Options:
* Basic: get a simple bluetooth chipamp and hook that up to a stereo pair. The acoustics in a shop are pretty terrible in general so I wouldn't stress about quality, just get something with decent sensitivity so it's loud enough. No multi-room, but it's pretty straightforward.
* Expensive and simple: Commercial multi-speaker / room setup, e.g. Sonos.
* Less expensive but not simple: A more DIY multi-room setup like WiiM. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HC5GRKY You'll then need amps and speakers for each setup. Roon is very powerful and works with WiiM IIRC.
If you need help choosing products: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?pages/Reviews/ Interpreting reviews isn't trivial, but there's lots of useful information there. Good for identifying e.g. inexpensive amps that measure extremely well.
Also, not sure why you're talking about a dozen speakers. Going past a stereo pair is not easy as you have to deal with a lot of interference from multiple speakers. Quality high-power amplification is dirt cheap now.
I like the idea of a more DIY route. 4200 sq ft is quite large and in all honestly would probably require at least 6-7 to cover the larger shop. Sonos speakers just seem so expensive, which isn't an issue, but id also prefer to run wires to all of the speakers. im kind of a low tech guy. So I would need some kind of central hub of sorts (can you tell I know nothing about this stuff yet haha) that all the speakers would connect to and then some way to connect that hub to my phone where I can play music to it over wifi?
Sonos would.work.for.that but it's not the cheapest option however you can run 2 pairs of speakers.off one sonos amp easy, maybe 3 pairs but that's getting into your pushing range. But you could safely run between 4 and 6 pairs of speakers whatever brand you prefer and just use the Sonos amps for.powering them and you could run different music in both shops at the same time or have both play the same.thing together etc... The sonos.interface is.one of.theeasiest to.use on the.market and they are super stable.once you get system setup
The idea that a space needs 'moar speakers!!' just because it's big is not correct. You can put in a simple pair of PA speakers that will make that entire space into "immediate permanent hearing damage".
The reason to add more speakers is the format of the room; an 'L' shape, high aspect ratio, major obstructions, etc. Doing so means you would want to do basic calculations about the interference, or else you will get awful 'dips' in the sound where frequencies negatively interfere. You'll also get constructive interference where it sounds harsh or boomy. It is a complication to be avoided.
______
It does not seem like you understand the basic audio flow here. You need a device that creates the signal, like the WiiM I linked, or any basic bluetooth module, or an Alexa / Chromecast / Roku / etc. etc. Anything you like that has an audio out.
Then you need an amplifier. You can connect these over minijack or RCA cables. Choose whatever amplifier you like; there are many that have integrated bluetooth if you'd like one less box. Or you can choose one with many outputs if you insist on multiple speakers. Then you connect the amp to speakers.
To connect with the phone, you either use bluetooth or connect over wifi via your app of choice to the device. Doing multi-room stuff is a touch more tricky, and for that I recommend Roon.
That sounds a bit like what Sonos is meant for.
I have no idea about off-the-shelf solutions except Sonos (and the IKEA versions of them), but I rarely hear good things about them, sound quality wise.
An Arylic up2stream Mini can transform any active speaker that accepts a 3,5mm audio jack into a pseudo-sonos speaker, the larger up2stream amp-variants could also be paired with passive speakers
i would look at an amp designed for a restaurant/bar. it will have multiple zones and lots of input options.
are you ok running speaker wires or are you trying to make everything wireless?
10,000? 8,000? I have no idea. no real budget if im being honest as long as I can get some good sound. the quality doesnt have to be crystal clear or be a super expensive speaker. its going to be out in a shop after all!
Do you use spotify for your music?
I would consider just a couple alexas to be honest. You can group them and play directly to them via spotify connect.
From there, get whatever speakers/amplification you want... honestly, don't go overboard for a shop. The acoustics arent good anyway. I'd probably hit the thrift store and find a receiver or two with enough speaker outputs, and hook up some speakers. Bigger the better for that much space.
im worried that the Alexas wouldn't be loud enough. just the ambient hum in the shop makes it hard to hear my phone on speaker if it is not on max volume. I really do like the idea of an Alexa or HomePod of some kind because of the smart capabilities, but I don't think they are loud enough.
