Choosing a System
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It's easy to set up a multi-zone audio system that can be controlled wirelessly through your Wi-Fi network using smart devices - especially if your speaker cables are "home-run" to a single location.
But which system is right for you?
An Entry-Level system establishes zones by dedicating one music streamer to every room or “zone” of speakers. The zone is only limited by what can be played through the streamer. For some, this is enough.
In contrast, zones in a Mid-Level or Advanced system are established by a whole-house audio controller. For HTD, current models include the MC-66, MCA-66, Lync 6, and Lync 12. Any device that outputs audio, including streamers, can be connected to a whole-house audio controller and every zone can independently select from these sources. The advantages of this architecture are summarized below.
If you are anxious about installing a more advanced system, don't be. Connection time is minimal and thousands of HTD customers have discovered the benefits of upgrading to one of our Mid-Level or Advanced systems.
Here’s what you have to gain from using a Mid-level or Advanced system:
HTD Mid-Level (MC, MCA) & Advanced (Lync) Systems
- Only one music streamer is needed for each unique “stream” and with a mid-level or advanced system you can share that stream, simultaneously and in sync, with as many zones as you’d like. Since streamers continue to evolve, it's best to purchase only the quantity you currently need. At any time, you can add more or upgrade with the latest and greatest options available.
- With an entry-level system, every zone/streamer is available to everyone with access to your Wi-Fi network. With a mid-level or advanced system, you can customize which zones and which sources are available on a per-user basis. Do you really want to give your kids and guests access and control over everything?
- In addition to the latest streamers, easily connect traditional audio sources like CD players, Turntables, and TVs at the central location and share them throughout the home. Virtually anything that outputs audio can be connected.
- The HTD Home Audio App only works with mid-level and advanced systems. Use it to control every zone and customize your home in ways simply not possible with an entry-level system. Create custom audio scenes you can launch with a single button press in the app, or with a home automation platform (Alexa, Google Home, Siri Shortcuts) using voice commands, schedules, and triggered events. Set your smart doorbell to automatically mute all or specific zones. And much more.
- Add optional wall-mounted control panels. A dedicated Cat 5 or higher cable must be run between each control panel and the central location. Just as it’s often easiest to turn off a smart light with a switch on the wall, sometimes a wall-mounted control panel is more convenient than the app alone. And, heaven forbid your Wi-Fi glitches, you still have a way to control your zones.
Advanced (Lync) Systems ONLY. Everything above plus . . .
- Lync works with centrally-located audio sources as well as sources connected to audio input panels you install throughout the home. Use them to connect TVs and other audio devices right where they are, and without taking up bandwidth on your Wi-Fi network. TV audio is guaranteed to play in sync with the video.
- With the addition of optional LyncTouch control panels, you gain not only convenience, but also a modern point-to-point intercom system that sounds amazing through the same in-wall and in-ceiling speakers used by the rest of your system.
Our expert support reps are available Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm Central to ensure your installation is a success. If you are building or renovating a house, take advantage of our FREE "Upload Your Plans" service to receive a whole-house audio plan that you and/or your builder can use as a guide.