Do I need a multi-channel amp?

[LaurasOtherHalf]

I'm needing to drive a few sets of speakers for my garden project, primarily an AcoustaScape AS41 system that's wired in a daisy-chain fashion and another pair (if not two) Sonance Mariners for a balcony.

Ideally I'd like them all to be able to be controlled separately, via a wifi app if possible (who wants to be dragging remote controls outdoors?) so we can decide what to play and where in the different zones.

I'm relatively competent with HiFi having installed all my own stuff but I've never worked with this type of system before. Am I right in thinking a multi channel amp that switches itself on whenever a signal passes through it is the way to go?

[Red 5]

LaurasOtherHalf said:

I'm needing to drive a few sets of speakers for my garden project, primarily an AcoustaScape AS41 system that's wired in a daisy-chain fashion and another pair (if not two) Sonance Mariners for a balcony.

Ideally I'd like them all to be able to be controlled separately, via a wifi app if possible (who wants to be dragging remote controls outdoors?) so we can decide what to play and where in the different zones.

I'm relatively competent with HiFi having installed all my own stuff but I've never worked with this type of system before. Am I right in thinking a multi channel amp that switches itself on whenever a signal passes through it is the way to go?

A good 2ch amp will be able to drive that outdoor system ok. The amp will need to be Wi-FI connected and part of a system like Sonos, Heos, BlueSound. It can then live indoors away from the elements and be app controlled.

Any other set of speakers that need separate app control, will need their own end point / amp.

So AS41 and two pairs of Sonance will require 3 x end points.
For example, Sonos Amp x 3 at about £1800, or Heos for about £1500.

If you buy a multi-channel power amp, you can physically drive the all speakers ok, but not control them. Adding 1 x end point to the inputs would mean all speakers at the same volume all the time regardless of your wishes.

Edited by Red 5 on Saturday 27th July 21:47

[LaurasOtherHalf]

Thanks Red 5, I was basically trying to think of a way of doing it on the cheap without resorting to just buying multiple sonos amps (my original solution)!

[chasingracecars]

Have a look at Yamaha amps with soundcast.

[Red 5]

LaurasOtherHalf said:

Thanks Red 5, I was basically trying to think of a way of doing it on the cheap without resorting to just buying multiple sonos amps (my original solution)!

The answer has always been the same.

Now you/we want individual control via an app, it’s even more obvious that each zone must have it’s own power and address.

It then comes down to old fashioned amp quality and which app you like best vs price.

[LaurasOtherHalf]

Red 5 said:

LaurasOtherHalf said:

Thanks Red 5, I was basically trying to think of a way of doing it on the cheap without resorting to just buying multiple sonos amps (my original solution)!

The answer has always been the same.

Now you/we want individual control via an app, it’s even more obvious that each zone must have it’s own power and address.

It then comes down to old fashioned amp quality and which app you like best vs price.

I have looked at Yamaha as chasingracingcars above says, their Sonos Amp alternative is much cheaper but lacks the power of the Sonos. The app doesn't look too bad at all, whether it remains up to date over the years is another question entirely.

[Red 5]

LaurasOtherHalf said:

I have looked at Yamaha as chasingracingcars above says, their Sonos Amp alternative is much cheaper but lacks the power of the Sonos. The app doesn't look too bad at all, whether it remains up to date over the years is another question entirely.

That’s it in a nutshell. Cheaper , but less good in sound and function imho.

A bood bit less powerful and possibly questionable future / app.
It costs less, because it’s worth less....

[LaurasOtherHalf]

Red 5 said:

LaurasOtherHalf said:

I have looked at Yamaha as chasingracingcars above says, their Sonos Amp alternative is much cheaper but lacks the power of the Sonos. The app doesn't look too bad at all, whether it remains up to date over the years is another question entirely.

That’s it in a nutshell. Cheaper , but less good in sound and function imho.

A bood bit less powerful and possibly questionable future / app.
It costs less, because it’s worth less....

All points I've thought of red5, I suppose the point is to eventually enable a multizone system for the garden would really mount up and let's be honest, it really will be an occasional use system.

Even with Sonos' recent 15% discount the cheapest I can get an amp is £519.

[chasingracecars]

That’s exactly why I suggested Yamaha not just the WXA-50 amp or the standalone speakers look at the AVR’s too! They haven’t messed around with the app over the last few years either

[IforB]

Would it not be easier just to get some active outdoor speakers and run power to them all? You'll have to run cable anyway, this way you could run power and data to them as well.

Probably more faff, but more flexible in the end.

[LaurasOtherHalf]

Not as I’ve already got al the speakers bought.

[IforB]

LaurasOtherHalf said:

Not as I’ve already got al the speakers bought.

Ah. In that case I shall shut up!