Best wired music Server / Client combination ???

[DegsC]

I now have a totally wired cat6 home network, which basically comprises of a 24 gigabit switch, Synology CS407 2tb nas and a media centre pc. I would now like to port music around my home (kitchen + lounge (amp) +bedrooms (Bose wave)).

What is the best Server/client given my setup ?? I've looked at the Sonos system and like the idea of music zones but feel the money spent on all that wifi technology would be wasted given I'll probably turn it off. Are there any other systems out there that provide the Sonos theme (internet radio + hard drive mp3) via cat6 cable ???



DegsC

[Dr_dale]

DegsC,
You could try the M1001 from roku, it got 2000+ radio stations, can be wired or wireless, it will definitely talk to your media PC, but you will have to check with your NAS, mine connects to media server and bonjuor services running out of the box on a LACIE 320 Ethernet mini. The bonjuor will do play lists, I havn't tried its media server yet.
Also Roku have just announced a price drop in the states, im not sure how much it is in the uk. Be careful of the pinnacle badged m1001 ive not heard great things about its software.
Dale

[Autopilot]

Take a look at the Squeezebox 3. Better than a roku and great value. Does not have an amp built into each unit like the Sono's, but just as good and far better value.

[DegsC]

Many thanks for your response Dr_dale & Autopilot. I've checked out M1001 from roku and the Squeezebox 3 specs and I think the Squeezebox 3 is for me, as it comes in a wired only version and it's compatible with my NAS.


My only problem is finding a wired only version of the Squeezebox 3 in the UK....... any ideas ???

DegsC

[Crustyloafer]

Originally Posted by DegsC

What is the best Server/client given my setup ?? I've looked at the Sonos system and like the idea of music zones but feel the money spent on all that wifi technology would be wasted given I'll probably turn it off. Are there any other systems out there that provide the Sonos theme (internet radio + hard drive mp3) via cat6 cable ???

I would imagine that the wireless aspect of the Sonos system actually contributes very little to its cost. Wireless technology is now very cheap indeed which is why it is starting to be featured in so many consumer devices as standard.

Almost all of the Sonos installs I have carried out are fully wired as it is much more reliable than even the best wireless systems. There are occasions when one or two zones have been set up wirelessly, but only when I have to. I would seriously recommend the Sonos system for your purposes as it has a control system that is completely unrivalled at the moment in terms of ease of use and intuitiveness. In my opinion it is unwise to dismiss certain products just because they have certain features that you may not require but they do everything else you want and really well too.

[Autopilot]

Originally Posted by Crustyloafer

it has a control system that is completely unrivalled at the moment in terms of ease of use and intuitiveness.

While i agree the Sono's is a simply an outstanding piece of kit, with it's excellent control system being one of it's major advantages over competitors, i would not say it's completely unrivalled. The Squeezebox's server has a good web interface which can be controlled by any device with a network connection and webbrowser. I use my N95, PSP and PDA. It's not as slick as the Sono's, but you have more control and more flexibility (not to mention cost effectiveness). It's especially good with touch screen devices, many people buy the Nokia internet tablet just for this. Also, the Sono's sacrifices the screen on the main units for the remote. This can annoy some people, as they can't just glace across the room to see whats playing etc, they need to keep grabbing the remote. But there is no doubt that the Sono's remote is seriously cool, i would love one, but they are not as good value for money, i prefer to choose/use my own AMP, dont sound any better than an SB3 and not as flexible. Also, have a look at the new Jive platform being developed for the SB family of products, will provide a new interface for touch screen remotes etc.

[lazymatt]

Originally Posted by Autopilot

While i agree the Sono's is a simply an outstanding piece of kit, with it's excellent control system being one of it's major advantages over competitors, i would not say it's completely unrivalled. The Squeezebox's server has a good web interface which can be controlled by any device with a network connection and webbrowser. I use my N95, PSP and PDA. It's not as slick as the Sono's, but you have more control and more flexibility (not to mention cost effectiveness). It's especially good with touch screen devices, many people buy the Nokia internet tablet just for this. Also, the Sono's sacrifices the screen on the main units for the remote. This can annoy some people, as they can't just glace across the room to see whats playing etc, they need to keep grabbing the remote. But there is no doubt that the Sono's remote is seriously cool, i would love one, but they are not as good value for money, i prefer to choose/use my own AMP, dont sound any better than an SB3 and not as flexible. Also, have a look at the new Jive platform being developed for the SB family of products, will provide a new interface for touch screen remotes etc.

I would agree with Auto that both the Sonos and SB3 can offer the same ease of use, however, out of the box the Sonos is probably the more consumer friendly unit. The SB3 is more flexible in terms of the other TP apps that are developed for it if you want to go down the customisation route. It is probably more the hobbyists choice.

To the OP, I'm not sure you'll find a wired only version of the SB3 any more.

Also you can buy the Sonos ZP80, which doesn't have the built in amp, and save's £100 or so over the ZP100, and makes each unit about £50 more expensive than the SB3.

