Sonos

[GregLett]

Has anyone seen this in action?

http://www.sonos.com/?tref=logohome

[Hdale85]

Hmm..never seen it but I'm interested It's cheaper then an olive and I like the remote. Even if its just got a digital output.... using this with my DAC would still be cheaper then an Olive.

[RebelMan]

Yes I have and it rocks!

[Alaric]

I got to audition it during my recent pilgrimage to Things I Cannot Afford. It didn't sound too bad , but it was going through a Conrad Johnson amp/pre amp combo and feeding a pair of Focal Electra 1027 Be . My clock radio would probably be passable with that setup! The remote control and wi-fi allowed the salesman to pick tunes from Rhapsody's music service from the couch. Nice setup! If you can choose bit rate it would probably be pretty cool.

[Kal Rubinson]

Better than the analog C-J would be to feed the digital output from the Sonos into a higher quality DAC + system as described in this review. I am expecting a Sonos soon and will use it that way.

http://www.stereophile.com/budgetcomponents/1006sonos/index.html

Kal

[GregLett]

Thanks guys. I just heard about it today, someone wants me to install it for them. They just looked at me and said "people told me to get this" so I figured I'd better get some info on it. It does look pretty impressive. SQ is not an issue for this setup, just the convenience.

[RebelMan]

As for sound quality it will rival any CD player when paired with a high quality outboard DAC.

Kal, are they sending you the ZP80? How many zones are you planning? Are you going to use a NAS or direct attach? I hope you know what you are getting yourself in to. It's infectious, a definite keeper!

[Bob Santos]

I haven't tried the SONOS yet, but I did listen to this today

http://www.signalpathint.com/index.php/decco/decco.html

It sounded great. This paired with the Sonos would be a nice setup.

[Kal Rubinson]

As for sound quality it will rival any CD player when paired with a high quality outboard DAC.

In my application, the primary source will be internet radio and that will probably, also, be the limiting element.

Kal, are they sending you the ZP80? How many zones are you planning? Are you going to use a NAS or direct attach? I hope you know what you are getting yourself in to. It's infectious, a definite keeper!

We'll see. This is not for review but to replace cable radio as our daily company. Yes, a ZP80 and a ZP100.

Kal

[GregLett]

I should be installing this next week.I am ordering 4 zp100 units and 1 remote.I will let you guys know how it went.

[Dean100]

Another more affordable option is here http://www.slimdevices.com. I recently bought the Duet and the sound is very good.

[GregLett]

Another more affordable option is here http://www.slimdevices.com. I recently bought the Duet and the sound is very good.

Does the Duet have the same multi zone capability? Does it allow for different music to the different zones?

[Dean100]

Does the Duet have the same multi zone capability? Does it allow for different music to the different zones?

Not sure about the multi zone capability with the Duet. I'm sure you could get the answers over at the Slim Devices forum.

I have been looking at the Sonos and the Squeezebox for the last couple of years and finally made the jump when the Duet came out. It is great to see this technology changing so rapidly and prices falling so quickly. Regardless of which you choose, it will forever change the way you select and listen to music. I am listening to Albums in my collection that I haven't heard in years and am absolutely loving it.

Pretty sure you will be very happy no matter which one you choose.

[Kal Rubinson]

As for sound quality it will rival any CD player when paired with a high quality outboard DAC.

Kal, are they sending you the ZP80? How many zones are you planning? Are you going to use a NAS or direct attach? I hope you know what you are getting yourself in to. It's infectious, a definite keeper!

Installed almost too easily. Using the bridge and the ZP80 with digital output into the main system, the sound is surprisingly good and the wealth of available sources amazing. The only trouble I am having is with WFMT in Chicago.

Kal

[Hdale85]

The Duet does not do multi zones the way the Sonos does. You can have multiple boxes and use one controller though. I like the Sonos system over the Duet but if your just looking for a single room or what not then I suppose the slim devices is probable a good alternative.

[Club1820]

My understanding (correct me if I am wrong) of sonos multi-zone capability requires "zone players" in each room you want sound.

"With Sonos you can wirelessly stream any song to any room—from the bedroom to the backyard. Just connect ZP80s to your home theater, stereo or any other amplified audio device and put ZP100s and speakers everywhere else you want music."

