Audio Upgrade Comparison
Multi-Room Audio Options for Airbnb Property
Current Speaker Zones
7 Pembroke Rd, Portsea
Upstairs Living Room
5.1 Surround
Existing Denon amp
Upstairs Deck
Stereo (Zone 2)
Existing Denon amp
Downstairs Living Room
Stereo
Kitchen
Stereo
Pool
Stereo
Pool House
Stereo (TV audio only)
Existing Nobsound amp - manual volume control
The Situation
The property has an existing Denon amp upstairs, but the Denon/HEOS app isn't great for guest usability. The Control4 audio system that previously managed the other zones is no longer working, and replacing or reprogramming Control4 would be significantly more expensive than either of the options below. We're recommending a simpler, more guest-friendly multi-room audio solution that doesn't rely on Control4.
📦 Materials Cost Comparison
Labour not included
Option A: WiiM
Individual zone amplifiers
Materials Total
$4,080
Without Pool House zone: $3,330
Pool House stays on Nobsound with manual TV volume control
Pool House stays on Nobsound with manual TV volume control
Advantages
- No app required for basic streaming
- Native AirPlay (Apple) built-in
- Native Chromecast (Android) built-in
- Spotify Connect built-in
- Guests connect to WiFi and stream immediately
- Airbnb-friendly - minimal learning curve
- WiiM app for multi-zone (no login required)
- Pool House upgrade adds app volume control for TV
- WiiM has taken significant market share from Sonos - similar features at lower cost
Considerations
- WiiM app needed for multi-zone grouping
- Upstairs Living Room requires manual amp power on
Option B: Denon
Multi-zone AVR approach
Materials Total
$6,048
Without Pool House zone: $4,725
Pool House stays on Nobsound with manual TV volume control
Pool House stays on Nobsound with manual TV volume control
Advantages
- 3 zones from single unit
- Centralised control
- High-quality audio processing
- Spotify Connect built-in
- Pool House upgrade adds app volume control for TV
Considerations
- Requires HEOS app installation
- HEOS requires account/login (unlike WiiM)
- Multi-zone control less intuitive
- Higher barrier for Airbnb guests
Notes & Considerations
- Speaker Zones: All existing speaker zones have been tested and are working.
- Pool House: Not a major concern - guests have music by the pool using the Pool speakers. Upgrading Pool House to WiiM/HEOS is optional.
- Guest Usability: WiiM allows guests to stream via AirPlay/Chromecast/Spotify Connect without any app. For multi-zone grouping, WiiM app works without login. HEOS (Denon) requires account creation.
- Tablet: An inexpensive tablet can replace the existing Control4 wall tablet. Can be used for music apps, intercom, and other household apps. No more integrated approach - too much programming and too many call-backs when integrations fail.
- Current System: Control4 system has failed. Replacement/reprogramming deemed too expensive.
- Pricing: Materials costs only - labour not included.