Audio T Verdict
The IMS-4 is less about putting another streamer next to your Hi-Fi and more about building music properly into the home. One unit can provide four independent BluOS zones, allowing different rooms to play completely different music or synchronise together when you want the same thing everywhere.
It also offers plenty of flexibility behind the scenes. Each zone has analogue, optical and coaxial digital outputs, while analogue, optical and USB inputs allow conventional sources and stored music to become part of the wider system.
For a professionally installed multi-room system, the combination of BluOS, 24-bit/192kHz playback, rack-friendly dimensions and integration with major control platforms makes the IMS-4 a very capable hub.
Monitor Audio IMS-4
The Monitor Audio IMS-4 is a four-zone network music streamer developed specifically for custom installation and whole-home audio systems.
Built around BluOS multi-room technology, it can send independent music streams to four different rooms or synchronise multiple zones for seamless playback throughout the home.
- Four independent streaming zones
- BluOS multi-room technology
- Up to 24-bit/192kHz playback
- Apple AirPlay 2 compatible
- TIDAL Connect compatible
- MQA support
- Qobuz, Spotify Connect and Amazon Music HD support
- Analogue and digital inputs
- Analogue, optical and coaxial outputs for each zone
- Control4, Crestron, RTI, URC, Roon and ELAN integration
- 1U rack-mountable design
- Multiple IMS-4 units can create systems of up to 64 zones
Four Independent Music Zones
One IMS-4 provides music streaming for up to four separate rooms or areas.
Each zone can play its own music independently, allowing completely different albums, playlists or services to be enjoyed in different parts of the home at the same time.
Alternatively, zones can be grouped together within BluOS so that the same music plays in synchronisation across several rooms.
Expand Up to 64 Zones
For larger properties and more ambitious installations, multiple IMS-4 streamers can be combined on the same BluOS network.
Monitor Audio specifies systems of up to 64 zones, giving installers the flexibility to build anything from a straightforward four-room music system to a substantial whole-property installation.
Each zone remains independently controllable while retaining the option of synchronised playback where required.
BluOS Multi-Room Streaming
The IMS-4 uses BluOS, the established high-resolution multi-room streaming platform also used across products from a number of other Hi-Fi manufacturers.
BluOS provides access to compatible streaming services, internet radio and music stored on network shares while also allowing compatible players around the home to operate as one coordinated system.
Control is handled through the BluOS Controller interface or through a compatible integrated home-control platform.
What Is BluOS?
BluOS is a network-based music system capable of connecting compatible players throughout the home. Each player can operate independently or be grouped with other zones for synchronised playback, while compatible streaming services and network music libraries are accessed through one control platform.
Up to 24-Bit/192kHz Playback
The IMS-4 supports lossless high-resolution playback at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Supported audio formats include MP3, AAC, WMA, WMA-L, OGG Vorbis, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MQA and HRA.
This makes the IMS-4 equally suited to everyday music streaming and higher-resolution libraries stored on compatible network or USB storage.
Streaming Services
Monitor Audio currently lists a broad selection of compatible cloud services through BluOS, including:
- Spotify Connect
- Amazon Music HD
- TIDAL Connect
- Qobuz
- Deezer
- Napster
- KKBox
- SoundMachine
- IDAGIO
- Orastream
Service availability and features can vary according to region and the streaming provider's own subscription requirements.
Apple AirPlay 2
The IMS-4 is compatible with Apple AirPlay 2, allowing compatible Apple devices to send audio across the home network to the streamer.
This provides another convenient playback option alongside the native services integrated directly into BluOS.
TIDAL Connect
TIDAL Connect allows compatible TIDAL users to choose the IMS-4 directly from within the TIDAL app rather than selecting music exclusively through the BluOS Controller interface.
The music stream is then handled by the network player rather than being continually sent from the phone or tablet itself.
Internet Radio
The IMS-4 also provides access to internet radio through services supported by BluOS.
Monitor Audio currently lists TuneIn Radio, iHeartRadio, Calm Radio, Radio Paradise and Radio.com within the IMS-4 specification.
Play Music From Network Storage
The IMS-4 can play compatible music stored on network shares as well as internet streaming services.
This makes it possible to integrate a NAS drive or compatible computer-based music library into the same multi-room system.
Local music can then be browsed and selected through BluOS alongside online streaming content.
USB Music Playback
A USB Type-A connection allows compatible storage devices to be connected directly to the IMS-4.