This is basically the equivalent to multiple squeezeboxes or duets in each room. So isnt this the same thing?

I currently have 2 squeezeboxes plus use the emulation software "softsqueeze" to also listen off of my PC server in the office right off the kitchen. I have the pc connected to Audioengine 2 powered speakers.

I also am in the process of converting all of my CDs to FLAC and it sounds great. Especially in the basement lounge/HT.

Squeezeboxes have received rave reviews in all of the audio magazines for convenience and even the sound. The SB3 has the same DAC as the Rotel RSP-1068. Now with the Duet Controller, I would put it at the equivalent of the Sonos. That was the only previous drawback vs Sonos, no LCD controller.

Take a listen to both and then choose. But by no means discount the Squeezebox/Duet players!

ps - sqzbox on top of my speaker in my Avatar.

[Hdale85]

Well I don't believe you can play different songs in each room or possibly not even the same song in all rooms with the Squeezebox. Thats why I said I don't think its quite the same. Also the Sonos offers a unit with a built in amp so for outside or just another room or whatever it's kind of nice.

[Club1820]

Well I don't believe you can play different songs in each room or possibly not even the same song in all rooms with the Squeezebox. Thats why I said I don't think its quite the same. Also the Sonos offers a unit with a built in amp so for outside or just another room or whatever it's kind of nice.

The squeezeboxes/duets can be synchronized to play the same playlist or have independent playlists. I usually have the PC off the kitchen and the Sqzbox, Rotel RX-1052 Reciever combo in the living room synchronized.

Plus, I can also listen to my complete library at home - from work using the emulation software "Softsqueeze". I do this everyday. At the same time I can control (from work) what my wife is listening to on the squeezebox at home!

Seriously, if you are considering the Sonos - take a look at the Squeezebox/Duet . It does everything the Sonos does and more. (plus its cheaper).

[Spearmint]

I’m running five zones at home, all run off a NAS drive. The Sonos makes up about 90+% of my music listening these days. I’ve ripped most of my CD collection onto the NAS drive, on the weekends I select the entire collection and put it on random play. With 5000+ songs I get plenty of variety, get to listen to most if not all of my collection at some stage or another, and don’t have to decide what album I’m going to listen too.

I have four zones in the house and one out in our entertaining area; usually I have all zones linked, unless we’re entertaining then I just use the outdoor zone. I love the fact the remote will jump from different zones as you walk around, so you always have access to your library. I also have the software loaded onto all our computers, this mimics the remote, and means if I’m working on a computer, and want to select some different music, there is no need to look for a remote.

My system consists of 2x remotes 3x ZP80 and 2x ZP100. Highly recommended for anyone who wants total freedom when listening to music! I did have a Squeezebox for a while; these are also fantastic, although more suited to someone wanting to use it as replacement for a CD player.

[Club1820]

With 5000+ songs I get plenty of variety, get to listen to most if not all of my collection at some stage or another, and don’t have to decide what album I’m going to listen too.

Couldnt agree more. I currently have approx. 11,000 songs and still have over half my cds to burn to FLAC

I did have a Squeezebox for a while; these are also fantastic, although more suited to someone wanting to use it as replacement for a CD player.

How so? The Squeezebox has received rave reviews for sound quality. Especially when listening to Lossless files. Not sure I follow your comment regarding replacing a cd player. How is the Sonos different in this regard?

[Spearmint]

How so? The Squeezebox has received rave reviews for sound quality. Especially when listening to Lossless files. Not sure I follow your comment regarding replacing a cd player. How is the Sonos different in this regard?

This is my opinion only and having owned both units based on hands on experience.

The Squeezebox, requires the user to be in the same room as the unit to use the remote, it doesn’t have the flexibility of being able to control it while walking around the house. I found the remote and user interface very cumbersome, ended up selecting albums etc via the computer.

The advantages of using the Sonos for me again, is the NAS drive is cheap, for the Squeezebox you either need to use a computer or NAS drive that will run the software. The Sonos ZP100 allows plenty of flexibility due to its built in amps, can control speakers directly, no need for additional hardware. All Zone players have built in LAN switches, so any LAN cable works no need for crossover cable if connecting to a computer. All zones can accept analogue in and these devices can be shared amongst all zones. For instance I have a tuner plugged into one zone, this I run during the day through both ZP100 zones for background music and talking, keep the dogs company, and doesn’t chew up internet resources.

