Sonos ZP100 system reviewed
By Ryan Block 
posted May 2nd 2006 11:58AM
posted May 2nd 2006 11:58AM
Looks like HomeTheaterView got themselves a
hold of a couple of Sonos ZP100s and a controller and put the spurs to 'em to see how the
system works and performs in a real home environment. We have a Sonos we're currently checking out (expect more on that
soon), but HomeTheaterView found the devices to work admirably out of box with a clean, labor-free setup, and simple,
intuitive interface, which we won't deny. The concept behind the Sonos isn't a terribly complicated one, so outside
decent codec support, wireless range, and the aforementioned (setup and interface / use), there's not a lot else to
look for in an in-home wireless audio distribution system. Fortunately the Sonos nails the codecs (outside not
supporting PlaysForSure), but while the range wasn't mentioned, and they wished there were versions outfitted for
in-wall installs and wetter environs like bathrooms, they seemed to find the system an excellent choice that fulfills a
need otherwise unmet by the other out of box consumer home audio distribution systems on the market.
This great news!
http://www.chasetheglow.com
I have never in my life purchased a piece of electronics or computer equipment that compares to my Sonos system. It is near-perfect in every way, from the industrial design to the setup to the software to the customer support. I've had my Sonos system for over a year now, and have never tired of how completely it has changed my experience of music around my home. And for those who will inevitably complain about its price - it's worth every penny and more. It does what it says it does, and it does it flawlessly for far less money than most high-end music distribution solutions out there. I'm sure that Squeezebox and Roku's products are very good, but nothing can compete with the Sonos remote! Oh, and for those of you who can build a better system for $7.99 using Radio Shack parts, old laptops and other odds-and-ends I say well done, but I have neither the time nor the geekiness to put such a system together, and wouldn't settle for the lack of ease and esthetics anyway.
"Sonos nails the codecs (outside not supporting PlaysForSure)"? You act as if PlaysForSure is irrevelant. Any device can handle the other codecs; they have dropped the ball without support for PlaysForSure. Maybe they'll have a firmware upgrade at some point, but you should be nailing them for lack of support, not applauding them for getting the codecs right.
It seems like a cool system, and not support PlayForSure seems like a feature to me. The built-in amp is class D, but supposed to be good enough. The one thing that I really like about the Squeezebox over the Sonos is the flexability of the backend.. since the whole thing is open, there are dozens of cool plugins for doing all kinds of interesting things. Sonos doesn't seem to have any kind of plugin system.
The remote is cool, but some people made a plugin skin to make the Nokia 770 into a remote.. $50 cheaper than the sonos remote. :)
I have a love hate relationship with my Sonos but after almost 8 months I have to say that I could not live without it. A simple JHymn batch takes care of my Plays for sure issues or iTunes purchases, I know its not right but I freaking bought them and I should be able to do what I want with them in regards to my own enjoyment ..
Another great work around is using Nicecast or Shoutcast to broadcast whats playing on my computers without having to have a ZP connected to them.
All around they are expensive as hell but totally worth it ... they do have to provide a better mounting kit for the controller though the cables that come with it for power are just retarded and you have to stick it into the wall. It would also be genious if they just make it work a bit more like an iPod since they jacked the look and feel of it anyway.
Over one year with mine and I could not be happier. Completely transformed the way I listen to music in my house.
Got a sat radio plugged-in upstairs, a turntable downstairs and musical bliss everywhere.
Except of course when I have to run downstairs to flip the LP.
I wish the Sonos weren't obscenely overpriced, but it is. I bought two Roku M1001s recently. They aren't as good as the Sonos (although they sound great). But the two Rokus, with their remotes, cost as much as a single Sonos without a remote. I'd pay maybe a 25% or 30% premium over the Roku price for a Sonos system, but paying $1100 for two receivers and one remote makes no sense to me.
Re:
"You act as if PlaysForSure is irrevelant. Any device can handle the other codecs; they have dropped the ball without support for PlaysForSure. Maybe they'll have a firmware upgrade at some point, but you should be nailing them for lack of support, not applauding them for getting the codecs right."
Apple doesn't license PlaysForSure to third party developers. If they did, you can be sure Sonos would support it.
#8 -- apple has FairPlay, MS has PlaysForSure, which they license to anyone under the sun.
I agree Sonos is pretty sweet...but for the price conscious, not a real option.
I concur with #1....My $120 used xbox/xbmc works flawlessly and I am not sure I would give it up for a Sonos even at the same price.
Also, the lack of FairPlay support seems like a deal breaker for many Apple aficionados (yeah, one can get around it, but I think most would not bother)....there is a reason Apple refuses to let others into their party...limit competition and consumer's options.
I cant see why you cant do an install in a bathroom, the sonos box doesnt even need to be in there! I've installed Sonos boxes in ceilings, storage cupboards and under the stairs before.
I've had Sonos now for 6 months -- and like dan above, it has literally changed the way my family and I listen to music throughout the house. Not only did it solve the "whole-house music" issue via multiple zones wirelessly, to have my entire music collection, plus internet radio, plus satellite radio, plus any other audio source in any combination of rooms -- or synchronized throughout the entire house has totally exceeded my expectations. If the price Sonos charges for this is too high for you, good luck trying to find something cheaper. In my experience the other stuff out there that you can "geek" together simply falls short, wastes time and leads to disappointment and frustration. Sonos simply and elegantly delivers the goods!
For a much cheaper option for Wireless home audio, including Dolby Digital 5.1 support take a look at the Sondigo Sirocco.