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No Perfect Whole House Audio Solution

post #1 of 39
3/15/09 at 6:24pm
Thread Starter 
I'm absolutely amazed that what I want to do seems to be out of reach to anyone wanting to spend less than $5,000 (excluding speakers). With all the talk about whole house audio, I've found most systems won't do what I want. Before I make a decision, I'm hoping to get some input - especially from people who may know of a system that I've overlooked.

What I want to do sounds simple - play MP3 files in seven zones (one zone being my existing outdoor speakers, another being a powered Yamaha sound bar).

At first it seemed everything would do it, but then you eliminate 90% of the products when you specify that Zone 1 can listen to something different than Zone 2. Too bad, because the Olive system mated to two Marantz ZS5300 would be perfect if it could do multiple zones.

This leaves me with iPort, SONOS and the Yamaha Music Cast system.

Yamaha Music Cast
Pro's: 1) Dedicated Music system that does not need a computer.
2) Adding a zone is simple since 4 zones can be wireless.
3) Internet Radio

Con's: 1) 160 GB limit.
2) No portability (you're stuck listening in the house)
3) Each in-wall unit requires a dedicated power supply.
4) No wireless remote control - you must use the in-wall system.

MSRP for 7 zones, excluding speakers: (7) MCX-C15P + (1) MCX-2000 = $6,650

SONOS
Pro's: 1) Adding a zone is simple since all zones are wireless.
2) Excellent Interface
3) Remote Control is very impressive
4) Internet Radio
5) iPod Touch can be used as a controller

Con's: 1) Requires a computer link
2) Can't listen to another zone (if I want to listen to what my son is listening, I can't just hit a button and switch my zone to listen to his).
3) Computer or NAS & router must be on

MSRP for 7 zones, excluding speakers: (7) Zone Player 120 (7) CR100 controller = $6,300

Custom iPort System
Pro's: 1) Dedicated Music system that does not need a computer.
2) Can choose any remote
3) iPod's are portable
4) Can listen to any zone at any time
5) Nearly endless storage capacity (just add an iPod & bigger one's in future)
6) Listen to a friend's iPod in seconds.
7) Don't need a dedicated remote in every room
8) Can add three zones with another Marantz ZS5300 with relative ease.
9) Best amplification of the three systems

Con's: 1) Adding a zone is difficult because each item must be hard wired.
2) Lot's of duplication (multiple iPods, remote controls)
3) Forced to use iPods in future, even if something better comes out

MSRP for 7 zones, excluding speakers: (5) iPort IW2 (2) Marantz ZS5300 (3) iPods 120GB (3) LCD remotes = $4,800
NOTE: I only need 5 iPort docks because the living room and outdoor speakers have speakers - and just need music to play. The iPort system lets me play any iPod, regardless of its location. I only need two Marantz ZS5300 because it has pre-outs for my powered Yamaha Sound bar (which I haven't purchased yet)

Am I missing a system that exists under $10k?
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post #2 of 39
3/15/09 at 6:43pm
Wow, I think you're going to really hear from the Sonos camp; I'm not so sure you're accurate with your con list (which may ultimately be good news for you).

CD
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post #3 of 39
3/15/09 at 7:32pm
Yeah, I am pretty sure your not correct about being able to jump into zones on the Sonos and I know you don't have to have a computer on, you can use any kind of network storage available.

From reading your CONS and trying to figure out your needs it sounds to me like your best bet is to either go with a Sonos or Squeezebox setup and use Ipod touches as one or two of your remotes. They are about the same cost as other remotes and can be used as portable players as well.
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post #4 of 39
3/16/09 at 5:57am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jonnio View Post

Yeah, I am pretty sure your not correct about being able to jump into zones on the Sonos and I know you don't have to have a computer on, you can use any kind of network storage available.

