Whole house audio systems – also known as multi-room or multi-zone – have become increasingly popular over the years. With a little bit of planning and an open weekend to start and finish the project, you can have full control over how music plays throughout the entire home. There are several methods and technologies to consider when it comes to distributing audio, each with their own benefits and challenges. As such, it can seem a little intimidating to figure out how all the pieces come together harmoniously, be them wired, wireless, powered, and/or non-powered.
You probably already own some equipment, such as stereo speakers and a quality home theater receiver. The next step is to plan what your multi-room system will look like before expanding and harnessing features to cover additional areas. Read on to get an idea of the various ways to get the job done.
Jan 14, 2017 Mate can I just say absolute genius - did the same thing with a bog standard replacement cable for my Samsung SE-208 DB external DVD-writer and computer recognised it immediately in Windows 10 (as you say, my drive had been recognised in Win 7 and 8 with the original cable but not Win 10). Windows 10 external dvd drives. Shop for Windows 10 compatible external cd/dvd drive at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up.
Multi-Zone / Single Source Systems Using a Receiver
The simplest way to create a two-zone stereo system is likely right at your fingertips. Many home theater receivers feature a Speaker A/B switch that allows a connection to a second set of speakers. Place the additional speakers in another room and install speaker wires leading to the receiver's Speaker B terminals. That's it! By toggling the A/B switch, you can choose when music plays in either or both areas. It is also possible to connect even more speakers to the receiver by using a speaker switcher, which acts as a hub. Just remember that while it may be multi-zone (different areas) it's still single-source. You'll want to set up a multi-source system to stream different music to different rooms/speakers simultaneously.
Multi-Zone / Multi-Source Systems Using a Receiver
If you own a newer home theater receiver, you can harness its multi-room/-source features without the need to incorporate a switch. Many receivers have additional outputs that can provide two-channel audio (and sometimes video) to as many as three separate zones. This means you can have different music/sources playing in different areas instead of all speakers sharing the same one. In some models, the audio output is speaker level, which needs only lengths of wire connecting to all other speakers. But be sure to check carefully. Some receivers use an unamplified signal, which requires line-level cables and an additional amplifier between rooms and extra speakers.
Advanced Multi-Zone / Multi-Source Control Systems
A multi-zone control system is essentially a switch box (like the speaker switcher) that allows you to send a selected source (e.g. DVD, CD, turntable, media player, radio, mobile device, etc.) to a specific room(s) in your home. These control systems can send either line-level signals to an amplifier(s) located in select room(s), or they can feature built-in amplifiers that send speaker-level signals to the selected rooms(s). No matter which type, these control systems allow you to listen to different sources simultaneously in different zones. They are available in many configurations, often ranging from four to as many as eight or more zones.
Whole House Audio Networking / Computer LAN
Those fortunate enough to own a home with network wiring already installed throughout can enjoy a significant advantage. The same type of cables (CAT-5e) used to connect a computer network system can also distribute audio signals to multiple zones. This saves a great deal of work and time (as long as speakers have or can be equipped with the connection) because you don't have to worry about running wires (i.e. measuring lengths, drilling holes, etc.) all over. You just need to place speakers and connect to the nearest compatible port. Although this type of wiring is capable of distributing audio signals, it cannot be used simultaneously for a computer network. However, you can use your computer to distribute audio over your wired home network in the form of digital audio files, internet radio, or online streaming services. This is a low-cost solution, especially if you already have a computer network installed.
Wireless Music Distribution
If you don’t have a pre-wired home and if retrofit wiring is too much to consider, then you might want to go wireless. Wireless technology continues to make steady improvements, offering users a comprehensive experience that can also be reasonably easy to set up. Many of these speaker systems use WiFi and/or Bluetooth – some can feature additional wired connections – and often come with mobile apps designed for convenient control through smartphones and tablets. It ends up being fairly simple to add and configure additional speakers. But one notable limitation to using wireless speakers is compatibility; most wireless speaker systems are made to work/pair only with others by the same manufacturer (and sometimes within the same product family). So unlike wired speakers that are brand/type agnostic, you can't simply mix and match wireless speakers and achieve the same seamless results. Wireless speakers can also be more expensive than the wired kind.
