AV installation guide: best practices, costs and top services
What your guests hear can make or break the customer experience. Know the pitfalls and costs before you start buying speakers and amps.
Any business playing background music eventually has to face a technical reality: audiovisual (AV) installation. If you want to avoid inconsistent volume, dodgy bass, or unreliable playback, read this step-by-step guide to putting together the right sound system.
Whether you run a retail store, restaurant, hotel or office, your sound equipment can significantly impact customer experience and brand perception. By following best practices, understanding the costs and working with a reputable service provider, you can ensure a seamless and high-quality AV setup. The right approach makes all the difference, whether you're working with a simple sound system or a sophisticated multi-zone installation.
Step-by-step guide to AV Installation
When installing an AV system for background music, here are some key considerations:
Assess your brand needs
One of the first things to consider before installing your AV setup is the type of music you intend to play in your business:
Music style: Make sure your equipment can handle your chosen music's key features, such as bass and vocals.
Volume levels: Louder music requires more powerful amplifiers.
Different zones: If your business plays different music across multiple areas, you'll need an AV setup that has that option.
Playback: Be sure you have the right controls for scheduling and changing your playlists.
For more advice on choosing playlists to fit your brand's needs, read our articles on creating the perfect background music and finding the best music genre for your business.
Consider your business's physical space
The layout of your business has a large impact on your AV installation. Consider:
The size of your space: Larger spaces require more speakers and higher-powered amplifiers for even sound distribution.
Your business's layout: An open floor plan may call for directional speakers, while a segmented floor plan, or one with different sections for different products, could benefit from separate volume control in each area.
Speaker placement: Analyze your venue's acoustic properties to find the best locations for speakers. Improper placement can lead to sound distortion or dead zones where you can't hear the music clearly.
Choose the right equipment
Speakers
The type of speakers you require depends on your business's desired audio performance and how visible you want them to be—some businesses may benefit from hiding their speakers, while others may use them as part of the room design. Common options include:
Ceiling-mounted speakers are discreet and provide consistent coverage throughout your business. Good for: retail, hospitality and offices.
Wall-mounted speakers save space. They're a solid choice for spaces that need a more focused sound, such as cafes, gyms and bars.
Freestanding speakers take up the most space but offer more flexible placement. They're also easy to reposition (depending on how much they weigh). These are best for temporary setups or as features in large, open areas.
It's also crucial to keep your speakers safe from damage. Those in high traffic areas may require durable, tamper-resistant enclosures. Meanwhile, outdoor installations should include weather-resistant equipment.
Furthermore, you should consider your speaker placement to ensure even sound distribution, avoid overlap, and prevent echo. Directional speakers and acoustic treatments such as panels can help with this. A professional sound engineer can analyze your space and assist with speaker positioning to achieve the best sound system setup for your business.
Amplifiers
An amplifier is essential for enhancing sound quality, especially in larger venues. Choosing amplifiers with built-in digital sound processing (DSP) can help customize and balance audio output.
Audio sources
Consider where you'll source your music. Options include business streaming services, dedicated music players or cloud-based systems. Any music you play must also have the right licensing, which you can find out more about on Soundtrack's licensing pages.
Streaming services, like Soundtrack, are a great bet, as you can access ready-made playlists and tailor them to your business's needs.
Control systems
The right control system allows you to manage your music's volume and playback across your venue. Simple setups may only require a wall panel, laptop or tablet, while more advanced systems have separate controls for multiple zones. Smart systems allow scheduling music changes throughout the day, ideal for businesses with varying customer flows.
You'll also need to choose between a wired and wireless control system. Wireless means more flexibility, but wired systems are more stable, as they don't rely on Wi-Fi, which can drop out and create awkward silence.
Use a professional installation service
Although it may be tempting to cut costs with a DIY AV installation, working with a professional ensures:
Proper wiring, connection, and placement: a professional installation provides the correct wiring and cable management to avoid signal loss and interference.
Compliance with safety regulations: Professionals ensure that all audio visual setups meet fire and electrical safety standards, reducing risks of malfunctions.
Professional installers can also provide valuable insights on future scalability, allowing for easy expansion as business needs grow.
Optimize sound and display settings
After installation, fine-tuning the system is crucial. You should check details such as:
Equalizer settings: Properly tuned equalization ensures a balanced sound – that high, mid and low frequencies blend well, enhancing the clarity and warmth of the music.
Volume levels: Adjust the volume so that high-traffic areas receive prominent music while quieter sections maintain a relaxed ambiance.
Background noise cancellation: Some locations may experience background noise from customers or machinery. Using noise-canceling technology or configuring dynamic volume adjustment can provide a consistent audio experience.
Maintain and update your system regularly
Keep your AV system running reliably by doing the following regularly:
Clean equipment: Prevent dust accumulation that can lead to overheating or sound degradation in speakers and amplifiers.
Update software and firmware: Keeping control systems and streaming software up to date ensures optimal performance and security.
