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=> GENERAL DISCUSSION => Topic started by: Yada on October 31, 2011, 10:37:32 am

Title: SONOS
Post by: Yada on October 31, 2011, 10:37:32 am
Does anyone use this at home?

If so, what are your thoughts/reviews of the product?

Specifically, is it good for implementing other components?

Thanks
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: brennser on October 31, 2011, 10:46:44 am
have it - love it

am sure smackie can point out 567 reasons why its overpriced and soon to be obsolete  ;D
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Yada on October 31, 2011, 11:02:30 am
have it - love it

am sure smackie can point out 567 reasons why its overpriced and soon to be obsolete  ;D

Do you have any components connected or do you only use it to stream digital tunes?
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: brennser on October 31, 2011, 11:14:52 am
hmm - I am REALLY bad at this stuff but I believe its connected to my amplifier, which can broadcast it to 2 different zones

so I can listen to music in the house or in the warmer months the kids can be watching a movie inside and I can be listening to tunes on our back porch
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Mr.Whippy on October 31, 2011, 07:38:25 pm
I've had Sonos for a few years, we have about 5 different zones in the house connected to it that can play music from the computer or stream music from different services such as Rhapsody.  I only use it by itself and can't say anything about how it integrates with other components.

In terms of the product itself, I absolutely love it.  In my opinion, it is the greatest human invention since personal lubricant.
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Stillwater on October 31, 2011, 07:52:18 pm
Agree. Absolutely swear by it.
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Yada on November 01, 2011, 09:12:15 am
Thanks, folks.
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: chaz on November 01, 2011, 09:46:52 am
If you are remotely computer savvy and want to save a few bucks the same ends (for the most part) can be accomplished using the squeezebox family of devices from Logitech. 

Or you can spend more and get a somewhat more refined experience out of Sonos.

I have one of these http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-930-000090-Squeezebox-Touch/dp/B002LARRDA/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1320155162&sr=1-1 as well as one of these http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Squeezebox-Radio-Player-Screen/dp/B002LARRDK/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1320155162&sr=1-2 .

I think they are the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Yada on November 01, 2011, 10:14:06 am
Appreciate all the feedback...

Just wondering if this is the best way to go for connecting other components, specifically TV and record player.
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: chaz on November 01, 2011, 10:30:02 am
You wouldn't connect a tv or record player to either of these devices.  They can work one of a few different ways:

- connect them to your existing stereo system (amp, speakers) as you would a cd player or other device.  Your phono and tv could be connected to this too.
- connect a pair of powered speakers (ones with built in amp and volume control like pc speakers have) to the either the sonos or squeezbox.  In this scenario it would be a stand alone system, with no integration with other components.
- or, if i'm not mistaken, i think sonos has some sort of all in one box that includes the sonos reciever as well as built in speakers - but I could be wrong about this.  I'm not familiar with their product line though.  For all I know they may have a receiver with built in amps that can power speakers of your choosing.

You would definitely NOT connect a phono or tv to either of these devices.

I'd suggest visiting a local sonos dealer and find a salesman that knows wtf he's talking about regarding the sonos product line.
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Yada on November 01, 2011, 10:47:42 am
You wouldn't connect a tv or record player to either of these devices.  They can work one of a few different ways:

- connect them to your existing stereo system (amp, speakers) as you would a cd player or other device.  Your phono and tv could be connected to this too.
- connect a pair of powered speakers (ones with built in amp and volume control like pc speakers have) to the either the sonos or squeezbox.  In this scenario it would be a stand alone system, with no integration with other components.
- or, if i'm not mistaken, i think sonos has some sort of all in one box that includes the sonos reciever as well as built in speakers - but I could be wrong about this.  I'm not familiar with their product line though.  For all I know they may have a receiver with built in amps that can power speakers of your choosing.

You would definitely NOT connect a phono or tv to either of these devices.

I'd suggest visiting a local sonos dealer and find a salesman that knows wtf he's talking about regarding the sonos product line.

Thank you sir/madam.
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: vansmack on November 01, 2011, 01:28:58 pm
It might help if you explain a little more about what you're trying to do. 

As was pointed out, Sonos has a few products and it sounds like you might be inquiring about the Play series, and folks are responding to you about the Zoneplayer.
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Yada on November 01, 2011, 01:42:37 pm
It might help if you explain a little more about what you're trying to do. 

As was pointed out, Sonos has a few products and it sounds like you might be inquiring about the Play series, and folks are responding to you about the Zoneplayer.

Ideally, this would be the set up.

Living room with TV and record player hooked up directly to it which would also have the capability to play anything wireless; spotify, itunes, computer, etc.

