A Guide to Whole Home Audio Systems

At a Glance:

Benefits of Whole Home Audio Installation

Whole-Home Audio Components

What to Consider Before Installation

Find Certified Home Audio Installation Near You

Our Home Audio Expert - Meet the Author

Benefits of Whole Home Audio Installation

As you may have assumed, whole-home audio systems are comprised of several different audio electronics and speakers intended to produce the best sound around your space. The goal of whole-home audio is to efficiently set up and install seamless speakers into the areas of your home you use or frequent the most so that you literally never have to miss a beat. Setting up a whole home audio system also allows you to easily control your audio or music by remote control throughout the entire home ― no matter which room you’re in.

Even better, you can control most audio systems via your smartphone or tablet for even more added convenience. With the capability to control audio playing in multiple areas of your home being so available, it has become increasingly more appealing in today’s modern home design. Although this type of audio system isn’t as affordable as just having one primary source playing in multiple locations, it’s very much worth the investment simply based on the fact that anyone can listen to what they want, wherever they want, without causing a disruption throughout the entire home.

Home Audio Components

Before we get into the finer details of what you’ll need before installing this type of audio equipment throughout your home, there are several components that help make up whole-home audio systems and can greatly impact your quality of sound.

Speakers

Speakers for whole-home audio systems can range anywhere from in-ceiling to in-wall, floor standing, wireless, soundbars, and even speakers designed to mimic rocks and completely blend into the landscape of your outdoor space. However, not all speakers are built the same, and the quality of speakers will greatly affect your home’s audio performance.

Receiver and Amplifier

Another key factor to consider in your whole home audio system is simply how that sound will be delivered throughout your space. If you want the best audio quality possible, it’s best to go with a combination of a stereo receiver and a power amplifier. Your home audio amplifier will process the incoming sound signals and send them to the receiver, which then goes to the proper amplifier channel and is outputted by the designated speaker or subwoofer to produce the highest quality of sound. The home audio receiver serves as the brains of the audio operation, and that’s where you can add connections for your TVs and other components to make sure your sound covers your entire home.

Surge Protectors

While we know you’re searching for technical and audio enhancements to your home, we don’t want you to neglect the safety elements that arise with adding a whole-home audio system. Adding surge protectors in areas where there’s heavy electricity use will help keep your home’s voltage levels down and to safe levels, while you’re free to relax and enjoy your domain’s superior sound with pure peace of mind.

What to Consider Before Professional Home Audio Installation

In the not-so-distant past, wiring a home for the whole audio system was extremely tricky.  It involved excessive amounts of speaker wire, fish tape, long drill bits, squeezing through crawl spaces, and probably a fair amount of swearing. With professional whole-home audio installation services readily available for you, all you’ll need to do is just consider several factors before you give your home the sound upgrade it deserves.

Budget

First and foremost, you’ll need to think about how much you want to spend. The cost of installation for these innovative sound systems varies case by case, and usually depends on your home’s specific layout. Other contributing factors include what type of system you want, how many rooms you have, and what equipment you may already have installed in your home. You can maximize your listening experience no matter how much you want to invest; it all just depends on your personal preferences and budget amount.

Rooms/Coverage Areas

Next, you’ll have to decide which specific rooms or areas around your home will have speakers. With multi-room audio systems, you’ll never be limited to listening to the same audio content as the rest of the home. You can utilize it to listen to a movie if you have to step away from your home theater to grab some popcorn in the kitchen or even catch up on your favorite podcast when strolling from room to room. Multi-room audio systems also have the capability to extend out into your porch or backyard for the perfect outdoor entertainment experience.

Wireless vs. Wired

Wireless audio technology has come a very long way in the last decade. The quality of sound has definitely improved, and many top-rated companies have now dedicated themselves to offering reliable wireless whole-house audio solutions. Wireless whole-house audio systems do provide a more sleek and seamless aesthetic to your home, however, if you do happen to be in the middle of construction or a progressive remodel, running wire is also an excellent solution that offers more affordable options. Wire is easier to run when there isn’t sheetrock on the walls, plus, the sound quality will always be superior to wireless.

Control Options

When it comes to controlling your whole home audio system, both physical remote controls and smartphone apps make it easier than ever for you to know what is playing in every section of your home. Whether you want a physical interface or not, controlling your home audio speakers has never been more convenient. And forget even having to grab a remote or remembering which button to press on your smartphone, with voice control and automation options featured on some models things truly are a breeze with the ability to control your entire home’s audio with just a simple phrase. 

Find Certified Home Audio Installation Near You

Working seamlessly, whole home audio systems can provide the ultimate convenience to any sized home. Whether you’re looking to get started with your home audio system or want to upgrade your current surround sound, AV Design Consultants is the #1 trusted home audio service in the Springdale, AR area. Give us a call today at 479-365-2201 or visit us in person to learn more about our products and services.    

No matter the distance, there’s always a trusted automated home audio expert near you when you search for a CEDIA-certified technology integrator. The Custom Electronics Design and Installation (CEDIA) group is the official certifying organization for residential automation and smart technology integrators.

Our Home Audio Expert - Meet the Author

Meet Chris Curry 

• 11 Years of Home Audio Experience 
• Certified with Control4, Savant, & Sonos 

Chris Curry is one of our Lead Technicians and savvy in-house AV specialist. He has proudly been with AV Design for 11 years. Chris Curry is certified with Control4, Savant, and Sonos, among other tech brands. There are few techs that show a commitment to customer satisfaction like Chris. When he’s not working, you’re likely to catch Chris spending time with his family or fishing.