We talk to the team at Hamilton Litestat to find out why its new wireless audio solutions range is helping installers to realise the potential in audio installations – no strings attached.
Installing home audio solutions has traditionally been the domain of experienced custom installers, but that’s no longer the case. Technology has developed in such a way that the wiring, installation and set-up of such systems has been simplified, creating new project opportunities and an attractive revenue stream for professional electricians wishing to expand their business.
In its quest to help electricians to take the simple step into audio installations, Hamilton Litestat continues to lead from the front with the launch of a new range of wireless home audio products that are easy to install and configure.
The business case for wireless audio
The earning potential for installers in home audio is immense. As technology simplifies and people become accustomed to more connected lives, streaming music has become the norm. Spotify and Apple Music, two of the largest music streaming services, have over 150 million subscribers combined*. Many enjoy this music on the go, in their cars and on their commutes, but listening in the home offers the opportunity to enjoy a higher quality audio experience.
In the UK, 93% of households have fixed broadband internet connections that enable devices to be connected and stream music via the Wi-Fi network router**. There is huge potential to capitalise on this and offer quality home audio solutions that won’t break the bank.
Wi-Fi vs Bluetooth
Hamilton’s audio solutions use Wi-Fi so it’s possible to stream to virtually every room in a property, utilising the robust network to stream to several speakers. This enables the same song to be played across all speakers simultaneously, different songs can be played in each room, or speakers can be grouped, which isn’t possible with Bluetooth technology. Moreover, Wi-Fi offers increased audio fidelity, preserving more of what the artist intended to suit the keenest ear.
App control from smart devices
Smart phones and devices mean that audio can be controlled from anywhere in the home through an App. As well as playing music stored on the device, the Apps integrate with a range of audio platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal, allowing the user to play music through their preferred streaming service at the swipe of a finger.
The intuitive Hamilton Player App allows for easy set-up and control of the wireless audio solutions across a range of devices via iOS or Android. Once the system is installed, you download the App and connect to the speakers through the Wi-Fi network – playing audio is as simple as that! The App allows the system to be configured so speakers can be grouped or played singularly throughout the home for the utmost flexibility.
The Hamilton Player App also offers an easy-to-use EQ function that allows for the bass and treble to be adjusted to suit the listener’s individual taste and preferences. Popular music streaming services, such as Spotify, Tune-in Radio, Napster, Tidal and more, are supported by the App through Wi-Fi. Other subscription services, such as Amazon Music and Apple Music, can be streamed using Bluetooth.
The fantastic four: Hamilton’s Wireless Audio Range
WSA50 Wireless Streaming Amplifier
This allows the Wi-Fi streaming of music throughout the home via the Hamilton Player App. By adding more amplifiers, you can play different music in different areas of the home, or group devices together to create sound areas. If retrofitting into a property or commercial premises, the Hamilton amplifier can be paired with both Hamilton and other branded speakers to provide a flexible option. The amplifier has a USB port to connect to audio stored on a NAS, USB flash drives and hard disks, and also has built-in Bluetooth should a Wi-Fi connection not be available. It’s recommended that the amplifier is wired in an easy-access area, such as near the property’s consumer unit, to allow use of storage devices, or to connect additional amplifiers at a later date.
H600-80W8 Ceiling Speakers
The perfect companion to the Wireless Streaming Amplifier, Hamilton’s H600-80W8 Ceiling Speakers deliver a high quality and reliable fixed audio option. The passive mono speakers contain a 6″ Kevlar cone and 1″ Titanium cone, delivering 80W of power and better-quality audio than speakers with built-in amplifiers. Two speakers are required for stereo sound: one for the right channel, one for the left.
Appio Wireless Active Wi-Fi Speaker
Supporting the fixed option is Hamilton’s Appio Wireless Active Wi-Fi Speaker, which has a built-in amplifier, delivers 20W of power and offers an EQ function to tailor the treble and bass output to the listener’s preference. It supports multi-room playback by linking multiple speakers together through the Wi-Fi, with playback having a minimal delay of less than five milliseconds. One Spotify account can stream to multiple Appio speakers simultaneously.
