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Whole house audio
#306851 05/17/10 11:10 AM
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I have couple of questions for the forum.My wife ask me if we could get audio though out the house. What would i need to do this? If it's possible wi-fi would be the answer.This is good because i can get the vp180 and a xpa-3 amp as a bonus. Can i trade in my vp150, which i brought through the factor outlet?Thanks Pat (My house has wi-fi already)

Re: Whole house audio
patwho #306876 05/17/10 04:05 PM
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 Quote:
What would i need to do this?
A lot more than you might think...

There's a number of ways to do this, but they're all insanely expensive. I'd probably start out looking at Sonos solutions.


I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
Re: Whole house audio
Ken.C #306880 05/17/10 04:17 PM
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M80s and the XPA3 should equate to audio through the whole house \:D

AS Ken suggested Sonos looks to be the easiest answer.


Jason
M80 v2
VP160 v3
QS8 v2
PB13 Ultra
Denon 3808
Samsung 85" Q70
Re: Whole house audio
jakewash #306927 05/17/10 08:17 PM
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There are a few basic questions to ask yourself:

1) Do you want multi source as well as multi zone (i.e. play different things in different places)?
2) Do you want to avoid running wires at all?
3) Do you listen to internet radio?
4) Do you only want to listen to a music collection stored on a hard drive, or through other sources as well?
5) Do you want to do this yourself, or just buy a plug 'n' play system?

#5 really is the determing factor, if the answer is just plug and play, no wires, hit all sources (or almost), then probably Sonos, although Logitech also puts out some decent products I hear.

If, however, you do not want multi source, and you may want to do stuff on your own. Well then you can buy a relatively inexpensive refurb stereo receiver, a speaker selector, impedance matched volume controls for each room, and assuming you have itunes music, an airport express. You can use an ipod touch, or iphone, as a remote for such a system. The downsides are running the wires, and that you have to play the same thing everywhere.

I've been looking into doing the same thing, that is what I have learned thus far.

Re: Whole house audio
idboy #306933 05/17/10 08:34 PM
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Thanks for the replies, If this is not possible,I need to get speakers out side. Do they sell wireless speakers that i could connect to a reciever. I have a onkyo 705. I know i have to up grade to a reciever that streams internet radio. What are the best brands that stream internet radio.

Re: Whole house audio
patwho #306936 05/17/10 08:46 PM
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The wireless speakers that are out there are not reputed to be very good. Axiom was working on wireless M3s, but Ian has shelved the project for now because they could not get a reliable enough signal. Now, Ian's a bit of a perfectionist, so...

I was looking at wireless T-amps for awhile, but they seem to appear and disappear on the market rather abruptly, so I can't imagine they're fantastic, either.


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Re: Whole house audio
Ken.C #306942 05/17/10 09:47 PM
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Nothing is better than copper.

But - if you have to go wireless - I'd start with a Squeezebox Boom and see if you find value.

I really liked idboy's reply - what you want for sources and whether you want them synchronized or independent is going to make a big difference relative to how much "controller" you need to buy in addition to amps and speakers.

A few years ago, I tried to use the Squeezebox clone feature to hear the same, simultaneous stream in more than one room. It didn't stay synchronized for very long. I suppose the softsqueeze software has improved since then.


bibere usque ad hilaritatem
Re: Whole house audio
tomtuttle #306945 05/17/10 09:57 PM
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If you want a simple solution, Brookstone has a speaker. It's mono but sounds surprisingly good. My friend used this on the patio w/ his Macbook inside the house. I was actually impressed.

http://www.brookstone.com/indoor-outdoor...ist1FDT|7141633

Re: Whole house audio
jakewash #306947 05/17/10 10:02 PM
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 Originally Posted By: jakewash
M80s and the XPA3 should equate to audio through the whole house \:D

AS Ken suggested Sonos looks to be the easiest answer.


Buy a small house and the Onkyo 3007 does just fine. \:\)

I shelved the idea of buying outdoor speakers and speakers for the master bath because I can hear everything just fine


3M80 2M22 6QS8 2M2 1EP500 Sony BDP-S590 Panny-7000 Onkyo-3007 Carada-134 Xbox Buttkicker AS-EQ1
Re: Whole house audio
idboy #306961 05/17/10 11:10 PM
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 Originally Posted By: idboy
There are a few basic questions to ask yourself:

1) Do you want multi source as well as multi zone (i.e. play different things in different places)?
2) Do you want to avoid running wires at all?
3) Do you listen to internet radio?
4) Do you only want to listen to a music collection stored on a hard drive, or through other sources as well?
5) Do you want to do this yourself, or just buy a plug 'n' play system?

#5 really is the determing factor, if the answer is just plug and play, no wires, hit all sources (or almost), then probably Sonos, although Logitech also puts out some decent products I hear.

If, however, you do not want multi source, and you may want to do stuff on your own. Well then you can buy a relatively inexpensive refurb stereo receiver, a speaker selector, impedance matched volume controls for each room, and assuming you have itunes music, an airport express. You can use an ipod touch, or iphone, as a remote for such a system. The downsides are running the wires, and that you have to play the same thing everywhere.

I've been looking into doing the same thing, that is what I have learned thus far.


The short story for cheap, if you don't mind the work.

Run speaker wire as required, and cut in volume controls & speakers $(What you decide to spend) Decide ahead of time where you want the gear FOREVER!

Squeebox duet thru Zone 2 unamplified pre-outs on Onkyo $150

To a Onkyo M-282, for main zone $150

Use pass thru to Sherwood Stereo receiver with 4-/zones $150

Use Cell phone or Squeezebox WIFI controller ($150) for, well control

Results:

6 Multi Zone (one spare zone right now), Multi Source, Works very well for me!

Zones: Main Living Area, M-Bedroom, Deck, Garage, Media Room w/Axioms thru Onkyo 706 (for me)

Add 2nd Squeezebox and cell phone as needed for control & another source on top on Onkyo Sources and Sherwood sources

And if needed a RF remote for receiver(s) control


Last edited by wordgasm; 05/17/10 11:20 PM.

Fronts/Wides:M22s in/on
Center:VP150/VP100 in/on
Hghts,SS,SR:QS8s
Sub:EP500
AVR:Onkyo 3008

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