Home network & audio streaming solution
Discussion
Just thinking and costing a home network/audio streaming system for a new build house and am not sure the way forward.
Objectives
Have internet access in study, 4 bedrooms, Living area, kitchen and reading room.
Have audio streaming to study, living area, 2 bedrooms kitchen and reading area
Have TV in living area and 1 or 2 bedrooms
Potential solution
Install Cat5e/6 wiring and create a home network with wireless access points
Integrate a Sonos system
As above using Cat6 wiring and various boxes of hardware
I have a quote covering this which is about £5.5k (not including installation and price of cables!)
My economy solution!
Still install home internet network using appropriate cabling and wireless access points. Not keen to go wireless as the broadband speed is only going to be 2Mbps and whilst I could go further in the economy scale and use a decent wireless router say Draytek and use boosters where appropriate, not too keen and I believe if using Sky broadband there can be 'issues' if you dont use their routers
Have a master database of all music and download onto say 4 iPods with 4 docking stations
Utilise Sky multiroom for TV in living area and 1 bedroom
So has anyone got other ideas I should be thinking of, or point me in the direction of an online resource where I can research further
Objectives
Have internet access in study, 4 bedrooms, Living area, kitchen and reading room.
Have audio streaming to study, living area, 2 bedrooms kitchen and reading area
Have TV in living area and 1 or 2 bedrooms
Potential solution
Install Cat5e/6 wiring and create a home network with wireless access points
Integrate a Sonos system
As above using Cat6 wiring and various boxes of hardware
I have a quote covering this which is about £5.5k (not including installation and price of cables!)
My economy solution!
Still install home internet network using appropriate cabling and wireless access points. Not keen to go wireless as the broadband speed is only going to be 2Mbps and whilst I could go further in the economy scale and use a decent wireless router say Draytek and use boosters where appropriate, not too keen and I believe if using Sky broadband there can be 'issues' if you dont use their routers
Have a master database of all music and download onto say 4 iPods with 4 docking stations
Utilise Sky multiroom for TV in living area and 1 bedroom
So has anyone got other ideas I should be thinking of, or point me in the direction of an online resource where I can research further
Hi s2t
Those costs look about right for supply of what you need, inc ceiling speakers, sonos gear and 3 wifi boosters. In my scheme, that also includes a full aerial rig and all tv points wired for HD Video and Ethernet connections. However, don't forget that you have over £3.5k of audio systems in there.
If you dropped the Sonos hardware, but left the Speakers in place then you would be able to slice about £2.4k off that and then add them back in at the end of the project.
That gets you down to about £3k if that makes your pockets feel any better.
V.
Those costs look about right for supply of what you need, inc ceiling speakers, sonos gear and 3 wifi boosters. In my scheme, that also includes a full aerial rig and all tv points wired for HD Video and Ethernet connections. However, don't forget that you have over £3.5k of audio systems in there.
If you dropped the Sonos hardware, but left the Speakers in place then you would be able to slice about £2.4k off that and then add them back in at the end of the project.
That gets you down to about £3k if that makes your pockets feel any better.
V.
Thanks Chris
I have to say I am a little dubious about fitting ceiling speakers, at some point they will go wrong and therefore I presume becomes quite a faff replacing them.
What I didnt say before is that the main music room for 'serious' listening will be the study so all the HI Fi gear will be there and will be getting a Sonos soundbar for the TV in the living area but also able to dock iPod or iPad wirelessly.
Although the costs relating to the above proposal are less than 1% of the overall build budget I am challenging myself to the cost/benefit.
What I may do at build stage is get the electrician to put all the Cat6 wiring in (as it is relatively cheap) and just leave it unconnected in case I need it sometime down the line.
At this juncture we dont watch DVds/Blue Ray, watch a bit of TV but usually it is on in the background whilst we are reading. Do listen to music but apart from the study it just has to be an acceptable sound not hifi.
Hence why for our present needs a simple economy solution maybe the most appropriate
I have to say I am a little dubious about fitting ceiling speakers, at some point they will go wrong and therefore I presume becomes quite a faff replacing them.
What I didnt say before is that the main music room for 'serious' listening will be the study so all the HI Fi gear will be there and will be getting a Sonos soundbar for the TV in the living area but also able to dock iPod or iPad wirelessly.