Oyster Wireless Audio Wi-Fi Receiver
Completing Hamilton’s new audio offering is the Oyster Wireless Audio Wi-Fi Receiver, which turns an existing home hi-fi into a wireless music receiver. Streaming from smart devices is made possible, while six available pre-sets allows quick and easy access to radio stations, user playlists, albums and tracks. Moreover, if a Wi-Fi network isn’t available, the Oyster can create its own hotspot for a mobile device connection.
Both the Appio speaker and Oyster Wireless Receiver can be controlled by up to six separate connected devices at the same time, supporting MP3, WMA, AAC (ACC+), Apple, Lossless, FLAC, and APE formats.
Installation options and tips
The wireless audio range offers several installation options to suit any project and space, whether it be a new-build property or being retrofitted into a home or commercial property.
Pairing the WSA50 Wireless Streaming Amplifier and its passive H600-80W8 Ceiling Speakers results in a high quality and reliable fixed audio option. Alternatively, the Appio wireless speaker provides a flexible and portable location audio option. Furthermore, the Oyster wireless audio receiver allows users to connect and stream music through an existing Hi-Fi system.
The WSA50 Amplifier can be installed in a ceiling or mounted on a wall or flat surface. It’s recommended that all installation steps are completed before permanently mounting. A power adaptor is included, and ideally the amp should be placed in an easily accessible place so local storage devices can be connected. However, if it is being installed within a ceiling, connect it using a switched fused spur and incorporate a USB2 Panel Mounted Socket Type A with a USB extension cable, ensuring the extension cable is fitted to the USB outlet plate and kept as short as possible.
Connect a pair of mono speakers to the amplifier, taking note to match the positive and negative terminals on the speaker. It is also possible to use the amp with other third-party speakers. For a stereo speaker, connect both right and left channels to a single speaker.
Professional installers are required to fit a fire hood to enclose ceiling speakers, which maintains the integrity of the ceiling and provides soundproofing for the rooms above. Although this isn’t a legal requirement if a homeowner is fitting the system themselves, it’s highly recommended.
Speaker position
Positioning of speakers to create the best possible audio is not as difficult as it might first seem. General rules to follow are:
Keep speakers around 60cm away from corners and other hard surfaces, such as tall cabinets, as these may reflect or hinder the sound.
For rectangular rooms of less than 30m2, two speakers placed in near opposite corners to create good sound coverage are ideal.
For rooms larger than 30m2 or L-shaped rooms, consider creating separate stereo audio zones using pairs of mono speakers in line with the room usage, with the addition of a single stereo input speaker within any enclosed space.
For long narrow rooms consider using two stereo input speakers at either end, at least. 60cm in from the room ends.Kitchen diner & entertainment spacesCeiling speakers are an excellent solution for open plan kitchen diners and entertainment spaces, providing stereo sound throughout the space. The Appio wireless speakers can supplement the set-up, creating a very pleasant and pervasive sound field that enhances the ambience in a dining room. Placed just above seated ear level, multiple Appio speakers should be positioned in opposite corners of the room, equidistant from the central listening space to work together.
However, be aware of ceiling speaker placement above any surfaces that could disrupt the audio. For example, it’s unadvisable to position a ceiling speaker directly over a dining table because the sound will reflect off the table and could interfere with conversation.
Small spaces
For a small space such as a kitchenette or utility room, single stereo ceiling speakers are an excellent solution. A single stereo input speaker plays both channels through one woofer and two tweeters. Depending on the size of the room, installing more than one speaker might be preferable: place one above the sink and one in the opposite corner to ensure good audio coverage. These speakers also work in large awkwardly shaped rooms to supplement the main stereo speaker pairing.
Sources:
*https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/29/18522297/spotify-100-million-users-apple-music-podcasting-free-users-advertising-voice-speakers
*ONS – Internet Access Statistical Report (August 2019)
Download a supporting brochure for the wireless audio range here.
