Multi room audio setup with Apple bits

[ASK1974]

Airplay is extremely useful but it's not a multi-room system, it's a technology that can be leveraged to play music in multiple rooms. Subtle but big difference. It's cheap but also unreliable and as a system [solution] hopelessly outgunned by others.

Sonos is the market leader for good reason (I have it myself) but it's worth keeping an eye on Denon's Heos, due out shortly and pretty much identical to Sonos in terms of operational functionality. Both are true, streaming, multi-room systems with excellent Apps for user interface.

Denon Heos

[dxg]

BalhamBadger said:

For me airplay is a bit of a hobby and appeals to the geek in me getting each room in the house zoned with whatever kit I have lying around. Fully appreciate that for someone with a decent budget and starting from scratch Sonos is a good option.

This.

[sparkyhx]

ASK1974 said:

Airplay is extremely useful but it's not a multi-room system, it's a technology that can be leveraged to play music in multiple rooms. Subtle but big difference. It's cheap but also unreliable and as a system [solution] hopelessly outgunned by others.

Sonos is the market leader for good reason (I have it myself) but it's worth keeping an eye on Denon's Heos, due out shortly and pretty much identical to Sonos in terms of operational functionality. Both are true, streaming, multi-room systems with excellent Apps for user interface.

Denon Heos

thought so, Sonos still rules, for now.

[colgy]

I've went down the Apple route on the grounds of cost and have the following:

Airport express connected to hifi in the kitchen (optical)
Airport express connected to ceiling speaker (Small 12V amp & adapter) in the en-suite (3.5mm analogue)
ATV in the bedroom (HDMI)
Mac mini in the living room connected to AV Receiver (HDMI)

Mac mini was £140 on eBay and is the essence of the system. Using the IOS remote app, you can control which areas receive the music and individual volumes. Hardly listen to my iTunes library as there are so many great radio stations that you can shortcut. Rarely use the ATV as an airplay device though, as eventually delays seem to creep in; I think this is probably due to Airplay-ing to XBMC on it, rather than the native iOS. No other issues with the setup though! The ensuite amp is connected to my light circuit (Very small current drain), so switches off when I turn the light off.

If money is an issue, it's a definite alternative!

[Mike Random]

Sonos for me, works great around the house, have it in bedroom, living room and kitchen and looking to add to more rooms but unsure which way to go about it as l want to fit ceiling speakers etc

Mike

[crmcatee]

Mike Random said:

Sonos for me, works great around the house, have it in bedroom, living room and kitchen and looking to add to more rooms but unsure which way to go about it as l want to fit ceiling speakers etc

Mike

Sonos Connect:AMP that's what you need for ceiling speakers.