But I have to have SOME type of computer system on, correct? The SONOS has no storage capacity, and if the computer router is off, the whole system shuts down, right?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jonnio View Post

From reading your CONS and trying to figure out your needs it sounds to me like your best bet is to either go with a Sonos or Squeezebox setup and use Ipod touches as one or two of your remotes. They are about the same cost as other remotes and can be used as portable players as well.

I could probably save a few bucks with iPod touches, but SONOS does not make it clear if the iPod touch is linked to a specific router. If it is, then I would need one controller per zone. If not I could get away with only a few iPod touches.
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post #5 of 39
3/16/09 at 6:33am
I don't know too much about your needs or the solutions available, so this may not suit you. But check it out: http://www.breatheaudio.com/
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post #6 of 39
3/16/09 at 6:58am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by PassedPawn View Post

I don't know too much about your needs or the solutions available, so this may not suit you. But check it out: http://www.breatheaudio.com/

Thanks for the link. While this system doesn't work for my needs, I was unaware of this product until now. Thanks for the link.

What I need is VERY close to what the Yamaha Music Cast provides. A stand-alone unit that stores music - then can run seven zones at a time (each zone having different music). It doesn't event have to have controllers because I can get a few fancy RF remotes, plug the units seven outputs into two/three Marantz ZS5300 and be DONE!

If the Yamaha Music Cast or the Olive Opus had seven dedicated stereo analog audio outputs, I'd be done right now.
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post #7 of 39
3/16/09 at 11:33am
Quote:


SONOS

Con's: 1) Requires a computer link
2) Can't listen to another zone (if I want to listen to what my son is listening, I can't just hit a button and switch my zone to listen to his).
3) Computer or NAS & router must be on

1) No it doesn't. You can set a Sonos system up and run it with no computer. If you want local music, you need an NAS and if you want internet content, you need an internet connection.

2) You most certainly can. You can join or drop zones to your heart's delight. Just choose his Zone, then click "Link Zone", and choose your Zone. Use "Drop Zone" to drop a Zone from a source. It's even easier on the iPod Touch. Just choose a zone, then link/drop any zone from the link zone screen.

3) Yes, but what exactly are you looking for? If you want to stream digital music from your computer, an NAS or the internet, then you are going to need a computer, an NAS and a router.
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post #8 of 39
3/16/09 at 11:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SimpleTheater View Post

But I have to have SOME type of computer system on, correct? The SONOS has no storage capacity, and if the computer router is off, the whole system shuts down, right?

Yes, but how many people actually turn off their router?

Quote:
Originally Posted by SimpleTheater View Post

I could probably save a few bucks with iPod touches, but SONOS does not make it clear if the iPod touch is linked to a specific router. If it is, then I would need one controller per zone. If not I could get away with only a few iPod touches.

Your iPod Touch will have to connect via a standard wireless connection, it does not use the Sonos wireless. But there is no limit to the number of iPod Touches that you can use, up to the 32 controller maximum for Sonos
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post #9 of 39
3/16/09 at 12:04pm
I told ya you'd be hearing from the Sonos police...lol. In all seriousness, as I said...I am not a Sonos user myself, so I couldn't say so personally, but I had a feeling you were very misinformed about the Sonos, and its capabilities to do exactly what you are looking for. And I knew the Sonos guys would set you straight, because...well, they love their product.

CD
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post #10 of 39
3/16/09 at 4:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SimpleTheater View Post

But I have to have SOME type of computer system on, correct? The SONOS has no storage capacity, and if the computer router is off, the whole system shuts down, right?
I could probably save a few bucks with iPod touches, but SONOS does not make it clear if the iPod touch is linked to a specific router. If it is, then I would need one controller per zone. If not I could get away with only a few iPod touches.

You have hit what is, IMO, the only drawback to Sonos and the IPod -- Sonos is built to function on a proprietary network, so the IPod will not directly interface with it. You will have to have your separate WiFi network for the IPod controllers plus whatever other wireless devices you have in your house. That means that you may have Sonos zones which work fine, but don't have good WiFi coverage, forcing you to extend out your primary network.