Although the costs relating to the above proposal are less than 1% of the overall build budget I am challenging myself to the cost/benefit.
What I may do at build stage is get the electrician to put all the Cat6 wiring in (as it is relatively cheap) and just leave it unconnected in case I need it sometime down the line.
At this juncture we dont watch DVds/Blue Ray, watch a bit of TV but usually it is on in the background whilst we are reading. Do listen to music but apart from the study it just has to be an acceptable sound not hifi.
Hence why for our present needs a simple economy solution maybe the most appropriate
If you've got Apple stuff already, what about using Airplay devices, rather than Sonos? Either get compatible speakers/amp (Airplay built in), or use an Airport Express connected to a normal separate amp and speakers.
Use the Apple remote app on an iPad or iPod to control it.
Putting ethernet and coax into each room, going back to central location, is a good idea. Preferably 2 of each.
The only place that I'd consider ceiling speakers is a bathroom.
Use the Apple remote app on an iPad or iPod to control it.
Putting ethernet and coax into each room, going back to central location, is a good idea. Preferably 2 of each.
The only place that I'd consider ceiling speakers is a bathroom.
Please do not waste your money on the Sonos TV bar until you are sure it is what you want. It is very limited on its inputs and there could be better things to spend your money on.
Speakers are very easy to replace if they do fail, but unless you are going to drive something very silly through them failure is very unlikely.
Don't forget, if you have your listening room all set up, then the other rooms will be just back ground / daily listening.
IMO 2 Coaxes & 2 Data doesn't give you a good level of flexibility that a house that is going to be around for at least the next 50 year.
HTH.
V.
Speakers are very easy to replace if they do fail, but unless you are going to drive something very silly through them failure is very unlikely.
Don't forget, if you have your listening room all set up, then the other rooms will be just back ground / daily listening.
IMO 2 Coaxes & 2 Data doesn't give you a good level of flexibility that a house that is going to be around for at least the next 50 year.
HTH.
V.
VEX said:
Please do not waste your money on the Sonos TV bar until you are sure it is what you want. It is very limited on its inputs and there could be better things to spend your money on.
What other solutions would you suggest, essentially the soundbar is to enhance the sound off the flat screen tv and as a background music conduit.We dont wish multiple speakers and certainly no cables in the living area, hence why the soundbar that could work with tv and iPod seemed a solution
Not played with one properly yet, but the Sonos Bar only has an optical input. So if you only want it to boost the tv audio that's fine.
Getting music off your iphone/pod device is simple using their app.
However adding any other sources is difficult.
Plus if you want to use the sonos system for 5.1 it gets VERY expensive. The bar is only 2 or 3 speakers for the front, so you need to pair a couple of Play3's and their Sub. That adds up to almost £2.5K!!!!
V.
Getting music off your iphone/pod device is simple using their app.
However adding any other sources is difficult.
Plus if you want to use the sonos system for 5.1 it gets VERY expensive. The bar is only 2 or 3 speakers for the front, so you need to pair a couple of Play3's and their Sub. That adds up to almost £2.5K!!!!
V.
VEX said:
Speakers are very easy to replace if they do fail, but unless you are going to drive something very silly through them failure is very unlikely.
+1 VEX s2t, for long term peace of mind you could install PTC resistors inline with your speaker wiring. Many manufacturers use them in their passive crossovers. Simple to fit, effective, reliable, self resetting and they cost buttons
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trksid=p5197.m57...Use ohms law to calculate which positive temperature coefficient resistor you need. V=IR and P=IV
For example a 3,5 amp rated PTC used with an 8ohm speaker. V=3.5x8.....28V and so the protection kicks in when the power =3.5x28..........98watts.
Please, don't get me starting on some of those plaster over the top hidden speakers. CRAP imho. No bass to them.
The latest range of Trimless speakers, where you just see the grill and no edging, are great. My personal fav's are Monitor Audio as the grill also has no dishing to it, so they fit perfectly flat on the ceiling and one of the least obtrusive available. (again IMHO)
V.
The latest range of Trimless speakers, where you just see the grill and no edging, are great. My personal fav's are Monitor Audio as the grill also has no dishing to it, so they fit perfectly flat on the ceiling and one of the least obtrusive available. (again IMHO)
V.
VEX said:
Please, don't get me starting on some of those plaster over the top hidden speakers. CRAP imho. No bass to them.
