In-Wall Wiring/Speaker and Internet

Buy a powerline modem.

Powerline won't help for speakers.

To add some more detail, I'm looking to wall-mount 4 speakers, each set on opposite ends of the room. I assume the length of the run needs to go behind the baseboard, so whatever that labor cost is plus the snaking through the walls.

Vibration-isolate them speakers or your neighbors will perform random acts of vudu on your effigies.

Electricians do this type of work. I'm having a hard time trying to imagine your apt layout from your short description, but if the wiring can go along the one 30' wall without having switch to the opposite side of the wall - it will be a much simpler job. Otherwise, you're looking at running the wires along the wall, up to the ceiling, across the ceiling, down the wall, and across the wall, etc..

I'd think about $1500 - $3000. The cost of material is cheap. May I recommend using cat6(a) cable and running a couple extra for future upgrade/add-on.

Wrap these around the new wall jacks, electrical outlets, light switches, etc..http://www.tmsoundproofing.com/store/acoustical-pads.html

From your updated info, I wouldn't be surprised if the cost might be around $5k. Get several quotes. Get your preferred choice of material in email/writing. Bonded and insured is probably required as well right?

get wireless internet and and a top of the line sound bar and save yourself $4k

I think you are better off using an audio visial guy then an electrician on that. If you need someone let me know

Be careful running cables/wires behind baseboards. If there is a space along the outside of hardwood floor, it isn't meant for cables.

you did not mention if your walls are sheetrock or concrete. that will play a huge role in pricing.

Thanks for all the input. Primer05, I was hoping you might catch this one, if you have a suggestion of someone I should talk to I'd appreciate that very much. I've searched around a bit and found a couple people but would certainly appreciate the recommendation. Can you remind me of your e-mail address?

ab_11218 - Walls are sheetrock.

primerenovations@mac.com

Have you never walked through a '70's apartment with an outdated speaker system in the wall? It's the first thing to go!

Why would you spend good money on something that will be outdated within 2 years?

Buy wireless speakers (google is your friend) and wireless router.

We have a wireless home theater system that sounds great and cost under $500. Wireless routers are under $100. Both plug into existing outlets. And to get rid of them, when the technology changes (and it will) we unplug them and take them to the dumpster.

It's not rocket surgery.

Needs,

A wireless speaker is nice and all but for some people that is not good enough.

Primer,

If Bang and Olufsen makes a wireless, that's good enough for me:

http://www.bang-olufsen.com/beolink-wireless-1

Of course, to your point, Primer, the B&O system probably costs as much as all the wiring.

I'm way too DIY for this town . . .

Wireless speakers == no good

Sonos == By far the best solution in existence.

In anticipation for a future setup, Ive been thinking about neighbors.
Any experiences with Auralex Gramma Isolation risers and Mason Super "W" rubber pads?

Found this blog informative
http://ezinearticles.com/?Setting-Up-Your-Home-Theater-System-Up-in-an-Apartment-Or-Condominium-to-Stop-Neighbors-Complaints&id=1290922

sonos and logitech squeeze box

unlikely, even with sheetrock, you wont end up doing serious wall-rippage, so price in some wall repair/painting, in additional to spackle/touchup for the fish holes, as well

This might be helpful as well: http://www.computeraudiophile.com/

sound bars reproduce surround effect, def tech makes a very nice one

http://www.definitivetech.com/products/products.aspx?productid=Mythos%20SSA-50

i can't see how $5k +/- is worth it unless its a true home theater

Wireless speakers might be ok for tv/video, but won't cut it for audio (if you care about sound quality).
Good stereo speakers should be just as good 10-20 years from now, assuming they aren't abused.
A great resource for audio stuff is audiogon.com. If you think that SE has real estate junkies, you should see the audio nutjobs at audiogon. Nonetheless, it's a great place for info.

