If you are looking for the best wired multi-room audio system, the most important things to consider are brand, sound quality, and speaker type. I’ve summarized my favorite products below based on these features. Keep reading if you want to know more about why these features are so important.
Suppose perfectly-planned home architecture should have all its systems and units synchronized, allowing convenient management. Besides your home security alarm system, you can also have an efficient system that manages all your audio needs. You’ll be able to have the same music for the entire house, with ceiling and in-wall speakers placed in strategic spaces in each room. This single-system setup allows you to manage your audio needs conveniently without building separate systems for each area or room in your home. In the long run, this single-system setup can save you more money as it provides you with easy audio management for your entire house.
Newly built, unoccupied houses can be easily installed with various wires and cables connecting to a central command area. Occupied homes, however, will require added technical assistance for such embedded wiring installations. You do not want wires to be sticking out and making a mess of your general home setup. Like your other electrical wirings, for instance, they can cause unwanted accidents that you can easily avoid by having them set up by a licensed professional.
Nevertheless, a wired audio system is a much better option since it allows you more stable connections. Picture this, if you have a larger house than usual—or if you want to have the same stable audio quality for all the different areas of your home, you will need to consider distance, interference, and hi-fi signal. If you have a wired multi-room audio system, you get to be assured of continuous playback despite all these hindrances. For this reason, this article will be focusing on audio fixtures that are ethernet-capable.
Comparison of The Best Wired Multi-Room Audio Systems
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |
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Best for Sound Consistency  |
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Best Hi-Fi Sound Choice  |
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The Best Wired Multi-Room Audio Systems
Audio Pro Addon C3 Multi-Room System – Best Overall
Key Features
- Wi-fi: Yes
- Ethernet: Yes
- Outputs: Optical, RCA
- Voice control: No
- Bluetooth: Yes
The Audio Pro Addon C3 is a component of speakers that can use both wired and wireless connections. This unit is compatible with both wi-fi and ethernet connectivity. It is also Bluetooth-capable, allowing you multiple speakers and, at the same time, permit you an ethernet connection that provides stable audio feedback. While this model is a bit lacking in its dedicated app, it produces one of the best audio feedback. It is also currently available on the market for less than three dollars.
This one already has a built-in class D amplifier that provides you with 25 watts RMS power handling capacity. It allows you 15 hours of playback when you opt to use wireless. This unit has a stable audio quality for its wired-connection capability that provides you with lengthy audio streaming capability. You can stream music from several sites, including Qobu, TuneIn, Deezer, Spotify Connect, and AirPlay. However, it has no voice control capability, which can be a bit disappointing for some.
| Pros • Vibrant and detailed audio quality • Old speakers can be attached to it • Capable of both wired and wireless connections • Reasonable price | Cons •The dedicated app is a bit lacking |
Sonos One (Gen 2) Multi-Room System – Best for Sound Consistency
Key Features
- Wi-fi: Yes
- Ethernet: Yes
- Voice control: Amazon Alexa
- File support: MP3, WMA, FLAC (up to 16bit/44.1kHz), WAV, AAC, and AIFF
- Music streaming: Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music
The Sonos System One (Gen 2) is a powerful speaker connected either by wi-fi or ethernet. It can produce rich audio feedback despite its small, compact size. You can quickly put it on a tabletop, an office bookshelf, or even your kitchen countertop. This unit is humidity- and heat-resistant, allowing you to place it in any kind of environment.
This speaker has a voice control capability. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa and can even provide you with continuous streaming from several sites like Apple Music, Qobuz, Tidal, and Spotify Connect. It also supports a wide range of file formats, including AIFF, AAC, WAV, FLAC, WMA, and MP3. Nevertheless, a recent Sonos update mentions its plan to end its support for their older products soon. Since this product belongs to the said manufacturer’s older ones, it may pose some hurdles regarding its timely updates. Nevertheless, you can still use this unit, especially if you choose a wired connection as its sound quality is better than a lot of its competition.
