Any alternatives to Sonos?
Discussion
I have all my audio and video files stored on an a standalone DLNA server which streams just fine to my PS3 and I was going to use this to feed a sonos system but I am going to have to have a sonos amp for each room that I want audio. This isnt really a massive problem and the sonos system does look pretty slick (I espcially like the iPhone app) but I was wondering if there are any "one box" solutions?
One competitor is the Squeezebox range made by Slim Devices/Logitech. This does off a single box solution as well as solutions for connecting to a regular amplifier and speakers. The Squeezebox is open source so there are many third party applications including controllers via iTouch/iPhone, etc.
They have 4 products in the line-up (all will work wired or wireless)
Squeezebox Classic requires external Amp + Speakers
Squeezebox Duet/Receiver - As Classic but with fancy handset, you can also have additional Receivers around the house and use one handset to control them
Squeezebox Transporter - Audiophile Squeezebox
Squeezebox BOOM! Ghettoblaster type unit, sounds pretty good for it's size, incorporating a cut down Squeezebox Classic with amplifiers and speakers included.
Details here www.slimdevices.com
Another alternative would be to consider the Linn Sneaky DS unit, although not cheap does incorporate an amplifier so you would have to add speakers.
I've gone the Squeezebox route and currently have 2 x Duet, 1 x SB+ (a modified Squeezebox), 1 x SB3 and 2 x Boom in my house.
Hope that helps
davidy
They have 4 products in the line-up (all will work wired or wireless)
Squeezebox Classic requires external Amp + Speakers
Squeezebox Duet/Receiver - As Classic but with fancy handset, you can also have additional Receivers around the house and use one handset to control them
Squeezebox Transporter - Audiophile Squeezebox
Squeezebox BOOM! Ghettoblaster type unit, sounds pretty good for it's size, incorporating a cut down Squeezebox Classic with amplifiers and speakers included.
Details here www.slimdevices.com
Another alternative would be to consider the Linn Sneaky DS unit, although not cheap does incorporate an amplifier so you would have to add speakers.
I've gone the Squeezebox route and currently have 2 x Duet, 1 x SB+ (a modified Squeezebox), 1 x SB3 and 2 x Boom in my house.
Hope that helps
davidy
Edited by DavidY on Wednesday 27th May 14:12
I will take a look at the squeeze box idea, thanks. That would still require lots of boxes around the house though, I should have been clearer when I said "one box" solution. I meant one box reciever and run all speaker cables from that if that makes sense.
What are SQBs? Had a quick look on google but didnt find anything.
Plotloss said:
By DLNA Server one assumes you mean a NAS with a Linux server component inside it?
SQBs are the way forward, not only are they half the price of the Sonos, they offer more functionality and are significantly more flexible.
Its an HP MediaSmart Server, similar sort of thing. Just a bit slicker and does lots of other cool thing I need like keeping sequantial backups of my laptop...just in case! But I guess as DLNA is a universal standard then yeah, same thing.SQBs are the way forward, not only are they half the price of the Sonos, they offer more functionality and are significantly more flexible.
What are SQBs? Had a quick look on google but didnt find anything.
Plotloss said:
Sorry, SQB = Shorthand for Squeezebox.
Nothing stopping you putting all the SQBs centrally then using a bank of multiroom amps to power speakers in each room.
Ah I see.Nothing stopping you putting all the SQBs centrally then using a bank of multiroom amps to power speakers in each room.
Its starting to sound a lot more expensive than the Sonos system if I have to buy amps as well although I apreciate the sound will probably be much better. Do SQB not do one with an amp?
DavidY - What is this SB+?
Except you'd want to use receivers as the handset can talk wirelessly to a single receiver (you can sync their outputs as well if required) otherewise the IR remote will change all the units in one go! (in which case you might as wel have a single Squeezebox feeing multichannel amplification). Big advantage of boxes within rooms is that you can select the tunes in that room, so in my case, I can play something different to my wife in her studio to the kids in their room. All from the same server.
davidy
davidy
SB+ is a modified Squeezebox classic, that gives much better audio performance than a regular Squeezebox Classic or Duet. It's cheaper than the Transporter (some say better sounding) but has less flexibility (ie no digital input or high resolution playback).
Details here
www.at-tunes.co.uk
davidy
Details here
www.at-tunes.co.uk
davidy
Plotloss said:
Theres been talk of an SQB with an Amp for a while, an equivalent to the ZP100, I'll see if it ever made light of day.
How many 'zones' of music?
How many zones require concurrency?
My plan is for the following zones:How many 'zones' of music?
How many zones require concurrency?
Master bedroom/ensuite (1 zone but switchable to bedroom or ensuite or both)
House bathroom
Office
Dinning/Kitchen (switchable like bedroom)
Conservatory/Garden (switchable again)
So 5 zones and I'd like to be able to play different sources in each. Thinking some b&w or Russound in ceiling speakers in all rooms (spending approx £150 a room on speakers). Doesnt all need to bought at once, I will do one room at a time.
To do all that my original plan was 5 Sonos ZP120's @ £329 and 3 QED audio switches on top of the speakers. Most rooms have cat5e which is terminated in loft so would only need to run speaker cable.
Plotloss said:
A 6 zone amp, something like the Russound R1250MC
A few in wall speaker selectors (to switch twixt master and ensuite etc)
5 Duets
Can put a full pack price together with speakers if you wish and drop it in your email.
That would be great thanks, if you could give me a few options and break things down and bear in mind I want to do this in a modular fashion as each room is decorated I will add the sound system. Cheers!A few in wall speaker selectors (to switch twixt master and ensuite etc)
5 Duets
Can put a full pack price together with speakers if you wish and drop it in your email.
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