A Multiroom speaker system allows you to play audio from a variety of sources, such as music services (Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, etc.), Internet radio (vTuner), home or corporate WiFi/LAN networks (DLNA, UPnP, various apps for PC, phones or tablets) and directly via Bluetooth. Individual multiroom units can be placed anywhere in your home and support direct control from your phone/tablet to provide music playback wherever you want.
Continue
Understanding the power/quality of multiroom systems
Casual listeners (All-In-One systems)
If you are not an audiophile and don't need vibes so strong they will shake your diaphragm, but do want a system that can create a nice atmosphere and provide a musical backdrop for everyday household activities, all-in-one systems are made for you.
Discerning music fans and high-volume playback
Modern multiroom systems can satisfy even the most demanding customers, with Sonos premium component solutions being a prime example of how far things have come. Combine your system with a standalone amplifier and you can create audio output of any volume and quality.
- With amp (for high-end users) - allows you to connect your own speakers to match the particular user's preferences and listening space.
- Amp optional (for audiophiles) - you can easily integrate it into an existing Hi-Fi set, or you can create a completely new one.
- Home cinema (just connect everything) - integrate your home cinema system into the multiroom setup and enjoy having all the audio equipment working as one unit.
- Standalone subwoofer (for bass lovers) - connect an elegant wireless subwoofer to an existing multiroom system and enjoy heavy bass and loud and clear audio.
Multiroom system input options
- Home WiFi/LAN network - play the contents of your PC, NAS storage, and other devices in your local network (phones, tablets, etc.).
- Internet - Internet radios and various streaming services.
- Bluetooth - direct connection of mobile phones, tablets and laptops; uses NFC for device pairing. Significantly lower audio quality compared to WiFi, however.
- 3.5mm line input (AUX) - direct playback from any source with headphone output. Ideal for devices that don't have WiFi or Bluetooth.
Multiroom system basics
- WiFi router - the more affordable solution, as it uses your existing router.
- Base unit - can create a specialised WiFi network with greater resistance to interference and a longer range.
Google Cast Audio
This can play your favourite music sources straight from iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets, and Chromebooks. Once you've set up the source device, you can play music without further re-pairing simply by tapping the Cast icon. You can also adjust the volume directly from the phone.
- Google Cast supports - dozens of applications such as Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Pandora, iHeartRadio, YouTube Music, Google Play Music, SoundCloud, various internet radio systems and much more.
- Direct playback - in addition to apps, you can also play music stored directly on your Android phone and tablet or any computer through the Chrome web browser.
- Excellent audio quality - Google Cast uses WiFi, which guarantees much better sound quality than Bluetooth.
Supported formats
- Lossy compression - small file size with poorer sound quality. These include MP3, WMA, OGG Vorbis or AAC.
- Lossless compression - larger file size while maintaining source quality. These include FLAC, ALAC (Apple Lossless), APE and WMA Lossless.
- DSD - uncompressed audio studio format for audiophiles. Its big disadvantage is the huge capacity requirements (one music album can be over 2GB).
Other multiroom system functions
- Control - usually operated from the screen of a PC, phone or tablet, sometimes also via an integrated display.
- Grouping - allows you to play the same content throughout the house, as well as create multiple sets of devices with different audio reproduction.
- Battery powered - allows you to listen to music even without a power outlet nearby (i.e. garden).
- Equalizer - set the music output to match your preferences or favourite music genre.
- TV SoundConnect - wireless connection options for selected Samsung TVs via Bluetooth.
- Source preferences - you can select music sources (e.g. streaming service, internet radio, home network) directly from the multiroom system without the need to go through a phone/tablet.
