Wired network music player recommendation?

[Quasimodoh]

Hi,

Apologies if this has been posted before.

I am looking for a wired network music player, I have been looking at a Sonos system for a couple of years but my daughter has special needs and we are now trying to cut out any wireless equipment (phones etc have already gone). I know it's a long shot but you'll try anything.

I currently have a Naim Nait5 with Epos speakers in the dining room, and I'd like to stream the Apple lossless files on my Thecus N2100 NAS box (with built in iTunes server). I was going to use the Devolo DLAN 200 ethernet over mains kit to provide the network drop to the amplifier, but now I need to decide what music player to use.

The Sonos looked great, mainly due to the controller, but also the fact that my PC didn't need to be on. However I believe it has to be wired (and expensive), so now I am thinking about a Squeezebox. Does anyone have any recommendations? Currently I only need one but as time goes on I would like to add other rooms and devices, either playing the same tracks in sync or different tracks depending on the user choice.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Dave

 

[coolio107]

Hi,

Apologies if this has been posted before.

I am looking for a wired network music player, I have been looking at a Sonos system for a couple of years but my daughter has special needs and we are now trying to cut out any wireless equipment (phones etc have already gone). I know it's a long shot but you'll try anything.

I currently have a Naim Nait5 with Epos speakers in the dining room, and I'd like to stream the Apple lossless files on my Thecus N2100 NAS box (with built in iTunes server). I was going to use the Devolo DLAN 200 ethernet over mains kit to provide the network drop to the amplifier, but now I need to decide what music player to use.

The Sonos looked great, mainly due to the controller, but also the fact that my PC didn't need to be on. However I believe it has to be wired (and expensive), so now I am thinking about a Squeezebox. Does anyone have any recommendations? Currently I only need one but as time goes on I would like to add other rooms and devices, either playing the same tracks in sync or different tracks depending on the user choice.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Dave

The Squeezebox Classic is one fine device and I know the server software (SqueezeCenter) runs on some Thecus models (don't know which ones, you might find more info on the Slimdevices forum: 3rd Party Hardware - Squeezebox : Community : Forums)

If you want an additional Controller, there's of course the Duet, you can buy the controller of that one on it's own and it will control any Squeezebox. Plus there's controller solutions for WindowsMobile, iPhone, Android and Windows plus of course Web Interfaces.
If you want to compare the Squeezeboxes, have a look at this:
HardwareComparison - SqueezeboxWiki

All of that said: For the Sonos you will also only have to have one of your players wired.

 

[davee]

You can run all the sonos zoneplayers in wired mode rather than wireless. You can also use an ipod as a controller if you dont want to buy the sonos controller, Sonos dont even charge you for the software app.
Its a cracking piece of kit, dead simple, also a superb way to clear up a myriad of boxes if you want to stick with the amped zoneplayer.
I still find it amazing that I can play different music in different rooms at the same time or link them all together.

 

[amcluesent]

Of course, the Sonos Controller uses the proprietary Sonos wi-fi mesh

If you run the Squeezebox Classic wired it'll shut-off the internal wi-fi card, and the remote is standard infra-red.

Given you already have a NAS with iTunes server, the Apple Airport Express would be an option, but I don't know if it shuts off the wi-fi card when wired. Plus, it's remote is iPhone or iPod Touch using wi-fi.

 

[Don Dadda]

the Sonos Controller uses the proprietary Sonos wi-fi mesh

If you run the Squeezebox Classic wired it'll shut-off the internal wi-fi card, and the remote is standard infra-red.

You beat me to it - just about to say the same thing

 

[Joe Fernand]

Hello Quasimodoh

Most of these networked devices have been designed with a wireless controller as the user interface of choice.

As others have said Sonos can be used in wired mode (most large systems we install go wired) and with a bit of help from Sonos Tech you can probably ensure the wireless side of things can be disabled.

You can control Sonos from any networked MAC or PC running the desktop controller app. - though that means having a wired PC or MAC somewhere handy.

How are you coping with neighbouring wireless devices - I was setting up a system with a single Sonos Zone Player (hard wired using HomePlug) and an iPod Touch as the controller last night and had the choice of four wireless networks to join!!!

Joe

 

[Quasimodoh]

Thanks Joe,

I can see between 3 and 6 different wireless networks most of the time, but the signal strength is fairly low. I know I can't cut out everything but just trying to reduce what I can control, mobile phones, wireless home phones etc.

The Sonos was always my first choice but the controller would have been an issue. I didn't realise that just a single zone player could be used if it was hardwired? So am I right in assuming that if I connected my PC to a single player (ZP90?) via a home plug, that would be all I'd need?

