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Sooloos vs. Sonos

I would like to move my CD’s out of my living room and onto my hard drive. My desktop HP is in the same room as the stereo, but they are on opposite walls. I can’t wire them directly to each other, but they are both next to ethernet ports. Components are: B&W 804 speakers, Musical Fidelity integrated amp, Rega Planet CD player (to be replaced).

Several retailers I spoke to in NYC recommended Sooloos. I agree the interface is great, but I don’t want an extra monitor in my living room – would prefer to control use the PC to search, select and play. That said, recommendations boiled down to:

1) Sooloos Ensemble (hard drive unit) – input from ethernet port, output to integrated amp; control it from the PC; cost = $4500

2) Sonos Zone Player 90 – input from Ethernet port, output to DAC (Sim Audio 300D?); DAC into integrated amp; with Sonos Bridge connected to PC, ethernet; control all from PC; cost = $2050

I prefer #2 because of cost and its modular approach. I could also use the Sonos to run music to another room with a mini-system. Can I get the same quality, reliability as with the Sooloos? Also: do I need a re-clocker (Pace Car?) with the Sonos, as I’ve read on the forum?

Your help will be appreciated?
128x128wsomers

Showing 1 response by techexec44

techexec44
3 posts
 
Something to consider

I went the Sonos route and really like it, we use it more as an easy to use interface for friends and family. Then the iPhone/iTouch interface gave me more controllers for free, we have 3 zones and multiple controllers – and I have my eyes on an iPad to replace the Sonos controller itself.

However, I really do see the advantage of the Sooloos with regards to navigating my library. The problem is that my library has gotten rather large (it you listened 24 hours a day straight it would take you 31 days to get through it). So the problem with the Sonos is that it’s a bit intimidating and I have noticed when I have company over that we rarely get to groups/titles that start with the letter R or later because so much browsing and scrolling is involved to get through the library. Bottom line – someone needs to figure out how to emulate Sooloos’ “swim” capability – btw, I can almost do this with iTunes Genious, but then I’m not using the Sonos interface.

As for quality, run the digital output into a good DAC, preferably one that re-clocks on its own, like the Benchmark.
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