Looking for a wireless speaker system

[Mezzoforte]

Hi folks.

Just build a new computer and installed Ubuntu 11.10. It works like a charm - even though I went with the x86_64 option.

Anyway, the thing is, I just realized I don't have any loudspeakers. My headphones usually do fine, but sometimes it's more convenient to use loudspeakers. However, I'd like to have loudspeakers that I can move around to different rooms without having to move my computer. So, I was thinking there should be loudspeakers that work over wifi or something, or maybe some kind of adapter for normal loudspeakers that enable them to receive signals over wifi.

Does anybody know some kind of system like this, that is reasonably cheap? I checked a few shops, but at any rate it doesn't seem very common. It seems like simple technology, but maybe I'm wrong.

Would appreciate any ideas!

/Erik

[zitch]

You might want to look into some kind of Bluetooth speaker system. One example is something like this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875992189) (I don't actually endorse this particular product or the retail site, but using it as an example). I've also seen Bluetooth adapters than present themselves as speakers, but convert the signal into a 1/8" headphones jack or RCA audio cables that could be plugged into an existing sound system.

You would also need your system to have Bluetooth capabilities; I'd assume there would be USB2 adapters around for something like this.

[Dy1anW]

There isn't usually be much demand for something like this, especially since speakers for a computer are generally right next to the computer. Usually the only audio over bluetooth are for headphones. Also, when it comes to wireless, "cheap" goes right out of the equation.

Normally, wireless speakers would still have a wired decoder (if you need surround sound) with wireless speakers linked to that, which is the case with my system (http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Z-5450-Digital-Speaker-970181-0403/dp/B000AM6QHO), and even then, it's usually just the rear/side speakers that are wireless while the front speakers are still wired.

If you just want stereo on the other hand, something like this (http://www.logitech.com/en-us/speakers-audio/home-pc-speakers/devices/7367) would suit you since it's bluetooth.

[Mezzoforte]

Thanks for your replies!

A Bluetooth system might be fine, but since it's fairly short-range I'm not sure it would be ideal. The set zitch linked to says the range is about 10 meters, which might work but if that's that maximum range I bet real performance won't be good at 10 meters with two walls in between.

What about those wifi radio systems? I guess they are a bit limited if I only want to play music from my computer, but at least the technology doesn't seem that arcane. I guess it might be possible to stream music from my own computer and make the radio take up that stream, although that's probably making it more complicated than it needs to be.

Let's say we substitute "cheap" in the equation with an unknown variable :D - any thoughts on good, wireless audio systems? As long as there doesn't have to be any cable directly from the computer to the audio system, it's all right.

[Perfect Storm]

Moved to the Cafe.

[koleoptero]

I can't find anything worthwhile with wi-fi. There are bluetooth connectors though, but as you said bluetooth doesn't have enough range to transmit to other rooms.

On the other hand you can buy these (http://www.logitech.com/en-roeu/speakers-audio/home-pc-speakers/devices/7321) and turn the volume up. You'll have music in all your house, and the yard with a window open. :D

[zitch]

Let's say we substitute "cheap" in the equation with an unknown variable :D - any thoughts on good, wireless audio systems? As long as there doesn't have to be any cable directly from the computer to the audio system, it's all right.

Maybe there's some FM Transmitters in the market that might work for you too, but all I can find are for playing music from your iPod to a car stereo system; I doubt those even have the range of Bluetooth speakers, though I can't find any specifications showing this.

Personally, I take the route koleoptero mentioned, though with a 7.1 channel home theater system. Unfortunately, that only works if others in the house don't mind the sound levels I put it at. And if you're not in an apartment/town home or have neighbor houses are close by/etc. And costs are probably much higher than you're probably budgeting for. ;)

Too bad there isn't much of a market of a wireless speaker system that can connect to a WPA2 encrypted WIFI and can present itself as an network accessible AudioPulse sink...

UPDATE: Though about this more, expanded my search a bit and found this (http://www.amazon.com/Whole-House-FM-Transmitter-2-0/dp/B003FNQHOW/ref=pd_sim_e_2), which might be something that would work for you. Rather pricy, but it does say it's for transmitting to a whole house and yard; all you need is an FM radio on the other end. It won't have the security of WIFI or Blutooth (any neighbor in range will be able to simply tune in), but it doesn't look like you're too worried about that.

[LowSky]

The best option is Apple's Airport Express, and a small set of 2 channel speakers, or if you like, even an amp and some standing speakers.

http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/

[wewantutopia]

There's all sorts of stuff for outdoor listening setups. Might be able to adapt one for your uses.

http://www.google.com/search?q=wireless+speakers+outdoor&hl=en&safe=off&rlz=1B5_____enUS343US343&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=shop&ei=5N6oTsiyBY7egQfH4Ikn&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=6&ved=0CFsQ_AUoBQ&biw=1019&bih=433

[wolfen69]

I just use wireless headphones. http://www.amazon.com/RCA-WHP140-900-Wireless-Headphones/dp/B00009W3E9 I can walk anywhere in and around the house and get decent sound.

[Mezzoforte]

Thanks for your suggestions. Granted, the easy option would be to go with a set of robust loudspeakers and just crank up the volume. I've got exceptionally sensitive neighbors though.

That whole house FM transmitter looks like something I could use, though it's a bit pricey.

As for Airport Express - I'm skeptical to Apple stuff. It says you can play iTunes stuff using it, but I guess it might be possible to play music using other systems too with a little tweaking. At any rate, I try to stay away from Apple.

Actually, I gave up the search for a wireless solution and just got a set of reasonably cheap (wired) 2.1 speakers. Doesn't seem worth the cost at present to go wireless, at least if you're on a tight budget and don't really must have wireless.