Speakers for multiroom sync

I own and love my LSX II’s and I’m planning to extend my setup to also play in the bedroom and kitchen (simultaneously in sync). Bedroom might become a second set of the KEF.

Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I do need either a bridge or a roon READY endpoint, right? Roon tested will not sync, correct?

I’m not keen on a Pi with wired speakers, I’m aware of this approach.
So: are there speakers cheaper than the LSX II, which I should consider? Specially: is there a small speaker for use in the kitchen, where I could survive a mono setup or a stereo speaker in one body.

If I browse the list of partners I and up with tons of dac’s and high end gear. Can’t find anything close to the KEF’s.
If I search this forum, the recommendation seems to be the bridged approach.

Thanks!

You could use another set of speakers supporting AirPlay or Chromecast, otherwise a Roon Ready option directly or with an external device such as from Wiim also could be used.

Roon Tested means eirher AirPlay or Chromecast support, but all synchronized devices must use the same protocol (either all on Roon RAAT, all on AirPlay, or all on Chromecast).

Thanks, Rob! Can you recommend any lower-end budget roon ready options? As I’m using iOS and Android alternately, makes this path more convenient than the other two.

Thanks again!
Simon

For Roon Ready stereo in a single box setup I use the Elac Z3 in the Kitchen, office and 2 bedrooms. It is listed on Amazon for $336.

I have not tried the Roon Ready Denon 350 but that is another single box Stereo option.

I’d recommend a look at the Denon Home 150 speakers which are Roon ready. I have several around the house for background music, as mono and in stereo pairs. Once the appropriate group delay is setup in Roon, they also sync up with my main listening systems. I replaced all my Sonos speakers with these and they work so much better, zero drop outs and can sync with other Roon ready endpoints.
They are relatively cheap as well. Often on sale on Amazon for under $175 and even less for refurbished straight from denon. Don’t sleep on open box deals on Amazon as well.

+1 for Wiim streamers - they’re killer value and will ensure whatever you connect them to are running RAAT, meaning you can easily group everything to play back in sync. Otherwise afaik you’ll have to ‘downgrade’ your Kefs to use whichever non RAAT protocol you chose to group the other devices with.

Thanks Nadeem, Nicholas and Mike for your answers. That’s what I was hoping for!
Just for interest: is there some kind of a comparison chart or list where we can compare devices (and prices…)?

Thanks again! Thread closed!
Simon

Just jumping in after the thread is closed - JBL also have Roon Ready speakers…
Roon x JBL

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No comparison chart that I know of. Searching for the specific devices online for reviews will provide some good information. Pros and cons.

I do know the specs for the Z3’s, 192/24 hi-res PCM playback, good sound without wide stereo separation, works perfectly with Roon via Ethernet, volume controls on the front of the unit when the roon remote isn’t close by. Works well grouped in Roon for whole house background music. Prices vary, think I got the first one for $459 and found the last 3 on sale during the holidays for $229.

The only downside for me is the rear firing bass speakers, need to be 6 to 8 inches from the back wall.

The JBL unit mentioned by @Geoff_Coupe is interesting with the down firing bass speaker but I haven’t tried any of the other options.

I don’t think anyone has mentioned the B&W Formation Flex as another option…have considered one as a replacement for my Bluesound Pulse Flex when it dies.

Thanks again for the extra inputs!

JBL does look very tempting being stereo.
I’ll also have a look at the Denon being very affordable.
Unfortunately it seems to be impossible to find any Elac Z3 in mainland Europe.

Cheers! Simon