How to Install a Wireless Whole House Audio System

A whole house audio system was once the private reserve of the luxury home. But now, wireless connectivity allows you to set up a custom audio system almost anywhere. With no wires to tether you, the speakers can be placed just about anywhere without having to worry about the length of the cable, the number of inputs, or drilling holes or lifting carpet to hide the wires.

Like a radio, the router transmits to receivers in the speakers placed wherever you want them. However, a wireless audio system does have limitations in terms of range and transmission. Apart from a limited range of 30 to 100 feet, the reception of the audio signal can experience fluctuations due to the barriers like walls, etc.

Step 1 - Choose the Media Device

There are two preferable ways to go wireless: use your computer and home WiFi, or a dedicated wireless network established by a media player. If you already have WiFi in your place, it makes sense to use it. With your home WiFi, you'll be able to play music from online music streaming sites, the playlist of downloaded music on your computer, from your mp3 player or your CD drive.

If you don't already have WiFi, a dedicated system is a good option. They come with a media player and a certain number of compatible speakers. The capabilities of these systems depend on how much you want to spend, but they range from playing just mp3's to to full internet connectivity.

Step 2 - Set Up the Speakers

The wireless speakers have the freedom of being placed at will without having to worry about tacky cables, but you do have to sync them to the system first. To connect your speakers to your WiFi, wire the new speaker to your router and push the WPS button to sync the two devices. Now you can put that speaker anywhere in your home. Do this for as many speakers as you want, in as many rooms as you want. A dedicated system will come with its own set up instructions.

The speakers should be strategically placed to create a multi-room music experience. The only problem faced by the wireless speakers is the battery life. On the other hand, powered wired speakers need to be placed specifically near electrical sockets.

Step 3 - Configure the Music System

A computer is the most commonly used media device for the whole house audio system. The use of any media player on the computer will do the trick. Turn on the media streaming features on your PC and you can use the computer as the hub of your music system. But you can take it a step further.

There are free apps you can download that allow you to use your smartphone to control your system, or you can get a compatible universal remote. Many of the dedicated systems come with their own remote. With one of these, you can DJ your music from anywhere, without ever having to touch the computer at all.