Unika Sound / Practical guide
Planning audio before renovation
Cables, outlets, speaker locations and equipment ventilation: what to agree before finishing a room for cinema or multi-room audio.
Start with furniture and listening positions
First mark the sofa, seats and television or screen on the plan. Otherwise outlets and speaker points can end up in the wrong places. Cinema planning includes possible surround and height channels as well as the front stage. For music, consider spacing between speakers, the listener and walls. Give the designer and installer the same current plan.
Agree cable routes
Mark where the receiver or amplifier sits and where its cables go. Length, routing and the required video format influence HDMI selection. Concealed routes benefit from replacement access, with conduit size and bends agreed by the installers. Confirm routes before walls close, then retain photographs and labelled cable ends.
Allow ventilation and access
A closed cabinet can look tidy, but amplifiers generate heat. Check manufacturer ventilation requirements, connector clearance and service access. Cabinet depth needs to include cable connectors and bends, not just the chassis. Consider how controls will work behind closed cabinet doors.
Check the network for multi-room audio
Wireless speakers still need power and a stable connection. Coordinate coverage and wired points with the network installer. Passive recessed speakers need wiring back to amplification. List the zones and decide whether they need shared music or independent sources and volume. This shapes the configuration before models are chosen.
What to send for a discussion
Send a dimensioned plan, a few photographs, renovation stage and a brief covering music, film or both. Include existing equipment and a budget range. If you work with a designer, involve them in agreeing technical points so audio and interior decisions work together.
Prepared by Unika Sound. Specific configurations and installation requirements are assessed for your space and equipment.