| Pros • Stable and consistent audio feedback • Natural audio quality • Provided with timely updates | Cons • Lack hi-res support |
Bluesound Pulse Flex 2i Multi-Room Speakers System – Best Hi-Fi Sound Choice
Key Features
- Wi-fi: Yes
- Ethernet: Yes
- Outputs: Optical, RCA
- Streaming: AirPlay, Spotify Connect
- Bluetooth: Yes
The Bluesound Pulse Flex 2i offers both wired and wireless connections via wi-fi and ethernet. It is also capable of streaming several sites, including Spotify Connect and AirPlay. It has Bluetooth connectivity as well. While it is best to have stable audio feedback via wired connections, it is still great to have wireless connectivity, allowing you better flexibility.
This unit provides clear, vibrant sound quality. It has a built-in amplifier that doesn’t require a receiver or separate amplifier to function, although you can choose to use wired systems connection for it for better stability. It offers a top-quality bass response and no distortion. Since it is small and compact built, these multi-room speakers can be tucked into any corner of your home as it easily matches your overall home design. You can use this to play music from your smartphone, as well directly, or even ask Siri to find some tracks for you.
| Pros • Capacity for 192 Hz frequency response • Vibrant and clear audio feedback • Rich vocals • Top-quality bass response • Wired and wireless speaker | Cons • A few parts of the device look cheap |
Denon HEOS 5 Multi-Room Systems – Best for Gadget Compatibility
Key Features
- Wi-fi: Yes
- Ethernet: Yes
- Outputs: Optical, RCA
- Voice control: Amazon Alexa
- Bluetooth: Yes
Denon Multi Room Systems produces a wide array of audio equipment, including speakers, soundbars, amplifiers, and subwoofers. Also, these devices can be easily connected via the HEO 5 platform, allowing you more convenient management of your home audio system.
This product is capable of both wired and wireless connections. It uses both wi-fi and ethernet and even has Bluetooth capability. It provides you with voice control capability, compatible with Amazon Alexa. You can easily stream music from various sites, including Amazon Music. This model is an excellent all-rounder, providing you with top-grade audio quality devoid of noise and distortion.
A multi-room system that is compatible with a wide range of devices, this product is a perfect pick.
| Pros • Smooth and vibrant sound quality • Hi-res sound support | Cons • Competition may offer better sound |
Bluesound Node 2i Multi-Room Systems – Most User-Friendly Setup
Key Features
- Connectivity: dual-band wi-fi and wired connections
- Input/Output: analog input and digital
- Streaming: internet radio, AirPlay 2, Apple Music, other digital audio platforms
The Bluesound Node 2i is a multi-room system that’s capable of both wired and wireless connectivity. Its inputs and outputs can be both analog and digital, as well. This Bluesound Node 2i allows you to stream music from many platforms, including Apple Music, AirPlay 2 and other consumer electronics. It also lets you listen to internet radio. Nevertheless, this device uses a receiver or amplifier to power it up. You can easily connect it to an existing AV receiver or integrate it into your powered audio system.
The great thing about this equipment is its capacity to connect to a wide array of equipment. Easily set up, you can even plug this into your turntable and play your old-fashioned vinyl. You can stream music from your CD or DVD player, as well. It has its dedicated app, the BlueOS Controller, that provides convenient management of all your audio functions.
Because it is compatible with most platforms and devices, you get to use either Siri or Alexa for added convenience. Ask any of these two to identify your best music playlists and let this system play the songs you love. Capable of wi-fi, ethernet, and Bluetooth technology, this sleek multi-room system is a must-have.
| Pros • Easy to set up • High fidelity audio quality • Compatible with both Siri and Alexa voice assistance | Cons • Expensive |
Audio Pro Addon C5 Multi-Room System – Best Design
Key Features
- Connectivity: wired and wireless
- Voice Control: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes
Another Audio Pro Addon model is their C5 offering. This multi-room system is capable of both wired and wireless connections via wi-fi and ethernet. It also has Bluetooth connectivity. This system provides you with vibrant, hi-fi audio feedback. It also has a super bass response—an excellent feature that allows you to stream various bass solos and thump thumping feedback. This product can be easily synchronized with your existing wireless speakers, permitting you a synchronized audio playback wherever part of the house you are.