Just to add another wrinkle, even with sheetrock over steel studs, the cavities may have sound-insulating batts, so fishing cable is no cinch.

like i said wall-rippage>>repair>>painting

if youre an audiophile, chuck your ipod and most digital formats

most audiophiles have serious dificulty distinguishing between systems if double-blind

same with oenophiles--cant tell a good 25$ cabernet from something really "special"

dopes

Wow, quite a few opinions here. To clear up a few things:

1) This is a move-in project - we will be painting as well, so this is part of our budget.
2) revas77 - What is it with you and the soundbar? I listen to music 90% of the time and home theater is 10%. I'm not worried about TV sound, this is primarily for my Hi-Fi.
3) Needsadvice - What are you talking about? I have pretty high-end equipment and I'm not talking about in-wall speakers, I'm talking about in-wall wiring with speakers mounted. 1970's? I'll put up a 1970's Macintosh system against anything that has come out today. You're talking a different language here.

Wireless is a good idea, but not exactly the way to get real sound out of my equipment. I'm possibly considering this for my surrounds, because I rarely use the home theater component, but not a chance for by B speakers.

depending on how fussy you are, you can run the wires along existing baseboard and just cut into the wall to come up from the baseboard.

NYC--about a year ago, I had similar work done when I moved in to a new place. I had five speakers wall mounted (three in the wall and two on the wall) and a TV wall mounted, along with all of the associated in-wall wiring. I got several quotes and ultimately went with Stereo Exchange. I had more done than it appears you are looking to do (and I bought some equipment), but it cost me around $8k. I think that $4-$5k is probably a reasonable estimate based on the information you have provided. That being said, it can be done for much cheaper (under $2k) if you are willing to go with--how do I put this?--lesser established individuals (as I did several years ago, and honestly I can't tell much difference in the work).

Most people will be very happy with a Sonos system. These people can't fathom spending $5k+ to install a one room sound system.

Others won't. You sound like you're one of them. You should definitely take Primer's recommendation of using an audio guy to do this, they should be familiar enough with the issues that such installations present with.

I have CAT-6 Ethernet, in-ceiling speakers, Sonos, fiber & cable in every room.

I was charged approx. $500/room (not including Sonos box or speaker price) but all the walls were down.

stlblufan, thank you for your responses, Stereo Exchange is on my list of places to ask as is Lyric on the UES since that is closest to me. Lyric quoted straight $150/hr labor cost per man, which could be pretty reasonable if the guy knows what he's doing, and it's only one guy. full day job for $1,200 seems pretty fair to me. $4k-$5k seems a bit pricey. Then again, they specialize in Macintosh and B&W so not exactly the mid-level of the spectrum.

I'll look into the Sonos too...and possibly the powerline modem for the ethernet, i didn't know that even existed.

Call Craig @ Compushine #212-371-1525

Sonos is a great system, but some of the new Apple products come very close to replicating the performance. And it can be much cheaper depending on your specific needs. Of course the Apple stuff does other things too.

get yourself a $500 set of audioengine5 in bamboo. throw away your amp. surround sound is dumb so just scratch that idea all together. throw a airport express into the back of the AE5s and add a sub and you will be all set. send me a check for half the $1000s i just saved you from wasting time with wiring walls and getting "audiophile sound" from absurdly priced components.

Also try Paul Kennedy at www.nycitystuff.com. I have never used them but know people who have been very happy with their work.

Hey everyone, first post here, but long time lurker and huge techie.

NYC I am just about completed with the same, except I used a Xantech digital system that runs on CAT6:

http://www.xantech.com/video/avdistribution/digi-5/

Hook up four sources at your receiver area, then select from any of those anywhere in your apartment by ung decora-style control keypads (or use "party mode" to play the same in all rooms). Run CAT5/CAT6 to each controller location, then run 16x2 speaker wires form the controller location to the speaker location. CAT6 carries power and line-level audio, which the controller plate amplifies to drive the speakers.

I know you're only looking at living room and home office, but the above may be more cost effective than running 16x2 speaker wire to all corners of your two rooms (and eay cheaper than a Sonos), and it also allows for expansion should you want to get your kitchen and bathroom in the mix.

As for speakers becoming outdated, have you considered surface mounted speakers over in-wall?

For the rough-in, I had an electrician come in and double/triple the audio/volume control plates next to existing in-wall switches for a more stock look. Since there's a mix of high/low voltage in the same box, we fabricated some plastic dividers to isolate the two from each other and keep with code. Each switch controller has a built in amp and can drive two speakers from the switch location.