Multiroom audio using wifi

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Multiroom audio using wifi

genesis

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

#37540 14-Jul-2009 22:18

Hi all,

I'm a newbie to all the multiroom audio scene so am looking for some advice on multiroom audio over a wifi network.

My plan is to have 3 or 4 zone setup so different music can play in them at the same time. I would like to use my existing wifi network to send the music to the nominated speakers in each zone and to be able to control the audio selection via a wifi control on the same network. I guess it is a given that the speakers have to be wireless as well.

I'm not even sure this is possible but if it is, could people point me to suitable equipment to look at?

Many thanks,

Mike

buzzy

217 posts

Master Geek

#236417 17-Jul-2009 11:41

I looked at a similar set of options last year, and here's what I came up with:

The Apple AirPort Express (http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/) is a wireless access point which can also receive an audio stream from iTunes. iTunes can send music wirelessly to one or more Airport Express units, as well as to speakers connected directly to the PC/Mac. The downside is that iTunes can only send the *same* stream to multiple Airport Express units, so you can't have several different tracks playing in different rooms.

Each Airport Express needs its own amp or set of amplified speakers, for example PC speakers that have a small amp in one speaker. You can also use an iPhone or iPod Touch to control iTunes remotely.

Second suggestion is the Logitech Squeezebox Duet (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/speakers_audio/wireless_music_systems/devices/3817&cl=US,EN). This is a more intelligent unit than the AirPort Express. It'll communicate wirelessly with a server (Windows, Linux, etc) that holds the music. Each Squeezebox can browse and play back music from the server independently, so you can have multiple Squeezeboxes each playing their own tune. The remote has a nice colour screen and is a bit like an iPod in terms of navigation.

One remotes can control multiple Squeezebox base units, and each base unit can respond to multiple remotes, which can be handy. Each Squeezebox needs to be connected to powered speakers or to an amplifier, as with the Airport Express.

The Squeezebox is definitely a more versatile option if you want multiple stereo systems all playing their own music, however they're not cheap units - I think you're looking at about $700 each.

Hope this helps
Buzzy

CYaBro

4582 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#236430 17-Jul-2009 12:31

Don't forget Sonos!

Expensive but I wouldn't have anything else now!

Opinions are my own and not the views of my employer.

genesis

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

#236513 17-Jul-2009 18:02

I'll be sure to check these out. Thanks

partial

1 post

Wannabe Geek

#239416 27-Jul-2009 17:55

I am looking at exactly the same stuff as the op.

Just in addition though, is there any system similar to the logitech/airport type setup (ie not as expensive as sonos), that has a mini amplifier, so that it can be used with non amplified speakers?

Or if not what sort of cheap amplifier would people recommend would complement a duet? It would not have to be a high powered system, just being used for multiroom stereo background music.

richms

28168 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#239457 27-Jul-2009 20:41

There are so many cheap amps that are suitable for little speakers - the most famous is the sonic impact t-amp but there are loads of ones that have the same chip in them.

Richard rich.ms

magu

Professional yak shaver
1599 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

BitSignal

Lifetime subscriber

#239540 28-Jul-2009 08:23

+1 for AirPort Express(es) and iPhone for multi-room control. My setup at home works wonders.

"Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads." - Doc Emmet Brown

hairy1

3332 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#239553 28-Jul-2009 08:56

Logitech Squeezebox Boom is similar to the Duet but is an all in one device (amp and speakers in one device). It can be picked up for less than $300 if you shop around.

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/speakers_audio/wireless_music_systems/devices/4707&cl=nz,en

Cheers Matt.

My views (except when I am looking out their windows) are not those of my employer.