You can utilise the inbuilt wired & wireless connectivity to connect remote computers and printers etc. to the LAN.

I’m sure there are a few things in both camps I’ve missed, but you get the drift.

[RebelMan]

Installed almost too easily. Using the bridge and the ZP80 with digital output into the main system, the sound is surprisingly good and the wealth of available sources amazing. The only trouble I am having is with WFMT in Chicago.

Indeed. I've got the bridge in my den and the ZP80 in the main room, digitial out going to the processor. Like Dean 100 said it will totally change the way you listen to music from CD's to online music services to Internet radio streaming.

I know you are entrenched in SACD's which may limit some of the usefulness of the Sonos for you. But I suspect the more time you spend with it the more you may reconsider what it does and can do for your CD's. The occasional performance cost maybe worth it to you as I have found hirez discs do not always measure up. As for Sonos it completely liberates the joy of music in ways that few other source devices can.

I considered both Squeezebox Duet and Sonos very carefully for about three months before deciding. In the end I found the SB's severe lack of (native) NAS support to be the deal breaker for me. The SB maybe the value leader but the Sonos is considerably more flexible and it performs better.

[GregLett]

Installed almost too easily. Using the bridge and the ZP80 with digital output into the main system, the sound is surprisingly good and the wealth of available sources amazing. The only trouble I am having is with WFMT in Chicago.

Kal

Good to hear Kal. Mine is on the way can't wait!

[GregLett]

The squeezeboxes/duets can be synchronized to play the same playlist or have independent playlists. I usually have the PC off the kitchen and the Sqzbox, Rotel RX-1052 Reciever combo in the living room synchronized.

Plus, I can also listen to my complete library at home - from work using the emulation software "Softsqueeze". I do this everyday. At the same time I can control (from work) what my wife is listening to on the squeezebox at home!

Seriously, if you are considering the Sonos - take a look at the Squeezebox/Duet . It does everything the Sonos does and more. (plus its cheaper).

I'm sure it does a lot of what the Sonos does, but not everything. I am always looking for a great product at a great price, but I have not seen an impressive demo of the Squeezebox/Duet. From what I have seen so far feature for feature, the Sonos does more. As stated before I'm not that concerned about SQ, but I'm happy to hear that it's good. I am after the flexibility and convince of the product.

[Spearmint]

~SNIP~

I know you are entrenched in SACD's which may limit some of the usefulness of the Sonos for you. But I suspect the more time you spend with it the more you may reconsider what it does and can do for your CD's. The occasional performance cost maybe worth it to you as I have found hirez discs do not always measure up. As for Sonos it completely liberates the joy of music in ways that few other source devices can.
~SNIP~

You can also feed the analogue out of the SACD player into one of the Sonos zone players and listen to the SACD's on any or all of the zones. :T

[Kal Rubinson]

Indeed. I've got the bridge in my den and the ZP80 in the main room, digitial out going to the processor. Like Dean 100 said it will totally change the way you listen to music from CD's to online music services to Internet radio streaming.

It will do nothing for my CDs since I have no plans to rip them. It is a radio for me.

[RebelMan]

You can also feed the analogue out of the SACD player into one of the Sonos zone players and listen to the SACD's on any or all of the zones. :T

This is true.

[RebelMan]

It will do nothing for my CDs since I have no plans to rip them. It is a radio for me.

You've gotta start somewhere. I have hope that you will take it to the next level. :B

[Kal Rubinson]

You've gotta start somewhere. I have hope that you will take it to the next level. :B

Yeah, sure. I cannot imagine having the time or patience to rip thousands of CDs although it would be great to have it done! Most of my listening these days is multichannel and, while Sonos cannot handle that, getting rid of my archive of regular CDs would be nice.

Kal

[Hdale85]

Nothing is more convenient then a music server

[Kal Rubinson]

Nothing is more convenient then a music server

Only if there's music on it. :W

Kal

[Spearmint]

Yeah, sure. I cannot imagine having the time or patience to rip thousands of CDs although it would be great to have it done! Most of my listening these days is multichannel and, while Sonos cannot handle that, getting rid of my archive of regular CDs would be nice.

