Whole house audio: Can I go wireless?

[MediumRare]

I am in the fortunate position of building a new house in the next few months and being able to plan audio for the whole house from scratch.

My dedicated listening area will be in the basement with a "high-end" two-channel + sub system. So that's no issue.

But what about the rest of the house? I'd like audio in the living room, dining room, kitchen etc. Can I avoid installing speaker wires at all and just put in electric points in the ceiling for active wi-fi or Bluetooth speakers? I figure I will save thousands on wiring and amps and be able to spend more on better speakers - if these ideal items even exist?

What should I do?

 

[phillihp23]

I'm sure you could. But should you?

I am currently doing whole home audio in my house. Due to the fact that my house is finished and the first floor is open floor plan I have a HEOS App controlled receiver X3400H in my living room (5.1 speakers) and a Heos amp powering two speakers connected to a tv across the way in the bar/eating space (2.0). Upstairs I will be using a Hoes Drive (rack mountable 4 zone 8 channel amp and controller) and in-ceiling speakers 2 speakers master bedroom/2 speakers guest room/2 speakers workout room/ 1 speaker in each bathroom. My Hometheater has a X8500H in it which is HEOS App controlled.

I can't image that wifi or bluetooth speakers will necessarily be cheaper or higher quality.
And then there is the aesthetics factor..
And I can't image that speaker wire install is cheaper than installing multiple electrical outlets in the ceilings.
Just have all the wire terminate in one place were you can install the amp/controller.
Have you decided on what ceiling speakers you would be using?

If my house was a new build I would have had them run speaker wire and in-ceiling speakers on the first floor.

 

[MediumRare]

Thanks, @phillihp23 . I met with an AV sales guy today who said that it's illegal in my area to install AC-powered equipment behind drywall. So active speakers hung on a wall are OK (Sonos) but in-ceiling are not. So my idea fails on that basis, even though there are some active in-ceiling speakers available to buy (on Amazon, at least).

To answer your question, no, I haven't selected speakers. I listened to four candidates this evening as was not impressed. Do you have any suggestions? After you give me yours I'll tell what I listened to.

 

[phillihp23]

It’s always been difficult to find reviews of in-ceiling speakers from actual users none the less a variety of models to have a comparison.
While there have been more articles of late they are mainly due to atmos and don’t address musicality.

Which is why I have been dragging my feet on which ones too buy for my install. Will be purchasing 10.

I did purchase Polk 70RT for my covered patio and am pleased with them. I also used a pair of them for atmos in my hometheater.

I wouldn’t think twice about using them for my whole home audio...except...the install locations have blown insulation. So either I find some other brand that I will be happy with that has back enclosures. Or I figure out the proper way to make enclosures myself and go with the Polk.

I like them because they are 3 ways and I think they sound good. If they are being used between floors they could be an issue as they are taller than most, may not fit.

 

[MediumRare]

It’s always been difficult to find reviews of in-ceiling speakers from actual users none the less a variety of models to have a comparison.

I did purchase Polk 70RT for my covered patio and am pleased with them. I also used a pair of them for atmos in my hometheater.

I don't really trust reviews. I'd only be interested in spinorama or similar data.

Today I listened the two B&Ws, a Martin Logan and a Sonance. Predictably, the B&Ws were the only ones with full range, but I found them surprisingly muddy. I'm interested in Revel and possibly some others like Focal.

 

[phillihp23]

I don't really trust reviews. I'd only be interested in spinorama or similar data.

Today I listened the two B&Ws, a Martin Logan and a Sonance. Predictably, the B&Ws were the only ones with full range, but I found them surprisingly muddy. I'm interested in Revel and possibly some others like Focal.

What kind of locations are you finding in which to listen to in-ceiling speakers.

 

[MediumRare]

I went here: abt [dot] com/category/660/In-Ceiling-Speakers.html

 

[phillihp23]

I went here: abt [dot] com/category/660/In-Ceiling-Speakers.html

Ya, $300 plus a speaker is outside my budget. I'm looking in the $100-$125 market.

I'm kinda interested in the Yamaha NS-IW480CWH 8"woofer 3-Way 120watts It has a covered back which would be great for my install.

Yamaha NS-IW480CWH

I see these are on sale Sonance - 6-1/2" 2-Way In-Ceiling Speakers (Pair) - Paintable White $450 off. Just makes me think....how overpriced are they that they can go on sale for such a discount And I have seen this with them twice in the last month.

 

[phillihp23]

Thinking about going with Yamaha NS-IW480C....mainly do to the closed back....vs. the micca R-8C

 

[Todd Anderson]

If you're building from scratch... perhaps you should give Amina a look. You wouldn't see them. And everything I'm told is that they're legit.

I have a review slot open for in ceilings... I thought Aminas were incoming, but there might be a snag. Anyhow, the thought of invisible speakers is super tempting!

 

[Todd Anderson]

Of course, you could always just pick a company that sells stand alone, multi-room speaker. That would certainly simply things and eliminate the cost of running wires.