Best Media For Ceiling Speakers

[JayceeP]

Hey everyone,

Moving into our new construction house very soon. We have 2 ceiling speakers in our open concept living/dining/kitchen area on the main floor. Directly below is the basement rec room which has one ceiling speaker. These are intended for parties/gatherings or just background music while entertaining/cooking etc.

All 3 ceiling speakers terminate in the storage room directly below the kitchen.

My question: what's the best arrangement to play these thru our iPhones or other Bluetooth media? I know Sonos is super expensive and I would need 2 connect amps to create 2 separate zones (1 for basement Recroom and 1 for main floor). I have heard suggestions of just buying an amp and then using Apple AirPlay via Airport Express. I'm looking for suggestions guidance. Any help is appreciated.

Edit: Apple TV is also connected to the TV on each level.
Thanks.

 

[tigger]

Do you have a primary home theater room? There are many receivers that will do 2 and 3 zones.

 

[JayceeP]

It will likely be the basement rec room where 1 ceiling speaker is but I won't be using anything crazy- probably just a Polk soundbar and subwoofer. Will have the same upstairs on the main floor.

 

[MasonT4R]

Three speakers? Strange choice, is your single at least a dual voice coil speaker?

You could do a SONOS Connect (the non-amplified version) and feed it into a cheaper 2-zone receiver. Denon HEOS would be another option I would recommend if you listen to a lot of Spotify. HEOS is available in similar configurations as the SONOS but I prefer the Spotify functionality over the SONOS.

 

[JayceeP]

Three speakers? Strange choice, is your single at least a dual voice coil speaker?

You could do a SONOS Connect (the non-amplified version) and feed it into a cheaper 2-zone receiver. Denon HEOS would be another option I would recommend if you listen to a lot of Spotify. HEOS is available in similar configurations as the SONOS but I prefer the Spotify functionality over the SONOS.

Yes these are dual voice coil. I too was surprised the tech guy didn't try and up sell me on more speakers. I think 2 is sufficient for the main floor (it's all open concept), but was wondering about the basement rec room. Anyway, thanks I will research your suggestion.