Hey everyone, I’ve been diving into the world of whole home audio integration with Google Home and SmartThings, and I’d love to share my journey and insights with you all. **This is a great opportunity to learn from those who’ve tackled similar projects!**My Setup: I recently switched from Homeseer to SmartThings, and I’m absolutely thrilled with the seamless integration and user-friendly interface. My audio system currently features two Speakercraft MZC-66 amplifiers, with a mix of in-wall Polk 265RT speakers, ceiling Klipsch CDT-3800-C II models, and outdoor Polk Atrium 6 speakers. I’m looking to expand this system to a few more rooms, and I want to ensure that my setup is future-proof and cost-effective.The Challenge: I’m trying to figure out the best whole home audio format that integrates perfectly with SmartThings for notifications and automatic triggers. My goal is to find the best balance between cost and performance. I’ve explored a couple of options so far:1. Google Chromecast Audio: This seems like the most budget-friendly option. I’ve been using Chromecast with my existing zones, and it works like a charm. Plus, since I already have a Google Home setup, triggering Chromecast devices for events in SmartThings is a breeze. I’m curious if others have had success with this setup for notifications.2. Sonos Connect Amp: While more expensive, Sonos is known for its reliability and superior sound quality. I’ve heard great things about their integration capabilities, but I’m not sure if it’s worth the investment compared to Chromecast.What I’ve Tried: I’ve tested both options in a couple of rooms and have been impressed with the sound quality from Chromecast, especially considering the price point. However, I’m still on the fence about whether it can handle all the automation features I need through SmartThings.Looking for Feedback: Has anyone successfully integrated Chromecast with SmartThings for notifications? Are there any hidden gotchas I should be aware of? For those who’ve gone the Sonos route, how has the integration been? I’d love to hear about your experiences and any tips you might have for optimizing either setup.Next Steps: I’m leaning towards sticking with Chromecast for now, given the cost savings and ease of integration. However, I’m keeping an eye out for any firmware updates or new features that might enhance compatibility with SmartThings.Final Thoughts: This journey has been a fantastic learning experience, and I’m excited to see how my system evolves. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations. Let’s keep the discussion going and help each other create the best possible audio setups!Thanks for reading, and happy tinkering! 