Monitor Audio currently specifies support for FAT32 and NTFS formatted USB storage.
This provides another option for accessing locally stored music without requiring a dedicated network music server.
Analogue and Digital Inputs
The IMS-4 is not restricted to network streaming.
Its input connections include:
- Stereo analogue RCA
- Optical S/PDIF
- USB Type-A
This allows an external source to become part of the multi-room system rather than being confined to a single room.
Share External Sources Around the Home
Connect a suitable conventional source to the IMS-4 and its audio can be distributed through the wider system.
This can be particularly useful in a professionally installed system where a source located in the central equipment rack needs to be available elsewhere in the property.
Not Just Internet Streaming
The IMS-4 can bring network streaming, stored music and compatible external sources together within one system. That flexibility is useful in installations where traditional sources still need to coexist with modern multi-room streaming.
Four Analogue Stereo Outputs
Each of the four zones has its own analogue stereo RCA output.
These outputs can be connected to suitable installation amplification to drive the passive speakers within each room or area.
Monitor Audio currently recommends partnering the IMS-4 with installation amplifiers such as the IA750-4.
Four Optical Digital Outputs
The IMS-4 also provides four optical S/PDIF outputs.
This allows each zone to feed a compatible external DAC, amplifier or other digital audio component where a digital connection is preferred.
Four Coaxial Digital Outputs
Four coaxial digital outputs are provided alongside the analogue and optical connections.
Having three output formats for each zone gives installers considerable flexibility when integrating the IMS-4 with different amplification and system architectures.
Designed to Partner Installation Amplifiers
The IMS-4 is a streamer rather than a power amplifier, so passive loudspeakers require suitable external amplification.
Monitor Audio's current range includes dedicated custom-install amplifiers designed to partner products such as the IMS-4.
The exact amplifier and channel configuration should be selected according to the number of rooms, speakers, required output level and installation layout.
Professional Control-System Integration
The IMS-4 is designed to integrate with major home automation and custom-install control systems.
Monitor Audio currently lists compatibility with:
- Control4
- RTI
- Crestron
- URC
- Roon
- ELAN
This allows the music system to become part of a wider professionally integrated control environment rather than requiring a separate interface for every function in the home.
System Interrupt
The IMS-4 includes a system-interrupt facility designed for integration with compatible notification systems.
Monitor Audio specifically highlights applications such as doorbells and fire alarms, allowing important notifications to interrupt normal music playback where the installation has been configured appropriately.
Gigabit Ethernet Connection
Network communication is provided through an RJ45 Ethernet connection specified as 10/1000 Base-T.
A properly designed wired network is particularly appropriate for a permanent multi-zone installation because the IMS-4 itself will normally live alongside the amplification and network equipment in a central rack or cabinet.
1U Rack-Mountable Design
The IMS-4 has been designed specifically with professional installation in mind and occupies just 1U of rack space.
The main chassis measures 438mm wide, while the overall width becomes the standard 482mm, or 19 inches, when the rack brackets are fitted.
This allows it to integrate neatly into conventional equipment racks alongside installation amplifiers, network switches and control hardware.
Compact Installation Dimensions
Without feet, the IMS-4 measures:
- Height: 43.1mm
- Width: 438mm
- Depth: 236.1mm
Height increases to 45.1mm with the feet fitted, while overall width with the rack brackets installed is 482mm.
The complete unit weighs 2.8kg.
Low Standby Consumption
Monitor Audio specifies standby power consumption of less than 1 watt.
Networked standby consumption is specified at less than 6 watts.
The universal power supply accepts mains voltages from 100 to 240V at 50/60Hz.
Where Does the IMS-4 Fit?
Smaller Installation
- Up to four independent rooms
- Central IMS-4 streamer
- Suitable multi-channel amplification
- Passive architectural or conventional speakers
- BluOS control
Larger Installation
- Multiple IMS-4 streamers
- Up to 64 BluOS zones
- Central equipment rack
- Integrated home-control system
- Independent or synchronised room playback
Key Features
- Monitor Audio IMS-4
- Four-zone music streamer
- Custom-install design
- BluOS multi-room technology
- Four independent rooms or zones
- Multiple units support up to 64 zones
- Up to 24-bit/192kHz playback
- MQA support
- Apple AirPlay 2
- TIDAL Connect
- Spotify Connect
- Amazon Music HD
- Qobuz
- Network-share playback
- USB Type-A input
- FAT32 and NTFS USB support
- Stereo RCA analogue input
- Optical S/PDIF input
- Four stereo RCA outputs
- Four optical digital outputs
- Four coaxial digital outputs
- Control4 integration
- RTI integration
- Crestron integration
- URC integration
- Roon integration
- ELAN integration
- System interrupt facility
- 110dBA signal-to-noise ratio
- RJ45 Ethernet
- 1U rack height
- 19-inch rack width with brackets
- 2.8kg weight
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Monitor Audio IMS-4?
