatile expansion options are often cited as reasons for its continued advocacy by music fans around the globe.
SPEAKERCRAFT
www.speakercraft.com
System: SpeakerCraft MRA-664
Network: Hardwired
Cabling Needed: Category 5 Ethernet cabling, traditional speaker wire
Communications: Over cabling
MSRP: Starts at $2,000 for 6-source, 6-zone system
System Includes: MRA-664 controller
Installation: Professional installation required
Number of Listening Zones Supported: 6
Number of Audio Components Supported: 6, including wireless streaming
Number of Music Streams Supported: 1
Streaming Services Supported: Pandora, Spotify, Deezer, TuneIn, SiriusXM—all through the MRA-664’s Sonos interface
Controlled by: SpeakerCraft 4-inch and 7-inch touchscreens, sHR200 handheld remote, iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, and Windows and Mac computers
Special Features: The award-winning SpeakerCraft MRA-664 ecosystem integrates multi-room audio and home theater with a wizard-based configurator that’s as easy to install as it is for homeowners to enjoy. Easy access to streaming sources through its Sonos interface means there’s more to enjoy than ever before.
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