Bringing audio to a networked but speakerless office....

[Suby]

I just leased a new office building (well new to me) and despite having previously been an insurance company there are no speakers in any of the rooms for piping in music. This will be a doctors office and I really like having some low volume music in each exam room. I had planned on just running speaker wire but almost all the ceilings are plaster and I'd rather not play around in the attic drilling holes.

Question: What are my options for running digital audio via iTunes or Pandora through the network? Each room has a cat5 jack but I'm not sure if this helps much. Right now I'm considering getting a few Airport Express units from Apple and stashing those in some of the rooms with powered speakers. I would probably only need 2 or 3 units to get sound into all my desired locations. My other (and more expensive option) is a Sonos system but the price point is much higher. Have I missed any other possibilities? Can you guys recommend a better course of action? Any help you can give would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Suby

 

[Audiacc]

You might get an Xdock Wireless (if you want to stream music from an ipod) or Xmod Wireless (for any other source including a Mac or PC) and up to four wireless receivers that connect to powered speakers. Much better value and more flexible option compared to Airport Express units.

More info:
xdock
xmod

 

[Phil Taylor]

You might want to check out the new Sqeezebox Boom - streaming player, amp and speakers all-in-one. It can access Pandora and other online services and internet radio via wireless - $289 ea.
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-930-000054-Squeezebox-Integrated-Speakers/dp/B001DJ64D4/

 

[bandphan]

just do it right spend a liitle extra, hard wire and alls good.you dont really want to be fooling around with wireless if you dont have to in a commecial building...