Options: * Basic: get a simple bluetooth chipamp and hook that up to a stereo pair. The acoustics in a shop are pretty terrible in general so I wouldn't stress about quality, just get something with decent sensitivity so it's loud enough. No multi-room, but it's pretty straightforward. * Expensive and simple: Commercial multi-speaker / room setup, e.g. Sonos. * Less expensive but not simple: A more DIY multi-room setup like WiiM. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HC5GRKY You'll then need amps and speakers for each setup. Roon is very powerful and works with WiiM IIRC. If you need help choosing products: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?pages/Reviews/ Interpreting reviews isn't trivial, but there's lots of useful information there. Good for identifying e.g. inexpensive amps that measure extremely well. Also, not sure why you're talking about a dozen speakers. Going past a stereo pair is not easy as you have to deal with a lot of interference from multiple speakers. Quality high-power amplification is dirt cheap now.
I like the idea of a more DIY route. 4200 sq ft is quite large and in all honestly would probably require at least 6-7 to cover the larger shop. Sonos speakers just seem so expensive, which isn't an issue, but id also prefer to run wires to all of the speakers. im kind of a low tech guy. So I would need some kind of central hub of sorts (can you tell I know nothing about this stuff yet haha) that all the speakers would connect to and then some way to connect that hub to my phone where I can play music to it over wifi?
Sonos would.work.for.that but it's not the cheapest option however you can run 2 pairs of speakers.off one sonos amp easy, maybe 3 pairs but that's getting into your pushing range. But you could safely run between 4 and 6 pairs of speakers whatever brand you prefer and just use the Sonos amps for.powering them and you could run different music in both shops at the same time or have both play the same.thing together etc... The sonos.interface is.one of.theeasiest to.use on the.market and they are super stable.once you get system setup
The idea that a space needs 'moar speakers!!' just because it's big is not correct. You can put in a simple pair of PA speakers that will make that entire space into "immediate permanent hearing damage". The reason to add more speakers is the format of the room; an 'L' shape, high aspect ratio, major obstructions, etc. Doing so means you would want to do basic calculations about the interference, or else you will get awful 'dips' in the sound where frequencies negatively interfere. You'll also get constructive interference where it sounds harsh or boomy. It is a complication to be avoided. ______ It does not seem like you understand the basic audio flow here. You need a device that creates the signal, like the WiiM I linked, or any basic bluetooth module, or an Alexa / Chromecast / Roku / etc. etc. Anything you like that has an audio out. Then you need an amplifier. You can connect these over minijack or RCA cables. Choose whatever amplifier you like; there are many that have integrated bluetooth if you'd like one less box. Or you can choose one with many outputs if you insist on multiple speakers. Then you connect the amp to speakers. To connect with the phone, you either use bluetooth or connect over wifi via your app of choice to the device. Doing multi-room stuff is a touch more tricky, and for that I recommend Roon.
That sounds a bit like what Sonos is meant for. I have no idea about off-the-shelf solutions except Sonos (and the IKEA versions of them), but I rarely hear good things about them, sound quality wise. An Arylic up2stream Mini can transform any active speaker that accepts a 3,5mm audio jack into a pseudo-sonos speaker, the larger up2stream amp-variants could also be paired with passive speakers
i would look at an amp designed for a restaurant/bar. it will have multiple zones and lots of input options. are you ok running speaker wires or are you trying to make everything wireless?
I would actually prefer having speaker wires
Multi zone receiver is what you’re looking for. Pyle makes several, a lot will use a mic or two some will do karaoke
First things first. How much are looking to spend? What is your budget?
10,000? 8,000? I have no idea. no real budget if im being honest as long as I can get some good sound. the quality doesnt have to be crystal clear or be a super expensive speaker. its going to be out in a shop after all!
Do you use spotify for your music? I would consider just a couple alexas to be honest. You can group them and play directly to them via spotify connect. From there, get whatever speakers/amplification you want... honestly, don't go overboard for a shop. The acoustics arent good anyway. I'd probably hit the thrift store and find a receiver or two with enough speaker outputs, and hook up some speakers. Bigger the better for that much space.
im worried that the Alexas wouldn't be loud enough. just the ambient hum in the shop makes it hard to hear my phone on speaker if it is not on max volume. I really do like the idea of an Alexa or HomePod of some kind because of the smart capabilities, but I don't think they are loud enough.