Poor Man's Multi-room Audio?
Discussion
I'm looking at refurbing a few rooms this winter and considering audio for bathrooms, kitchen and maybe bedrooms and dining room, so places where background music/radio is nice but hi-fi is not needed. Would some basic ceiling speakers such as these be fit for purpose, and at least better than a mini-'hifi' type system?
https://cpc.farnell.com/adastra/952-534uk/speaker-...
It sounds like Chromecast Audio would work well for a source with remote control and an easy way to manage multiple zones. Chances are I'd mostly want radio with a bit of amazon music or similar sometimes. Alarm/timed functions would be nice too, but it sounds like that's tricky with Chromecast.
Any suggestions on how to amplify for multiple zones? I guess the amplifier would have to be always-on, perhaps it could somehow wake from sleep-mode when prompted by a signal from the Chromecast?
Anyone done something similar rather than spending big on a Sonos system or similar?
https://cpc.farnell.com/adastra/952-534uk/speaker-...
It sounds like Chromecast Audio would work well for a source with remote control and an easy way to manage multiple zones. Chances are I'd mostly want radio with a bit of amazon music or similar sometimes. Alarm/timed functions would be nice too, but it sounds like that's tricky with Chromecast.
Any suggestions on how to amplify for multiple zones? I guess the amplifier would have to be always-on, perhaps it could somehow wake from sleep-mode when prompted by a signal from the Chromecast?
Anyone done something similar rather than spending big on a Sonos system or similar?
I can't comment on those speakers but I can definitely recommend a Chromecast Audio, especially if you use Android smart phones.
I've actually set up a bit of a bodged together system for upstairs in our bedroom and bathroom.
I already had a pair of Polk ceiling speakers and a monitor audio single stereo speaker (2 drivers in one speaker for left and right) that we'd bought for my mum's place but they never got used so I have the stereo pair in the bedroom and the single speaker in the bathroom.
I used an old spare Arcam AV amp to drive both speakers using the 5.1 surround inputs, I have 2 Chromecast Audios, 1 connected to front left and right for the bedroom and the other connected to the surround left and rear for the bathroom.
I turn the amps power on and off using a broadlink RM Mini which is a little device that sends IR commands using its own app on my phone plus it's also linked to Google assistant so I can use voice control with a Google home mini to switch the amp on and off.
Although both zones are powered together it doesn't matter, I can still use the zones individually because they're supplied by separate Chromecasts.
I've actually set up a bit of a bodged together system for upstairs in our bedroom and bathroom.
I already had a pair of Polk ceiling speakers and a monitor audio single stereo speaker (2 drivers in one speaker for left and right) that we'd bought for my mum's place but they never got used so I have the stereo pair in the bedroom and the single speaker in the bathroom.
I used an old spare Arcam AV amp to drive both speakers using the 5.1 surround inputs, I have 2 Chromecast Audios, 1 connected to front left and right for the bedroom and the other connected to the surround left and rear for the bathroom.
I turn the amps power on and off using a broadlink RM Mini which is a little device that sends IR commands using its own app on my phone plus it's also linked to Google assistant so I can use voice control with a Google home mini to switch the amp on and off.
Although both zones are powered together it doesn't matter, I can still use the zones individually because they're supplied by separate Chromecasts.
You can do it the "old" way where you have centralised source(s), a switching amplifier, and hard wires to multiroom outputs (often ceiling speakers), or you can do it the "new" way with mini amp & speaker systems in whichever rooms you need them, controlled over a wifi mesh (e.g. Sonos).
The old way is much more expensive and less flexible way than the new, but it gives you a hidden installation and centralised systems for the sources, control system and switching amp.
I don't know anything about the speakers you suggest but for all the effort of a ceiling install personally I'd put something in that was hopefully a bit better than a £20 speaker. If you run the wires back to a central point then you'll need a multichannel amp to drive them. These are quite pricey but they come up a lot on eBay in generally very good condition. Remember that each speaker is a channel so a stereo pair in 3 rooms will need 6 channels. Then you'll need a source (e.g. music streamer system) and a switch so that you can direct the outputs to channels on the amp. You can get some amps with built in switches.
The old way is much more expensive and less flexible way than the new, but it gives you a hidden installation and centralised systems for the sources, control system and switching amp.
I don't know anything about the speakers you suggest but for all the effort of a ceiling install personally I'd put something in that was hopefully a bit better than a £20 speaker. If you run the wires back to a central point then you'll need a multichannel amp to drive them. These are quite pricey but they come up a lot on eBay in generally very good condition. Remember that each speaker is a channel so a stereo pair in 3 rooms will need 6 channels. Then you'll need a source (e.g. music streamer system) and a switch so that you can direct the outputs to channels on the amp. You can get some amps with built in switches.
Thanks for the replies.
Nice idea to use a surround sound amp for the various channels, often older AV amps are pretty cheap and I've been considering replacing my own anyway. Interesting option on switching the power there. I've actually got some X10 remote sockets/MCBs for garden circuits, so I could expand on that and use that system.
