New Lounge System. Options?

[WAD62]

...it's always worth a regular reboot, I do mine once a month or so.

This would never happen if people used good old 'assembler', but its a bit like building a tank out of iron filings

[webby]

Well, I'm liking the look and functionality of the AudioEngine A5 speakers. However, the wife is a little concerned at the £250 price tag. Add £200 for an iPod Touch (cos I don't currently have a Touch) and £80 for another Airport Express and it's close to £550.

I don't think the smaller, and cheaper (£130), A2's will cut it, but a Sub could always be added later. I think the A5's may well be ok without a Sub.

Mind you, I haven't told her they're available in white yet, which was one of her . prerequisites.

[webby]

Now considering the Sonos kit. Anyone have anything good to say about the Sonos S5?

[WAD62]

If you want a more 'music center' solution then the sonos is an option, as is linn DS, as they are both a bit pricey in comparison to the squeezebox option.

One point to note is that the sonos only handles track ReplayGain and not album/audiophile ReplayGain, so you have to switch the tags around manually if you want to use it.

I'd suggest keeping the streaming solution independent from the playback solution, but that's just my IT head kicking in.

[Spectral Morn]

Well done Lee on the job

I can't offer any comments on the thread topic though but thought I would comment on your getting a job.

Regards D S D L

[webby]

Well done Lee on the job

I can't offer any comments on the thread topic though but thought I would comment on your getting a job.

Regards D S D L

Thanks. It's not concrete yet, but things are looking promising.



p.s. I shouldn't have said anything should I? /fingers crossed smiley

[webby]

I am liking the whole Sonos thing, but it is expensive. I've had a look at the range so allow me to 'think out loud' here.

The S5 is the standalone player with built in speakers. Apparently, the sound is good (I imagine on a par with my i-deck) and is big enough to fill the room. However, at least one piece of Sonos kit needs to be connected to your router, so if that isn't in your listening room then you need a Zonebridge. You can get the 2 together for around £400.
To control it, you need the controller at around £250! Or, if you have an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, you can use the free controller app. So, £400 + iPod = £600

Then there's the ZP120 which has built in amps and wireless gubbins so all you need to do is connect it to your current speakers (if you have any in your chosen room). Again, you need the Zonebridge. Could I use my i-deck speakers with it? Would it be better than the S5? A ZP120 and speakers would not be very portable. I could move the S5 into any room I wish. The ZP120 at £400 + the Zonebridge at £80 = £480. Plus an iPod = £680.
This is pretty expensive imo.

Lastly, there's the ZP90. This is the one I don't understand. As far as I can tell, it is a streaming device that you attach to your current amp and speakers, just as the Airport Express does. But, it's £279!! You still need the Zonebridge of course. The Airport Express is £80. Perhaps a better comparison would be the Apple TV, but even that is only £99.

I appreciate that this is probably not seen as hi-fi equipment, but maybe someone here uses Sonos gear somewhere in the house and can offer a recommendation.

[Mark Grant]

Good luck with the Job

The Sonos is excellent kit, not cheap but is is good.

I have installed a few for customers and everyone likes them.

If possibe run a network cable from Router to Zone player and between zone players,.
Wireless works OK but wired is more reliable.

With decent speakers they are great.

Mark.

[The Vinyl Adventure]

We sell Sonos at the shop, let me know if you go down that road I'll see if I can swing you a deal ... All our customers are happy with it too ...

[webby]

We sell Sonos at the shop, let me know if you go down that road I'll see if I can swing you a deal ... All our customers are happy with it too ...

Thanks Hamish.