What Multiroom System?

[Earthworm Jim]

I am looking for a Multiroom System to add to my set up, can anyone reccomend something in the region of 1k?

So far I have been looking at THIS combined with THIS as I like the idea of having a panel on the wall to control it with and because of the braindead easy installation. Is there anything else you guys can recommend?

[Earthworm Jim]

the Sonos might be better for me because it wireless so could just be heaps better, can you wall mount the control though? I really really like the idea of having a wall mounted controller

[DJMALLZ]

if you need something wall mounted perhaps opus would be the way to go but the budget might be tight depending on the amount of room you'd like to control etc.. there are so many out there right now. take a look at nuvo (check up with hornydragon/dulux).

although sonos is cheap, experience shows hardwired systems are always more reliable.

there's also speakercraft mode which is one of my favourites because is quite flexible with sources etc..their controllers look very stylish aswel (personal opinion) but then again might be tight on the budget depending on the amount of rooms you want to control..

so my question would be, how many rooms are you looking to enhance?

[Earthworm Jim]

Originally Posted by DJMALLZ

if you need something wall mounted perhaps opus would be the way to go but the budget might be tight depending on the amount of room you'd like to control etc.. there are so many out there right now. take a look at nuvo (check up with hornydragon/dulux).

although sonos is cheap, experience shows hardwired systems are always more reliable.

there's also speakercraft mode which is one of my favourites because is quite flexible with sources etc..their controllers look very stylish aswel (personal opinion) but then again might be tight on the budget depending on the amount of rooms you want to control..

so my question would be, how many rooms are you looking to enhance?

It would only be 3 rooms, lounge, bedroom and kitchen with it possibly going to the bathroom but only at a later stage. I have had a look at the Opus ones and they look pretty good and simple to install, only thing I want to try avoid is long cable runs, I will be feeding it with the music from my PC so how would I go about getting the music from my PC onto the OPUS?

[DJMALLZ]

Originally Posted by Earthworm Jim

It would only be 3 rooms, lounge, bedroom and kitchen with it possibly going to the bathroom but only at a later stage. I have had a look at the Opus ones and they look pretty good and simple to install, only thing I want to try avoid is long cable runs, I will be feeding it with the music from my PC so how would I go about getting the music from my PC onto the OPUS?

hello
although it's only 3 rooms i still think 1k could be pretty tight. the opus can indeed be integrated with a media centre, you need to buy the mcl600 for that.
also i though i'd run this though, why not build a good robust media server and and install the software mirage media centre and you can have umpcs in each other rooms to access the server? the software allows you to have multiple instances so you use it as multiroom, you only have to install it in each other umpcs. something such as samsung q1 can lately be purchased fro around £200 and you can get something less pricey even. you will need to check for a umpc that's wall mountable and you good to go. check out this link below
Mirage Media Center Control

cheers

[MikeNelson]

I have a Sonos system and I'm really pleased with it. The wireless mesh works well even with thick walls and it can be wired with Ethernet, with each Zoneplayer having an extra port so you can connect other devices like a laptop or console and it bridges to your normal network. It's easy to set up and add further zones.

I think the controllers are wall mountable but I think it's nicer to have the remote features so you don't have to get up to change the volume or tracks.

[Earthworm Jim]

So if I did go for the Sonos, is it just software that is installed onto my PC and thats how I get the music?

[kanegk]

Originally Posted by DJMALLZ

hello
although it's only 3 rooms i still think 1k could be pretty tight. the opus can indeed be integrated with a media centre, you need to buy the mcl600 for that.
also i though i'd run this though, why not build a good robust media server and and install the software mirage media centre and you can have umpcs in each other rooms to access the server? the software allows you to have multiple instances so you use it as multiroom, you only have to install it in each other umpcs. something such as samsung q1 can lately be purchased fro around £200 and you can get something less pricey even. you will need to check for a umpc that's wall mountable and you good to go. check out this link below
Mirage Media Center Control

cheers

Question about the mcl600

does this unit allow keypads in any zone to access your media center (located in your rack) ie watch two different movies stored on your media center at the same time.

thanks

[fredd500]

If Sonos seems the way to go, why not look at the Logitech Squeezebox range http://www.logitech.com/squeezebox - similar idea but much cheaper.

I have (a now old) Squeezebox 3 (renamed squeezebox classic) and it works a treat. You install free software on your PC which accesses your music library either directly or through iTunes and then streams this via your existing wired or wireless network to the squeezeboxes (of which there are various types including ones with and without a display, with built in amplified speakers or a true audiophile solution).

Control is either via the web interface, an IR remote to the devices with built in displays or via a Sonos like handheld with built in colour LCD.

If you download the software, it comes with a free software emulator of the device so you can try before you buy.

The primary advantage of this over the Opus is the fact you can have different tracks playing in different rooms or you can sync them together if you are moving around the house.

[MikeNelson]

Sonos is a streaming solution which takes music stored on your PC or NAS and plays it either through its own amplifier and speakers (ZP120) or an AV amplifier with a digital input (ZP90). You also have line level right and left outputs for amps without digital decoding.

The advantages of this are:

Easy to install and maintain
Can play internet radio
Can play other sources through standard line in
One controller gives full control over all zones from anywhere in the house (wireless N mesh system permitting)
Any combination of tracks can be applied across the network (playing one track everywhere allows you to walk around the house listening seamlessly - really quite cool)
Track information displayed on a dedicated controller (bit like an Ipod) so no need for TV or PC monitor to be on
System can also be fully controlled by any PC on the network and there is a free iPhone/iTouch app that will also work (via your own wireless network)

Disadvantage - you need to rip your CDs to a hard drive and tag them

have a look at Sonos - Home for more information.

[DJMALLZ]

Originally Posted by MikeNelson

.

seems like you working for sonos lol

[DJMALLZ]

Originally Posted by kanegk

Question about the mcl600

does this unit allow keypads in any zone to access your media center (located in your rack) ie watch two different movies stored on your media center at the same time.

thanks

probably best to contact opus directly, rarely get that request from clients so i don't know but i know the option of mce is there.

cheers

[MikeNelson]

Originally Posted by DJMALLZ

seems like you working for sonos lol

I am a big fan actually - it's the only wireless device that gets anywhere near working in my house! It is frighteningly easy to use even if I don't have a clue how it works! There again I can drive without understanding the engine management system of my car...