Given that I'm going to be losing the convenience of the Sonos remote, is the Sonos even the best option, the squeexebox would allow me to use the IR remote. Is there a major difference in quality?

Thanks to everyone for their help so far.

 

[coolio107]

The Sonos was always my first choice but the controller would have been an issue. I didn't realise that just a single zone player could be used if it was hardwired?

If you mean my comment, please forget about that, that was a misunderstanding on my side. At least one has to be wired, I think you can run them all wired (pls. somebody confirm, only have one myself).

Given that I'm going to be losing the convenience of the Sonos remote, is the Sonos even the best option, the squeexebox would allow me to use the IR remote. Is there a major difference in quality?

No. You will need a device to run the SqueezeCenter server on (did you check whether YOUR Thecus works?).
Sound quality is similar, if you use the Transporter it's better on the Squeezebox side.
Don't touch the "Sound quality" argument too hard or the fanboys from both sides will throw tons of junk data at you to argue why Sonos or Squeezebox is better, for any realistic use, it's similar, definitely better than the likes of Airport Express or so.

Oh, and I forgot: The Display of the Squeezebox Classic is really good, but I did mention that, didn't I?

 

[Joe Fernand]

Hello Quasimodoh

Sonos recommend that the first ZonePlayer or a ZoneBridge is hard wired to your Router - after that you can go wireless or wired for additional ZonePlayer's.

More and more folk are going with a single ZonePlayer as digital music libraries becomes an accepted 'HiFi' source.

Sonos don't officially support having a pair of HomePlug adapters between the Router and the first ZonePlayer - though I find it works fine.

We stick with Sonos as we find its ease of use suits our customer base - having the option of the Desktop Controller, the CR100 wireless controller or the iPhone/iPod touch App. gives us plenty of flexibility.

Joe

 

[coolio107]

Hello Quasimodoh

Sonos recommend that the first ZonePlayer or a ZoneBridge is hard wired to your Router - after that you can go wireless or wired for additional ZonePlayer's.

More and more folk are going with a single ZonePlayer as digital music libraries becomes an accepted 'HiFi' source.

Sonos don't officially support having a pair of HomePlug adapters between the Router and the first ZonePlayer - though I find it works fine.

We stick with Sonos as we find its ease of use suits our customer base - having the option of the Desktop Controller, the CR100 wireless controller or the iPhone/iPod touch App. gives us plenty of flexibility.

Joe

Err... Joe: The goal was to AVOID wireless. So the question is: can you turn that off?

 

[Joe Fernand]

Hello coolio107

I said you can go wired or wireless once you have one wired connection!

I do understand what is being attempted - Quasimodoh said he was surprised that you can have a single wired player; I was trying to get across that you generally had to have one wired player in any system (no mater if the rest of the ZonePlayer's were wired or wireless).!

I'd like to confirm with Sonos Tech Support that a system with a wired ZonePlayer (or multiple ZonePlayer's) and no CR100 controllers can be completely deactivated in terms of its wireless mesh.

Joe

 

[Quasimodoh]

Thanks to both of you for your help, it looks like the Sonos v Squeezebox argument is one that could go on some time. At least now I understand the wired v wireless side of things better.

Thanks again.

 

[Autopilot]

Hello coolio107

I said you can go wired or wireless once you have one wired connection!

I think what coolio107 was trying to say was - when you plug in an Ethernet connection, does the wireless module in the sonos become deactivated? In many devices it does not. The OP does not want any wireless microwave signals proliferating his house. Also, Sonos are not much fun without a controller, only using a PC to control it is a royal PITA. Music is as much about relaxing as possible, running back and forth to a PC is not especially relaxing IMO.

If the OP's requirement is to have no wireless equipment, whatsoever, running in his house, a Squeezebox is the most viable option.

BTW Quasimodoh, just out of interest where did you get the idea that cutting out all wireless signals may help your daughter? And what do you think the effects might be? Do you have any links for further info? I'm not implying i dont believe you, we would try anything for our kids too, I'm just curious.

 

[coolio107]

it looks like the Sonos v Squeezebox argument is one that could go on some time.

It can go on forever because both offer very similar products following very different philosophies. You can argue about that forever, depending on how you set your priorities.
Plus, a lot of people seem to have the inner will to convince others that their personal choice of priorities is the best one.

 

[Joe Fernand]

Hello Autopilot

As per previous message I'll confirm with Sonos if wireless is (or can be) fully deactivated or not.

As you say using the desktop controller on a remote PC would be a pain (unless you intend to use Playlists most of the time) - though a wired Tablet PC or Laptop would be less so.

Squeezebox with IR control is a great option - though personally I find reading the front panel of the Squeezebox a pain.

