Architectural Audio
Sonance
Invisible Sound — Architectural Audio That Disappears Into Design
Request System DesignOverview
Sonance has defined the category of architectural audio since 1983 — pioneering the concept of speakers that deliver exceptional sound while visually disappearing into walls, ceilings, and outdoor landscapes.
Based in San Clemente, California, Sonance manufactures the broadest range of architectural and landscape audio products in the industry. Their Invisible Series speakers literally mount behind drywall with no visible grille or speaker at all — the ultimate expression of technology that serves without being seen.
At Peters Audio Video, Sonance is our primary specification for whole-home distributed audio and outdoor landscape systems. When the goal is premium sound that respects architectural design, Sonance delivers a product range that no competitor can match in breadth, quality, or aesthetic refinement.
Why We Specify
Why Peters Audio Video Installs Sonance
Invisible Series speakers mount behind drywall — no grille, no visible indication of a speaker. Pure architectural integration
Sonance Landscape Series delivers 360° sound coverage in outdoor environments with speakers that blend into gardens and hardscapes
Visual Performance Series provides the best combination of sound quality and visual discretion in conventional in-ceiling form factors
Sonance Professional Series powers distributed audio with reliable multi-channel amplification purpose-built for residential installations
Calibration tools including TrueMatch and Sonance Calibration Kit ensure consistent tonal balance across rooms with different acoustic characteristics
Sonance is the most specified architectural speaker brand in CEDIA-member integrator projects — proven at scale across thousands of luxury installations
Product Categories
Invisible Series
Speakers that mount behind drywall with no visible grille. Sound radiates through the wall surface itself. Available for in-wall and in-ceiling applications.
Visual Performance Series
Premium in-ceiling and in-wall speakers with paintable micro-perf grilles that virtually disappear. The most popular choice for luxury distributed audio.
Sonance Landscape Series
Outdoor speakers, subwoofers, and amplification designed for landscape integration. Satellite speakers disguise as rocks or garden elements; burial subwoofers disappear underground.
Sonance Professional Amplifiers
DSP-equipped multi-channel amplifiers (Sonamp 875D, 1250D) purpose-built for driving Sonance speakers in whole-home installations.
Cinema Series
High-performance LCR and surround speakers designed specifically for private home theater applications where Sonance architectural aesthetics meet cinema-grade performance.
Smart Home Integration
Sonance & Whole-Home Automation
Sonance speakers are driven by Sonance Professional amplifiers or third-party amplification, controlled by Savant, Crestron, or Control4 for zone management, volume control, and source selection.
Sonance landscape systems integrate with automation platforms for automated outdoor entertainment — music follows you from indoor spaces to patio to pool with seamless zone handoff.
For Sonos-based distributed audio, Sonance offers Sonos-compatible architectural speakers powered by Sonos Amp — combining Sonos simplicity with Sonance sound quality.
Luxury Home Applications
Whole-Home Distributed Audio
Visual Performance in-ceiling speakers in every room — 10 to 30 zones of independent audio controlled by Savant or Control4, with music that follows you throughout the home.
Outdoor Landscape Audio
Landscape Series systems with satellite speakers, burial subwoofers, and multi-zone amplification deliver immersive outdoor sound for pools, patios, gardens, and entertainment areas.
Zero-Visual-Impact Installations
Invisible Series speakers for clients who refuse to compromise architectural aesthetics. Sound comes from walls and ceilings with absolutely no visible hardware.
Private Cinema Surrounds
Cinema Series speakers for home theater surround and overhead Atmos channels — delivering the acoustic performance needed for immersive cinema without visual distraction.
Specification Review
Choosing Sonance for Your Home
Compare the specific equipment proposed for your rooms, not the brand name alone. Sonance families discussed on this page include Invisible Series, Visual Performance Series, Sonance Landscape Series, Sonance Professional Amplifiers, Cinema Series. Availability, model specifications, firmware and third-party integration support need confirmation before a final design.
- Room fit: Request a model-level schedule showing where each component will be used, its mounting and power requirements, and any architectural compromises.
- Integration evidence: Identify the supported connection or driver for each required function. Separate physical compatibility from actual command support and test behavior when internet access is unavailable.
- Complete scope: Compare equipment, infrastructure, configuration, commissioning and documentation together. Confirm subscriptions, licenses, warranty terms and ongoing support separately in the proposal.
Useful project details: Your listening areas, preferred music services, ceiling details and whether speakers should be visible or concealed.
Request System DesignOur Process
How We Install Sonance
Discovery & Design
Every Sonance installation begins with a comprehensive consultation. We evaluate your home's architecture, existing infrastructure, and lifestyle needs to develop a detailed system proposal with room-by-room specifications and control interface design.
Architectural Coordination
For new builds and renovations, our team coordinates directly with architects and builders during the design phase — ensuring Sonance infrastructure (conduit runs, power, equipment closets) is properly planned before walls close.
Professional Installation
Installation requirements depend on the selected Sonance equipment: mounting, cabling, ventilation, power and configuration are coordinated with the project scope. Documentation records the installed components and relevant connections.
Calibration & Commissioning
After installation, we verify the specified Sonance functions and system connections. Applicable audio, video or control settings are commissioned for the room, with owner orientation and documentation appropriate to the equipment.
Why Choose Peters Audio Video for Sonance
Design-Led Specification
We recommend Sonance only where it suits the room, the architecture and how you live — and explain the alternatives we considered, so the choice is yours.
Long-Term Stewardship
Ongoing care for your Sonance system can include applicable updates, monitoring and planned changes. Services, response arrangements and eligibility depend on the written support agreement.
Charlotte-Based Expertise
Based in Charlotte and focused on luxury residential technology. Consultations and on-site work are scheduled around the agreed project scope; select larger projects are considered nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do invisible speakers work?
Sonance Invisible Series speakers use a flat-panel exciter that vibrates the drywall itself to produce sound. The speaker mounts between studs during construction, gets mudded and painted over, and produces audio through the wall surface. There's no grille, no trim ring — no visual evidence of a speaker.
How much do Sonance speakers cost?
Sonance pricing ranges from $300–$600/pair for Visual Performance in-ceiling speakers to $1,500–$3,000/pair for Invisible Series. A typical 10-zone whole-home audio system with Sonance speakers, amplification, and installation runs $15,000–$35,000.
Are Sonance speakers good for music?
Yes. Sonance Visual Performance and Cinema Series speakers deliver excellent music reproduction. They won't match dedicated audiophile speakers like B&W 800 Series, but for distributed background and foreground music throughout a home, Sonance is our top recommendation.
Can Sonance speakers be used outdoors?
Yes. Sonance Landscape Series is purpose-built for outdoor use — weather-rated speakers that blend into garden landscapes, with burial subwoofers that mount underground. These systems deliver impressive bass response and 360° coverage in outdoor environments.
Further Reading
Related Guides
Design Your Sonance System
Every Sonance installation begins with a conversation about your home, your lifestyle, and the experience you want technology to deliver.