What if you could control all the speakers in your house without having to move? With a multi-room audio solution, you can! Take full control of the speakers in different rooms with a multi-room audio setup. This will allow you to listen to music while walking around your home without disturbing the sound quality or volume. Whether you’re a movie buff or a music fanatic, these types of audio systems can be a great investment.
Expanding Your Options: Exploring Different Multi-Room Audio Technologies
Multi-room audio technology has come a long way, offering a wide range of options to suit different preferences, requirements and budgets. From wireless speakers and smart speakers to soundbars, AV receivers, stereo amplifiers, and network streamers, the choices are extensive and can match a plethora of investments.
Streamlined Control and Seamless Integration
The Google Home, the Amazon Echo, and the Apple HomePod are all voice-controlled speakers that deliver high sound quality and act as on-call at-home assistants. With each brand having an app that allows users to connect multiple speakers easily, staying with one brand is beneficial for optimal control across all devices.
Understanding Multi-Room Audio Systems Costs
It could cost anywhere from £500 to £5,000 to get a multi-room audio system installed. Ultimately, the total cost will depend on a number of factors, including whether your system is wired or wireless, whether it’s been fitted retrospectively or at the point of first fix (if it’s wired), if you want your speakers in or hidden out of view, the quality of the sound, whether you want a wall-mounted or handheld control (or both), how many rooms it’s installed in, and your location. The cost will also vary based on whether you’re getting multi-room audio installed on its own, or whether you’d like it installed as part of a larger project for your premises.
Overcoming Challenges: Troubleshooting Multi-Room Audio Issues
If your multi-room audio system is not working for you, there are several steps you can take to ensure you get it back up and running seamlessly. Devices which work with Alexa, such as Echo and Echo Dot, allow you to seamlessly control music in different parts of the house. Some of the causes are sync or connection issues that prevent one or more Echo devices from connecting with the multi-room audio feature. The problem could also stem from hardware failure. There are troubleshooting steps to follow in this case that can return synced music to these devices. To troubleshoot issues with multi-room audio on Alexa-enabled devices, follow these steps:
- Connect all Echo devices to the same Wi-Fi network to avoid the “device unreachable” error.
- Ensure that all devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, especially if your router creates multiple networks.
- If your router supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, switch the Echo devices to the 2.4 GHz network for better reliability.
- Disconnect any Bluetooth speakers paired with Alexa-enabled devices before setting up the multi-room audio group.
- Try using different Alexa commands, such as specifying the “everywhere group” instead of mentioning individual devices.
- Experiment with playing music from different supported audio sources like Amazon Music, Prime Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Sirius XM, TuneIn, or iHeartRadio.
- Restart the Alexa-enabled devices that are experiencing issues with multi-room audio.
- Restart the router and modem to ensure a fresh connection and check if multi-room audio works.
- Delete and recreate the multi-room music group in the Alexa app to resolve any configuration issues.
- Consider deleting and reinstalling the Alexa app on your phone to start fresh and recreate the multi-room music group.
- As a last resort, perform a factory reset on the Echo devices that aren’t functioning with multi-room audio and set them up again.
- Contact Amazon support or check DownDetector to see if there are any known issues on Amazon’s end.
- Visit the Amazon Alexa help page for additional troubleshooting guidance, chat support, and community forums.
By following these steps, you can resolve common issues and enjoy uninterrupted multi-room audio with your Alexa-enabled devices.
Multi Room Audio Solution Comparisons
Your home’s Wi-Fi network is usually connected to multi-room music systems so you won’t need to worry about trailing wires. You can integrate existing hi-fi systems or start from scratch, and you can add outdoor speakers as well. You don’t have to buy a complete system. Instead, you can start with one or two speakers and expand from room to room, controlling music via an app. There are now a number of voice assistants available for most systems, including Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon’s Alexa.
There’s a vast choice of multi-room speakers and systems on the market, but which is best? Sonos by Sonance (Sonos) is the most recognisable brand we love to work with, and for` good reason. It’s intuitive and sounds fantastic! But there are plenty of competitors, offering tempting features such as support for hi-res audio files, Bluetooth connectivity, and more.
Some Brand We Can Recommend To You Include:
Sonos multi-room system:
- Still the best user experience
- Consistent, natural, engaging sound
- Regular updates
With Sonos’ unmatched user experience, you can control and enjoy your music seamlessly and effortlessly throughout your home, making it a top multi-room choice. The sound quality consistently impresses, delivering a natural and engaging listening experience. Additionally, Sonos keeps its system up-to-date with the latest advances by regularly updating its features.
Audio Pro multi-room:
- Detailed and expressive sound
- Old Add-on speakers can be incorporated
- Great value
This multi-room system from Audio Pro offers a detailed and expressive sound quality, so you can fully enjoy your music. The system offers the flexibility to incorporate older Add-on speakers, expanding its compatibility. Furthermore, Audio Pro provides excellent value for the performance it delivers, making it an attractive choice for those seeking an affordable yet high-quality multi-room audio setup.