Wireless Music Adapter
If you're hooked on the idea of wireless audio, but don't want to replace your perfectly capable wired speakers with the wireless kind, a digital media adapter may be the way to go. These adapters bridge a computer or mobile device to a home theater receiver either by WiFi or Bluetooth wireless. Bit heroes hack for pc. With the receiver set to the input source of the adapter (typically RCA, 3.5 mm audio cable, TOSLINK, or even HDMI), you can stream audio to any room(s) that have speakers wired up to the receiver. While it's possible to use multiple music adapters to send separate audio signals to different sets of speakers (i.e. for multi-zone and multi-source), it can end up more complicated than it's worth. Although these digital media adapters work well and are highly affordable, they're often not as robust in terms of features and connectivity like with control systems.
How to design an easy-to-use music system that sounds and looks great
I edit the home A/V and pro audio articles on Crutchfield.com. It's a cool gig for a guy who's been seriously into audio since way before 1974.
I started buying records, guitars, and gear with the money I made mowing lawns and delivering newspapers. Now the way I earn my money has changed for the better, but where it goes hasn't changed too much.
I was employee #007 when I started at Crutchfield back in 1976. Seriously, I was the seventh person Bill Crutchfield hired. Back then we all did a bit of everything. I spent time answering customer calls, packing boxes for shipment, purchasing merchandise, and writing catalog pages.
I left Crutchfield in 1983 to finish college. Then I worked as a newspaper reporter and editor before returning to Crutchfield in 1993.
I returned just in time to participate in the launch of Crutchfield.com, the first big ecommerce site in consumer electronics. Having a hand in that process was a thrill and an honor. And just look at how much we've grown since then. It blows old 007's mind.
About Jim
More from Jim Richardson
In a nutshell: A well-planned home has a variety of fixtures and systems to keep its occupants comfortable and happy. Architects and designers work wonders with lighting, plumbing, air conditioning, appliances, furniture, and fabric.
But there’s one element designers frequently neglect: sound.
Imagine music flowing through your rooms like light from the windows or cool air from the vents. That's what it feels like when the speakers are built into your walls or ceilings.
It’s easy to incorporate in-wall and ceiling speakers when you’re building or renovating a home. In an existing home, it’s easier to use wireless multi-room speakers.
Your music can come from an Internet service like Spotify®, or from a computer or hard drive that’s attached to your home network.
It’s easy to play one song in the family room and another in your bedroom. Or play the same music throughout the house.
You can use your smartphone or tablet a remote control. Or you can install in-wall controls.
Ready to plan the perfect system for your home? Read the full story
uilding a new house (or thoroughly renovating an old one)? You have the perfect opportunity to conceal speakers and wires in your walls and ceilings. It can be done in an existing home, but it’s not easy work for a do-it-yourselfer. For details, see our in-wall wiring guide.
Wireless systems are the easiest solution. We'll explore those first.
Wireless systems
Today’s wireless systems are popular for good reasons.
Video: See how a Sonos system fits into a typical home
A wireless system is an obvious choice for an existing home, but may also be the best platform for a new home.
Consider a hybrid systemWhole Home Audio Systems For Sale
That’s a system in which wireless components, such as the Sonos CONNECT:AMP, feed the music to in-wall or ceiling speakers.
In such a system, you enjoy the convenience of a smartphone remote control app. But the hardware is hidden in a utility room or equipment closet.
A common misconception about the Sonos wireless system is that you must have Sonos hardware in every room. And that notion can be a deal-killer if ceiling speakers are all you can get away with in the dining room and the formal living room. Fortunately, it’s not the case.
The solution is to locate one or more Sonos CONNECT:AMP modules in your utility room and run speaker wires from there to the ceiling speakers in the dining room and the living room.
Your system might also include several other Sonos components that are located elsewhere. For instance, you might have a PLAYBAR and a Sonos SUB for TV sound and music in the family room. You could put PLAY:5 powered speakers in bedrooms and any other spaces in which the hardware fits nicely.
Your yard is a room, too
Now let’s turn our attention to your outdoor zone.
Say you need several weatherproof speakers to evenly distribute sound about the pool and patio areas. You’ll play the same music through all of your outdoor speakers, so you only need one Sonos component for this zone. But outdoor speakers require a lot of power, so you don’t want to rely on a single 2-channel amplifier.
In this scenario, you might pair a non-powered CONNECT module with a multi-channel amplifier. Place them in the utility room along with the CONNECT:AMP modules serving the living and dining rooms. Get an equipment rack or cabinet to keep things organized in the utility room.