The latest range of Trimless speakers, where you just see the grill and no edging, are great. My personal fav's are Monitor Audio as the grill also has no dishing to it, so they fit perfectly flat on the ceiling and one of the least obtrusive available. (again IMHO)
V.
PMC. The latest range of Trimless speakers, where you just see the grill and no edging, are great. My personal fav's are Monitor Audio as the grill also has no dishing to it, so they fit perfectly flat on the ceiling and one of the least obtrusive available. (again IMHO)
V.
Ok just logged in and see there has been a bit more chat and ideas.
I think I am beginning to formulate my ideas and are not cutting edge technology, but still have one further question (at the end)
Regarding recent comment, the serious audio area will be in my study where the HiFi decent speakers et al will be located.
Regarding other 'audio areas' I think the simplest and cost effective solution will be to buy a few Pure Digital Contours Dock with Digital FM and Internet Radio, these will provide sound in the reading room and kitchen. I already have the Evoke and does the job reasonably well.
With regard the TV I am still looking for a Soundbar that can connect both the TV, DVD and iPod to, so further investigation required. The task here is to provide reasonable sound without multiple speakers
So to the question, if I have decided to abandon the audio streaming yet am still keen to wire the house for internet as opposed to using wireless, what cable should I use? Can you also opine whether I would see more loss in broadband speeds wirelessly or wired, I think the former. If I place the router say in the middle of the house (hallway) the distance to several of the connection points will be 20 metres in different directions. As mentioned previously we are Sky broadband customers and in the house we are in at the moment despite adding wireless extenders, wireless connectivity not on the same floor is flakey hence the desire to go wired in the new house
I think I am beginning to formulate my ideas and are not cutting edge technology, but still have one further question (at the end)
Regarding recent comment, the serious audio area will be in my study where the HiFi decent speakers et al will be located.
Regarding other 'audio areas' I think the simplest and cost effective solution will be to buy a few Pure Digital Contours Dock with Digital FM and Internet Radio, these will provide sound in the reading room and kitchen. I already have the Evoke and does the job reasonably well.
With regard the TV I am still looking for a Soundbar that can connect both the TV, DVD and iPod to, so further investigation required. The task here is to provide reasonable sound without multiple speakers
So to the question, if I have decided to abandon the audio streaming yet am still keen to wire the house for internet as opposed to using wireless, what cable should I use? Can you also opine whether I would see more loss in broadband speeds wirelessly or wired, I think the former. If I place the router say in the middle of the house (hallway) the distance to several of the connection points will be 20 metres in different directions. As mentioned previously we are Sky broadband customers and in the house we are in at the moment despite adding wireless extenders, wireless connectivity not on the same floor is flakey hence the desire to go wired in the new house
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Sounds like a good summary and probably often decided by the female party in the end 
I still feel though that the "not reproducing every note as accurately as posible" is relevant in bedrooms, bathrooms, hallways etc but most people will want somewhere that has a bit more oomph if they're listening to anything other than background music thatis.I went for the middle ground and got CM9s BTW, but I would consider PMC RL
Would love some 802s or 803s. The 800s are beautiful but mental for home use!RedLeicester said:
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Or you could just buy some good speakers.>runs<
Abbey Road studio 1:
Edited by Driller on Monday 1st April 18:52
s2t said:
So to the question, if I have decided to abandon the audio streaming yet am still keen to wire the house for internet as opposed to using wireless, what cable should I use? Can you also opine whether I would see more loss in broadband speeds wirelessly or wired, I think the former. If I place the router say in the middle of the house (hallway) the distance to several of the connection points will be 20 metres in different directions. As mentioned previously we are Sky broadband customers and in the house we are in at the moment despite adding wireless extenders, wireless connectivity not on the same floor is flakey hence the desire to go wired in the new house
You mentioned earlier that your broadband is 2Mbps... I would suggest that wireless or wired will make no difference to connection speed, apart from (possibly) stability.My place is wired throughout with Cat5e... never used it, wireless has, so far, proved itself more than capable. There's 4 x Sonos components, a NAS, 2 PS3s as media players, various Android connections, the main TV, blah blah. But, if you're going wired, I'd definitely suggest you put in nice big piping you can run new cables through easily. I'd also suggest you go for the best standard at time of installation - so I guess that's Cat 6, unless you want to go mental and put in optical fibre
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