615-955-1531 info@audilux.co
Looking for a Sonos Alternative? We found it.

Looking for a Sonos Alternative? We found it.

Let me start this article by saying that Sonos is good. Sonos is REALLY good. There’s a reason why their name has become synonymous with multi-room audio, even reaching the level of ubiquity enjoyed by brands like Kleenex and Coke.

When people think of a whole home audio system, they call it a “Sonos System,” regardless of the manufacturer, and there’s a good reason for this. Not only was Sonos the first company to get multi-room right by simplifying all the intricacies of latency and delay, they single-handedly brought that Apple “Automagic” element into the space. 

At Audilux, probably 90% of our multi-room installs incorporate Sonos in one way or another. It just works, but the recent supply chain issues and very tight constraints on Sonos’ most popular product for installation (the Amp) left me wondering if anyone else could deliver a similar experience.

A cottage industry of competition has sprung up since Sonos began its undisputed reign, each with varying levels of success. We’ve tested everything from Denon/Marantz’s Heos System, Yamaha Musicast, and even some DIY options. While many are functional, no one has been able to effectively replicate Sonos’s ecosystem until now.

Enter BlueSound, a new to us outfit that’s part of Canadian audio conglomerate Lenbrooke. Thanks to a collaborative relationship between sister brands BlueSound products share amplification technology from audiophile legends NAD.  

Bluesound has squarely targeted customers who care about audio quality. They’re not trying to be a “Great Value” Sonos knockoff but rather a slightly more upscale alternative for people who value performance above all. But, of course, in our current environment, they’re also an excellent option for someone who wants a system now rather than waiting months on inventory fulfillment. 

Let’s take a quick look at their various offerings, see where BlueSound bests the reigning champion, and where Sonos is still in a league of their own. 


Streamers:

Node:

Sonos Alternative
The BlueSound Node Streamer

The Node is is a streamer that competes directly with the Sonos Port as a way to get streaming audio into your home audio system. $599

Hub: 

Bluesound
BlueSound Hub Local Audio Source

The hub isn’t really a streamer but is kind of a unique offering that allows you to bring an audio source into your Blue Sound network. You can install this behind a TV or pair it with a turn table. $319


Streamers with built-in amps: 

Power Node:

Powernode Blk Front Top
BlueSound Power Node Steamer with Amp

The Power Node is the BlueSound alternative to the Sonos Amp. It’s functionally very similar, but offers an upgraded signal path, hi-resolution audio, and plenty of power. $949


Power Node Edge: 

Powernode Edge Black Front Above 1536X1152 1
BlueSound Power Node Edge

If you have a room that you’d like to incorporate into your system but don’t need quite as much power, the Power Node Edge is a great way to add a room without breaking the bank. Just announced in September of 2022, the Power Node Edge is only $650.

Powernode Edge Black Rear Scaled E1661362733741 1536X1152 1
Looking for a Sonos Alternative? We found it. 12

Soundbars: 

Bluesound Pulse Soundbar In Modern Home
The BlueSound Soundbar+

BlueSound has one sound bar option, the Soundbar+. This is, simply put, the best-sounding Soundbar I’ve ever heard. While soundbars are always an upgrade over pint-sized built-in TV speakers, the Soundbar+ is actually capable of enjoyable music playback and has a reasonable amount of bass. 

Pulse Soundbar Plus Blk 3 4 Right Side
Looking for a Sonos Alternative? We found it. 13

It’s physically taller than most at 5.5″ tall but also considerably more shallow. A wall mount is included in the box at no extra cost, and just like the Sonos Arc, the Soundbar+ offers a way to pipe your TV’s audio into the rest of your home.

At $899, it’s a great alternative to the Arc.   


Portable Speakers: 

Flex:

Bluesound Flex Portable Speaker
BlueSound Flex Portable Speaker

Mini:

Bluesound Mini Speaker
BlueSound Mini Speaker

Pulse: 

Bluesound Pulse 2I
BlueSound Pulse 2i
Bluesound Pulse 2I
BlueSound Pulse 2i

What you get with both BlueSound & Sonos:

  • Reliable low-latency audio across your entire home
  • Wireless and wired connectivity
  • Sexy, well-designed applications for your phone
  • Voice assistant control from Alexa, etc.

If any of the following are you, you should stick to Sonos: 

  • You’re an Apple Music user. Sonos has the monopoly on interfacing with Apple Music, and being forced into using Airplay is no fun.  
  • You aren’t subscribed to premium streaming sources and want to access Sonos’s vast library of radio stations. They’re very high-quality curated programming and don’t cost anything. 
  • You want the most extensive array of device options. Sonos has more models available to custom-tailor a system for your home. 
  • Cost is the deciding factor. While the two ecosystems’ pricing is close, Sonos is around 10-20% cheaper overall. 

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

At the end of the day, if someone asks for Sonos, that is definitely plan A. They’re still the de facto standard for a good reason, and we know we’re installing a tried and true product that won’t lead to callbacks. 