Then have a zone in my basement and a zone upstairs which could play any wireless items. If I can stream components through that, I guess that would be a bonus.

Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: vansmack on November 01, 2011, 01:53:15 pm

Ideally, this would be the set up.

Living room with TV and record player hooked up directly to it which would also have the capability to play anything wireless; spotify, itunes, computer, etc.

Not the right device for that setup.  The Play Series (essentially, the stand alone speaker) only has one 3.5mm Aux input in the back.  You'd need a tuner/amp of some sort with multiple inputs and one of the Sonos Zoneplayers hooked up to it.

Then have a zone in my basement and a zone upstairs which could play any wireless items. If I can stream components through that, I guess that would be a bonus.

Without a tuner/amp upstairs, the Play series would work for this, however streaming other components likely wouldn't happen.
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Yada on November 01, 2011, 01:59:31 pm

Ideally, this would be the set up.

Living room with TV and record player hooked up directly to it which would also have the capability to play anything wireless; spotify, itunes, computer, etc.

Not the right device for that setup.  The Play Series (essentially, the stand alone speaker) only has one 3.5mm Aux input in the back.  You'd need a tuner/amp of some sort with multiple inputs and one of the Sonos Zoneplayers hooked up to it.

That would work...

So I'd just buy a tuner/amp and hook a zone player up to the tuner, right?
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: chaz on November 01, 2011, 02:07:36 pm
Yes...tuner/amp...essentially a receiver is what you will need.  Get one with a phono preamp for your turntable.

Don't forget the speakers.
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Yada on November 01, 2011, 02:09:02 pm
Yes...tuner/amp...essentially a receiver is what you will need.  Get one with a phono preamp for your turntable.

Don't forget the speakers.

Thanks!

You're all invited to my SONOS listening party when this is all set up.
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Herr Professor Doktor Doom on November 02, 2011, 04:45:18 pm
Sonos has always tempted me, but I still haven't found an excuse to get it, given I can accomplish pretty much the exact same thing with Airport Express, using Ipads/Iphones as controllers.   For way, way less money.

Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Yada on November 22, 2011, 11:02:49 am
This search has taken on a whole new level...

Pretty sure I'm going to purchase either an iDecco or an iNova and then integrate in the one portion of sonos to stream.

Anyone have any experience with the iDeccor or iNova... Played with one a bit this weekend and wow... they seem amazing.
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: chaz on November 22, 2011, 12:06:54 pm
This search has taken on a whole new level...

Pretty sure I'm going to purchase either an iDecco or an iNova and then integrate in the one portion of sonos to stream.

Anyone have any experience with the iDeccor or iNova... Played with one a bit this weekend and wow... they seem amazing.
Hah hah hah hah.  That's what happens with audio...a bottomless well to toss money into in search of an unattainable holy grail of audio perfection.

I really really like the looks of those peachtree audio products (not really the speakers though).  I heard one (not with sonos) but the conditions were horrible so hard to say.  By all accounts they are excellent performers.  The reliability/ease of use of solid state amplification and the warmth/fun of a tubed preamp stage.

Have fun.  And DO NOT skimp on the features.  The general rule of thumb is that whatever you spend on amplification/preamp, double it on speakers.  Speakers are the most important part of any audio system BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS.  Don't be afraid to buy used.  Figure out what form factor works for your space (floorstanders, bookshelves, bookshelves + sub) and then listen to as many as you can.

And I would step up and get the nova over the decco.  The huge increase in amplification will really open up your options as far as speakers go.
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Yada on November 22, 2011, 12:24:11 pm
This search has taken on a whole new level...

Pretty sure I'm going to purchase either an iDecco or an iNova and then integrate in the one portion of sonos to stream.

Anyone have any experience with the iDeccor or iNova... Played with one a bit this weekend and wow... they seem amazing.
Hah hah hah hah.  That's what happens with audio...a bottomless well to toss money into in search of an unattainable holy grail of audio perfection.

I really really like the looks of those peachtree audio products (not really the speakers though).  I heard one (not with sonos) but the conditions were horrible so hard to say.  By all accounts they are excellent performers.  The reliability/ease of use of solid state amplification and the warmth/fun of a tubed preamp stage.

Have fun.  And DO NOT skimp on the features.  The general rule of thumb is that whatever you spend on amplification/preamp, double it on speakers.  Speakers are the most important part of any audio system BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS.  Don't be afraid to buy used.  Figure out what form factor works for your space (floorstanders, bookshelves, bookshelves + sub) and then listen to as many as you can.

And I would step up and get the nova over the decco.  The huge increase in amplification will really open up your options as far as speakers go.

Chaz, greatly appreciate the feed back.

