When doing a renovation, we installed nearly invisible speakers in the ceiling and floor (ceiling of the floor below). We then connected them to a sonos system that can be moved among the non wired rooms. I'm really happy with the sound quality.

dclostboy- how did u decide on sonos?

Recommended by audio guy. Very happy with sound. I'm not a fan of Bose overall. Received a mailing from bang & olafson that they have wireless now, but haven't heard in person.

Avoid BOSE at all costs! if walls are open to hard wiring that is the route you should take. Install necessary cabling and pick a in-ceiling/in-wall speaker of your liking that fits your budget. From there you can look at various options for audio systems. Sonos would be good for ease of use, and budget and can be used with hard wired speakers should you choose. Just keep in mind if you are looking into any other control/automation systems Sonos is completely proprietary and may not be a good fit should you want expansions and complete integration of systems. Just my professional opinion

Thanks tekkease- are u located in NY to do our job? We defiantly want hardwires and the boses manager encouraged us to look at wired speakers that are in our budget but to get the boses amps/ecosystem. Thoughts?

We have Sonos and just love it! Our audio guy recommended it - and he was spot on.

When it comes to audio systems, it seems like the possibilities are endless. Different manufacturers, different sources, different ways to control the sound system, do you want to be able to listen to different music at different levels in the different zones, etc., etc. It is best to do your homework, as you appear to be doing, and design a system that will do what you want it to do. All of that said, if the system is designed and wired or wireless speakers will work, my strong bias is towards wired speakers. Especially since your walls are open. We have in wall speakers and speaker cable from parts-express.com and have been happy with the product. Not super high end stuff, but good sound quality at a good price.

I'd do both...

We just built our house, and when it came time for the audio, we had wires run throughout the house. In general, when you could run wires, you should. Wireless connections should be used only if you cannot run a wire to the location. Wireless technology, although pretty good these days, are still susceptible to interference from other sources, as well as access point coverage gaps, etc.

We too are very happy with Sonos...

I agree with Tekkease, avoid Bose at all costs! The Sonos will be easy to install and will be okay. However, if you want really good sound, you should hard wire the system. That will give you many choices of good speakers (BMW, Niles, Revel, Boston Acoustics, etc.) Find a reputable installer through CEDIA, the organization dedicated to improving the custom installation experience.

Thank you all! We have found an audio company and hope to meet with them next week. They have both boses and sonos in their store so I can hear first hand the range both put out. In the mean time I am continuing to research as we would also like an intercom system and I'm learning there are many out there with different functions.....

Unless you have staff, intercom seems a bit old school.

It is highly unlikely that a custom installation company carries Bose. The majority of custom installers don't have store fronts, they come to your home and design the system around your needs. Please don't mistake a big box retailer for a custom installation specialist. Find out if the company that you are going to meet with is a member of CEDIA. Then ask them for a list of referrals from their previous jobs. I have been in the consumer electronics business for over 40 years. I've seen it all!

dclostboy- lol, no staff but our floors are big and if I'm in the bedroom level, and husband is in garage level, I would rather not yell or hunt for a phone to call his cell....if he has it on him.

keithlawrence- I'm defiantly going to look into this. Thank you

I'd suggest Bowers & Wilkins CCM-382, and CCM-663. B&W speakers last for a very long time, have great quality drivers, and deliver the best sound for the money. Much better than Bose.

Most dealers don't stock these, we actually only have a few in stock, so they are generally a special order. However, they are worth it as they are very easy to mount and we use a lot of these for both residential and commercial jobs. Plus, you can paint the grill covers to match (pic)

I'm not sure what type of receiver you'll be using the power these, but these will work with pretty much any multi-channel receiver.

Gina, my house is so old, I still have bells, tube and earpiece system :)

Yes! I will say avoid Bose at All costs! If the walls are open, take advantage and wire for in-ceilings or in-walls. Your choice of system should be based on not only budget, but how you would like to control the system. Will you control it solely with your phone or iPad. Or do you want on-wall controllers like touch screens or keypads. Consider also what you like to use to listen to your favs, Pandora, your iTunes library. Sonos is a great way to go as long as you are OK controlling from your phone, iPad or computer and you don't want on-wall controllers. It's affordable and flexible. On-wall controllers really come in handy, although, when you're going to integrate other systems like lighting or cameras or something of that nature.

I recommend Sonos. Each Floor should have a central closet to place a connect AMP and all the in-wall or in-ceiling speakers connect to it. This closet should have a power outlet and preferably cat5/6 to a switch. Connect:AMP can communicate wirelessly or wired. All music in the future will be streamed of the internet. The controls are going to be your PC, tablet or cell phone. Sonos allows you to do it.

Wiring a new construction with in-ceiling speakers and using a Sonos System to power the speakers is highly recommended. The wiring of speakers is straightforward. Plan the location you would want to place the in-ceiling speakers. Run in-wall rated speaker wire from each in-Ceiling speaker location to a closet/cabinet/rack with a power outlet. In-Ceiling speakers can be your preferred brand/model. Sonos does not sell in-ceiling speakers. You need to get the Sonos Connect -AMP to power the in-ceiling speakers.

The Sonos Connect AMP can power two or four in-ceiling speakers (usually connected parallel for one zone. If you would like to connect more speakers to one zone then you will need a impedance matching speaker selector. The closet preferably has a CAT6 cable running to your router.

Many customer are happy with the SONOS system. It is very reliable and stable. The app can be run from any smartphone, tablet, computer. It integrates with most music services like Spotify, Apple music, iTunes, and many other services. Sonos also sell standalone wireless speakers which can be placed in other rooms which dont have in-ceiling speakers. They work well together and are modular.

Most affordable Bose systems are overpriced for the quality. Wireless is overrated and often forces you into proprietary or incompatible hardware. If it's a new construction, and you still have access to pass wires, then wire your home with in-wall rated 12 gauge speaker cables and banana plug wall units. If you can't pass wires in the wall or under the floors, then consider a rug of some sort in the middle that spans from your console to your couch and pass the thinner wires under it.

can i know anyone can help to buy the systems and planning the equipment needed for the 5 bed room house, which is 3 floor house and outdoor houses. i want to know where to buy and what to buy for the best quality, prefer wireless.