Now - I am sure the Sonos people are going to jump down my throat and point out that if you use Squeeze (or any other competitor's) products you will have to do the same work get the same WiFi coverage to make those products work, and I agree...My point is just this - If I am going to build a robust WiFi network to ensure that my entire house is serviced, I no longer am making use of the Sonos mesh, and that money could be spent elsewhere. At that point the mesh network is redundant and not needed.
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post #11 of 39
3/16/09 at 4:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jonnio View Post

You have hit what is, IMO, the only drawback to Sonos and the IPod -- Sonos is built to function on a proprietary network, so the IPod will not directly interface with it. You will have to have your separate WiFi network for the IPod controllers plus whatever other wireless devices you have in your house. That means that you may have Sonos zones which work fine, but don't have good WiFi coverage, forcing you to extend out your primary network.

Now - I am sure the Sonos people are going to jump down my throat and point out that if you use Squeeze (or any other competitor's) products you will have to do the same work get the same WiFi coverage to make those products work, and I agree...My point is just this - If I am going to build a robust WiFi network to ensure that my entire house is serviced, I no longer am making use of the Sonos mesh, and that money could be spent elsewhere. At that point the mesh network is redundant and not needed.


Is someone forcing you to use the iPod? It's not as if Sonos doesn't have a controller that uses the mesh. The iPod controller is completely optional, unlike Squeeze which requires you to "to build a robust WiFi network to ensure that my entire house is serviced" no matter what controller you wish to use.
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post #12 of 39
3/16/09 at 6:30pm
I think the Sonos might do exactly what you want but your router will have to be on and a Nas or computer will need to be accessible. My Nas goes to sleep and wakes when my Sonos calls upon it and I'm using an iPod Touch as a controller with no problems whatsoever. I've also go a couple of laptops and a desktop set up as controllers. I'm new to Sonos but have been very, very happy with it so far. If you're anywhere near Western NY I'd be happy to have you over to check it out.
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post #13 of 39
3/16/09 at 6:58pm
I agree with the other posters that the Sonos system is as close to what you want as you're gonna get. As for the drawback of having a computer on all the time, what's the issue? Power consumption? I'm sure it's no worse in that regard than the Musicast. With the cost of computers and hardware dropping all the time, you could easily build a very reliable PC based music server that is very green powered with only running basic functions. I built a very simple aerver using and HTPC case and 2TB of hard drives for less than $400 serving a mixture of zoneplayers and airport expresses and i couldn't be happier. The iTouch remotes work throughout three floors and outside with one N wireless access point without a hitch.
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post #14 of 39
3/16/09 at 7:07pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jgatie View Post

2) You most certainly can. You can join or drop zones to your heart's delight. Just choose his Zone, then click "Link Zone", and choose your Zone. Use "Drop Zone" to drop a Zone from a source. It's even easier on the iPod Touch. Just choose a zone, then link/drop any zone from the link zone screen.

Yes, I've done more research and found out this is true.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jgatie View Post

1) No it doesn't. You can set a Sonos system up and run it with no computer. If you want local music, you need an NAS and if you want internet content, you need an internet connection.

3) Yes, but what exactly are you looking for? If you want to stream digital music from your computer, an NAS or the internet, then you are going to need a computer, an NAS and a router.

I'm unfamiliar with NAS storage. Here's what I want to do. Each of my five family members currently has a dedicated login on our one computer. If I hook up an NAS, how does it store the music files without screwing everything up? For example, oldest son gets new music on his iPod, syncs to computer - how does it go to the NAS? How does the NAS know this is his music, his playlist and how does the SONOS see only his playlists when he is in his zone?