That's the battle I'm having right now, the iDecco vs. iNova... It's a 1k jump in what I'm looking at which would then mean $3,500 in speakers given your forumula,**shits pants**. The extra inputs are also nice for the iNova.

I don't have a huge space but I do want to be able to blow the roof off my home need be.
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: chaz on November 22, 2011, 12:43:59 pm
you don't need to spend that much on speakers.  The point is i guess is that people get caught up in fancy features and tend to skimp on speakers, like they are an afterthought when in fact, as far as sonics go, they are the most important piece of the puzzle.

Do you want floor standers, or book shelves?

What you need to be looking at in speakers is the sensitivity rating on the speakers.  The lower powered your amp, the harder it is to drive speakers with a low sensitivity rating, so as the watts per channel go down, the sensitivity rating should go up.

There are some great speakers that are easy to drive, but it just starts to limit your options a bit.

If you can tell me what your leaning towards re nova/decco, whether or not you want floor standers, and what your REAL budget is and most importantly if you are willing to buy used, I could make some recommendations. 

there is a used nova here for 899 - http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatube&1324306909&/Peachtree-Nova-rosewood
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Yada on November 22, 2011, 01:01:43 pm
you don't need to spend that much on speakers.  The point is i guess is that people get caught up in fancy features and tend to skimp on speakers, like they are an afterthought when in fact, as far as sonics go, they are the most important piece of the puzzle.

Do you want floor standers, or book shelves?

What you need to be looking at in speakers is the sensitivity rating on the speakers.  The lower powered your amp, the harder it is to drive speakers with a low sensitivity rating, so as the watts per channel go down, the sensitivity rating should go up.

There are some great speakers that are easy to drive, but it just starts to limit your options a bit.

If you can tell me what your leaning towards re nova/decco, whether or not you want floor standers, and what your REAL budget is and most importantly if you are willing to buy used, I could make some recommendations. 

there is a used nova here for 899 - http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatube&1324306909&/Peachtree-Nova-rosewood

I think I'd prefer to have the iNova, however, I guess I could always just run an iPod into one of the inputs. Thoughts on that direction?

Regarding budget, not really set in stone but somewhere in the 2k to 3k range for...

1. iNova or iDecco (have seen these range from $800 to $1,800, this is where the inova hurts me)
2. record player ($300 to $500)
3. Pre amp for record player ($200ish)
4. Sonos Connect ($350, however, this can be purchased at a later date, if ever)
5. Speakers ($1,000ish, dont' have a preference on bookshelf vs. standing)
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: chaz on November 22, 2011, 01:39:09 pm
If you are spending this kind of coin on everything I don't think the DAC on the ipod will do it justice.  There are some decent docks that extract the digital signal from the ipod so that you could use the DAC on the nova. I'm sure this would sound better but I have no idea on cost etc.

Of course, this all assumes you have reasonably high bitrate files on your ipod.  If not, it doesn't really matter so much.

For speakers, look at Quad, Gallo, Zu Audio, or Magnepan MMG's, (though i'm not sure even a nova could power them).

My dream speaker is a pair of used Gallo Reference 3.1.  Can be found used for 1200 or 1300.  They don't make them anymore.  The Zu are great with lower power amplification.  If you got a Decco they'd be my first choice for sure.

Oh and btw, sensitivity is also referred to as efficiency in many spec sheets.  The higher the number the less power hungry.
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Yada on November 22, 2011, 02:24:21 pm
If you are spending this kind of coin on everything I don't think the DAC on the ipod will do it justice.  There are some decent docks that extract the digital signal from the ipod so that you could use the DAC on the nova. I'm sure this would sound better but I have no idea on cost etc.



So you're saying buy the one that comes with the dock, correct?

I played a 128k ripped mp3 this weekend on a dock and it sounded outstanding... My only question is, will that same mp3 sound just as good going into an input rather than the dock?
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: chaz on November 22, 2011, 02:31:06 pm
You can get one with an integrated dock, OR buy a product that will allow you to connect the ipod to the peachtree and bypass the DAC in your ipod.  They exist for sure.

If it were my $$ id get the one with the beefier amplification regardless of whether it has an integrated dock or not.  You can always get a gizmo later for good ipod playback.  And if you are getting sonos, why do you need to hook up your ipod anyway?
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Yada on November 22, 2011, 02:34:44 pm
You can get one with an integrated dock, OR buy a product that will allow you to connect the ipod to the peachtree and bypass the DAC in your ipod.  They exist for sure.

If it were my $$ id get the one with the beefier amplification regardless of whether it has an integrated dock or not.  You can always get a gizmo later for good ipod playback.  And if you are getting sonos, why do you need to hook up your ipod anyway?


