| Sonos Digital Music Player Review |
| Written by Maxit |
|
Price: from £314 Supplier: ElectricShopping.com Manufacturer: Sonos Wireless Networking? Aaaaahhhhhhhhh!Let's face it, there was nothing more infuriating than buying a wireless modem or setting up a wireless network around the home. The idea was exceptional in concept and most companies claimed that they had the technology to produce a seamless connection that wouldn't stutter every ten minutes. Unfortunately, the manufacturers didn't quite seem to understand the idea of a robust wireless network.  Unless you bought precisely the right equipment, software and hardware you were doomed to resetting your connection every half an hour or, more commonly, reverting back to the hard wire network you wanted to get rid of. However, a number of companies eventually took the bull by the horns and the problem by the scruff of the neck. They created a dream. Wireless networks are much stronger now presuming you buy the right equipment from the right company. Sonos Get Wireless Networking Functions On The ButtonSonos are one such company that seem to have got it absolutely spot in, especially in the form of their wireless digital music players. Each zoneplayer is plugged directly into an amp and speakers in any area of the house and after just a few seconds of set up you're ready to listen to music. The Sonos system can cope with up to 32 zoneplayers at any one time so unless you've recently bought a country estate you should be able to comfortably accommodate every room and every household member. Sonos DesignThe chiefs at Sonos clearly got it right when it came to selecting the designers to work on the entire project. The design is impeccably strong and you could comfortably drop it from head height without fear of damaging the zoneplayer. Quite why you'd want to, I'm not sure, but if you do have a valid reason then you can rest easy knowing it will still work afterwards. The designers employed were also clearly very serious about their audio because everything about the zoneplayer units smacks of high-end audio equipment. The internal 50W amplifier provides a good, clean and surprisingly loud sound but it also has the capability to plug an external, more powerful amp if required. Don't instantly rush out and buy an extra amp, listen to it first to decide whether you need one because in a vast majority of cases the included internal amp will be more than adequate for home use.  Controls And Remote ControlThe unit itself has very few controls to clutter its ultra slick design apart from a volume control and a mute button. The rest of the driving is done via the remote control, which is also an impressive piece of kit in itself. By using a scrollwheel you can scroll through all the options as well as easily navigate through your entire collection of music and radio stations. Independent Networked ZoneplayersIt is possible to play the same track on one, some or all of the zoneplayers or alternatively pick different music for each one to play simultaneously. The software can be installed on any networked computer and then accessed and played via the remote meaning everyone's musical taste can easily be catered for.  Technical SpecificationGeneral
Player/Recorder
Display
Imaging Features
Radio
Audio Input
Audio Output
Software
The Bottom LineThe Sonos is a seriously incredible piece of audio kit and it was a fiendish surprise that it turned out to be so simple to install and use. The sound quality is excellent and the unit is really well designed. Finding a fault with it is virtually impossible, in fact, it is impossible. As yet I can see nothing wrong with this.
OK, I've thought of one slight gripe. It is pricey but not when you consider what you get. Look at the different packages that are available because you save some good money by purchasing a starter pack that includes everything you need.
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