Wired systems
Wireless systems are terrific, but some people find a wired system with in-wall controls easier to live with.
Installation of a wired system can be daunting for a do-it-yourselfer. Most people will require the services of an electrician or audio/video installer. But Crutchfield’s A/V Design Group can help you plan your system.
70-volt systems
Wired systems are also good for commercial applications, such as a dentist’s office or a coffee shop. A traditional stereo system is good in a very small office or shop, where there are only a few sets of speakers.
In a commercial building, a 70-volt system is usually the best solution. There are several reasons why:
For help a commercial installation, contact a system designer at 1.800.315.2758. To learn more about commercial audio, read our guide to 70-volt systems.
What type of system is best for you?
Below we’ll explore the pros and cons of two types of wired systems. First, we’ll look at setups that use the multi-zone outputs of a home theater receiver. Then we’ll discuss separate music-only systems.
Home theater receiver with multi-zone capability
Audio for two rooms, using the receiver's 'B' speaker outputs.
Most modern receivers have speaker outputs for a second room. Many connect to a home network for access to Internet music sources. These features make a receiver-based system a great option in some situations.
Planning a system that will serve more than one or two additional zones? You can connect several pairs of speakers to a receiver’s “B” speaker outputs (or to a separate two-channel amp connected to a receiver’s preamp outputs). You’ll need a speaker selector or impedance-matching volume controls. Be careful, though. Some speaker selectors are meant to be used only with an amp capable of driving a low-impedance speaker load.
Music-only systems
You might be better off keeping the home theater receiver out of the equation. A multi-channel amp (with its own music sources) is safer, easier to operate, and capable of bigger, better sound. To learn more, read our article on how to power a multi-room audio system.
Wall-mounted volume controls require speaker wiring only. In-wall keypads that let you control your music source components also require CAT-5 wiring. You may also need infrared “flashers” to relay remote control commands to your music source components.
[Shop for multi-room audio hardware, in-wall cable and accessories, and remote control extenders.]
What music sources are best for your system?
Playing the music files stored on your computer is a good option for many systems, but there are a few drawbacks. The computer must be turned on, of course. And your computer’s hard drive might not hold all your music.
Consider storing your music library on a high-capacity networked hard drive (also known as a NAS drive). You can leave it turned on, so your tunes are always instantly available.
Or take a look at the Bluesound Vault 2i It rips your CDs in a hi-resolution format and stores the files on a built-in drive. This takes your computer (and all the associated hassles) completely out of the equation.
With some systems, you may be able to play the files stored on your smartphone or tablet. If you want to do this in a receiver-based system, make sure the receiver can play your phone or tablet music in the second zone. Many receivers play only analog sources through the second zone outputs.
When choosing a wireless system or a receiver, make sure it’s compatible with your favorite music streaming services.
Next steps
Feeling overwhelmed by too many choices? Here's how to sort it all out:
In a well-designed home, form and function are on the same team. Furnishings and appliances smoothly serve your family and guests. You should expect no less from your audio/video gear. But first you need a plan, and that’s where your Crutchfield A/V design specialist comes in.
Submit a system design request today! You’ll receive a detailed system plan and a link to a pre-filled shopping cart.
1 Share your info and ideas2 Approve your design3 Install your gear
Want to save money by doing your own installation? Free tech support is available 7 days a week.
Best Sellers in Multi-room Audio
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The Rundown
Our Top PicksMost Popular: Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 DTS:X Soundbar
3.7
This massive 7.1-channel 600 Watt soundbar from Nakamichi delivers a powerful home audio experience for those who do not want to commit to the hassle and space of a full receiver system. While it might not rival a true system in terms of power and sound quality, it gives a rich and immersive surround audio experience that is perfect for people living in apartments or other small spaces.
The bar has five sealed speaker chambers and a quad-core DSP chipset, creating an acoustic wideness that brings your media to life with DSP EQ modes. The system is complete with 13 tuned speaker drivers, as well as an included eight-inch downward-firing subwoofer for deep rich bass. The satellite speakers are wireless as well, while the HDMI connected bar has 4K pass through and plays Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital plus content.
Read more reviews of the best soundbars available to purchase online.