This would be much easier to discuss over a beer, but ALL very valid points and ideas I'm tossing around... Not even sure I'll go the SONOS route if I can just directly hook up my laptop to an input, etc.
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Herr Professor Doktor Doom on November 23, 2011, 08:10:34 am
You can get one with an integrated dock, OR buy a product that will allow you to connect the ipod to the peachtree and bypass the DAC in your ipod.  They exist for sure.

If it were my $$ id get the one with the beefier amplification regardless of whether it has an integrated dock or not.  You can always get a gizmo later for good ipod playback.  And if you are getting sonos, why do you need to hook up your ipod anyway?


This would be much easier to discuss over a beer, but ALL very valid points and ideas I'm tossing around... Not even sure I'll go the SONOS route if I can just directly hook up my laptop to an input, etc.

AIRPORT EXPRESS
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Yada on November 23, 2011, 09:40:59 am
You can get one with an integrated dock, OR buy a product that will allow you to connect the ipod to the peachtree and bypass the DAC in your ipod.  They exist for sure.

If it were my $$ id get the one with the beefier amplification regardless of whether it has an integrated dock or not.  You can always get a gizmo later for good ipod playback.  And if you are getting sonos, why do you need to hook up your ipod anyway?


This would be much easier to discuss over a beer, but ALL very valid points and ideas I'm tossing around... Not even sure I'll go the SONOS route if I can just directly hook up my laptop to an input, etc.

AIRPORT EXPRESS

Pretty sure I can only stream iTunes through this, no?
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Yada on November 23, 2011, 02:46:22 pm
Chaz,

Ever use that audiogon site?? Reliable? Safe? etc...

Thanks
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Yada on November 28, 2011, 03:30:00 pm
chaz,

Ended up using the audiogon site and got a KILLER deal on the iNova. Thanks for the rec...
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: chaz on November 28, 2011, 04:15:29 pm
chaz,

Ended up using the audiogon site and got a KILLER deal on the iNova. Thanks for the rec...
Awesome...and congrats!  Sorry I never saw your question on the last page til now.  To answer, yes I have bought and sold things there, it is a really good and safe site.  Probably the best community of it's kind (that being buying/selling) I've seen online.

So, I have to ask...what did you pay?
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Yada on November 28, 2011, 04:40:35 pm
chaz,

Ended up using the audiogon site and got a KILLER deal on the iNova. Thanks for the rec...
Awesome...and congrats!  Sorry I never saw your question on the last page til now.  To answer, yes I have bought and sold things there, it is a really good and safe site.  Probably the best community of it's kind (that being buying/selling) I've seen online.

So, I have to ask...what did you pay?

$1,400 for the iNova... A savings of over $400 and only $150 or so more than the nova.

Next up, speakers!
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: chaz on November 28, 2011, 05:53:54 pm
With 80 watts per you'll be able to drive just about anything.  Floorstanders?  Budget?
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Yada on November 28, 2011, 06:28:44 pm
With 80 watts per you'll be able to drive just about anything.  Floorstanders?  Budget?

Good question... Probably in the 1k range, give or take. Open to any suggestions.... Used or new.
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: chaz on November 29, 2011, 10:41:46 am
With 80 watts per you'll be able to drive just about anything.  Floorstanders?  Budget?

Good question... Probably in the 1k range, give or take. Open to any suggestions.... Used or new.
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1327690396&/Zu-Audio-Omen-Barely-used 

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1327193482&/Quad-22L2-Rosewood-lacquer-pai

Or if you are patient you could get a pair of these for $1200-1400.  This pair is priced high because they include a set up custom stands that raise up the soundstage a bit.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1327171458&/Gallo-Reference-3.1-with-Maple
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Yada on December 06, 2011, 12:38:06 pm
With 80 watts per you'll be able to drive just about anything.  Floorstanders?  Budget?

Good question... Probably in the 1k range, give or take. Open to any suggestions.... Used or new.
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1327690396&/Zu-Audio-Omen-Barely-used 

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1327193482&/Quad-22L2-Rosewood-lacquer-pai

Or if you are patient you could get a pair of these for $1200-1400.  This pair is priced high because they include a set up custom stands that raise up the soundstage a bit.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1327171458&/Gallo-Reference-3.1-with-Maple

Thanks!!!

iNova arrived this morning!
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Yada on December 21, 2011, 04:36:22 pm
Peachtree iNova
Sonos - ZP90
B+W - CM8's
Music Hall 2.2 Turntable

My ass hurts.  :o
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: chaz on December 21, 2011, 05:28:57 pm
Does the inova have a phono preamp?
Title: Re: SONOS
Post by: Yada on December 21, 2011, 05:35:59 pm
Does the inova have a phono preamp?

Whoops... add on the NAD PP2 Pre amp.