Setting up a Wired Whole Home Audio System

Setting up a wired whole home audio system can be a challenge. There are many factors to consider during the design and planning phase of the installation process.   

Before setting up your whole home audio system, you will have to do the following: design a plan for wiring, determine the configuration, select appropriate wiring, have the proper tools, plan the setup of speakers, and identify the zones for listening areas. Here are some details on the process to help get you on your way to having a whole home audio system.   

Step 1: Design a Plan for Wiring

The first and most important consideration is the layout of the residence. You will have to create a diagram to map out the wiring prior to starting the project. Homes with open floor joists over the crawlspace, or basement make the wiring process easier. You should also make sure that you have an ample amount of wire. You will also need to consider where you will place your keypads, since keypads should be located in the same room as the speakers  and close enough to be easily wired.

Step 2: Determine the Configuration

Next, consider the type of configuration you want to use for the wiring process. You can use one of two common methods; the daisy-chain or the home-run. The recommended configuration is the home run method where the equipment is in a centralized location, and the remote speaker wires originate from that location.

Step 3: Select Appropriate Wiring

The wiring for either of these methods has to be rated for in-wall use and durable. Choose from either CAT-5e  or CAT6 wire.

Step 4: Gather the Proper Tools

The next factor to consider is which tools you'll need, having the proper tools is important  to complete the wiring process. You will need:

•    a drill
•    auger bit
•    fish tape
•    side-cutting pliers
•    a punch-down tool
•    wire stripper

Step 5: Plan the Setup of Speakers

The sound quality of the speakers being installed largely depends on how the speakers are wired. You can run the wiring directly from a receiver,which causes the volume of the receiver to control the volume of the speaker. The next option is to use an impedance matching speaker selector that sends amplified sound to multiple rooms via a stereo receiver. The final option is to install a distribution amplifier for which you will have to consider the setup of sources and zones.

Step 6: Identify the Zones

If you want the speakers to be paired with only one source of audio, then you will utilize a single zone system.
If you want the ability to listen to different audio sources in different areas of the home, you will need a multi-zone setup and will have to decide on the number of listening areas within your home. Next you will have to determine the number of speakers you wish to have in each zone. This is easily determined by the size of a listening area.Typically larger rooms will require paired speakers, while smaller rooms will only require one stereo speaker.

The last thing to determine is how you want to control the equipment located within each zone. You can have multiple keypads or only one keypad in a zone that allow you to select the audio source and control the various settings. The other way to control equipment throughout various zones is the infrared pickup option, which utilizes the hand-held remote control.

Step 7: Make it Happen

Now that you have your plan mapped out you can take a look at all the whole home audio products  that OneCall offers to make your plan a reality.