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@simons_nicolai-uk I have an Apple TV and a Airport Express so familiar with Airplay, but in that context they are basically dumb devices in that you use a source such as iPhone, iPad, Mac etc. Granted the Apple TV now has Apple Music built in and also works with home sharing via iTunes, but from what I'm reading above, there are neater and more flexible solutions. I didn't think you could Airplay the same source to multiple receivers at the same time, or use one device to Airplay different output to different devices, but I'd very happily be educated on that.
It begs the question why you need a family subscription to Spotify if Chromecast and Sonos let you stream different music to different devices in your household...?
there are neater and more flexible [b][and more expensive][/b] solutions
For some reason a mac can stream the same source via Airplay to multiple receivers but an iPad/iPhone can't. You can use Apple remote to control the mac (which is pretty much the same as controlling your own music library from a computer using Sonos). The one thing you *can't* do is Spotify to multiple Airplay receivers (though theres meant to be some sort of workaround with Airfoil).
Gramofon looks like the cheap alternative to Sonos Connect
Thanks Simon. I not used Apple Remote for a long time, but it looks like it will achieve some of what I want to achieve without me spending any more money. Result 🙂
Noty read the whole thread but if its " kitcen diner to be" then can you not hardwire if you are redoing the kitchen?
Thought about hard wiring but it's yet another complication in an already fairly complicated build. Also what's the point now you can have wireless, it's just much more flexible. Did think about ceiling speakers, but I was amazed at how expensive they were plus we're combing a new build extension onto the old galley kitchen and dining room so the ceiling void on the existing rooms is insufficient.
Thought about hard wiring but it's yet another complication in an already fairly complicated build. Also what's the point now you can have wireless, it's just much more flexible. Did think about ceiling speakers, but I was amazed at how expensive they were
Really not complicated, not expensive and if you get the speakers in the right place (which is much easier with wall or ceiling mounting) then there's no need for flexibility. You do need to wire back to a single location (ie you need to have a fixed place for your source) but nothing to stop you having two amps/sources there - ie it doesn't need have the same music as the other room
Ceiling speakers usually seem to be massively overpriced as they are aimed at the 'custom install' market. No reason they should be. These are a bargain with the smallest at <£40 a pair. BK's subs are excellent - I don't believe they'd sell anything crap.
http://www.bkelec.com/Ceiling_Speakers/C_Speakers.htm
I use Spotify through a Gramofon into my HiFi. Works a treat, or at least it used to but has started skipping. I looked into Chromecast Audio but read a review that said that the Gramofon wiped the floor with it. Anyone here tried both?
I like the Gramofon because of the large pause button on the top...
[img] https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTd0zOGYglElzrLKrZYR37IHN3xyWzzhDzmV347-hhy8n1xqjt4 [/img]
I use the Spotify Android App to stream into a Chromecast Audio which is plugged into a 15yr old Sony Hi-fi.
This outputs to a multiway speaker switch, and decent wiring goes up some sleek trunking to the loft.
Lounge has the original hi-fi speakers, bedroom is another set of standard speakers, kitchen and dining rooms have a pair of moisture resistant ceiling speakers which are much better than expected.
Cheap, simple, and as a bonus, I can control the tunes when I go to bed with a sleep timer on the hifi, and then it wakes me up to the radio in the morning.
The only real downside to the whole set up is the volume isn't adjustable to suit each room, but you can adjust it from the phone easily.
[url= https://www.orbitsound.com/social/blog/chromecast-audio-vs-gramofon/ ]Re: Gramofon vs Chromecast[/url]
Seems the major downside of Chromecast is the lack of PC control. Can't say I'm bothered by that. Feel sorry for Gramofon though nice product was looking at one myself a couple of years back and then bam Chromecast audio.
Thanks for the link Bimbler. I hadn't realised that Chromecast didn't work from the Spotify desktop. I use a laptop mainly so I guess I'm keeping the Gramofon...