Explore the Benefits of a Professionally Installed Multi-Room Audio System

When Alexa first hit the scene in 2014, it was an instant game-changer in our industry. For years, clients wanted to incorporate voice control into their home automation systems, but the traditional platforms didn't make it easy. Not only was Alexa much easier to use, but we quickly found ways to incorporate it into our installations. That is to say, we have nothing against Alexa and other smart assistant speakers. 

The problem is that we're seeing more and more people settling for Alexa or other smart speakers as the foundation of their multi-room audio systems. We don't entirely blame them when setting up is so easy. But there are many reasons why we recommend our clients in the St. Louis metro area upgrade to a better solution. 

SEE MORE: 4 Ways We Enjoy Listening to High-End Audio at Home!

How Most Amazon Echo DIY Setups Work 

There's no denying that Amazon makes creating a makeshift multi-room audio system really easy. Place Amazon Echo speakers throughout the house, add them to the network, and group them on the Alexa app to have them all play the same thing in unison. Then, ask it to play a specific artist, album, or song from a streaming service like Amazon Music, Spotify, or Apple Music, and voilà—music fills the room. 

The Limitations with DIY Setups

You've likely seen the "Fast, Good, Cheap" Venn diagram in the past. Though it is usually about customer service, it applies to AV installs, too. Alexa multi-room systems are cheap and fast to install, but you're sacrificing “Good” in a few ways: 

Quality of Sound

In case you can't tell from our name, music is our first true love. It saddens us when we see clients settle for subpar audio. Smart speakers aren't developed with optimal audio playback in mind and often don't have the power to fill large rooms. With a professional install, you get your choice of high-performance speakers. These offer crisp, detail-rich audio that brings your favorite recordings to life. Also, if you're always using your Wi-Fi to pull up music, you're likely settling for compressed sound. Instead, a hardwired connection offers audio just as the artists intended. 

It's hard to explain these distinctions in writing. It’s truly something you have to hear to fully understand, but we're always down to demo the difference in our showroom if you ever want to stop by for a visit! 

Limited Music Sources

You're mostly limited to music streaming services when you use Amazon or any other smart speaker for your multi-room audio. There are some workarounds to access additional content, but they are often overwhelming for users who want a plug-and-play solution. Instead, we can add whatever you want to listen to. Incorporate media libraries, CD players, turntables, and even your electric piano! 

Minimal Customization 

Even when it comes to its biggest selling point—convenience—these DIY sound systems fall behind. DIY multi-room audio systems lack the customization and scalability of professional installations. In contrast, professional systems provide control options beyond voice control, from sophisticated apps to elegant keypads. They also offer scalability, easily expanding to accommodate new spaces or music sources.

 

Ready to elevate your multi-room audio experience beyond the limitations of Alexa? Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with our team.