2. pc-audio
  3. 1264990107

Sonos vs. airport express

What is the big diff between these two products: sonos ZP90 and the airport express? Aside from the fact that the sonos will transport the digital audio via coax, and the airport is limited to optical? I would be using an external DAC, so the internal D to A conversion of either unit is moot. Neither one stores media locally, both are meant to receive audio streaming from a laptop or desktop, can anyone shed some light? Thanks!
realremo

Showing 3 responses by rbstehno

rbstehno
1,401 posts
 
hundreds of $$$$$.
rbstehno
1,401 posts
 
it depends on what you have and what you want to do. if you already have a mac with itunes on it, and you want to distribute music to 1 or many rooms at the same time, and you have a touch or iphone, you don't need a sonos. if you want multisource capability for music and for audio if you own a pc or mac, then go for an apple tv. IMO, the user interface from the touch/iphone with the latest i tunes is very good. if you need more than that, there are products like airfoil that allow you to transmit xm/sirius over itunes. instead of the sonos devices with the amp built in, i just use a little jolida integrated amp in that room with the capability to change tubes and get the power i need. for a sweet little setup for the price of a sonos, get a music hall 25.2 dac, jolida 1301 integrated amp and use your mac/pc with a touch or iphone.
rbstehno
1,401 posts
 
you don't need a keyboard and mouse for an apple tv. you get a little remote with it. for a 1 zone audio only setup, an airport express is all you need. the apple tv gives you the option to stream audio and video plus gives you the option the setup multiple zones all playing different music.
i have a 1301 in my den and a jolida 1701 in my family room. they are both nice amps. i use classe for my audio room.
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