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How to Buy a Multi-Room Speaker Setup

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Multi-Room Speaker Setup

Build a whole-home audio system before the holiday rush without paying interest upfront.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $44.44/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $800 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A good multi-room speaker setup should last you a decade. Since audio tech does not age as fast as phones, buying last year's flagship model right before Black Friday is usually the smartest move. You get the same deep sound and reliable connection for a fraction of the price, and you won't need to upgrade anytime soon.

If you are looking at an $800 price tag, you do not have to drop all that cash at once. By using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, you can split that cost into monthly payments of $44.44 and pay no interest for a year and a half.

Keep in mind that the 18-month window is a hard deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when those 18 months are up, the standard variable APR will kick in on whatever is left, which will quickly erase any deal you got.

The steps

  1. 01

    Map your rooms

    Figure out where you actually need sound before you buy. A large living room needs a main speaker or soundbar, while a kitchen or bedroom only needs a smaller companion speaker. Stick to one brand so they all talk to each other without glitches.

  2. 02

    Hunt for last year's models

    Audio brands refresh their lineups in the fall, which means retailers slash prices on the previous generation to clear shelf space. Look for these older bundles in early November. They sound just as good as the new ones but cost much less.

  3. 03

    Spread out the cost

    If you use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That gives you 18 months to pay off the $800 setup. If you divide it evenly, you are looking at $44.44 a month.

  4. 04

    Set up automatic payments

    Do not rely on your memory to pay this off. Set up an auto-pay of $45 every month right after you get the card. This keeps you on track to clear the balance before the promotional period ends.

  5. 05

    Place your speakers wisely

    Once they arrive, do not just shove them in corners. Corners make bass sound muddy and distorted. Put them at ear level on open shelves or tables to get the best sound out of your new investment.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Can I mix different speaker brands?

It is usually a bad idea. Different brands use different wireless systems to sync audio, and getting them to play together without lag is a massive headache. Stick to one ecosystem for a seamless experience.

Do I need a professional to install these?

No. Modern wireless speakers are designed to set up in minutes using a phone app. If you can connect to Wi-Fi and plug in a power cord, you can set these up yourself.

Is Bluetooth or Wi-Fi better for multi-room audio?

Wi-Fi is much better. It has a longer range, does not compress the audio quality, and your music won't cut out every time your phone gets a text message.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

While this card does not charge late fees, missing payments can still hurt your credit score. It is always safest to set up automatic minimum payments so you never miss a due date.