Talk to me about Sonos/Streaming etc

[Bullett]

Ok, I have most of my music on what I call a media server (a RAID enabled PC with a DLNA server app) in my office hardwaired into a router. I access it via itunes on my main PC or via the DLNA on the PS3 over wireless. I also store my movies (DVD rips served to the PS3 via either the DLNA or a YAMJ movie jukebox app. Plus photos.

Problem here is it's not very wife friendly plus the TV, PS3, media server and AV amp all need to be on.

Sonos looks like a good music solution that I can also expand to the kitchen and bedroom/s, I like the zone ideas. What's the minimum I need to serve Sonos tot he lounge? I can hardwire ethernet if required and I have a touch for a remote. Would just zp90 on its own work or do I need a bridge?

What are the alternatives? Squeezebox? any thing else?

[E31Shrew]

Superb systems. If you have an itouch then as you said just download the free app. The application is slightly 'clunkier' than the CR200 remote from Sonos though. The ZP90 can be hooked up to your router but if I were you for the extra £80.00 just buy a zonebridge and then hook the ZP90 directly into your hi fi via AUX [ unless your router is near to the hifi ]

The new S5 speaker /amps do provide pretty reasonable sound if you just want to extend to a bedroom / kitchen area.

[Thorny]

You need a Sonos 'box' amplified or not, not sure of the model numbers hardwired to your pc/server in your office and another box in your lounge plugged into speakers, either amplified or not, depending on your setup.

And a controller of some description.

[Bullett]

My routers not near my Hi-Fi but it has a direct hardwired link to the router so it should work?

I'm prepared to put up with a bit clonky ipod app for the £280 I'd save not buying a dedicated h/w controller!

I've just found Squeezebox whihc seems similar for less money (but not alot less) anyone use these?

[Saintjsmythe]

What e31shrew said. Buy 1x ZP90. Cat5 cable from zp90 to spare port on router. Zp90 digital coax to av amp. Run setup cd on laptop. Done.

Incidentally, I find the itouch has a better touch screen, sonos app faster and nicer to use than the cr200.

[aberdeeneuan]

I've been looking at these a lot of late, and finally managed to get a demo at the weekend. The S5 blew me away, awesome bit of kit and the ease of use is very wife friendly. The Sonos needs to be hooked into the ethernet so if you do have a hardwire by the stereo you'd only need a ZP90.

If you start looking at the Logitech stuff, it's apparently good but not as wife friendly but it is cheaper. You would need to run SqueezeCentre on the server though - it cannot use anything else to stream the music.

[allgonepetetong]

I use a Squeezebox Duet for the main stereo and a Boom for the kitchen.

Brilliant bits of kit.

I have my Duet connected via ethernet and the Boom wirelessly, both tho my NAS. - it was very easy to set up and works faultlessly.

To add, I have a reasonble Hi FI, Cyrus 7 and PSX-R and NEAT Petite speakers and it sounds wonderful. We had friends over on Saturday and he was blown away with the simplicity and the sound from the intro of Money For Nothing.

[Bullett]

So you need an app running on your media server for the Squeezebox but the Sonos just needs a network connection, no software is required?

I assume the app for Squeezebox is windows or mac? I was thinking about moving my server onto freenas or similar so that wouldn't work for the SB.

Does the s5 have controls built in? I like the remote (and I have a Touch already)but remotes get lost easily so the appeal of the standalone units also works for me.

mmmm

[E31Shrew]

You get a software disc with Sonos so you can also use the PC as a desktop controller. The S5 has volume up or down on the top

[Shelsleyf2]

Bullett said:

My routers not near my Hi-Fi but it has a direct hardwired link to the router so it should work?

I'm prepared to put up with a bit clonky ipod app for the £280 I'd save not buying a dedicated h/w controller!

I've just found Squeezebox whihc seems similar for less money (but not alot less) anyone use these?

I have a squeezebox classic, it uses slimserver as the jukebox , great gadget, lovely display and great sound, can be picked up for £125 ishh. Theres actually one for sale on pistonheads.