Aug 6, 2008 11:17 AM | 5 Comments

It's rare that Adam Turner sheds a tear when returning review gear, but the day he had to hand back the awesome Sonos Digital Music System was one such time.

The Sonos Digital Music System is a multi-zone audio system which unleashes your digital music collection without leaving you at the mercy of a computer.

Up to 32 wireless AV zones
It can stream music from your AV gear, computer, network storage or the internet to up to 32 wireless ZonePlayers spread throughout your castle. Originally each ZonePlayer was a stereo amplifier with speaker-wire bindings, but now you can also get cheaper models which just feature outputs for connecting to an external amplifier.

Built like a Mac
Passively cooled with Mac-like styling, the ZonePlayers look sexy but the showstopper is the wireless controller. Complete with a 3.5 inch colour display and iPod-like touch scroll wheel, the controller is a thing of beauty and a talking point at dinner parties. The system can also be controlled from a Windows or Mac computer.

Works like a Mac
The Sonos gear not only looks like a Mac, it also behaves like one. Plug it in, press two buttons on the front of each ZonePlayer to create a wireless mesh network and you're away. No configuration, no inch-thick manuals, no replastering, no tears. It just works - a reviewer's dream.

Not your usual cheap PC-vendor junk
The Sonos starter kit originally included two ZP100 ZonePlayers and a wireless controller for wallet crunching $AU2399 - which is actually a bargain when you consider what a decent multi-zone audio system cost previously. Remember this isn't cheap junk from a PC vendor dabbling in audio, this is la bonne merde, as the French would say, if they said such things.

After a few minor price cuts over the years, Sonos has now launched new slim-line ZonePlayers with double the wireless range. A new two-room starter is available for $AU1799, which is still pricey but I'd hand over the money in a heartbeat if I had the cash lying around.

If you want to add more rooms, the $AU899 ZP120 is an amplifier offering 2x55W RMS output, while the $AU649 ZP90 is a receiver with outputs for connecting to an existing amp. Of course you wouldn't bother buying the Sonos gear unless you had a big house, so a decent setup would get expensive.

My new dream home network
As it happens I'm moving house this weekend, from a shoebox in an expensive suburb to a three story McMansion in the not-quite-so-expensive suburb up the road. Ever since I signed the papers I've been dreaming about my new home network and my multi-room audio and video options.

What if you don't have the cash for the Sonos?
Had I got a few more dollars for my shoebox I'd be writing out a cheque to Sonos right now, but unfortunately I've only got a little bit of cash left over so I'm in two minds as to how I might spend it.

As a recent Mac convert, I've been thinking about what I could achieve by combining a MacMini with an Airport Extreme (or Time Machine) and a few Airport Expresses strategically spread around the house - which feature line outs for connecting to AV gear. Throw in an 8GB iPod touch (or an iPhone) and you could control it all in a similar fashion to the Sonos controller.

Sonos vs Apple Mac Mini
I figure I want at least five points around the house - which would cost me around $AU3750 using a Sonos starter kit and three ZP90s. The same setup would cost me $AU2450 using Apple gear. Either option would still require me to buy a small amp and speakers for each room, unless I spent an extra $750 on the ZP120s with the built-in amps which would just require speakers.

Enter the iPhone remote
The equation swings further in Apple's favour when you consider that I already own an iPhone for controlling it all and, if I bought the Sonos gear, I'd probably still buy the MacMini and Airport Extreme (or Time Machine) anyway.

So really the Apple solution would only cost me the five Airport Expresses, a mere $AU650, which offers the added bonus of boosting my wifi network.

As with all tech purchases, you get what you pay for. I'm certainly not comparing a cobbled together Apple solution to the sound quality and user experience of the Sonos gear. If you've got the money to go down the Sonos path, do it - you won't regret it.

If you're on a tight budget it's certainly tempting to take the cheaper option. I think I'll start with one Airport Express just to test the water, but it won't quench my silicon lust for Sonos.

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bbjai Aug 8, 2008 11:37 AM	Good article but I think you mean Time Capsule not Time Machine :D Time Machine is the software and Time Capsule is their router with a Hard Disk. Second of all, would you mind expanding if you think Airport Expresses will be a better option for say a small apartment then? I run a all Windows Network with a Time Capsule. I was thinking about setting up a multi Room music option with either Sonos or Airport Express. But I only have a two bedroom apartment. Which one is the better option in your opinion, quality vs price wise.
Dinks-c Aug 9, 2008 11:53 AM	Ah the competition for our wallets and minds is a never ending story. Especially for those of us that love our technology. How about an "in-depth" article expanding on Adam's situation of how to set up the multi room home for audio and visual delights. Say a piece about using windows products such as Media Centre and a Home Server with a side piece with apple products and how us punters can mix and match to gain the best out of what we have already and what to buy next to improve out enjoyment. Obviously the amount of depth you place in an article in the mag will be limited, however the use of the web site to expand on this should not be under estimated.
bbjai Aug 9, 2008 1:58 PM	Well he hasn't even mentioned the Logitech Squeeze box as an option yet which is surprising too.
Adam Turner Aug 13, 2008 10:15 PM	@bbjal Not having tried out the Airport Express for audio streaming I'd only be speculating. When I get that far I'll write another post. Perhap if Logitech came good with its promise of a review unit I might have an informed opinion of the Squeezebox, might be time to hassle them again. The thing to remember is that Sonos offers multi-room audio in sync, which is a very tricky thing to do. I'm not sure if the Apple gear would achieve this. Sorry for the late reply, have been busy moving house. @Dinks-c I wouldn't use Windows for this if you want it to just work. My experience with both Media Centre and Home Server has been very hit and miss. When you spend all day fighting with computers, you don't want to come home and fight with your home entertainment system as well.
bbjai Aug 27, 2008 10:20 PM	Also I don't really understand how the Airport Express works with the ipod Touch as a remote?