Sonos Amp Multi makes residential debut in modern Boston home

Introduction

With the release of Amp Multi, Sonos’ highly anticipated professional multi-channel amplifier, the company sought a home to host its first real-world residential installation. Sonos identified a newly completed Boston residence as the ideal setting, working with Boston Automations to integrate the multi-zone audio system into a fully connected home environment.

Boston Automations, a full-service design, integration, and installation company delivering elevated luxury living experiences through whole-home technology, was asked to take on the project. “Sonos reached out and asked if we wanted to install the first Amp Multi in the country, and of course we said yes,” explains Adam Zell, CEO of Boston Automations. “It was an honor to be involved in the debut of such an exciting new product.” The Boston home features two Amp Multi units, one on each floor, powering seven audio zones. Audio is delivered through Sonos by Sonance speakers throughout the home, including the outdoor space.

Challenge

The homeowner wanted audio coverage across as much of the property as possible. However, due to the condo’s recent completion, Boston Automations had to work carefully around newly plastered and painted walls. “The biggest challenge was that we were working around a finished space,” explains Zell. “Pulling wires after construction is always more complicated because you don’t know exactly what is behind the walls, and you have to be extremely careful with the finished surfaces.”

Solution

On the first floor, the Amp Multi is housed in an AV rack in the laundry room, powering four audio zones. Two 8-inch in-ceiling speakers in the bedroom and two 6-inch in-ceiling speakers in the bathroom deliver clean sound and wide coverage, while a 6-inch in-ceiling speaker in the closet and another in the foyer provide a more discreet, space-saving solution.

On the second floor, the Amp Multi powers three additional audio zones and is discreetly hidden within a media console in the den. Two 8-inch in-ceiling speakers serve the kitchen, while four 8-inch in-ceiling speakers provide fuller coverage across the living room. On the terrace, two black outdoor speakers extend the audio experience outdoors.

The audio system was integrated into a wider smart home environment built around Lutron RadioRA 3 lighting control, Sunnata switches, dimmers, and hybrid keypads, Lutron Triathlon shades, and Apple HomeKit. “Lutron and Sonos have always been a very reliable combination for us,” says Zell. “Together, they give clients a simple and dependable way to manage lighting, shading, and audio as part of a connected home experience.” 

Using Amp Multi allowed Boston Automations to consolidate these seven audio zones into two devices, reducing rack space, setup time, and overall installation complexity.

“What’s exciting about Amp Multi is that it takes what would previously have required several separate products and brings it into a much cleaner, more efficient solution,” says Zell.

“Amp Multi reduces hardware, speeds up installation, and still gives the client the Sonos experience” - Adam Zell, CEO, Boston Automations

Once the wiring and rack preparation were complete, Amp Multi’s fast and straightforward setup became one of the project’s strongest advantages. “We spent much less time unboxing, mounting, and configuring than we would with multiple separate amplifiers. This gave us more time to focus on the wider smart home experience,” reflects Zell.

“Automatic device detection within the Sonos app made installation and zone selection simple, allowing us to assign Amp Multi’s eight outputs flexibly across up to four native Sonos zones.” - Adam Zell, CEO, Boston Automations

The completed installation gives the homeowner unobtrusive, powerful audio across two floors, with simple control as part of the home’s broader technology system. “We haven’t had any technical issues or callbacks since installation, which is always a good sign,” confirms Zell.

As the first US residential installation featuring Sonos Amp Multi, the Boston project provides a clear example of how the product can simplify whole-home audio for both integrators and clients. “With Amp Multi, we were able to support multiple audio zones within a familiar Sonos ecosystem while giving the homeowner reliable, discreet sound throughout the property,” concludes Zell.