Joe

 

[coolio107]

though personally I find reading the front panel of the Squeezebox a pain.

You haven't seen, say, a Noxon or Phillips, haven't you?

 

[Joe Fernand]

We get to see lots of these type of devices!

What's your thoughts on the devices you link to as an option to the Squeezebox?

Joe

 

[coolio107]

What's your thoughts on the devices you link to as an option to the Squeezebox?

Sorry? Don't understand what you mean.

 

[Joe Fernand]

Were you suggesting the Noxon and Philip's units as viable alternatives relative to this thread?

Joe

 

[coolio107]

Were you suggesting the Noxon and Philip's units as viable alternatives relative to this thread?

Well, the ARE streaming clients. If you don't want to sync and only control with an IR remote, they do that.

Must not care too much for quality, though, plus probably buy some glasses.

 

[Autopilot]

Can't speak for the Noxon's, but the Philps one a played with recenly was trash compared to SB's.

 

[Quasimodoh]

BTW Quasimodoh, just out of interest where did you get the idea that cutting out all wireless signals may help your daughter? And what do you think the effects might be? Do you have any links for further info? I'm not implying i dont believe you, we would try anything for our kids too, I'm just curious.

Hi Autopilot,

My daughter has a genetic condition but has also been diagnosed with autism, hence my various efforts to help in any way we can. Some research has linked autism with wireless signals (see here & here)

I appreciate it is a long shot but as I said earlier, you'll try anything. She also loves dancing, so I'd like to have music available for her easily in her room (she's not at the stage yet where she could control or choose music but we hope it will come one day). I'm no audiophile but I've always had reasonable kit and want my daughter(s) to appreciate that 128kb rips on cheap players and headphones is not the pinnacle of music quality!

Sorry to go off topic, but wanted to answer autopilots question.

 

[Autopilot]

Hi Autopilot,

My daughter has a genetic condition but has also been diagnosed with autism, hence my various efforts to help in any way we can. Some research has linked autism with wireless signals (see here & here)

I appreciate it is a long shot but as I said earlier, you'll try anything. She also loves dancing, so I'd like to have music available for her easily in her room (she's not at the stage yet where she could control or choose music but we hope it will come one day). I'm no audiophile but I've always had reasonable kit and want my daughter(s) to appreciate that 128kb rips on cheap players and headphones is not the pinnacle of music quality!

Sorry to go off topic, but wanted to answer autopilots question.

Thanks, i will have a read. I'm a father myself and also i also sometimes work with children within the autistic spectrum. Although i am naturally sceptical i find it very interesting. We still no very little about the effects on wireless signal and so many of the worlds largest companies would be in trouble if proved dangerous, so its virtually impossible for us to tell the difference between fact and FUD. I do often wonder if having my little boy play near my router, it such a new technology that the long term effects are impossible to tell.

Cheers.

 

[coolio107]

Thanks, i will have a read. I'm a father myself and also i also sometimes work with children within the autistic spectrum. Although i am naturally sceptical i find it very interesting. We still no very little about the effects on wireless signal and so many of the worlds largest companies would be in trouble if proved dangerous, so its virtually impossible for us to tell the difference between fact and FUD. I do often wonder if having my little boy play near my router, it such a new technology that the long term effects are impossible to tell.

I think what is more important here is the differentiation between the various sources of radiation.

I believe the critical one - WRI influence on the brain is GSM. Not so much because of the power or spectrum used but because of it's TDMA scheme which slots at low frequencies (that's what you hear when it starts ringing next to a speaker line).
The brain has a 40Hz synchronization frequency and this one is close.
Plus power is relatively high in a small spectrum

WiFi, UMTS and the likes are much better here, WiFi because overall power is much lower and because the spread-spectrum technology used here moves all signalling in way higher frequencies which will find it much harder to interfere with the relatively low frequencies the brain works at.

Worst of all are old cordless phones, btw, which use lots of power and modulate audio signals right onto the carrier.

You also have to distinguish here between the usual studies being done, which focus on the influence of the radiation on the organism itself (will this physically harm you? As of all evidence: NO) vs. influences to the nervous system which are much harder to study because we still have so little understanding on how that works.

 

[Quasimodoh]

Thanks Coolio, that's really useful information. The old cordless phone was one of the first things to go, luckily we had multiple phone points around the house so a few more phones with long leads and we haven't really noticed the change.

Maybe you could help me with another query, I have used a Logitech 895 remote with a Logitech wireless receiver in the past. Currently I have this now only using IR, ut would the wireless receiver on this be passive, ie only transmitting / receiving when the remote is pressed?

Thanks again for your helpful comments