Does anyone have a good overview of multi room audio?

[wheelnut]

No it doesn't, not necessarily. That's what I'm trying to explain. In most cases this is true, but they make other products, including one that simply streams into your DAC and amp. As I explained above in my own setup.

And as for 'loss in wireless transmission', I'm not sure that's a thing. Do you find websites are lower quality on wi-fi than via an ethernet cable?

The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Go to any decent hifi retailer and demo a mid range setup. If you then think it is in any way comparable then your next stop should be an audiologist.

As to Wi-Fi, vs decent speaker cable. The cable carries the signal in full fat analogue. A Wi-Fi is in compressed digital which is then compensated for by algorithims on the receiving device during the conversion process. Even streaming is a lossless format sounds flat compared to good CD transport or a decent turntable.

[Trogladyte]

There is some misunderstanding going on here.

My streaming system is hi-fi. It is hi-res audio that delivers lossless audio of at least CD bitrate. My Audiolab kit is run on DTI Play-fi which is a multi-room enabled system. It should be possible to link it to another DTI Play-Fi enabled device elsewhere in the house - that's what it's for. I'm just looking for advice on how to do that. I think a network amp to replace the old Cambridge amp should do it, but I was looking for advice on that.

It sounds great, and is absolutely not flat compared to my vinyl ad CD rigs. In fact I am super impressed by it. My CD rig is a bit old, but the Audiolab streaming system sounds better. But I'm not that interested in a debate on what is and is not "hi-fi". I am looking to enjoy music, and this kit is doing that for me better than any previous system I've had, and that is ticking the box for me.