Choose in-wall passive speakers for TV, music, and a discreet wall installation; choose in-ceiling speakers when you want sound from above and a low-profile ceiling appearance. Choose outdoor passive speakers for patios and backyards, since they are designed to handle humidity, water, salt spray, heat, ultraviolet rays, and freezing temperatures, and plan to power all three types with a compatible amplifier.

Sonos passive speakers require wired connections to a compatible streaming amplifier, with speaker wire run from the amplifier outputs to each speaker. For multi-zone installations, choose an amplifier with enough assignable outputs for the layout; a supported multi-zone option can power up to four independent zones through eight outputs and deliver 125 watts per channel at 8 ohms.

Sonos passive speakers connect to a compatible multi-zone streaming amplifier, which can distribute audio through up to four independent zones and eight assignable outputs. Installers can configure room layouts and speaker assignments, then manage zones, sources, and independent playback through the Sonos app.

Evaluate room size, construction, layout, listening areas, speaker spacing, and wiring paths to determine whether in-wall or in-ceiling passive speakers can provide balanced coverage, and plan amplifier zones around the rooms or areas you want to control independently. For outdoor placement, choose speakers designed to handle humidity, water, salt spray, heat, ultraviolet exposure, and freezing temperatures, then connect them to a compatible amplifier rated for the system’s speaker load and zone configuration.