Kal

Not today, but will do in the near future...

[RebelMan]

I cannot imagine having the time or patience to rip thousands of CDs although it would be great to have it done! Most of my listening these days is multichannel and, while Sonos cannot handle that, getting rid of my archive of regular CDs would be nice.

There are CD ripping services available for situations like yours. Fees can be reasonable and it would save you the time and hassle if you are so inclined. Don't rule out the possibilities just yet. :T

[RebelMan]

Not today, but will do in the near future...

I expressed to Sonos at CES that it would be nice if it would do video in the future too.

[GregLett]

I expressed to Sonos at CES that it would be nice if it would do video in the future too.

I would love that! I need a video solution that doesn't cost a bundle.

[Kal Rubinson]

There are CD ripping services available for situations like yours. Fees can be reasonable and it would save you the time and hassle if you are so inclined. Don't rule out the possibilities just yet. :T

Sure. More money. :roll:

OK. How much do you think it would cost to have them rip per thousand? How much storage per thousand CD?

Kal (now playing with a $ooloo$)

[Hdale85]

I have about 700 albums.... about 70-80% are ripped in Lossless format and its about 170gigs. About 300-400 mb's per disc.

[Spearmint]

I expressed to Sonos at CES that it would be nice if it would do video in the future too.

Interesting...one of my work colleagues, was at the CEDIA show in Brisbane late last year and Sonos were displaying some of their upcoming products including new larger remote with flush wall mount, 3ch amplified zone player which when coupled with a ZP100 to give you 5.1 audio, both the remote and new model Sonos were capable of streaming and viewing 1080P video.

He also informed me that our PayTV provider Foxtel will be using a rebadged Sonos product for their HD reproduction being rolled out later this year.

I’ve no other confirmation on any of this as I didn’t attend the show.

[RebelMan]

Sure. More money. :roll:

OK. How much do you think it would cost to have them rip per thousand? How much storage per thousand CD?

Kal (now playing with a $ooloo$)

Prices and services vary but here is a good place to start looking at building your very own $ooloo$ ultra-lite. LOL

A thousand losslessly compressed CD's would consume about 350G of disk space. No more excuses Kal. :W

[Kal Rubinson]

Prices and services vary but here is a good place to start looking at building your very own $ooloo$ ultra-lite. LOL

A thousand losslessly compressed CD's would consume about 350G of disk space. No more excuses Kal. :W

Too scary. I see it running at least $1 per disc which comes to about $3500 plus at least 1Tb of storage. Make that 2 drives so that I can have the collection in both houses.

I'll pass for now.

Kal

[RebelMan]

I'll pass for now.

LOL, suit yourself. Keep in mind that your CD collection as of now is scattered and probably well underutilized and you don't have spend a dime on the ripping services if you can manage the time to do it yourself. Either way the rewards are well worth it. Rome wasn't built in a day either you know. :B

[Kal Rubinson]

LOL, suit yourself. Keep in mind that your CD collection as of now is scattered and probably well underutilized and you don't have spend a dime on the ripping services if you can manage the time to do it yourself. Either way the rewards are well worth it. Rome wasn't built in a day either you know. :B

Yeah. I know all that but, as I said, I do not listen that much to CDs (mostly SACDs in MCH), so the only reasons to rip them to a server are to save real estate and to turn it into a customized radio station. For that, both the cost and the effort seem excessive at the moment.

Now, since I have the Sonos in CT and the Sooloos in NYC (both temporarily so far), my tripping point may change. Who knows?

Kal

[whoaru99]

Too scary. I see it running at least $1 per disc which comes to about $3500 plus at least 1Tb of storage. Make that 2 drives so that I can have the collection in both houses.

Kal

Make that four drives in two mirrored arrays. With that much investment, it would be a shame to lose it in a HDD crash.

Of course, having two separate drives would be some measure of protection.

[Kal Rubinson]

Make that four drives in two mirrored arrays. With that much investment, it would be a shame to lose it in a HDD crash.

Of course, having two separate drives would be some measure of protection.

I figured that having the DVDs that the rippers made would be sufficient for that.

Kal

[GregLett]

They are here!

My Sonos setup is here, I love the remote!