Best Overall: Bose SoundTouch 30 Series III Wireless Music System
The Bose SoundTouch 30 Series III will capture every guitar strum, bass note and pin-drop from your music playlist. Its patented technology is engineered to fill any room, large or small, with deep and robust sound, and since it's just a one-piece system, set-up is a cinch. Bluetooth-enabled and wireless, additional Bose speakers can be added on, meaning you can turn a warehouse into a concert hall.
Bose works with your home Wi-Fi network and Bluetooth enabled devices so you can stream audio from any device such as your computer or smartphone via the SoundTouch app. Music services like Pandora, Spotify and SiriusXM can be accessed from the system in one touch, allowing for Internet radio and music library playlists.
Bose advertises the SoundTouch 30 Series III as their “best-performing one-piece wireless music system” which means it’s on the more expensive side, but well worth the splurge. Colors come in black and white.
Best Under $100: Logitech Surround Speakers Z506
The most affordable on the list, the Logitech Surround Speakers Z506 is a wired two-channel sourced 5.1 and 3D stereo surround sound system that includes six black speakers and a ported down-firing subwoofer for clean booming bass. Though the system lacks Bluetooth connectivity like the other audio systems listed, it comes with 75 watts of balanced power, enough to fill a room with sound and also rattle a few windows. The speaker bass comes with a control dial that lets you easily adjust bass levels.
You’re not limited to only hooking the system up to your computer, as the package induces a 3.5 mm or RCA audio out allowing for an easy connection to your video game consoles, iPods, etc. Though the speakers may work with game consoles and TVs, when connected, the audio produces only 2.1 audio quality without the surround sound.
See more reviews of our favorite surround sound speakers available for purchase.
Best Under $200: Sonos Play:1
The Sonos Play:1 is so good, that it easily earns the best budget title. Although there’s no way around the Wi-Fi-only aspect of the Play:1, it’s hardly a deal breaker and, in fact, might be a strong benefit. The design is a little clunky, with some comparing it to a coffee can, but at 4.7 inches wide, 6.4 inches deep and weighing 4.1 pounds, it’s not designed for portability.
Setup is a snap. Just download the free Sonos app for Android or iOS, run the app, follow the instructions and play. One caveat is that music must be played back from the Sonos app since it doesn’t utilize either Airplay or Bluetooth. However, given the wide range of streaming choices (Spotify, Google Play Music and Prime Music), you shouldn’t run into a problem. Unfortunately, Apple Music doesn’t work with Sonos, but you can utilize your full iTunes library through the app.
The 3.5-inch woofer and two amps are powered by a wall outlet connector and can easily fill up a room with volume and sound. For the price tag, the Play:1 is not just the most affordable Sonos speaker to date, it’s also a great choice if you're looking for something simple and easy without having to spend a lot of money on a huge audio system.
Best Wireless: Bose Wave SoundTouch IV
Luxury audio manufacturer Bose brings cutting-edge wireless connectivity to their world-class speakers in the Wave SoundTouch IV. Bose created a home audio system that makes it easier than ever before to play CDs (if that's still your thing), listen to the radio and stream your favorite music. The powerful app connects you to all your favorite streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Waveguider speaker technology delivers lifelike, room-filling sound that you would expect from high-end speakers. You can even combine the system with Amazon Alexa to use voice commands to control what you want to play. While one Wave SoundTouch is more than enough to bring sound to one room of your house, you can connect multiple devices to play music throughout the house.
Best Sound: LG CM4550
Sound engineers and amateur audiophiles agree: The LG CM4550 delivers rocking sound for an amazing price tag. While it might not match systems that run into the thousands, this is the home audio system you want if sound is your main focus and price is a factor. It delivers 700W of power, bringing a rich bass and crisp sound quality even when the volume is up to the max. Nice features such as Bluetooth allow anyone to easily connect their music, while Auto DJ eliminates gaps in between songs, great for a house party or a hyperfocused study session. The system comes with two speakers and a subwoofer, creating immersive sound with precision EQ drawing out all the elements of a song.
Best for Large Rooms: Acoustic Audio AA5170 Home Theater 5.1 Bluetooth System
You might think that powerful multimedia audio sound systems would cost you an arm and a leg, but they don’t have to. The Acoustic Audio AA5170 Home Theater 5.1 Bluetooth Speaker System 700W with Powered Sub is the beginner audiophiles purchase when looking for that sweet middle ground of booming power and affordable price. The system comes with six speakers, so you can cover all corners of any room you put it in.