Schedule professional inspections: Technicians can identify potential issues before they cause disruptions, minimizing downtime and preventing system failures.
Remote monitoring technology can also detect problems before they escalate.
AV setup costs
Installing an audiovisual setup for background music requires careful financial planning. Below, we've broken down the key costs associated with AV installation for businesses to help you understand what to expect and how to budget effectively.
Equipment costs
Choosing the right hardware – that is, the speakers, amplifiers, and any other physical equipment – is crucial to deliver high-quality sound throughout your business. The cost varies depending on your region, the size of your establishment, the quality of the equipment, and the complexity of the setup, but you can find some indicative costs below:
Speakers
The amount you spend on speakers depends mostly on how many you need and their quality:
Small businesses (cafés, boutiques) may require US$500–2,000 worth of speakers.
Medium-sized venues (restaurants, bars) typically spend US$2,000–5,000.
Large commercial spaces (hotels, shopping malls) may need to invest US$5,000–US$20,000+.
Amplifiers and receivers
Like speakers, the cost of an amplifier depends on your requirements and the layout of your business:
Entry-level systems cost around US$300–1,500.
High-performance amplifiers for multi-zone audio range from US$1,500–$5,000.
Installation costs
Professional AV installation ensures optimal sound quality and system longevity. Costs vary based on system complexity and space requirements.
Basic installation: For small spaces with minimal wiring, installation fees can range from US$500–2,000.
Complex installations: For multi-room or multi-zone audio visual setups requiring extensive wiring, hidden speakers, or ceiling mounts, costs rise to US$2,000–10,000.
Custom integrations: If your AV system needs to integrate with existing business automation or security systems, expect costs between US$5,000–20,000+.
Maintenance and support costs
You'll also need to factor in costs of the necessary maintenance to keep your system running smoothly. These costs include:
Routine maintenance: Annual checkups and minor repairs cost US$200–1,000 per year.
Service contracts: Many AV companies offer service contracts starting at US$500 per year.
Repairs and upgrades: Unexpected repairs or system upgrades can cost anywhere from US$500–5,000.
Streaming hardware and music licensing costs
Monthly licensing fees for commercial music services like Soundtrack range from US$29–100 per month, depending on features and the number of zones. See our plans and pricing for more information.
You'll likely require additional licenses to play music on your premises. To find out about your local music licensing rules, read our dedicated country pages.
Additional or hidden costs
In addition to the above, certain types of spaces and setups demand a higher budget to make sure the sound is consistent throughout the business. You should consider:
Buildings with high ceilings or lots of hard services can benefit from acoustic treatments such as panels or soundproofing, adding US$1,000–10,000 to the budget.
Older buildings may require additional wiring, network, or power modifications, costing US$500–5,000.
Setups with smart controls and advanced features like app-based controls or voice automation can add US$1,000–5,000.
Ways to reduce costs without sacrificing quality
AV installation can be pricey, but there are a few ways to get the best sound at a lower cost:
Bundle services: Some AV providers offer package deals that combine equipment, installation and support.
Choose scalable solutions: Start with a basic system and upgrade as needed.
Work with AV specialists: Professional installers can design an efficient system, reducing your spend.
The cost of an audiovisual setup for background music streaming varies widely based on business size, equipment quality, and installation complexity. Small businesses may spend as little as US$1,500–5,000, while large-scale operations can invest US$20,000+. By planning ahead and considering all cost factors, businesses can create an immersive audio experience that enhances customer satisfaction and reinforces their brand identity.
The best AV installation services
To achieve the best sound quality and seamless integration, a top-tier AV service can make all the difference.
Some of the best US-based AV installation services Soundtrack has worked with over the years include:
JAVI AV offers high-end audio-visual solutions for commercial spaces. They have expertise in distributed audio systems and provide custom AV setups with smart automation.
Dynamic Media Music is a specialist in AV solutions, giving businesses access to both great audio systems and customized playlists in partnership with Soundtrack. Their systems are designed for a range of industries including hospitality, healthcare, and fitness.
Teksetra provides end-to-end AV services, including professional installations. Their team works closely with business owners to create customized background music systems.
Crunchy Tech is known for its innovative AV integrations for businesses of all sizes. They have a wealth of sound engineering expertise and offer ongoing support and maintenance.
Freeman is a leader in AV solutions for large-scale events and corporate settings. They provide a range of event-related services including sound system installation, digital signage, and communication tools.
How Soundtrack can help
For any business, the right audiovisual setup sets the stage for a great customer experience. Once your system is in place, Soundtrack makes it easy to create the perfect ambiance. Choose from over 2,000 expertly curated playlists, craft your own, or let the AI Playlist Creator design a brand-aligned soundtrack from a library of over 125 million tracks.
Remember, streaming from consumer platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, SiriusXM or YouTube in a business setting can violate licensing agreements. Soundtrack helps you navigate the legal considerations, providing a seamless, ad-free listening experience. With the right AV setup and the perfect music, you can enhance your brand, engage customers, and create a space that keeps people coming back.