The IMS-4 is a four-zone network music streamer designed primarily for professionally installed multi-room and whole-home audio systems.
Is the Monitor Audio IMS-4 still current?
Yes. Monitor Audio currently lists the IMS-4 within its Streamers and Amplifiers product range.
How many rooms can one IMS-4 serve?
One IMS-4 provides four independent music zones.
Can different rooms play different music?
Yes. Each of the four zones can play an independent stream, or compatible zones can be grouped together for synchronised playback.
Can I expand beyond four rooms?
Yes. Multiple IMS-4 units can be combined, with Monitor Audio specifying BluOS systems of up to 64 zones.
Does the IMS-4 have built-in amplification?
No. The IMS-4 is a multi-zone streamer and requires suitable external amplification when used with passive speakers.
Which amplifier does Monitor Audio recommend?
Monitor Audio currently suggests partnering the IMS-4 with installation amplification such as the IA750-4. The best amplifier configuration depends on the number and type of speakers within the installation.
What is the maximum streaming resolution?
The IMS-4 supports audio at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Does the IMS-4 support Qobuz?
Yes. Qobuz is among the cloud music services currently listed by Monitor Audio for the IMS-4 through BluOS.
Does it support Spotify Connect?
Yes. Spotify Connect is currently listed as supported.
Does the IMS-4 support TIDAL Connect?
Yes.
Does the IMS-4 support AirPlay 2?
Yes. Monitor Audio specifies Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility.
Does the IMS-4 support MQA?
Yes. Monitor Audio's current specification continues to list MQA among the supported audio formats.
Can the IMS-4 play music from a NAS drive?
Yes. BluOS can access compatible music stored on network shares.
Can I connect a USB drive?
Yes. A USB Type-A input is provided and Monitor Audio specifies FAT32 and NTFS formatted storage support.
Can I connect a conventional source?
Yes. The IMS-4 includes stereo analogue RCA and optical digital inputs, allowing compatible non-network sources to be incorporated into the system.
What outputs are available for each zone?
The IMS-4 provides four stereo RCA analogue outputs, four optical S/PDIF outputs and four coaxial digital outputs.
Does the IMS-4 work with Control4?
Yes. Monitor Audio currently lists Control4 as an integration partner.
Does it work with Crestron?
Yes. Crestron integration is supported.
Is the IMS-4 Roon compatible?
Yes. Monitor Audio currently lists Roon among the IMS-4 integration partners.
Does the IMS-4 need an internet connection?
An internet connection is required for internet streaming services, but the IMS-4 can still distribute compatible local music from USB storage, network storage or connected physical sources without internet access. It still requires a local network for BluOS control.
Can it be rack mounted?
Yes. The IMS-4 occupies 1U and measures 482mm wide with the rack brackets fitted, corresponding to a standard 19-inch rack width.
How large is the IMS-4?
Without feet, the chassis measures 43.1 x 438 x 236.1mm. Height with the feet fitted is 45.1mm.
How much does the IMS-4 weigh?
2.8kg.
What warranty does the IMS-4 have?
Monitor Audio specifies a five-year manufacturer warranty.
Related Monitor Audio Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy Monitor Audio From Audio T?
A multi-room system needs more planning than simply adding a streamer to a conventional Hi-Fi. The number of zones, speaker choice, amplification, network infrastructure and control system all need to work together. Audio T can help you plan the IMS-4 as part of a complete whole-home audio installation.
- Monitor Audio system advice
- Multi-room audio planning
- Whole-home music system advice
- Installation amplifier matching
- Architectural speaker advice
- BluOS system planning
- Network and system-layout guidance
- Rack-based system planning
- Streaming service advice
- Home cinema integration
- Custom-install system advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss a Monitor Audio IMS-4 multi-room system or the right streaming and amplification solution for your home.