Entry-Level System
4 Products
Setting up an entry-level whole-house audio system is simple. Essentially, you connect a Wi-Fi music streamer to a stereo (two-channel) amplifier and connect the amplifier to speakers installed in your home. Do this once to create a single zone, twice for two zones, etc.
When setting up four or more zones, it becomes cost-effective to use a 12-channel amplifier in place of multiple stereo amplifiers. A 12-channel amplifier also provides the flexibility to install more than four speakers into a single zone or assign more power into larger rooms.
What makes it a system? Streamers can be grouped together to play the same thing, in sync, across multiple zones.
A word of caution: some options on the market today combine 6 streamers and an inexpensive 12-channel amplifier into the same enclosure. We do not recommend this for several reasons: 1) streaming technology continues to evolve and at some point you may want to upgrade one or more of your streamers, 2) should one streamer fail, there is no fixing it without sending the entire unit in for repair, 3) all rooms get the same amount of power; with a separate amplifier you can assign more or less power into the zones you choose.
Use familiar apps to stream where you want.
Modern streamers appear on your Wi-Fi network as a source through which you can play your music and podcasts. Every streamer is available to anyone with access to the same Wi-Fi network. In your streaming apps, look for symbols like these
to select the zone(s) into which you want to stream your audio.Use the streamer’s app to name zones and create zone groups.
Name each streamer to match the room or zone it covers. So when you select the "Kitchen" streamer, you know you're sending your audio into the kitchen. Also use the app to create pre-established groups of streamers to allow multiple rooms to play the same audio in sync.
Control volume from your smart devices.
Volume is controlled using your phone or tablet. Sometimes, you can do this directly from within a music streaming app, such as Spotify or Tidal. Some streaming services are compatible with AirPlay 2 (for iOS devices only) and/or Google Cast (for Android devices). In certain cases, volume adjustment is only possible through the app provided by the music streamer.
Streamer Options
Many Wi-Fi streamers are compatible, but for an entry-level system, it is best to use streamers from a common brand or family. Examples include Sonos Ports, Echo Dots, and WiiM streamers. We recommend WiiM products due to their features and affordability.
- WiiM Mini - includes AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect.
- WiiM Pro - includes AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Google Cast
2-Channel Amplifier Options for 1-3 Zones
When building a one, two, or three zone system, it is often best to use a separate stereo amplifier for each zone:
- Model SZA-1: max 35 watts/channel; its single audio input is used for the streamer
- Model PLA-240ADS: max 60 watts/channel; includes two audio inputs – one is used for the streamer and one for a second device dedicated only to that zone. The Auto-Detect and Switch feature automatically gives priority to one of these inputs.
12-Channel Amplifier Options for 4 to 6 Zones
When configuring more than three zones, leveraging the power and flexibility of a 12-channel amplifier is also more cost-effective.
- Model DMA-1240: max 60 watts/channel or 120 watts/channel with side-by-side channels in bridged mode (8 ohm speaker only). The single audio input per zone is used for the streamer.
- Model DMA-1240ADS: (same power as the DMA-1240) Two audio inputs are available per zone – one is for the streamer and one for a second device dedicated to that zone. The Auto-Detect and Switch feature automatically gives priority to one of these inputs.
To create more than 6 zones, use a combination of 2-channel and 12-channel amplifiers.
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- All HTD electronics include a 2-year warranty; HTD speakers include a 5-year warranty.
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