Thanks.
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post #15 of 39
3/16/09 at 7:16pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jonnio View Post

You have hit what is, IMO, the only drawback to Sonos and the IPod -- Sonos is built to function on a proprietary network, so the IPod will not directly interface with it. You will have to have your separate WiFi network for the IPod controllers plus whatever other wireless devices you have in your house. That means that you may have Sonos zones which work fine, but don't have good WiFi coverage, forcing you to extend out your primary network.

This may end the SONOS as an option in my home. I've already pre-wired and put in the in-wall speakers in every room - all runs lead to one closet. This closet will also have the equipment (all of the equipment, except the remotes/iPods). So what is the range of the SONOS equipment? 20ft, 100ft, more?

I want a system that no one sees, so I was planning on putting all seven SONOS Zone Player 120's in the closet. Is that a no no for the SONOS system?
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post #16 of 39
3/16/09 at 7:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jgatie View Post

Is someone forcing you to use the iPod? It's not as if Sonos doesn't have a controller that uses the mesh. The iPod controller is completely optional, unlike Squeeze which requires you to "to build a robust WiFi network to ensure that my entire house is serviced" no matter what controller you wish to use.

And shocker - I figured it would be you, and that the response would come with the complete inability to follow the thread and what I was saying.

He wanted the ability to take his music on the road, he and I were also SPECIFICALLY discussing the IPod and its use as a remote in whole house audio.

In the future, if you want to respond to me with rolling eyes, try and look at what the person wants in a whole house solution. Maybe even work a little on reading comprehension and follow the thread. I have already told the OP that for his situation Sonos is an option worth looking at which he had already ruled out, maybe if you read more than what you wanted to you would see its not the only one.
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post #17 of 39
3/16/09 at 7:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SimpleTheater View Post

This may end the SONOS as an option in my home. I've already pre-wired and put in the in-wall speakers in every room - all runs lead to one closet. This closet will also have the equipment (all of the equipment, except the remotes/iPods). So what is the range of the SONOS equipment? 20ft, 100ft, more?

I want a system that no one sees, so I was planning on putting all seven SONOS Zone Player 120's in the closet. Is that a no no for the SONOS system?

If your using IPods as the remotes that is a very good option - Most people say not to put all the players in a closet since you lose the mesh network with your remotes, but if your not using that anyway, then its a non issue.
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post #18 of 39
3/16/09 at 7:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SimpleTheater View Post

Yes, I've done more research and found out this is true.

I'm unfamiliar with NAS storage. Here's what I want to do. Each of my five family members currently has a dedicated login on our one computer. If I hook up an NAS, how does it store the music files without screwing everything up? For example, oldest son gets new music on his iPod, syncs to computer - how does it go to the NAS? How does the NAS know this is his music, his playlist and how does the SONOS see only his playlists when he is in his zone?

Thanks.


The NAS was easy. I transferred all my music files (much of it stored in FLAC) to my NAS. Actually, because I have a lot of hard drive space I copied all my music to my NAS and left it on my HDD for backup purposes. Whn you set up the system you select the files you want to share with Sonos so you have it work from your music folder on you computer or the file you set up on the NAS. You can have itunes go right to the NAS if you like (it's basically an external hard drive with network capabilities) Sonos will work with and maintain existing itunes playlists and you can also build playlists in the Sonos application. Everyone will have accesss to everyone elses music but you still maintain your own playlists if you like.
I've used my iTouch about 50 feet away from my router and I'll take a walk in the yard tomorrow and see how far away I can get before it drops out if it will help you.
I'd suggest calling Sonos directly too. I bought my equipment directly from them after calling and talking to a girl named Lindsay that was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. She'll be able to answer any question you can come up with I'll bet.
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post #19 of 39
3/16/09 at 7:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SimpleTheater View Post

Yes, I've done more research and found out this is true.