But, if they ask for “Sonos” and need it right now,  or they’re looking for the next level in audio quality, we’re happy to have another solid option. Perhaps we could introduce you to our new friend from Canada, BlueSound


If you have any questions about BlueSound products or need help designing a system for your home, please feel free to reach out! We’d love to put together a custom solution for you.

SPEAKER REVIEW: Focal 300 IW6 LCR In-Walls

SPEAKER REVIEW: Focal 300 IW6 LCR In-Walls

In the latest installment of our series of no-nonsense architectural speaker reviews, we turn our attention from the Brits at Kef to the profoundly French Focal 300 IW6 LCR in-wall speaker Oui, Oui!

About the 300 Series

Focal 300 Iw6 Lcr
Focal 300 IW6 In-Wall Speaker

Starting with nerdy essentials, each Focal 300 IW6 LCR comes loaded with dual 6 1/2″ Woofers, a 4″ Mid-range, and a 1″ aluminum/magnesium tweeter.

The 300 series marks a manufacturing transition point in Focal’s custom install line, assembling all models in the same factory in France that produce their high-end signature products like Kanta, Sopra, etc. 

Focal Kanta 3
The 300 IW6 LCR shares a lineage with Focal Kanta

Focal claims these are “coherently aligned” with their Kanta towers utilizing the same woven flax cone material but a different tweeter configuration. This makes them a perfect complement to a two-channel Kanta system when perhaps floor space or budget prevent placing full-size speaker cabinets throughout the room.

In both of our most recent installs, we decided to build MDF back boxes for the speakers since they were installed behind fabric in one case and an acoustically transparent screen in another.

Custom Back Boxes For Focal 300 Series Speakers In Nashville, Tn
Back Boxes from our Shelter Theater Build
Custom Mdf Backboxes Housing Focal Speakers In A Media Room In Nashville.
Focal 300 IW6 LCR in MDF Back Boxes

Unfortunately, Focal doesn’t provide any guidance for enclosure volume, but based on our experience with other similar units, we opted for roughly two cu ft and were pleased with the result.  

Installation is simple and makes use of Focal’s “Easy Quick Install” system. Rather than relying on traditional speaker dogs and screws, Focal uses eight high-tensioned plastic spring clips to securely hold the speakers in place.

As long as you make use of the included template to cut out your openings, it really does take less than a minute to install each speaker.

A word to the wise, these are a little less forgiving than speaker dogs, so leave at least an inch and a half between the sides of your opening and any framing members.

Custom Home Theater And Media Room Installation In A Modern Home In Nashville, Tn.  Focal Speakers, Slat Diffusers And Lg Oled
Finished Install Awaiting TV Installation
Focal 300 Series Custom Install Speakers Behind A Projector Screen
Illustration showing speakers installed behind a Screen Innovations Projector Screen

Sound Performance: 

Full stop; you will not be disappointed. In our test environment, not only did the IW6 LCRs exhibit the signature “Focal” sound, but they also offered low-frequency extension I’ve yet to experience from any other open-back architectural speaker.

Again, I’m not claiming these could go toe to toe with a set of gargantuan hi-fi towers, but they certainly qualify as full-range, which is in and of itself quite a feat for an in-wall speaker.  When paired with a capable sub, the end result is fantastic and nearly invisible.

Bass performance is going to vary greatly depending on the volume of your enclosure, but in the average 8ft – 10ft wall should be more than adequate, and it will be even better with a properly sized MDF enclosure.


Tasting Notes: 

If you haven’t had a chance to experience the timber of Focals in person, I will describe their midrange to low-frequency crossover as exceptionally smooth and well-engineered.

Their tweeters tend to be a bit more on the sweet or articulate side, but there is a pad for you to EQ to taste if you prefer a more mellow top end.  It’s a bit more forward than something like Kef’s UniQ but never sibilant or sizzly.


Value: 

With a price of $1199 each, are they worth it?

I think these speakers occupy a comfortable spot at the edge of a precipice. The 300 series offer a step into the world of true audiophile sound in a compact in-wall package. Yes, at a higher price point, there is room to improve.

If you have a larger space, budget, or want the very best, there are next-level options out there (The Focal 1000 Series or Kef Reference come to mind), but for most people, the 300 series represent an investment that’s easy to justify by both their pedigree and sound quality.

SPEAKER REVIEW: KEF Ci3160-RL THX Ultra In-Walls

SPEAKER REVIEW: KEF Ci3160-RL THX Ultra In-Walls

When you’re shopping for speakers or any other piece of AV gear, the internet is typically a great resource, with tons of review sites offering a vast diversity of opinions. You can aggregate all of that information and decide what you think the best option would be. Easy as pie.

Unfortunately, this is not the case with architectural speakers.

Some of this plight is caused by the fact that most custom install brands aren’t available for sale directly to the public. It’s also understandable that built-in speakers are a much smaller market than soundbars or even traditional Hi-Fi speakers that sit in the room.

