Any decent wireless speakers that *don't* need an internet connection?

[iliketherumors]

Here's the situation...
Going to a party. The room has power, but the house does not have internet (believe it or not...), and the area doesn't really get strong cell/data signals.

Are there any speakers that I can simply plug into a power outlet (or use batteries) and then can talk to my iPhone (or MacBook) wirelessly/bluetooth, and the sound can fill a room maybe 45ft x 60ft (doesn't have to be super loud like a concert, more like background music). I would like there to be 2 (or more) speakers in the room so everyone can hear clearly. Portable speakers with an iPhone dock (like a Base SoundDock or or Logitech S715) I don't think will cut it - I don't want to have to have it cranked up by some people just to folks on the other side of the room can hear ok.

Fine if I have to get something to plug into the iPhone/laptop, or some main "controller" unit that I have to plug into them that then talks to the speakers. Basically I'm envisioning something like a Sonos S5 that doesn't require an internet connection (which it seems to from all the material I have read). I'm flexible on dollars - just can't have any cords running across the room. Or like a Jawbone JAMBOX, but have the ability to set up 2+ speakers at the same time (doesn't have to be stereo, which I'm not sure would even be possible anyways).

Thanks so much everyone!!

 

[reebzor]

You dont need an Internet connection, but what you could do is plug your Macbook into any speakers, create a wifi network with your macbook, join that wifi network with your iPhone and just use the iTunes Remote App to control the music.

 

[waw74]

couple options.

airtunes (airplay). there are a few options for all in one speakers, not really sure what's available yet, not really cheap though. (don't think any of these are available yet)
or you could do multiple airport expresses and plug speakers into them. would let you set up several speakers around the room and so they are all at low volume.


airfoil - similar to airtunes, but gives you a bit more flexibility.
you can stream...
from
OS X or windows. (lets you pick a program, or whole system audio)
to
OS X, windows, linux, or iOS. (running free software).
airport express, or appletv (1 or 2).


if you have an airport express in the picture, you can make it be the main base, and then have the other expresses and your computer join that network.
although i would recommend wiring you computer to the main base, to help with bandwidth.

if you don't use the express, you can create an ad-hoc network from your computer and have the others join that.

 

[iliketherumors]

reebzor: Given that I can't have wiring running around to the speakers (that need to be on opposite ends of the room), unfortunately this won't work.

waw74: It sounds like airplay speakers would be the best bet for ease of setup (in theory). The ihome option looks really nice - what a bummer they aren't available yet. Looks like the only AirPlay speaker available now is the Zeppelin Air ($600 apiece, so $1200 for a pair...wow). I'm a bit confused why it has a dock though, since it seems the reason for buying one would be to use airplay, but maybe I am missing the point.

Sounds like Airport Express would be the least expensive option. I didn't know I can make an Express a "base" without having internet access. So to make sure i understand ... I would buy 2 Airport Expresses. I would connect my MBP to one AirPort Express (no internet connection needed), and then have the AirPort Express create a wireless network, which I could then connect the second AirPort Express to using my MBP. The just plug speakers in the Expresses on opposite sides of the room, and I'll be good to go, correct?

Thanks-

 

[innominato5090]

one airport express is enough. just plug it in the wall and plug in the speaker's jack. than set the airport to create a wireless network. the light will flash amber because the AE knows that you haven't plugged in an Ethernet cable so it can't connect to the Internet, but you can just ignore it.

join the just created network with your MBP and/or your iPhone and use AirPlay to stream music to the speakers. you could even use your iOs device to control iTunes on your Mac via Apple's remote app.