How Much Does A Whole-Home Audio System Cost?
How Much Does A Whole-Home Audio System Cost?
December 6, 2021 // Tags: Home Audio
Nothing transforms a good Saturday morning house-cleaning like raising the volume on your favorite song as you move from room to room. There’s never been a better time for getting quality sound from your favorite albums, playlists, or books on tape throughout your home, with advancements in surround sound and Bluetooth connectivity allowing easy control over your new home entertainment setup.
From wireless speaker systems to full-on home theater systems, the cost of investing in quality audio for your home relies entirely on what you hope to get out of it. Here’s a detailed look at how whole-house audio systems work, what to consider when balancing budget-friendly and high-grade setups, and why Reed’s Built-Ins are the best source for all of your whole-home audio needs.
What is a Whole-House Audio System?
Whole-house audio setups allow you to access all forms of audio entertainment throughout your home, from streaming music and daily podcasts to listening in on the Sunday night football game. Depending on how your system is set up, you may even have the option of listening to different audio in each room. Typically, whole-house audio systems include built-in speakers (either connected through a network of cables or via bluetooth technology), and a built-in control panel in combination with smartphone apps that allows you to manage the volume, audio source, and sound location throughout your home.
If you want to stream audio wirelessly from your smartphone, there’s a system for you. Likewise, if you’re looking to play music from your favorite vinyl record (yes, even vinyl) through premium whole-house connected speakers, you can. The amount of customization is virtually endless when it comes to tailoring your home audio system to your liking.
What to Consider Before Seeking an Estimate For A Home Audio System
Wiring a whole-house system first depends on your budget, the size of your home, how you plan on using your audio, and how complex a configuration you’re looking to install. Also, consider whether you plan to connect your system to conventional wireless speakers or a TV soundbar.
You’ll want to know where you plan on installing your whole-home configuration and what you hope to get out of it before adding some big-box speakers to your shopping cart — many systems and speakers play well with others, but some are not compatible. Consider how you’ll use your home audio: will it act as part of a larger smart-home setup? Will it run separate audio between rooms? Do you have a home theater or media room requiring its own system?
Speakers placed throughout your home are generally connected wirelessly, and they can be purchased individually or (more commonly) as part of a bundle offering everything you need to get started. A whole-home audio bundle guarantees the series of speakers, wiring, mounting supplies, and remote or app used to control it will all function as intended.
How Can I Get Music Throughout the House?
Installing a multi-room audio system requires a few basic components. Of course, speakers and some form of control panel, remote, or smartphone app to control the system’s functions are all necessities. The challenge typically rests with how these speakers effectively connect to one another — though wired systems have long proven a source of quality whole-home audio, bluetooth and Wi-Fi-capable speaker systems have now advanced to the point of quickly communicating huge amounts of information and therefore sound quality comparable to the older wired models.
The top-flight wireless sound systems available through Reed’s Built-Ins also support hands-free technology when it comes to controlling your system, meaning intuitive voice-activated commands rather than trying to remember where you last set down the remote.
How Do You Wire a Whole-House System?
If your home has an existing Wi-Fi network, it’s already well-suited to transmitting the necessary data to support full, quality sound throughout the house. Wireless speaker devices can range from gadgets so small it’s practically hidden to everyday smart home audio devices, to more robust speakers designed to deliver the full range of your favorite album’s audio to every corner of the room.
They can rest on furniture or accent an area of your living space, sit comfortably on your TV stand or be easily installed in a low-profile ceiling design. The options for both aesthetics, sound, and functionality are abundant enough for you to pick which fits your home best.
Keep the strength and speed of your Wi-Fi network and the capabilities of your selected speakers in mind when considering your setup — concealed speakers might be asked to deliver a clear 360-degree sound compared to more obvious directional speakers set on display. Also remember how you’re most likely to use the system: most audio setups can handle your football games, audiobooks, daytime radio, and Spotify playlists without any compatibility issues, but for your speakers to be at their best, you’ll want to identify whether theatrical surround sound, voice-activation controls and a booming bass (among other options) are important to your tastes.
WHAT WILL A WHOLE-HOME AUDIO SYSTEM COST?
The low end of whole-house systems can be just a few hundred dollars, while the high-end can reach figures in the tens of thousands thanks to near-endless options, square footage, audio quality, and the sheer number of speaker options available. Budgeting for a whole-house system on average can range between $500-$1500 per zone. This estimate includes the system itself as well as any professional installation and design. This estimate includes the system itself as well as any professional installation and design.
Contact Reed’s Built-Ins, Utah’s Whole-Home Audio Professionals
Of course, the best way to learn what system is right for you — and gain an accurate estimate specific to your home — is to contact the experts. Reed’s Built-Ins has everything you need to get started on your whole-home audio installation, including a free estimate and tips on how to choose an intuitive, high-quality system that fits your specific needs.
We cover everything from dedicated home theaters and media rooms, to optional sound zoning, interfaces, and device options. Our team at RBI prides itself on clean and simple user interfaces anyone in your house can easily operate, and on streamlining the entire audio installation process. Installing a whole-house music system in your home can be easy and affordable — contact us today at 801-375-4919 to get started.
