Sonos
The Sonos system has been around for a few years now, and is based on wireless distribution of audio using its own “locked down” wifi network. It can of course also be hard wired. It has recently improved vastly with the introduction of a new touch screen controller, but what attracted us to add Sonos to our range, was the new controller and the systems seamless integration with on-line music services such as Napster and Last FM. Internet radio is also a great feature for some of our international clients who want to listen easily to their home country radio with simplicity. The audio performance may not be up in the league of some of our other offerings but the Sonos system does provide good value and facilities that are currently not available easily on other platforms. The control element makes play lists simple to produce with the user having no real concern whether the music they are listening to is stored on a hard disc in their own home or somewhere on the internet.
We push the performance of these systems by using the pre-amp version in most instances by partnering this up with external DACs and power amplifiers.
Finally, the beauty of the system is that it can be retro fitted into homes with minimal wiring and can be easily added to an existing system to provide these additional music services. Prices start at a very modest £299 for the pre-amp and £279 for the touch screen controller. If you have an i-phone or i-touch already you can get a starter system for the cost of the basic pre-amp.
Recently launched is the S5 zone player which is an all-in-one speaker package with active amplifiers and streaming device. This costs only £399 and again can be used with the Sonos touch screen or an i-touch.
