Wired Audio or Wireless: Which Is Best for Your Home?

Make an Informed Decision With This Expert Guide

A high-end home audio system is a significant investment, potentially on the order of tens of thousands of dollars. With that much at stake, you want to know going in that the system you’ve ordered is going to suit your needs.

There are dozens of factors to consider when it comes to deciding on the ideal audio system for your home, but one of the most important decisions you need to make is this: Do you want a wired system or a wireless one? Both types have advantages and disadvantages, from cost and ease of installation to audio performance. To help you make the most informed decision possible, we’ve put together this guide to finding the perfect home audio system for your Fayetteville, AR home.

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WIRED AUDIO: PROS AND CONS

If you’re a dyed-in-the-wool audiophile who absolutely must get the best performance possible from your audio system, you want a wired installation.

The simple fact is wired connections allow for higher-quality sound than wireless speakers can offer. This is because the wires allow for cleaner sound transmission from the audio source to the receiver, speaker and other components; top-end speakers typically don’t even allow wireless connections. Less signal loss means higher audio fidelity, and that’s what we’re after with whole home audio.

With all that said, wired systems require a greater investment up front. In addition to more costly components, you need to figure in the cost of cabling and (unless you want to install it yourself) the cost of a professional installation.

Furthermore, wired systems aren’t ideal for retrofit projects because you’ll need to install cables in the walls or ceiling, which creates additional logistical problems. But if you want to enjoy the best sound possible, a wired system is your best bet.

WIRELESS AUDIO: PROS AND CONS

As you could probably guess, the benefits of a wireless audio system are a mirror of what you get with a wired system.

Where wired systems are heavy on upfront investment and require a professional installation, wireless systems are significantly cheaper and are typically designed to be set up by consumers in a matter of minutes. Wired systems need to be placed where you can run cables into the walls or ceiling, while you can place wireless speakers more or less anywhere. Furthermore, wireless speakers are typically easier to link together, which allows you to enjoy audio throughout your home, even outside.

The primary downside of wireless audio is decreased performance. While companies like Sonos have made great strides in delivering quality wireless audio, they can’t compete with top-of-the-line wired speakers. Additionally, relying on wi-fi for audio means you may occasionally run into issues with signal degradation over long distances.

The choice of a wired or wireless home audio system is one that shouldn’t be made lightly by any Fayetteville homeowner. To find the ideal whole-home audio solution for you, call AV Design Consultants at (479) 365-2201 or visit our website.