I'm unfamiliar with NAS storage. Here's what I want to do. Each of my five family members currently has a dedicated login on our one computer. If I hook up an NAS, how does it store the music files without screwing everything up? For example, oldest son gets new music on his iPod, syncs to computer - how does it go to the NAS? How does the NAS know this is his music, his playlist and how does the SONOS see only his playlists when he is in his zone?

Thanks.

iTunes would be set to a shared library directory on the NAS. You simply change the library location in setup to the location on the NAS, copy over your library.itl and library.xml files, then hold down the shift key when you start iTunes which will ask you to point to the new library files (copying the library files allows Sonos to import the playlist information contained in these files). iTunes will even copy the music files for you if you set it to manage the files. You could have an individual library for each login, even setting permissions so that only that user can access their library.

Unfortunately, Sonos does not allow you to separate your music by zones. Your music library is an all or nothing setup. You point the Sonos share to the shared directories on the NAS, and it indexes your entire collection. If permissions are different for each library, you'd have to supply Sonos with an Admin login.

If it's any consolation, the ability to differentiate between the kid's and adult's music, or Zone A vs. Zone B, is a popular request at Sonos' forum, and Sonos has a history of listening to their customers and implementing their ideas, if at all possible.
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post #20 of 39
3/16/09 at 8:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jonnio View Post

And shocker - I figured it would be you, and that the response would come with the complete inability to follow the thread and what I was saying.

He wanted the ability to take his music on the road, he and I were also SPECIFICALLY discussing the IPod and its use as a remote in whole house audio.

In the future, if you want to respond to me with rolling eyes, try and look at what the person wants in a whole house solution. Maybe even work a little on reading comprehension and follow the thread. I have already told the OP that for his situation Sonos is an option worth looking at which he had already ruled out, maybe if you read more than what you wanted to you would see its not the only one.

Blah blah blah, so you recommended Sonos. It's only because Squeeze wasn't on his list.
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post #21 of 39
3/17/09 at 6:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jgatie View Post

Blah blah blah, so you recommended Sonos. It's only because Squeeze wasn't on his list.

My man; even I didn't throw Squeeze's hat into this ring. The guy wants all this easy switching, all this easy sync...to do it in 7 zones, and...no offense OP...doesn't sound as if he's a computer whiz. Plus, he's only looking to get in under $5k. Gotta pick your battles; I'm not saying Squeeze can't do it (we all know I'm not a multi-zone guy, so I wouldn't know), but I'd certainly recommend Sonos over the Yamaha MusicCast and that iPort thing.

CD
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post #22 of 39
3/17/09 at 7:54am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by CDLehner View Post

My man; even I didn't throw Squeeze's hat into this ring. The guy wants all this easy switching, all this easy sync...to do it in 7 zones, and...no offense OP...doesn't sound as if he's a computer whiz. Plus, he's only looking to get in under $5k. Gotta pick your battles; I'm not saying Squeeze can't do it (we all know I'm not a multi-zone guy, so I wouldn't know), but I'd certainly recommend Sonos over the Yamaha MusicCast and that iPort thing.

A little background. I'm a programmer and I'm very comfortable designing large scale applications, building computers and messing around in Windows registry. But you're right, I came across as a novice - which is what I wanted. For one, I have NO CLUE about iTunes - secondly I have no clue about NAS boxes (these are just two things among many that I don't do at work or home, so I'm clueless about them). But most importantly, this whole house audio setup is not just about me, but my family - and that includes a 5 year old.

Right now, my home theater can be turned on and off with a touch of a button. My five year old can walk in and click the TV icon on the remote to watch TV and DVD to watch a movie. In any of those menus he can switch to Radio, TV, DVD, PS3 and everything is seamless. I want that simplicity in my whole house audio system.

One problem the SONOS and the Squeezebox have is their remotes are NOT infrared. This is quite frustrating because I don't want multiple remotes all over the place. My wife likes to listen to music before going to bed. Now she will need to turn off the TV with one remote and turn on the whole house audio system with another.

