The good news is that there are lots of options and configurations that can suit the needs of spaces from small stores to large buildings or offices. It can take a bit of time to figure out what setup might be best for your business in terms of speakers and amplifiers, so we have made the following guide to help pick the setup that is right for you. If you have multiple stores and are looking for guidance and help with purchase and installation of equipment, then chat with us online or give us a call.
Starting with the simplest setup, if you have an existing audio system (amp/receiver and wired speakers), then a line out (Aux) from a streaming device (CloudBox, Mobile, Tablet or Computer) to RCA input on the amp/receiver is usually very quick and easy.
Wireless speaker options include Bluetooth (limited range and scale), Wi-Fi, Chromecast and AirPlay /AirPlay 2. These require a little setup and are different depending upon the streaming device.
Our plug-and-play CloudBox (optional, one time charge) has several advantages. It is tamper-resistant, autostarts if the power goes out, and, like all devices, can be remotely controlled from the web or Mobile. If the network connection drops, it will automatically play locally stored music and auto resumes when restored.
| Wireless: WiFi | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wired Speakers | Wireless: Bluetooth | WiFi Vendor speakers & amps | Apple AirPlay / AirPlay 2 | Google Chromecast |
| Wired Speakers | Wireless: Bluetooth | Wireless: WiFi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi Vendor speakers & amps | Apple AirPlay / AirPlay 2 | Google Chromecast | |||
Pros |
Wires are more reliable than wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth). Simple to setup. |
Cheap, wireless, portable speaker options. Simple setup from any streaming device |
WiFi range and grouping options for speakers on the same wireless network. See tables below for more information with specific manufacturers |
Uses WiFi, so can be better than Bluetooth for range. AirPlay 2 uses multiple speakers from iOS (11.4+) or Mac without grouping and hardware setups |
$30 and allows streaming to multiple wireless speakers (and speakers with Aux in) from an Android device or Chrome Browser |
Cons |
If the wires aren't already in place, running wires (particularly through walls) isn't trivial! |
Range limited to Bluetooth equipment specification (30ft for most manufacturers). Most manufacturers limit to one speaker connection; Some (like Bose) allow grouping of multiple speakers using Bluetooth. |
WiFi equipment is usually more expensive and takes more setup than Bluetooth. WiFi network reliability and range is required for uninterrupted streaming |
Requires streaming from an Apple device which are more expensive than Android or Chromecast options |
Requires Chromecast setup. Doesn't work directly with CloudBox |
| Wi-Fi | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos | Bose SoundTouch | Libratone | Sony |
| Wi-Fi | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos | Bose SoundTouch | Libratone | Sony | |
CloudBox (includes Bluetooth) |
OPTIONS
|
Line out (3.5mm Aux) to line in or one speaker then relays music to up to any type and number of SoundTouch speakers on the same Wi-Fi network. |
Line out (3.5mm Aux) to line in or one speaker, then relays music to up to 5 other Libratones (6 total) on the same Wi-Fi network. |
Line out (3.5mm Aux) to line in or one speaker, then relays music to up to any type and number of Wi-Fi Multi-room capable Sony audio products (speakers, receivers) on the same Wi-Fi network. |
Mobile Android (phone/tablet) |
OPTIONS
|
Line out (3.5mm Aux) to line in or one speaker then relays music to up to any type and number of SoundTouch speakers on the same Wi-Fi network. |
Line out (3.5mm Aux) to line in or one speaker, then relays music to up to 5 other Libratones (6 total) on the same Wi-Fi network. |
Line out (3.5mm Aux) to line in or one speaker, then relays music to up to any type and number of Wi-Fi Multi-room capable Sony audio products (speakers, receivers) on the same Wi-Fi network. |
Mobile iOS (iPhone/iPad) |
OPTIONS
|
Line out (3.5mm Aux) to line in or one speaker then relays music to up to any type and number of SoundTouch speakers on the same Wi-Fi network. Bose Network Link Adapter can be used to connect multiple Bose SoundTouch speakers and also connect to an existing music system or on hold system, using the Line Out from the Adapter. |
Line out (3.5mm Aux) to line in or one speaker, then relays music to up to 5 other Libratones (6 total) on the same Wi-Fi network. |
Line out (3.5mm Aux) to line in or one speaker, then relays music to up to any type and number of Wi-Fi Multi-room capable Sony audio products (speakers, receivers) on the same Wi-Fi network. |
Computer (browser) |
Options
|
Line out (3.5mm Aux) to line in or one speaker then relays music to up to any type and number of SoundTouch speakers on the same Wi-Fi network. |
Line out (3.5mm Aux) to line in or one speaker, then relays music to up to 5 other Libratones (6 total) on the same Wi-Fi network. |
Line out (3.5mm Aux) to line in or one speaker, then relays music to up to any type and number of Wi-Fi Multi-room capable Sony audio products (speakers, receivers) on the same Wi-Fi network. |
| Bluetooth (some example brands) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bose SoundTouch | Libratone | Anker | JBL | UE Boom |
| Bluetooth (some example brands) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bose SoundTouch | Libratone | Anker | JBL | UE Boom | |
CloudBox (includes Bluetooth) |
Bluetooth output. SoundTouch speakers can be grouped together to support multiple speakers playing from one device |
Bluetooth output |
Bluetooth output |
Bluetooth output |
Bluetooth output |
Mobile Android (phone/tablet) |
Bluetooth output. SoundTouch speakers can be grouped together to support multiple speakers playing from one device |
Bluetooth output |
Bluetooth output |
Bluetooth output |
Bluetooth output |
Mobile iOS (iPhone/iPad) |
Bluetooth output. SoundTouch speakers can be grouped together to support multiple speakers playing from one device |
Bluetooth output |
Bluetooth output |
Bluetooth output |
Bluetooth output |
Computer (browser) |
Bluetooth output. SoundTouch speakers can be grouped together to support multiple speakers playing from one device |
Bluetooth output |
Bluetooth output |
Bluetooth output |
Bluetooth output |