Appreciate what you're saying on the £20 speakers, but I'm just aiming to beat clock-radios and mini systems rather than replace my hi-fi or AV systems, though obviously wanting to make the effort worthwhile, so trying to hit the right balance. I haven't looked at stand-alone Sonos or similar in detail, but they look expensive and with small speakers, so not sure I'd expect better performance or lower price for that route.
Nice idea to use a surround sound amp for the various channels, often older AV amps are pretty cheap and I've been considering replacing my own anyway. Interesting option on switching the power there. I've actually got some X10 remote sockets/MCBs for garden circuits, so I could expand on that and use that system.
Appreciate what you're saying on the £20 speakers, but I'm just aiming to beat clock-radios and mini systems rather than replace my hi-fi or AV systems, though obviously wanting to make the effort worthwhile, so trying to hit the right balance. I haven't looked at stand-alone Sonos or similar in detail, but they look expensive and with small speakers, so not sure I'd expect better performance or lower price for that route.
Because of their spec or because of their lack of designer label? 
How about these as a compromise?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/PDIC61RD-6-5-Inch-Ceiling...
How about these as a compromise?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/PDIC61RD-6-5-Inch-Ceiling...
Im looking at doing something similar. Neatest solution Ive found (although a bit pricey) are these:
https://kitchenbathroomradio.co.uk/bathroom-ceilin...
Anybody know of any other active in ceilings with a line in for a Chromecast Audio?
https://kitchenbathroomradio.co.uk/bathroom-ceilin...
Anybody know of any other active in ceilings with a line in for a Chromecast Audio?
B17NNS said:
Im looking at doing something similar. Neatest solution Ive found (although a bit pricey) are these:
https://kitchenbathroomradio.co.uk/bathroom-ceilin...
Anybody know of any other active in ceilings with a line in for a Chromecast Audio?
Hi, disclaimer as that is my website.https://kitchenbathroomradio.co.uk/bathroom-ceilin...
Anybody know of any other active in ceilings with a line in for a Chromecast Audio?
The market is shifting very quickly right now, before it was only really a choice of expensive Sonos, HEOS and fully installed professional systems however now you can create a multiroom system using Amazon Echo's that have the majority of the features most people need but are cheap. Sonos etc. is great don't get me wrong, but it is losing market share and has some really big competition.
Trick is to have a speaker that turns itself on, otherwise you then have a cheap system but it's a bit annoying to use, which is why Sonos has always won. Press play, music plays!
The Lithe Audio you linked to is plug and play, very good sound quality and auto turns on so if you have an Echo/Home paired via Bluetooth or a Echo/WiFi Streamer/TV plugged in they will just start playing when you press play.
The one you linked to is the bathroom version, the standard is a bit cheaper:
https://kitchenbathroomradio.co.uk/browse-by/type/...
We're now finding that with the introduction of AirPlay 2 it's starting to break down the brand gap, traditionally Sonos ceiling speakers are about £580 per room, however we have a Lithe Audio system at £329 per room (single speaker) and soon with AirPlay 2 you'll be able to use that as part of a wider system including Sonos Play, Yamaha, Bose etc.. etc..
This shift is all driven by Apple, Google, Amazon etc. Personally I think it's interesting and exciting, the big players will significantly increase awareness however they will also soak up a lot of those new customers.
If you want to go cheaper then you could use the Adastra BCS65.. it has a line in/out and auto turns on, it's a lot cheaper. Sound quality is okay for the money but they do lack bass. The Lithe Audio are a world apart, but obviously cost a lot more.
https://kitchenbathroomradio.co.uk/browse-by/type/...
For multiroom with Amazon you'll need to plug an Echo physically into the speaker, multiroom doesn't work via Bluetooth. We're hoping to get the new Amazon sub working with the ceiling speakers too, that'll be awesome!!
Google Home multiroom needs Chromecasts or the home to be bluetooth'ed to a speaker, however I'd be wary of audio delays.... plugged in is generally better.
If you go down the Amazon route then you can also mix and match, ceiling speaker in the bathroom, Amazon Echo freestanding speaker in the study etc... (same for Google Home)
If you physically plug the WiFi streamer in then you also have Bluetooth available (over-rides the AUX input on the Lithe Audio) so it's the best all round way of doing it for the small extra effort in wiring the cable!
Happy to answer any specific questions on "poor mans multiroom audio" - it's the future!
B17NNS said:
Cheers. Is the Adastra available as a single stereo speaker? My music is all on Roon so I just need an active that will take a line in from a CCA.
The Adastra are in pairs.The Lithe Audio one is available singularly, plays in mono, still sounds great.
Or the Bluetooth Express will do the job too, great system, not quite as plug and play as the Lithe but it's not exactly hard to install. https://kitchenbathroomradio.co.uk/browse-by/colle...
Jamp said:
Because of their spec or because of their lack of designer label?
How about these as a compromise?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/PDIC61RD-6-5-Inch-Ceiling...
