How far off are wireless audiophile speakers?

Assuming that analog isn't part of the requirement and that AC power at the speaker is not an issue:

Wireless isn't a speaker issue, per se:

For example: Take a pair of the big, powered Meridian speakers with built-in DACs. Get them a quality digital signal and they're definitely high end. These (may, or) may not be your particular cup of tea, but they are pretty clearly an "audiophile" product. So, the only question becomes "How do you get them a quality digital signal, if you transmit it wirelessly?"

Given current wireless digital technology, I can't imagine that it would be much of an issue, but I'm not sure who's selling a quality solution for this application. Sonos offers one solution (via the zone player's digital output). However, Sonos only accepts digital input signals wirelessly, so it's not a purist solution. Someone out there probably offers a similar system that allows wired digital inputs, I'm just not sure who it is.

So, my first answer to your question is: "I think we're probably already there".

However, if your question is more geared toward a compact, all-in-one, rechargeable (i.e., truly wireless) speaker system, that's a different story. The best integrated solution of that type that I've heard is the Soundcast Outcast, which is designed for outdoor use. It's quite good for its intended application, but that's not as a high-end competitor. And it ain't small, either.

Bottom line: If you look for a wireless digital distribution system, I suspect that right now you could assemble a "speaker wire free" speaker system that is very, very good. Just not small, cheap, easy, or "clean".

Marty

I expect to plug speakers in the wall for a time being. If the speakers have built in amps (just like active studio monitors), you could have a choice between an interconnect to preamp or wireless. There is so much talk about speaker wire grades, quality, etc and much money is spent on such needed accessories. I raised a question once (and got my head bitten off) that interconnects (and speaker wire) can only produce sound only as good as the internal wiring capabilities of the component. A number of responses were that since the internal wiring was such a short length inside the component, very little degrading takes place. If that is the case, then the speaker with built in amp should be even more hi fidelity.

Aberyclark, that might be true it they were the same amps, not likely. Then there's the consideration of separating the amp from the speakers vibrations, enclosed heat issues, etc.. I'm not opposed to the idea, but it's not that simple.

They've had wireless headphones for years, and they still haven't come up with any to satisfy the customer, even with just headphones.

FWIW, I can't picture Wilson going wireless, at least on their serious speakers. They isolate their crossovers from vibration. I know it's common to hear noise just tapping the board in an amp. Maybe B&O might give it a shot, if they already haven't.

Though it would probably be more practical with ss than tubes, at the prices Wilson charges, I think they could engineer a way.