Choosing the Right Multiroom Audio System
Setting up a seamless, whole-home audio experience used to be a complex and expensive endeavor, reserved only for the most dedicated home theater enthusiasts. But the rise of smart speakers and wireless multiroom audio systems has made it easier and more affordable than ever to enjoy music, podcasts, and other audio content throughout your living space.
The key is choosing the right system for your needs and preferences. Do you value simplicity and integration with a specific voice assistant, or do you prioritize maximum flexibility and customization? Are you an iOS user who wants to leverage AirPlay, or an Android devotee who prefers the Google Cast ecosystem? How important is audio quality compared to other factors like price and smart home compatibility?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top smart speaker and multiroom audio options, providing in-depth insights to help you build the perfect whole-home sound system for your unique requirements. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to upgrade an existing setup, you’ll find the advice and recommendations you need to make an informed purchase decision.
Closed vs. Open Multiroom Audio Systems
The first big decision you’ll need to make is whether to opt for a “closed” or “open” multiroom audio system. A closed system is one where all the speakers and components come from the same manufacturer, like Sonos, Bluesound, or Denon’s Heos. These platforms typically offer a streamlined user experience via a proprietary app, with features like preset speaker groups, easy volume control, and integrated music services.
An open system, on the other hand, is built around a common wireless protocol like AirPlay, Google Cast, or DTS Play-Fi. This approach gives you the flexibility to mix and match speakers, receivers, and other audio gear from different brands, but can involve a bit more complexity in terms of setup and daily control.
Advantages of Closed Systems
The primary benefit of a closed multiroom system is its simplicity. Everything is designed to work seamlessly together, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues or spend time troubleshooting. The dedicated control app usually makes it easy to group speakers, adjust volume levels, and access your music library and streaming services.
Many closed systems also offer handy lifestyle features like sleep timers, alarms, and voice control integration. And if you have a diverse household with different smartphone and computer preferences, a closed system can be a unifying solution that works for everyone.
Advantages of Open Systems
While closed systems prioritize ease of use, open multiroom audio platforms offer greater flexibility. By using a common wireless protocol, you can mix and match speakers, receivers, and other components from various manufacturers. This allows you to build a truly customized system that fits your unique needs and budget.
Open systems also tend to be more future-proof, as you aren’t tied to a single company’s product roadmap. If a component fails or you want to upgrade, you have more options to choose from. And if you ever switch mobile operating systems, your multiroom audio setup should still work seamlessly.
Potential Downsides of Closed and Open Systems
Of course, neither approach is without its drawbacks. Closed systems lock you into a single ecosystem, which means you’re at the mercy of that company’s decisions. If they make major platform changes or discontinue legacy products, it can cause compatibility issues and frustrate users.
Open systems, on the other hand, require a bit more setup and configuration work upfront. You’ll need to ensure all your components speak the same wireless protocol, and you may have to juggle multiple control apps depending on the brands involved. The user experience may not be as refined as a closed system’s dedicated app.
Ultimately, the “best” multiroom audio system for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and technical expertise. Let’s dive deeper into the top options in both the closed and open categories.
Closed Multiroom Audio Systems
BluOS: High-End Audio Quality and Elegant Control
One of the most premium closed multiroom audio ecosystems is BluOS, a platform developed by Lenbrook Industries (the parent company of NAD Electronics and PSB Speakers). BluOS offers a wide range of compatible components, from tabletop speakers to streaming amplifiers, all controlled through a well-designed mobile app.
The standout product in the BluOS lineup is the Bluesound Pulse M, a stylish and versatile wireless speaker that delivers fantastic sound quality. With its proximity-sensing touch controls, the Pulse M makes it a breeze to adjust volume, skip tracks, and control playback without ever picking up your smartphone. It also supports AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and voice control via Alexa, so you have multiple ways to interact with the speaker.
While the BluOS system may be more expensive than some alternatives, the elegant design, intuitive app, and excellent audio performance make it a great choice for discerning listeners who want a luxurious whole-home sound experience. You can start with a single Pulse M and expand the system over time with additional speakers or compatible hi-fi components.
Sonos: The Pioneering Multiroom Audio Brand
When it comes to mainstream popularity, it’s hard to beat Sonos. As the original pioneer of wireless multiroom audio, Sonos has built a comprehensive ecosystem of speakers, soundbars, and accessories that work together seamlessly. The brand’s signature app makes it easy to group speakers, adjust individual volumes, and access a vast library of streaming services.
Sonos offers a wide range of speaker options to suit different budgets and room sizes, from the compact and portable Sonos Roam to the powerful and immersive Sonos Era 300. Recent models like the Era 100 and Era 300 have also introduced impressive audio enhancements, including automatically tuning the speakers to the acoustics of your space.
One of the biggest advantages of the Sonos system is its broad compatibility. In addition to supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple AirPlay 2, many Sonos speakers can be paired with the company’s own Amp or Port devices to integrate your existing stereo equipment or turntable into the multiroom setup.
The main downside with Sonos is the company’s checkered history when it comes to software updates and support for older hardware. While the brand has made efforts to address these issues, it’s something to keep in mind, especially if you plan to invest in the ecosystem over the long term.