As with its design, the Audio Pro Addon C5 has a retro look that can superbly add class to your already impressive home theme. You can easily place this equipment on top of your office table, tuck it into your office shelf, or even put it on your kitchen countertop. A go-to brand for a lot of audiophiles, this device provides you with easy audio management through its voice control capability. It also has four (4) pre-sets ready for you.
| Pros • Retro appearance • Voice control capability • Superb bass response • Hi-fi audio quality | Cons • Audio feedback a bit lacking for some |
MEGACRA Sound Bar BESTISAN Wired Multi-Room Music System – Best Budget Choice
Key Features
- Connectivity: wired and wireless
- Integrated DSP
- 3 inches full-range drivers plus dual bass ports
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Outputs: Optical, RCA
One of the most popular options, the MEGACRA Sound Bar BESTISAN Wired Multi-Room Music Systems, is our best budget choice for this list. Capable of both wired and wireless connectivity, this device also has an integrated DSP which offers top-quality audio feedback. It has 3-inch full-range drivers that help provide solid sounds. It has dual bass ports that give a bass boost, as well. A multi-room device with Bluetooth connectivity, this budget system is specifically recommended for those who may want to have a single audio system for their home but do not have enough budget to spend.
This device offers three distinct EQ functions—dialogue, music, and movie for such an affordable option. You can easily find the best one for your audio track and even finetune it further via its provided remote control. A small and thin soundbar, this device can be conveniently placed in any part of your home, including your kitchen counter, office table, or even on top of your TV set.
| Pros • Three distinct EQ functions • Small and thin soundbar • Extremely affordable • Quality audio feedback • Bass boost provided | Cons • No voice controls |
Choosing The Best Wired Multi-Room System
While the market is filled with many multi-room system options for you, it is always better to know the different capabilities to look out for. To help you identify the best multi-room system for you, here are several tips:
Wired Or Wireless System
Admittedly, most customers presume that wireless multi-room systems work best for them. This is due to the presence of more and more gadgets that offer wireless connections and multiple music platforms. However, you need to remember that if you’re planning to build a well-planned home theater system, it is still best to have wired connections for your multi-room audio system.
Why is it still better to have a wired multi-room audio system? You have to note that wireless—wi-fi and Bluetooth connections—merely work for a limited amount of distance between two or more devices. For instance, if you live in a small home, this kind of pure wireless setup may work for you.
Why Choose A Wired System?
However, if you have a wider, multi-level house, a wireless audio system may not work. It may be filled with various problems, including unavoidable interferences, weak or unstable signals, or even complete outages, especially in several areas of your home. To have a more stable, consistent connection, a wired multi-room system is better. You can use an ethernet connection that allows you to make a sort of intranet system in your home. This type of connectivity allows you endless, unproblematic music streaming even when you don’t have wi-fi.
Hence, even when you purchase a multi-room audio system capable of wireless connectivity and Bluetooth technology, you need to find one that’s also capable of wired connections. Choose a hybrid connection.
Components Of A Wired Multi-Room Audio System
There are several components of a wired multi-room system that you can have. These devices can be synchronized to provide instant, uninhibited audio playback for all the different areas of your home:
Speakers
There are several types of speakers—wireless speakers, bookshelf speakers, in-wall speakers, ceiling speakers, bluetooth speakers, and tower speakers. Depending on your preferences and house plan, you can easily integrate these into your room. They are widely varied according to size, audio feedback, and overall appearance. These speakers may also be powered/active or passive. They may also be water-proof or humidity-resistant.
Amplifiers
While some speakers are powered or active, which means they are standalone devices, some of them require a receiver or amplifier to function. Amplifiers act as audio receivers, allowing you to amplify your speaker’s sound. In short, they power up your speakers and provide ample sound levels for better audio feedback.