For less than $100, the system includes an amplified subwoofer; five discrete independent channel input/output speakers suited for surround sound; Bluetooth connectivity so you can stream music from your mobile devices (users have reported that it's sometimes wonky); an SD card input; flash drive MP3 player for assorted music playlists; an FM tuner to play your favorite radio stations; and 3.55 aux to RCA wires so you can plug in and start listening immediately.
The Acoustic AA5170 Home Theater uses only 700 Watts with a power frequency of 20Hz to 20KHz, packing a compact, yet powerful speaker package suitable for any home theater system (although static can occur if played too high). The AA5170 works fluently with your personal computer/laptop, gaming system, digital media player, “i” device or any other audio/video device equipped with Bluetooth, RCA, or 3.5mm auxiliary interfaces.
Best for Small Rooms: Sony CMTSBT100 Micro Music System with Bluetooth and NFC
Suited for smaller spaces, the bookshelf-style, Sony CMTSBT100 Micro Music System has 50 watts of power, a built in CD player (just in case you want to play that mix you burned back in 2000), AM/FM radio, a USB input for your music playlist, Bluetooth connectivity and one touch NFC so you can stream music via your smartphone, tablet and laptop.
The brushed metal and old school style gives the CMTSBT100 a retro look. And although there is no dock for an iPod, the USB port provides a 2.1 amp charging capability in case you want to simultaneously power your smartphone and play music from it.
But don’t expect too much raw power, as the device’s USB port can only read 250 songs and due its power-saving functionality, powers down within a short period once music is paused.
Take a peek at some of the other best Sony speakers you can buy.
Runner-Up, Best for Small Rooms: VIZIO SB4451-C0 SmartCast 44' 5.1 Sound Bar System
Designed to fit snugly in smaller spaces, the VIZIO SB4451-CO system includes a 44-inch 5.1 channel sound bar, a wireless subwoofer, and two rear speakers—delivering an immersive audio experience in a compact space. The subwoofer packs a punchy bass, with a range of 40Hz to 90Hz. The main system offers a frequency range of 40Hz - 20kHZ, along with a maximum volume of 103dB with less than 1% Total Harmonic Distortion. The VIZIO features both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and has Chromecast built in, so you can access all your favorite tunes and movies from any platform. You’ll also find plenty of available inputs, for USB, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, analog, and digital media.
Best In-Wall: Acoustic Audio High Definition Series HD 5.1
Transform your den into a bonafide home theater with this Acoustic Audio High Definition Series HD 5.1 channel speaker system. Seamless installation allows for the four rectangular front in-wall speakers and two round in-ceiling speakers to blend into your room, presenting a sleek and minimalist look. Two 10” in-wall subwoofers bring movies and games to life, while titanium tweeters deliver pronounced dialogue even during quiet scenes. All parts are white and can be painted any color to flow with your existing interior design. Expect vivid high definition sound from all speakers and relax with your favorite entertainment.
Need some more help finding what you're looking for? Read through our best in-wall speakers article.
Tested byHow We Tested
We bought a top-rated home audio system and our reviewers tested it for 63 hours. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using this home audio system, from its size to its sound quality. We’ve outlined the key takeaways here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for in a Home Audio System
Sound quality - Sound quality can be a very personal feature — some people enjoy deeper bass while others prefer a more balanced sound. Different speaker systems have different sound profiles (which can also be tweaked slightly by repositioning speakers in your room).
Room size - Power isn’t everything and wattage is often overrated. If your speakers are intended for a smaller space, you likely don’t need a full 7.1 channel setup; a soundbar or single speaker might do the trick. If you want to fill a larger room with sound, though, spring for something more powerful.
Wired vs. wireless - As with headphones, wired systems often deliver better sound, but their setup tends to be more complicated. If you’re willing to trade a little sound quality in favor of convenience, a wireless system is a good bet.
Test Results: Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 DTS:X Soundbar (Most Popular)
3.7
What We Like
What We Don't Like
One of our testers liked that this product was simple to install: “The instructions were straightforward and had detailed pictures of how to set up the system for one or more devices,” she said. Other highlights, according to one reviewer, were its Bluetooth connectivity and the fact that its subwoofer was “wireless and could be connected behind the couch.” Its sound quality, however, could have been better: “When you play loud music,” explained one tester, “the system struggles and the sound is no longer crisp.” One of our reviewers also said that even though the design was nice overall, “the soundbar and the subwoofer were a bit large.”
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