If this is your first time reading one of our ‘What Does It Cost’ blogs be sure to check out this 30 second video on how Tym’s pricing works.
Control4 Controllers
Control4’s Audio requires a Control4 Controller; so factor that into your cost for Home Audio. There are 3 different Controllers to choose from. We won’t dive into the differences here but for Audio, each Controller provides a different number of ‘Music Streams.’ This is the number of different Internet services like Pandora you can play at any given moment through out the house.
1 Audio Stream
3 Audio Streams
5 Audio Streams
Matrix Amplifiers
Whole House Audio solutiosn usually have an Audio Switch, and an Amplifier.
Control4 has a hardware piece called a Matrix Amplifier. It’s both the Amplifier and Audio Switch all in one.
There are two versions, and both require one of the Controllers.
Amplifier and Audio Switch
For a home with more than 8 rooms of Audio, you would use a Control4 Audio system where the Audio Switch and Amplifier are separate. First, you choose an Audio Switch:
Per Room Average
Alright, so we always like to give you an easy metric for guestimating your cost. Obviously, it varies some depending on how you build out the system, so we’ll show you a few examples.
$630 – 595 (4-Room – 8-Room ) Matrix Amplifier. This includes:
- Value Line Speakers
- EA-1 or EA-3, and
- Speaker Wire
- Value Line Speakers
- EA-3 or EA-5
- Speaker Wire
And for comparison, a Sonos Amplifier with the same speaker prewire and speakers would run $695 per room. Typically Sonos is the cheaper solution through 3 rooms, but Control4’s Home Audio is cheaper as you move 4 rooms and beyond.
Using Third Party Audio Equipment
We’re not going to explore the pricing here, but in case you were wondering, Control4 can work with third-party Audio equipment. Control4 currently works with Sonos, Autonomic, VSSL, Russound, and the list goes on. You can also incorporate third-party audio switches.
Want Help Designing A Control4 System?
Send us your plans, and we’ll send you a custom Smart Home Design. Learn more about our Design Service here.
Named one of Technology Integrator’s Top Talent Under 40, Matt has designed systems for 20 national award-winning projects, including "Home Theater of the Year", and "Custom Smart Home of the Year" from CTA™ (Consumer Technology Association). His ebook “How To Wire Your Smart Home” is a best seller among professionals and DIY-ers alike. He has taken classes with Home Acoustics Alliance (HAA). You can watch Matt share the secrets of his craft on YouTube!
Matt is a Golden State fan.
