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How to Buy a Whole-Home Audio System

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Whole-Home Audio System

Get high-end sound in every room without paying the premium for this year's slightly shinier model.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $100.00/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,800 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.

Whole-home audio turns your house into a single soundstage. If you buy a decent system now, it should last a decade. The trick is avoiding the hype of the newest release. We want to focus on hardware that stays in sync and sounds good regardless of which room you walk into.

Tech brands usually drop new speakers in the fall. That is when retailers slash prices on last year's gear to clear shelf space. You get the same build quality and software support for a fraction of the sticker price, which is the smartest way to build a system that covers your entire floor plan.

The introductory rate eventually expires. If you have not paid off the full balance within the 18-month window, the remaining amount will start accruing interest at the standard rate.

The steps

  1. 01

    Map your zones

    Walk through your house and count the rooms where you actually want music. High-traffic areas like the kitchen and living room need bigger speakers, while bathrooms or offices can handle the compact ones. Buying a bundle of the same brand ensures everything stays in sync.

  2. 02

    Wait for the refresh

    Keep an eye on tech news for product announcements, usually in late summer. When the new version arrives, the hardware changes are often tiny, like a new color or a slightly faster chip. The older models will drop by 20% or more almost immediately.

  3. 03

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi)

    This card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If you spend $1800 on your setup, you can pay $100 a month to clear the balance before the interest kicks in. It keeps your cash in your pocket while you set up your gear.

  4. 04

    Check for open-box deals

    Big-box retailers often have units from people who bought the wrong size or color. These are usually inspected and come with the full warranty. It is an easy way to shave another $50 off per speaker without sacrificing quality.

  5. 05

    Hardwire the main hub

    Even wireless systems work better when one or two main units are plugged into an ethernet port. It takes the load off your Wi-Fi and prevents music from dropping out when the network gets crowded. Use the money you saved on the hardware to buy a few decent cables.

  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

Do I need a pro to install this?

Most modern systems are plug-and-play. If you can connect a phone to Wi-Fi, you can set these up yourself. Only call a professional if you want speakers cut into your actual ceilings.

Will older speakers stop working?

Reputable audio brands support their hardware for a long time. Even if a speaker is a few years old, it will still receive software updates and play nice with the newer models in your house.

Is it better to mix and match brands?

We generally advise against it. Mixing brands usually means using three different apps to play one song. Stick to one ecosystem so your whole house stays perfectly in sync.

Can I add more speakers later?

That is the best part of these systems. You can start with the living room and add a speaker to the bedroom next year. Just make sure the brand you choose is established enough to be around for a while.