Audio Video, Home Theater and Computer Networks on Cape Cod




















Distributed Audio Systems (DAS's) are usually configured in one of two ways; single-source and multi-source (Single source systems usually have volume controls in each room and can only play one source at a time. Mutli-Source lets you choose a different source in different rooms. These system used to have Keypads in the room.). In the past, there was an even amount of both. But since the advent and strengthening of Wi-Fi, wireless DAS's are now the norm, so Multi-Source is the default method. No more keypads! No more Volume Controls. All control is now via your SmartDevice.

Sonos™ started the ball rolling by taking a product they already had and made it work with Wi-Fi. With the advance and progression of SmartPhones and Tablets, the Sonos model became the standard. Other companies, such as Yamaha™ and Russound™, have added features or refinements to the idea and rolled out tier systems.

Soundwaves has evaluated each company's offering into wireless audio and settled on Yamaha's MusicCast™ system as having many of the best features; cost per watt, input & output options, sound quality (both analog and digital), product offerings and integration ability.  Keep checking back for new products because Yamaha keeps the ball rolling by constantly upgrading their product. 

All three of these offering now work with Alexa™ voice control. Sonos offers a Wi-Fi speaker (ONE) that has Alexa built right in.

Be sure to check out all of the various screen shots on the Gallery Page.

Yamaha's Wireless Audio System - called MusicCast™ - surpasses its competitors by allowing a vast array of inputs and outputs on the units so they can be integrated into your home in many ways. It also is unique in the fact that they offer a line of A/V Surround Receivers that incorporates MusicCast so that your Surround Sound system becomes a zone. With other's systems, you would have to add an amplifier to the Surround System and there is the extra task of turning on the system before you can access it with your phone. MusicCast receivers will simply start working right from your phone.

Here is a list of the different sources available to you besides the streaming services; Music that is on your phone or tablet, music that is on a NAS (networked Hard Drive), music on your PC, Music on any Media Server, you can Bluetooth™ directly to any speaker, or you can use Apple's AirPlay™ to wirelessly send music to the system from iOS devices. You can also access other sources (such as your cable box, a CD Changer or Turntable) by using the "external source" option. You can even plug in digitally to bypass the source's cheaper D/A converter for better sound.

 

 

The original wired Distributed Audio king is Russound. Since the advent of Wireless music and control, Russound  has added to their offerings, their Xstream™ system that competes with the other brands. The Xstream components offer options as well; you can get a single zone at a time, or they offer a 4-zone system that's in one single unit. The Xstream product is backward compatible with their legacy C-Series systems, so doing an "upgrade" is more of an "addition" and costs less.  Russound also offers a wall mounted Touch Screen for instant access (and for those who don't own SmartPhone - for whatever reason). This  creates  system that has the best of both worlds; SmartPhone control or instant Keypad control - simultaneously.
Russound also offers a complete line of multichannel amplifiers that allow for maximum flexibility. Whether it's a 75 watt x 2 channel, or the beefier 80 watt per 16 channel mutilzone monster, Russound has the amps for your system.

 

 

The originator of Wireless Music is still the king. What makes Sonos very unique is the fact that ANY streaming service is available to install, such as Pandora™, Tidal™, Soundcloud™, Apple Music™, Google Play Music™, Deezer™, Spotify™, and many rare stations such as, Rockbot™, Stingray Music™, Tribe of Noise™ and Concert Vault™- and MANY others.
Sonos also offers a SoundBar or SoundBase that turns your TV into a Sonos Zone. With the addition of a wireless Subwoofer and a pair of rear speakers, you have created a Sonos-based surround system.

Since Sonos is so prevalent, there is a good chance you already have the app on your phone. When connected to other's Wi-Fi network, Sonos can now control that system as well.

Here is a list of the different sources available to you besides the streaming services; Music that is on your phone/tablet, music that is on a NAS (networked Hard Drive), music on your PC, Music on any Media Serve.  You can also access other sources (such as your cable box, a CD Changer or Turntable) by using the "external source" option in any zone. Unfortunately, Sonos does not use Bluetooth or AirPlay.