Multiroom Audio: Where the Atmosphere Takes Shape.

Imagine waking up to your favourite music following you from the bedroom to the kitchen, then into the living room, without ever losing the thread. Passing through the bathroom, you don't have to touch a thing — the sound is simply there, subtle yet enveloping. That's what a well-designed multiroom system feels like.

This guide aims to present multiroom audio in all its forms, and to explain the different ways to approach it — covering the types of solutions and products that best match your home, your budget and your listening habits.

What is multiroom audio?

The term "multiroom" refers to the ability to stream music throughout multiple zones of your home from a single app. You can play the same source everywhere simultaneously, or manage each room completely independently — not to be confused with a surround sound system, which streams a single source to all of its speakers at once.

A zone is simply any space where an audio device is connected to your system via your network: the living room, kitchen, bathroom, office, primary bedroom or patio. Each zone can have its own volume, its own audio source and its own schedule. Most modern systems operate over Wi-Fi, meaning no cabling is needed between zones — though in some cases it is recommended.

What to consider before getting started

Your desired aesthetic outcome. If you want audio to be fully integrated into the architecture of your home — invisible, with no exposed cables or boxes sitting on furniture — in-ceiling architectural speakers paired with one or more distribution amplifiers are the answer. If you prefer flexibility, or if an in-wall installation isn't possible, active speakers in their various forms are the way to go.

Planning the wired installation. In-ceiling speakers require cabling between the speakers and the amplifier. Running those cables is much easier during new construction or a major renovation, but it can still be done in an existing home — though it requires more significant work. Our team can guide you through this important planning step.

The quality of your wireless network (Wi-Fi). Every multiroom system relies on a solid Wi-Fi network. In larger homes, a mesh Wi-Fi network is strongly recommended to eliminate dead zones and ensure uninterrupted streaming. Even with a high-quality network, it is strongly advisable to use wired (Ethernet) connections wherever possible to reduce the load on your wireless network and keep as few devices as possible on Wi-Fi exclusively.

Outdoor zones. Multiroom doesn't stop at the back door. Various speaker types can be installed on covered patios, and weatherproof solutions exist for more exposed areas such as around a pool. Think about outdoor audio from the very start of your project, even if it's only a future need — so the foundation of your system is designed with it in mind.

Smart home integration. Sonos, HEOS and BluOS are all compatible with voice assistants (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri / HomeKit for select products). If you already have a smart home system or are planning one, this is a factor worth considering when choosing your ecosystem.

System scalability. One of the great advantages of major ecosystems is that they can be expanded gradually. Start with two zones, then add more as your needs warrant. All devices within the same ecosystem communicate with one another regardless of when they were purchased.

Overall budget. A two-zone system can start at around $600–$800 CAD with more basic active speakers. An installation with architectural in-ceiling speakers in three rooms — amplifiers, speakers and cabling included — typically represents an investment of $3,000–$6,000 CAD or more. We invite you to take advantage of a free consultation with one of our advisors to get a precise estimate for your project.

The ecosystems available at Fillion Électronique

We carry three major multiroom platforms, each with its own philosophy and distinct strengths. Within each, you'll find both active speakers and amplifiers for architectural speakers — all connected within their respective ecosystem for maximum flexibility.

Sonos — a reference platform, simple to use

Sonos popularized consumer multiroom audio more than twenty years ago, and its app remains the best in its category — intuitive, reliable, and capable of managing dozens of zones across different functions without any difficulty. What sets Sonos apart is the breadth of its lineup: active speakers, amplifiers, soundbars, portable speakers and more.

BluOS by Bluesound — High-resolution audio networking

BluOS is the platform developed by Bluesound, a division of Lenbrook — the group also behind NAD Electronics. Where Sonos prioritizes simplicity, BluOS puts audio quality first. It's an MQA-certified, Roon-compatible ecosystem that streams in high resolution up to 24-bit / 192 kHz. Made popular by the Node network streamer, which instantly transforms any existing setup into a high-resolution multiroom zone, Bluesound now offers a complete wireless product lineup capable of powering an entire multiroom project.

HEOS by Denon and Marantz — From compact speaker to complete hi-fi system

HEOS is the platform from Denon and Marantz. Its unique strength: native integration with receivers, amplifiers and network players from both brands. If you already own a Denon or Marantz receiver in your living room, it's very likely already part of the HEOS ecosystem — and can become a multiroom zone without changing a thing. It's the most natural choice for hi-fi enthusiasts looking to extend their system throughout the home.

Brand-integrated platforms — the example of Naim Audio

More and more audio manufacturers are building their own connectivity platforms directly into their products. Naim Audio is a prime example: all of the brand's streaming devices — from the Mu-so to the 300 Series network players — communicate with one another through the Focal & Naim app, without relying on any third-party platform. The appeal of this approach is consistency: the same ecosystem, the same interface, the same care given to sound from one room to the next. It's a particularly relevant option for those who have already chosen a brand for their main installation and simply want to extend that experience to other zones, or when the technical qualities of a product matter beyond its wireless connectivity alone.

AirPlay 2 and Chromecast — a universal solution

Connectivity protocols like Apple's AirPlay 2 or Google's Chromecast (Google Cast) make it possible to link devices from different brands within the same listening session — a Sonos speaker in the kitchen, a Denon Home speaker in the bedroom and a Naim integrated amplifier in the living room can all stream the same source simultaneously from any device (typically a phone or tablet). AirPlay 2, exclusive to Apple devices, is especially flexible and has been adopted almost universally across the hi-fi industry. It transcends ecosystem boundaries, giving you the freedom to choose the best product for each room without being locked into a single platform.