[Joe Fernand]

Hello DegsC

When you can hand over the Sonos CR100 controller and have First Time Users find everything they want without ever looking at a User Manual you'll soon forget about the 2p in unused Wireless technology.

Plus on the odd occasion when someone manages to 'borrow' a CAT5 cable and Wireless takes over without you noticing it is quite handy!!!

Joe

[shoehorn]

Don't forget the WAF!
My Mrs loves the Sonos - it's very intuitive and I've hidden the ZP100's so only the speakers are showing !
Seriously, she thinks it's the best "electronic-thing" I've bought!

[Autopilot]

Yep, wife here also thinks the SB3 is the best thing i had bought, and she is not into her gadgets at all. Topfield 5800 PVR comes close second. She finds them both incredibly easy and enjoyable to use. However, she would not have a clue how to set them up! I know she would would enjoy a Sono's too

[DegsC]

Hmmmm !!!! cat amongst the pigeons spring to mind.......... I didn't meant to start a Sonos vs Squeeze box fight but these devices seem to be the two weapons of choice..

I did originally look and demo the Sonos at my local Hifi store but the sales guy didn't do a good job of selling it to me....... waffled on about I proprietary wireless mesh technology even though I said my house was totally wired....... that said I was impressed with the sound quality and easy of use

The reviews below put the Squeeze box slightly ahead

http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/review2344.html

http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/review3532.html

Undecided now as to which way to go but judging from the response I'm sure either system will be fine


Many thanks to all


DegsC

PS Wife factor is always a major force when choosing any gadget.......... Nevo remote currently collecting dust

[Autopilot]

Originally Posted by DegsC

Hmmmm !!!! cat amongst the pigeons spring to mind.......... I didn't meant to start a Sonos vs Squeeze box fight but these devices seem to be the two weapons of choice..

I did originally look and demo the Sonos at my local Hifi store but the sales guy didn't do a good job of selling it to me....... waffled on about I proprietary wireless mesh technology even though I said my house was totally wired....... that said I was impressed with the sound quality and easy of use

The reviews below put the Squeeze box slightly ahead

http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/review2344.html

http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/review3532.html

Undecided now as to which way to go but judging from the response I'm sure either system will be fine


Many thanks to all


DegsC

PS Wife factor is always a major force when choosing any gadget.......... Nevo remote currently collecting dust

It's not easy, especially when setting up a multi room set up. The Sono's is a fair bit more pricey (overpriced IMO) but becomes more cost effective the more zones you setup.

Sound quality wise: they are on a par. Many fanboys argue over which sounds best, but it's splitting hairs really and not worth getting side tracked with. You can use you own external DAC to improve the SB3 if you want. Not sure about the Sono's, but it kind of defeats the object with those built in AMP's. Thats another thing - the built in AMP. To me, this is a con not a pro. Some people have there own perfectly good amps already to use. Some people prefer to chose their own. To other people having an AMP built in is a blessing.

Interface wise they come from different but equality effective angles. The are both freaking excellent. Like mat say, the Sono's is easier to initially set up, but the SB3 is no exactly hard.

As for the networking, i quite like the idea of the Sono's mesh network, it really helps extend zones out in buildings with think walls etc. The SB3 however simply requires a normal network, just connects to your existing router to access your PC and directly access the net for internet radio etc. But wireless networking is not really a concern to you, you have a great wired network and wired is always better for this kind of thing when it available. Especially in multi room/zones where bandwidth might be an issue.

Either way, the SB3 and Sono's are the market leaders for a good reason, they are both brilliant. You will be more than happy with either.

[lazymatt]

Like so much of AV there's no right answer. Both are excellent systems, and either one will offer an excellent multi-room solution for you.

I wouldn't put too much stock in those reviews....they consider the main downside to the Sonos to be the fact that one unit has to be hard wired to the router. You're hard wiring everything, so that makes no difference to you.

Whichever way you go good luck (Oh and make sure you encode in lossless)

[lazymatt]

Originally Posted by Autopilot

You can use you own external DAC to improve the SB3 if you want. Not sure about the Sono's, but it kind of defeats the object with those built in AMP's. Thats another thing - the built in AMP. To me, this is a con not a pro. Some people have there own perfectly good amps already to use. Some people prefer to chose their own. To other people having an AMP built in is a blessing.

The ZP80 has no amp, and a digital-out to allow you to upgrade the DAC. The ZP100 (with the amp) is an excellent solution for places like bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms where you may not necessarily already have a spare amp.

[Autopilot]

Originally Posted by lazymatt

The ZP80 has no amp, and a digital-out to allow you to upgrade the DAC. The ZP100 (with the amp) is an excellent solution for places like bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms where you may not necessarily already have a spare amp.

Matts right again.

Another thing to think about is if you want to hide it away, or have it on show. The SB3 is better on show, in fact you can't really hide it away (with a baby on the way, i wish i could). The Sono's is great for hiding away.

I guess the real question is; are you prepared to pay a premium for that remote? As nice as it is, once the dust has settled, is it going to improve you music listening?