Bluesound Generation 2i multi-room system:
- Capable of 24-bit/192kHz
- Highly musical
- Punchy bass
Bluesound’s Generation 2i multi-room system delivers high-quality audio experiences. With support for 24-bit/192kHz, it ensures clarity and detail in your music. The system’s highly musical nature brings out the best in any genre, allowing you to appreciate every nuance of a vocal performance or instrumental arrangement. Additionally, the punchy bass adds depth and impact to your listening experience.
Trusted Reviews From Our Trusted Brands:
“On 12 May 2023, I purchased a Sonos Roam and was blown away by the sound from such a small speaker,” exclaimed a delighted customer in Germany. This five-star review, titled “The Beautiful Sound,” was accompanied by a verified purchase badge. The reviewer expressed their awe at the quality of the Era 300n, describing it as an “orgasm in sound.” Despite acknowledging the high price, they noted that once the exceptional sound was experienced, the cost became irrelevant. The reviewer’s enthusiasm for the product was evident, as they highlighted the remarkable auditory experience and emphasized the transformative effect it had on their perception of value.
The Best Multi Room Audio Setup
When it comes to prioritising sound quality, easy setup, and intuitive operation in a multi-room wireless speaker system, our top recommendation is Sonos by Sonance. With years of expertise, Sonos excels at every level. Apple Music’s mobile and desktop apps are incredibly polished and offer seamless search across all subscribed services.
Sonos offers a range of speaker options at varying price points. Currently, they have 2-Room Set speakers priced from £200 , along with 2 in-wall speakers starting at £699. To get maximum performance, we recommend mixing different types of speakers based on the layout and design of your room. There are currently three portable speakers and two subwoofers that can be paired with any existing Sonos speaker for enhanced sound. In addition, Sonos offers three smart soundbars that connect to your TV to create a surround sound system (Arc, Beam, and Ray).
It’s important to note, however, that the Sonos ecosystem has two main limitations. Firstly, it operates as a closed system, requiring the use of Sonos-branded products. Secondly, while many Sonos speakers have built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, the voice-control capabilities of the system are not as advanced as those offered by dedicated smart speakers from these platforms.
Sonos offers a superior audio experience, user-friendly setup, and intuitive operation, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a multi-room wireless speaker system.
What is Multi-Room Audio?
Multi-room audio, is the ability to listen to music in several rooms. Depending on the system you choose, you’ll either be able to play different songs in different rooms at the same time. You can also play the same music in all rooms, or just a couple simultaneously.
Music played across a multi-room audio system can come from streaming services such as Spotify or Apple Music, or your own personal music collection whether that be on a NAS (Network Attached Storage) drive, your computer, a CD, or even vinyl – with the right setup.
Multi-room audio systems tend to be wireless and controlled using an app, so aside from ensuring a power supply is nearby and you have your smartphone ready, speakers can be positioned wherever you like in your home. Naturally, you’ll need at least one speaker in each room you want to hear music in.
Are There Any Other Things To Consider Before Buying A Multi-Room Speaker?
Finding the right system for your needs can be difficult with such a wide variety. A smaller speaker generally produces a softer sound. Compact speakers with one or two built-in amplifiers are ideal for small rooms. It is also recommended that the speaker has four amplifiers with a subwoofer built in for larger rooms.
How Does Multi-Room Audio Work?
There are two main ways multi-room systems work: creating their own mesh network or using your Wi-Fi. Sonos, for example, creates its own mesh network. Once connected to your home’s internet, the speakers form their own internal network. This ensures that you’re not using your home’s Wi-Fi when streaming music, making the system more robust.
Most other multi-room systems connect and communicate using your home’s Wi-Fi network. As a result, they will rely on the stability and strength of your network.
In each case, you will need to download the dedicated app used by each brand to connect and control your system. Each brand will have its own app to control your music across your multi-room system. Sonos has its excellent Sonos Controller, while other brands use their respective apps like Bluesound’s BluOS Controller app.
In the majority of multi-room audio cases, you’re tied into a single brand’s ecosystem. Brands want you to buy into their system, so you can’t mix a Sonos speaker with a Bluesound speaker, for instance, to create your multi-room system.
However, you are not limited to a single system. By combining open platforms like DTS Play-Fi, Apple AirPlay, and Google Chromecast, you can include multiple brands and types of products in your multi-room system. There are two subtle distinctions between multi-room audio: ones where you can stream multiple sources to multiple devices and rooms (such as Sonos or DTS Play-Fi), or single sources to multiple devices and rooms (AirPlay 2 and Chromecast).
Conclusion:
Multi-room audio systems have helped revolutionise home music entertainment sound can now be projected across different areas simultaneously, enhancing the experience and flexibility of listening to sounds while you’re moving. When watching a movie or a show, having your speakers in perfect communication allows you to adjust their position without sacrificing quality.
The factors we suggest to consider here at EAV when selecting an audio system include sound quality, ease of use, compatibility, and budget. Explore your options and learn about the features and benefits of different audio systems to transform your home into a music and audio paradise. To learn more about how we can enhance the sound experience in your home or business, send us a message today.