Choosing a System

It's easy to set up a multi-room 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 requiring one music streamer for 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 Dueta or Lync system are established by a whole-house audio controller. 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 these more advanced systems.

Here’s what you have to gain from using a Dueta or Lync system:

• Only one music streamer is needed for each unique “stream” and with a Dueta or Lync system you can share that stream, simultaneously and in sync, with as many rooms 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 replace 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 Dueta and Lync, you can customize which rooms and which sources are available on a per-user basis. Do you really want to let your kids and guests listen to what's playing on your bedroom TV?
• 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.

• Apps for these advanced systems allow you to control every room and customize your home in ways simply not possible with an entry-level system. As an example, you can create custom audio scenes that can be launched with a single button press in the app, or with a home automation platform (Alexa, Google Home, Siri Shortcuts).  With an Entry Level system, you have to set up each room one-by-one.

• 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 audio.

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 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 for free Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm Central (non-holidays) 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.