Subwoofers
If you are into bass, your average speaker may not be capable of providing you with an adequate bass response. You can quickly solve that by purchasing a subwoofer. A subwoofer allows you to boost your speaker’s bass capacity, permitting you to saturate your home with those thump thumping sounds.
Wirings
As always, you need to check the wirings and cables that you incorporate into your multi-room audio system. As a rule of thumb, thicker wirings are much better than thinner ones. Thicker cables work best in providing you with higher quality music since they are designed to manage higher power capacity. They offer you more safety, as well. You don’t want to have weak, easily-corroded wirings and cables embedded within your walls.
How To Set Up A Multi-Room Audio System
To set up a multi-room audio system, you will need to consider several things, including your home’s number of rooms, the material it is built with, the kind of specific setup you want, and the number of devices you should install. You may also want to put speakers in your yard.
So, you will need to consider the speakers you need. For your home theater area, for instance, you will need efficient speakers that allow sound surround. Consider getting a tower speaker for this space, especially if you have a bigger room than most.
Amplifiers and subwoofers provide you with extra audio power. If you want a bigger sound, an additional amplifier can provide that. Subwoofers offer you added bass boost. If your standard speakers do not have this function, purchase an excellent subwoofer to provide you with that.
As always, your area’s environment is of significant consideration. Your yard, for example, is an open space that requires a speaker that offers a bigger sound. It should also be heat- and water-resistant so that you don’t have to worry about the damage provided by the elements.
Setting Up Multiple Audio Zones
When setting up multiple audio zones, it is essential to check out how many areas need separate speakers. Below is a complete look at this:
Audio in a Two-Room Setup
If you have a two-room home, you can purchase a single stereo receiver that allows you to play the same audio source in these two areas or zones. You can, then, put an optional volume control for the second zone.
Audio for Multiple Zones
If you plan to have more than two audio zones, you will need to get a second receiver connected to your main one. All your additional speakers are connected to your second receiver in this kind of setup to balance impedance and volume controls. This setup also requires a speaker selector, allowing you to power up preferred zones at a time. In this case, you get to see the need to have a wired connection since wired connections are more stable regarding power capacity and overall performance.
Music-Only Setup
When opting for a multi-room music system, you may need to remove your home theater system from the equation. This allows you a safer wired connection and also provides you with a more stable performance. In this regard, a multiple-channel amplifier is your safest bet as it is capable of providing you with convenient operation and better audio quality.
You can install wall-mounted volume controls. You can also integrate music source selectors that conveniently let you manage your audio source remotely.
Home versus Commercial Sound Systems
Home multi-room audio systems are more complicated than commercial ones. This is because you may not want all your rooms to have the same audio feedback simultaneously. Commercial sound systems are easier to manage as you may only need one receiver to provide you with the same audio for all your speakers.
Wired Sound System for Retail Space
If you want a simple, straightforward audio system, you should pick a 70-volt multi-room system setup. This kind of setup works for tiny homes and commercial buildings that merely need several speakers. They only require a single amplifier to drive all your different speakers. This setup doesn’t need complex wiring schemes, as well. They do not require thicker and lengthier wires. You can conveniently control the volume levels for each room or space. This direct, no-nonsense linear setup allows you to add more speakers as you go simply.
Conclusion
To conclude this analysis, I believe that a wired multi-room audio system provides more stability and consistency when it comes to audio feedback. However, you can also have a hybrid connection, allowing you both wireless and wired connectivity for all your audio needs.
The best wired multi-room audio systems for us are the following:
- Best Overall—Audio Pro Addon C3 Multi-Room System
- Best for Sound Consistency—Sonos One (Gen 2) Multi-Room System
- Best Hi-Fi Sound Choice—Bluesound Pulse Flex 2i Multi-Room System
- Best for Gadget Compatibility—Denon HEOS 5 Multi-Room System
- Most User-Friendly Setup—Bluesound Node 2i Multi-Room System
- Best Design—Audio Pro Addon C5 Multi-Room System
- Best Budget Choice—MEGACRA Sound Bar BESTISAN Multi-Room Music System