The other problem is my older children have their own iPods and have a dedicated login to the computer. They sync their iPods with their music, their playlists and it doesn't effect my iPod or my playlists. Both SONOS and Squeezebox seem unable, at this time, to categorize this music automatically.

There are some systems in the $20 - 40k range that will work, but that amount of money eliminates those systems for me.

For pure ease of use, the iPort doc wins hands down. The iPorts are installed in each room and attached to a matrix switching amplifier. Want to listen to the Living Room, just click a button on an LCD remote (the same remote that turns on the TV). As long as there is an iPod playing in that iPort it will work.

Of course, getting to a specific song is not possible unless their is an iPod in your area and you can see the screen. This makes the system cumbersome and not user friendly - which happens to be my goal.

Having not even having heard of the Squeezebox until yesterday, it seems very similar to the SONOS (I'm sure there are software differences). Conceptually they are the same - plug into a computer, index the music, use the Internet connection for radio - and use dedicated remotes . They both have iTouch applications, the Squeezebox is a 3rd party app for $10.

Both the Squeezebox and SONOS collapse when a friend or family member comes over with their iPod - they can't access the songs directly on an iPod.

At this time a hybrid type system is tops on my list - where I use one iPort dock and multiple Squeezebox or SONOS systems.

Clearly, I've made no decision at this time.
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post #23 of 39
3/17/09 at 9:48am
Sonos, when setup with a box in each room like was intended, actually gives you a lot of flexibility to use your friend's IPods etc... Each zone player has an analog input that can be streamed and sync'd throughout the house.

You are correct about the IR with them though, even a Squeezebox classic (which does IR) would not work well for you since you would have 7 of them all responding to the same remote clicks.
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post #24 of 39
3/17/09 at 9:54am
Yeah ST, sounds like you've got a tough road ahead. So maybe not so much that there isn't a "perfect whole-house audio solution", but a perfect whole-house audio solution for you, because you're throwing in quite a few provisions that are unique to your situation.

Sorry we couldn't help you out. I think you're either going to have to pick your battles, and decide what you can live without, or drop more money than you want (and I'm still not so sure it'll do everything you seem to be looking for).

CD
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post #25 of 39
3/17/09 at 10:21am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by CDLehner View Post

Sorry we couldn't help you out. I think you're either going to have to pick your battles, and decide what you can live without, or drop more money than you want (and I'm still not so sure it'll do everything you seem to be looking for).

I'm starting to think that hoping for an Infrared remote capable SONOS system is a mistake. Standard LCD IR/RF remotes won't have the functionality to look through music in the way the SONOS system works.

What would be nice is if SONOS came out with a remote that was ALSO an infrared remote. Then the SONOS remote could be used to turn on/off the TV and other equipment. I think that one change alone would solve my problems.
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post #26 of 39
3/17/09 at 10:38am
If this will help, still kinda scratching my head as to what you actually want.

Here is my set up...

12 zones, 9 indoors, 3 outdoors, 8+ independent sources, in wall control pads with mini jacks and IR remote that can transmit a signal to your gear closet, through the wall control. I use my Harmony remote. You have to drop some Cat5 or 6 cable, but if you have done your own speakers, shouldn't be a problem.

I have two Denon AVRs, my TV's, CD, DVD, BD, WIFI radio, 4 satellite boxes, iPods, 2 computers, AM/FM stereo, iTunes, even Apple AirTunes via wireless hooked up directly to the system... Anything you want hooked into this system. And it cost me under 5 grand, but I did all of the work. And when I say work, a few hours a day for two weeks dropping Cat5e cable for in wall control panels and a hard wired network. But it sounds like you have most of that done, you may have to drop cable for control boxes, but it is not that hard to do with the right tools.

Check it out, hope it helps...

http://www.htd.com/whole-house-audio...Setup-Packages

Mike

On Edit... I am assuming you have no amplification to get the sound to your speakers? Or are you planning to use those receivers?
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post #27 of 39
3/19/09 at 12:47pm
Thread Starter 
Could anyone explain, other than user interface, what are the differences between SlingBox and SONOS?