A friend of mine has some of these in his ceilings. I won't go so far as saying they're the last word in hi-fi, but they're pretty good. It's hardly an ideal listening environment, after all.How about these as a compromise?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/PDIC61RD-6-5-Inch-Ceiling...
When we buy a house early next year I will be installing some in the kitchen, bathroom, master bedroom and using Chromecast Audio and mini amp from Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00SATAEEA/?coliid=I2EDZPGXQQDITU&colid=3V5CIXC44ZH6V&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it) per room, probably all installed centrally in a cupboard somewhere.
I love Chromecast Audios and their ability to do multi-room, and those mini amps are decent enough. I'm using the one above with some bookshelf speakers in my kitchen at the moment and it works well.
I would strongly recommend against using bluetooth, and Airplay isn't ideal either due to the ineffienct way it works (actually streams from the source device rather than directly and using the source device as a remote only)
i've tried the multi room speakers off of a central media hub with network harddrive was complicated to keep working properly (database) and hiding wiring was a PITA.
ended up slowly building a sonos system for the past 3 years. Sonos 3 and Sonos 1s for the smaller rooms/radio usage. Not cheap as around £130 cheapest on black friday, but a lot more reliable and easier to use.
ended up slowly building a sonos system for the past 3 years. Sonos 3 and Sonos 1s for the smaller rooms/radio usage. Not cheap as around £130 cheapest on black friday, but a lot more reliable and easier to use.
I got these to trial from amazon - 8 inch in celing speakers - pair for £45 - https://www.amazon.co.uk/PDIC81RD-8-Inch-Ceiling-S...
So impressed (and didn't have any money left after the kitchen to buy anything else..) we put them in...
for the money, they're awesome.
So impressed (and didn't have any money left after the kitchen to buy anything else..) we put them in...
for the money, they're awesome.
Sorry... just to add...
I bought a cheap, used, retro hifi amp, pioneer SA-960 from ebay - had one of these in the early 80's as was well impressed with it.
I then have a sonos connect feeding it.
In your case i would get the speakers, £45, a cheap amp from ebay £45 and one of these amazon echo input - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Echo-Input-Bring-Alexa-sp...
Half decent sounding, voice controlled multiroom audio (the echos can play sync'd or separate, like the sonos) for £130 per room.
Bargain !
I bought a cheap, used, retro hifi amp, pioneer SA-960 from ebay - had one of these in the early 80's as was well impressed with it.
I then have a sonos connect feeding it.
In your case i would get the speakers, £45, a cheap amp from ebay £45 and one of these amazon echo input - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Echo-Input-Bring-Alexa-sp...
Half decent sounding, voice controlled multiroom audio (the echos can play sync'd or separate, like the sonos) for £130 per room.
Bargain !
A quick thought I just had as an amp alternative is an older 7.1 AV amp with network capabilities as you may get 2 active zones or use them in 7.1 stereo i.e 3 pairs at the same time without the centre channel.
A bit of a compromise but app controllable etc and probably cheap secondhand and reliable too.
A bit of a compromise but app controllable etc and probably cheap secondhand and reliable too.
heisthegaffer said:
A quick thought I just had as an amp alternative is an older 7.1 AV amp with network capabilities as you may get 2 active zones or use them in 7.1 stereo i.e 3 pairs at the same time without the centre channel.
A bit of a compromise but app controllable etc and probably cheap secondhand and reliable too.
Yep i mentioned doing somethibg similar above. My AV amp isnt networked but a broadlink rm mini adds that very cheaply.A bit of a compromise but app controllable etc and probably cheap secondhand and reliable too.
I've achieved this sort of thing using raspberry pi , in conjunction with combined DAC / AMP boards such as this: https://www.hifiberry.com/shop/boards/hifiberry-am...
Using https://github.com/mikebrady/shairport-sync, each device appears as a separate airplay device, and I play content from a central server running https://github.com/ejurgensen/forked-daapd, which allows local content as well as spotify and internet radio streams.
It all works very well and sounds great. Happy to give more detail if anyone's interested...
Using https://github.com/mikebrady/shairport-sync, each device appears as a separate airplay device, and I play content from a central server running https://github.com/ejurgensen/forked-daapd, which allows local content as well as spotify and internet radio streams.
It all works very well and sounds great. Happy to give more detail if anyone's interested...
new_bloke said:
I've achieved this sort of thing using raspberry pi , in conjunction with combined DAC / AMP boards such as this: https://www.hifiberry.com/shop/boards/hifiberry-am...
Using https://github.com/mikebrady/shairport-sync, each device appears as a separate airplay device, and I play content from a central server running https://github.com/ejurgensen/forked-daapd, which allows local content as well as spotify and internet radio streams.
It all works very well and sounds great. Happy to give more detail if anyone's interested...
or just download an for ISO image for:Using https://github.com/mikebrady/shairport-sync, each device appears as a separate airplay device, and I play content from a central server running https://github.com/ejurgensen/forked-daapd, which allows local content as well as spotify and internet radio streams.
It all works very well and sounds great. Happy to give more detail if anyone's interested...
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