A little over twenty years ago, if you wanted a wireless whole home audio solution, you were out of luck. Most systems involved architectural or standard speakers still powered by amplifiers and required runs of speaker cabling. But the move to digital audio outside of physical media, advanced wireless networking, and ultimately streaming audio completely changed the game. 

Sonos is one of the first systems that people might think of when it comes to wireless multi-room speaker systems, but many solutions are available today. But is wireless the way to go? It might be easier to install from a wiring standpoint but may not be a great solution for all homes and all listening preferences. Keep reading below for a quick comparison of wired vs. wireless multi-room audio options and what you should know for your Ladue, MO installation.

SEE ALSO: How to Pick the Multiroom Speaker System That's Right for You

Wireless Systems

Wireless systems have the advantage of not having to run cable from a component or separate amplifier to power the speaker. These self-amplified speakers do need to be connected to a power outlet, though. One disadvantage might be that interferences with your wireless network might result in dropouts in audio. 

Generally, wireless speaker systems aren't available in the same variety as other speakers, nor do they tend to fall into the category of hi-fi quality sound. But there are some exceptions, notably KEF's LSX, LS50 Wireless, and the new LS60 Wireless. These speakers have been crafted with traditional KEF design elements like the Uni-Q driver design for even dispersion and wide sweet spots, adding in a full array of modern audio features like high-resolution audio support and Apple AirPlay 2 for seamless multi-room playback. The KEF LS speaker series brings contemporary standout styling, award-winning sound performance, and easy wireless control to your home. But they won't disappear into your walls. If you want that, read the next section! 

Wired Systems

Wired multi-room systems have been available for many years, but digital audio and networking have radically changed these solutions, too. Traditionally, a home may have been wired for speakers throughout ceilings and walls, and you could install your choice of architectural speakers. A distribution amplifier (or more than one) with the ample number of channels to power the speakers would drive the sound, and you could connect various source components and a control system to manage it all. 

You can still use those in-wall speaker wires for a system today, although today's digital, network-based solutions simplify multi-zone setups with distributed systems. You can play several different audio sources in different rooms, and some systems go a step further, like Crestron’s DM NAX matrix amplifier. This system integrates streaming services like Pandora and Spotify and also includes Apple AirPlay 2 to stream anything from your Apple device over your whole home system. It can work with standard speakers thanks to a built-in amplifier and new IP-based speakers that run on an ethernet connection for both power and the audio signal. Digital speakers have two unique advantages: you can push a specific audio source to them, and the network connection doesn't degrade over a long speaker run like the signal does with conventional speaker wire. 

What's best, wired or wireless? It will all depend on your listening preferences, whether you want visible or invisible speakers, how you want to control your system, and more. Elite Technology Solutions can help you figure it all out and install the perfect solution for you. To learn more, call us today at (636) 939-4474, or reach out on our contact page. We look forward to working with you!