Here's what I know:
1) SONOS has an amplified version available
2) SONOS can run off of an NAS, Slingbox needs the computer running
3) Both can access Internet Radio without a computer being on
4) Both have iTouch/iPhone remote applications - Slingbox version is 3rd party and costs $10, SONOS is free
5) Slingbox receivers are $150 / Sonos are $379

Does anyone know about reliability or range?
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post #28 of 39
3/19/09 at 1:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SimpleTheater View Post

Could anyone explain, other than user interface, what are the differences between SlingBox and SONOS?

Here's what I know:
1) SONOS has an amplified version available
2) SONOS can run off of an NAS, Slingbox needs the computer running
3) Both can access Internet Radio without a computer being on
4) Both have iTouch/iPhone remote applications - Slingbox version is 3rd party and costs $10, SONOS is free
5) Slingbox receivers are $150 / Sonos are $379

Does anyone know about reliability or range?

Well, I may be wayyy off base here, as I'm not a SlingBox user myself, but I thought all it did was take a source and broadcast it to another location (like you could play something off your DVR in the Living Room, onto a SlingBox in the Bedroom?). If that's the case, SlingBox and Sonos are nothing alike.

CD
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post #29 of 39
3/19/09 at 1:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SimpleTheater View Post

Could anyone explain, other than user interface, what are the differences between SlingBox and SONOS?

Here's what I know:
1) SONOS has an amplified version available
2) SONOS can run off of an NAS, Slingbox needs the computer running
3) Both can access Internet Radio without a computer being on
4) Both have iTouch/iPhone remote applications - Slingbox version is 3rd party and costs $10, SONOS is free
5) Slingbox receivers are $150 / Sonos are $379

Does anyone know about reliability or range?

Sonos uses a mesh topology with its own proprietary wireless, Squeeze uses standard wireless. This makes Sonos a little less tempermental and (potentially) increases range because each box talks to all the others, instead of a central router. Sonos setup is also a little easier, because the only wireless setting you worry about is the channel number. No security, WEP, passwords, etc.

Sonos includes an analog line-in on each player. Anything hooked to this (iPod, stereo, etc.) is digitized and can be streamed to any zone.

Note that Squeeze's server is run on a bunch of NAS boxes successfully, but not all NAS are compatible, and not all are easy to set up. Sonos can use basically any NAS you want to buy.

Edit: Almost forgot!! If you purchase a ZP90 or ZP120 Sonos box, they are based on 'n' wireless, so you'll get the bandwidth and range increases you'd see from a standard 'n' wireless network.
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post #30 of 39
3/19/09 at 1:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CDLehner View Post

Well, I may be wayyy off base here, as I'm not a SlingBox user myself, but I thought all it did was take a source and broadcast it to another location (like you could play something off your DVR in the Living Room, onto a SlingBox in the Bedroom?). If that's the case, SlingBox and Sonos are nothing alike.

CD

your not.... Sonos and Slingbox are nothing alike... He probably meant squeezebox/duet.....

BTW: I did pick up a duet to add to my one SB3. Its my garage music setup in the utah house. SB3 in themain garage and the duet in the detached garage/workshop. I very much like the duet controller. setup was peice of cake. I still dislike squeeze center as much as I always have.... Love the duet controller although it does not handle the multi-zone stuff nearly as easily as the sonos does...

If I had to choose between the iphone/itunes/airport express and the Duet solution I would have to pick the apple setup. Its bizarre to hear me say this but I really just dont like all the issues squeeze center has with my music library where media monkey, xbmc, WMP, winamp and even iTunes handle everything correctly and dont constantly crash scanning my library. I thought this might have been addressed sometime over the last 1.5 years but no luck....

Cheers,
Sean
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