Wired or Wireless? How to Choose a Multiroom Audio System

Often people start thinking about multiroom audio systems when they’re remodeling a home or building a new one. Any centralized or house-wide system is easier to install when the house is in its early stages. Wiring for architectural speakers and wall-mounted controls is a snap before drywall is up or when refinishing.

With all the wireless options available for multiroom speaker systems, you might ask if you need wires at all. Well, even wireless speakers need some wires or cables – even if it’s just the one for power! Since wireless systems like Sonos are very popular, we’re going to discuss some of the top differences between wired and wireless multiroom speakers in this blog. 

Keep reading below to learn the basics of wired vs. wireless multiroom audio and how to decide what you might prefer for your Atlanta, GA home.

SEE ALSO: Want a Multiroom Speaker System You Can Hear But Not See? 

Wireless Systems

Wireless multiroom systems use your wi-fi network and digital synchronization techniques to play music in harmony through multiple sets of speakers in your home. While Sonos may be the first name that comes to mind in this area, there are quite a few others. They range from popular powered speakers from Apple, Google, and Amazon to proprietary systems from Yamaha and licensed ones like DTS Play-Fi. All of these may have advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, control methods, and choice in speakers.

The important thing to remember with wireless systems is that you typically are buying into an ecosystem. When buying into Apple or Amazon's ecosystem, you won't be able to mix and match just any speakers with these systems. There are some exceptions, as Apple Airplay and Google Chromecast support is built into some systems allowing compatibility with those ecosystems. But you must think about the ecosystem that fits your needs best and choose accordingly. 

Sonos has built a solid reputation as a wireless system and offers its own ecosystem with some outside compatibility as well. Sonos wireless speakers like the One and Five are powered speakers that are simple plug-and-play options for a multiroom solution. They also make the Sonos Port and Amp, two solutions that bridge the Sonos ecosystem with exiting audio systems and speakers to provide more choice. 

If you’re the type that doesn’t like to do everything with a smartphone app, you might look at additional control options like remote controls with traditional buttons or wall-mounted keypads. While there are options for these with some systems like Sonos, they will be more limited for wireless solutions than wired ones.

Wired Systems

Generally, wired systems will employ architectural speakers built into walls for a seamless solution. When you want great sound outdoors, a wired, custom solution is the way to go. Wired systems, like those from Control4 and Crestron, are designed with scalability in mind. That means that whether you want four rooms of audio or 16 separate areas of your home packed with sound, these systems can meet the need.

First, they’re compatible with a wide range of speakers because they employ separate or integrated amplifiers. Second, they also incorporate various source inputs, from phonographs for your vinyl collection to TV sound output to built-in streaming platforms. Third, you will typically have a wider choice in control points, from remotes to custom keypads to TV interfaces. And of course, there will always be an app for control and management too! 

How do you choose? There is no rule of thumb for determining what's right for you. If you want a smaller system with few zones and smartphone or tablet-based control, a Sonos system might be perfect. If you have a large home and outdoor area you want to cover, you may need something more like a Control4 or Crestron system. And you may have other existing audio equipment – like a media room or home theater system – that you want to incorporate, which all these solutions can offer to varying degrees.

The best way is to work with an audio systems expert that offers a wide range of solutions and custom integration – like GHT Group!

Let GHT Group help you choose the multiroom speaker system that's right for you. Visit our Marietta showroom, contact us here, or click the chatbox below to quickly connect with one of our home audio experts. We look forward to working with you!