There is an unmistakable void for honest opinions and unbiased reviews of architectural speakers. If you’re building a new home or dealing with a custom installer, you’re pretty much flying blind.

Here at Audilux, we’re going to change that going forward. This post is the first of a series of in-wall and in-ceiling speaker reviews. I promise to do my best to avoid the typical audiophile sensory wankerism and offer clear and level-headed insights.

This is important since, in all likelihood, you won’t be able to demo any of these speakers yourself.

We’re going to start our new series near the very top of the food chain of in-wall speakers.


The Kef Ci-3160-RL:
THX Ultra Certified

Audilux Lg Kef Install Nogrills
KEF CI-3160 Install by Audilux
Audilux Lg Kef Install Grills
Kef CI-3160 installed with grills painted to match

Kef speakers are manufactured in Tovil, England, just as they have been for the last sixty-plus years. While most of the industry’s component production has shifted to Asia, Kef is one of only a handful of companies to maintain control of every aspect of their supply chain by manufacturing custom drivers and electronics in-house.

If you’re not familiar with the rest of Kef’s Architectural offerings, they offer three different series that can be specified depending on the quality level desired; ER (Value), CR (Good), and QR (Best). The Ci-3160’s happily occupy a notch above the rest of the QR series and one rung below the flagship reference series.


Unboxing & First Impressions

The first thing that’s apparent when unboxing each speaker is the staggering build quality and weight.  25 lbs. is formidable by any standard, but even more so for a product that lacks a cabinet. Everything about the package exudes attention to detail and high-quality construction.

On a typical in-wall speaker a “dog” tab provides pressure at regular intervals surrounding the baffle. The tabs are tightened and sandwich the outer frame of the speaker with whatever substrate you are installing into.  With the Extreme Series, KEF has opted to use a secondary frame that encompasses the entire perimeter of the unit.

This might seem like a subtle difference, but it’s one of the many details that add up to next-level performance.

Pro Tip: One side effect of this design is that the rear frame has to be slid into one side of the rough opening and then pulled back to the intended center location. This does limit how closely the speaker can be installed to any framing, so I would suggest adding at least two inches of clearance space to either side in order to facilitate a smooth install. 


Stunning Good Looks

Audilux Lg Kef Install Wide
Kef CI-3160 in a modern home
Ci-3160 Aluminum Baffle
SPEAKER REVIEW: KEF Ci3160-RL THX Ultra In-Walls 24

It’s no coincidence that the Ci-3160RL made the top of our list of speakers your interior designer will love. The faceplates are machined from a solid piece of aluminum that provides an undeniable bit of visual interest to your decor.

If you’re passionate about hi-fi or an unrepentant audiophile, you’re going to love the look.

In their bare form, the Kefs are an elegant conversation starter and a great excuse to put on a record. Kef also includes paint-able magnetic grills in the box if incognito is more your style.  


Music Performance

Sonic performance is a very subjective metric, but I would describe the overall tone of the Ci3160-RL as very focused, punchy, and smooth. One of the significant benefits of using 6″ bass drivers is the very fast transient response. Sure, you’re not going to get earth-shaking low frequencies (or frankly, get much action below 60hz), but that would be a silly goal anyway.

When paired with a sub to handle ultra low-end duties, the Kefs offer an accurate representation of the frequency spectrum that’s sure to delight.

As far as the top end is concerned, the equipped Uni-Q tweeter was enjoyable despite my militant preference for smooth or warmer-sounding tweeters. (Read: I Love Ribbon Tweeters) I found it to be very musical and articulate, but it never hinted at taking my head off, even at very high volumes.

It’s very pleasantly detailed but mercifully lacks the skulking razor-sharp armament of a Babadook Klipsch horn threatening pain around every corner.


Home Theater Performance 

Using the Kef CI3160’s for movies is a walk in the park. They’re capable of nonchalantly delivering soul-crushing volumes without breaking a sweat and then quietly retreating into dialog before you even know what happened.

My test install was in a room that measured 25′ x 30′ x 15′, which is far beyond the purview of the THX Ultra spec.

They easily filled the space at reference level.


Value

It’s probably time I address the elephant in the room regarding the KEF Extreme THX in-wall speakers. They’re undoubtedly expensive.

At $2000 per speaker, the real question is are they worth it? That requires answering a few more questions.

  • Are you in an 8+ seat dedicated home theater or a big open-concept living space?
  • Do you want a speaker that offers audiophile performance but blends into your decor?
  • Are you someone who lives their life by the mantra “Buy the best, buy it once”? 

If you can answer yes to any of these questions, I think not only are the CI-3160’s worth it, but they’re a great deal.

Keep in mind these are the install equivalent of the Kef R7, which will set you back an additional $300 each and a lot of floor space.

The Kef Ci3160-RL is one of the few circumstances where choosing in-wall is no compromise at all. 


If you’re interested in purchasing these speakers or have any particular questions about your room, feel free to reach out! We’d be happy to put together a package that’s perfect for your space.