Whole-Home Audio

Whole-home audio systems distribute music, podcasts, and other audio content throughout an entire residence, allowing different content to play in different rooms simultaneously or the same soundtrack to flow seamlessly from space to space as residents move through the house. The technology has evolved dramatically from the complex, expensive hardwired systems of the 1990s to today's flexible combinations of wireless streaming speakers, in-wall and in-ceiling architectural speakers, and outdoor-rated units that extend audio coverage to patios and gardens. Modern systems from brands like Sonos, Bose, Bluesound, and proprietary solutions from companies like Control4 and Savant offer remarkably simple setup and control through smartphone apps and voice assistants. The design implications of whole-home audio depend heavily on the chosen approach. Wireless tabletop speakers are the easiest to deploy but add visible objects to surfaces and require power outlets nearby. Architectural speakers installed in walls or ceilings provide a virtually invisible audio experience but require planning during construction or renovation, as cutting into finished walls and running speaker wire is disruptive and costly after the fact. The ideal approach for new construction is to pre-wire for in-ceiling speakers in every major room, even if the speakers themselves are not installed immediately, as the wiring represents a fraction of the total system cost but becomes prohibitively expensive to add later. For existing homes, wireless systems offer excellent performance without construction, and many audiophiles are surprised by how far wireless speaker quality has advanced.