Denon Heos: Seamless Integration for Denon/Marantz Fans
If you’re already invested in the Denon or Marantz audio ecosystem, the Heos multiroom platform offers a logical and convenient way to expand your whole-home sound. Heos is tightly integrated into many of Denon and Marantz’s AV receivers, soundbars, and amplifiers, allowing you to easily add wireless speakers to create a cohesive, synchronized audio experience.
The Heos app provides a straightforward interface for controlling your multiroom setup, with features like speaker grouping, volume adjustment, and access to popular streaming services. The platform’s compatibility with both Alexa and Siri also makes it easy to incorporate voice control.
While the Heos speaker lineup may not be as extensive or diverse as Sonos or BluOS, the seamless integration with Denon and Marantz gear is a significant advantage for existing owners of those brands. The ability to easily expand your system by adding Heos-compatible components is a compelling selling point.
Open Multiroom Audio Systems
AirPlay: The Apple-Centric Multiroom Option
If you’re firmly embedded in the Apple ecosystem, building a multiroom audio system around AirPlay 2 can be a great choice. AirPlay allows you to wirelessly stream audio from your iOS devices, Mac, or iTunes library to a wide range of compatible speakers, soundbars, and other audio components.
The beauty of AirPlay is its simplicity. Once you’ve set up your AirPlay-enabled devices, you can easily add or remove speakers to your multiroom setup right from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Volume control and playback adjustment are all handled directly through the native music app or Control Center, without the need for a dedicated control app.
AirPlay also supports advanced features like Dolby Atmos spatial audio, making it a great choice for setting up an immersive home theater experience. And with the option to integrate premium audio brands like Sonos, KEF, and Bang & Olufsen, you can create a high-performance multiroom system that fits your aesthetic preferences.
The main limitation of AirPlay is its iOS-centric nature. If you or other members of your household use Android devices, you’ll miss out on the seamless multiroom experience. And you’ll have fewer options for integrating analog audio sources like turntables or CD players into the system.
Google Cast: The Flexible Open-Source Alternative
For Android users or those who prefer a more open-source approach, the Google Cast ecosystem offers an excellent multiroom audio solution. Google Cast is a wireless protocol that’s built into a wide range of smart speakers, soundbars, and audio receivers from various manufacturers, allowing you to easily stream music, podcasts, and other audio content to multiple devices simultaneously.
Unlike AirPlay, which is restricted to the Apple ecosystem, Google Cast works across both iOS and Android platforms. This means you can use your smartphone or tablet of choice to control the multiroom experience, with the ability to cast directly from popular music apps like Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube Music.
The Google Home app makes it easy to set up speaker groups and control volume levels across your multiroom setup. And with the addition of a Google Nest Audio or similar smart speaker, you can also leverage voice control for hands-free playback and smart home integration.
The main downside of Google Cast is that it’s not as refined or user-friendly as a proprietary closed system like Sonos or BluOS. The process of grouping speakers and adjusting playback can feel a bit more cumbersome, and you’ll need to rely on the Google Home app rather than a single, dedicated control interface.
Linkplay: A Flexible Open-Source Alternative
If you want the benefits of an open multiroom audio system without the limitations of being tied to a specific mobile operating system or voice assistant, a Linkplay-based solution could be the answer. Linkplay is an open-source platform that powers a wide range of audio components, from streaming amplifiers to wireless speakers, all designed to work seamlessly together.
The beauty of Linkplay is its flexibility. Rather than being confined to a single brand’s ecosystem, you can mix and match speakers, receivers, and other audio gear from various manufacturers that support the Linkplay protocol. This allows you to build a truly customized multiroom setup that suits your specific needs and budget.
Many Linkplay-compatible products, such as the WiiM Amp and WiiM Pro Plus, also integrate popular wireless protocols like AirPlay and Google Cast. This means you can leverage the benefits of those platforms while still maintaining the overall flexibility of the Linkplay system.
The downside of Linkplay is that it may require a bit more upfront setup and configuration work compared to a closed system. You’ll need to ensure all your components are Linkplay-compatible and navigate the various control apps. But for DIY-inclined users who want maximum customization, it’s a compelling open-source alternative.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Multiroom Audio System for Your Needs
When it comes to building a whole-home audio setup, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The “best” multiroom system depends entirely on your personal preferences, existing technology investments, and the specific features you value most.
If simplicity and seamless integration are your top priorities, a closed system like Sonos, BluOS, or Heos might be the way to go. These platforms offer a streamlined user experience and the assurance that all components will work together flawlessly.
On the other hand, if you prize flexibility and the ability to mix and match speakers and components from different brands, an open system built around AirPlay, Google Cast, or Linkplay could be the better choice. These platforms may require a bit more upfront work, but they give you the freedom to customize your multiroom audio setup to your heart’s content.
Whichever route you choose, the key is to carefully consider your needs, do your research, and select the multiroom audio system that will provide the best overall experience for your home and lifestyle. With the right setup, you can enjoy a truly immersive and effortless whole-home listening experience, no matter where you are in the house.
And remember, the team at IT Fix is always here to provide expert advice and practical tips to help you get the most out of your technology investments. Happy listening!
