Re: [slim] Down to the wire between SB Duet vs. Sonos

2008-01-08 Thread blorty

Ok first off, wow.  Thanks for all the great insight.

The logistics of setting up the SB system definitely require more
thought than Sonos.  It does look like that thought could pay some
dividends though.

Even though I think 2 boxes for each zone (amp + SB receiver) are a
little more kludgy than one box, you've shown me the savings can more
than offset the slight kludgeality(TM).

The track limit is a concern, but I'm not at the limit yet.  Sonos
users are definitely squawking at that limitation.

By the way one other nice advantage of the SB system is crossfading. 
I'm really surprised that Sonos doesn't offer it yet.  Some on that
forum have argued that the reason is their older hardware isn't up to
the task.  (SB can take advantage of the computer's CPU).

But not to get too off topic.

I have an extra Harman Kardon AVR 7200 that I could use for an amp for
some of the speakers.  This would be in addition to my current Home
Theater Receiver that would concentrate on the TV.

I think I could run Slimserver from my Qnap, but it looks complicated.


Thanks again for all the comments and signposts/links.  I'm checking
out some of the threads that talk about Multi-zone installation.

Still digesting all this new info into my puny little brain...


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Re: [slim] Multi Zone Installation help please

2008-01-08 Thread blorty

Hey meep,

Cool setup.

How easy is it for you to play all your zones synchronized or set
different music in each of the zones?

Thanks.


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[slim] Down to the wire between SB Duet vs. Sonos

2008-01-07 Thread blorty

Ok, I need your help.

I am installing my whole home audio system and have just ordered a
complete Sonos system!  There is still time though.

I just heard the exciting news about the Duet. Frankly, after reading
the press material and searching through a number of posts, I'm still
confused about how exactly the SB & Duet system stacks up against
Sonos.

I'm looking at about 8 zones, some of which consist of in-ceiling
speakers whose speaker wire runs back to central home theater panel in
the family room.  The other zones would simply be local bookshelf or
outdoor speakers.

I would love to go with the SB family, because I feel it is much newer
technology, comes with an awesome user group that will continue to
press the envelope and seems less expensive.  Plus I'm quite peeved
with the fine folks at Sonos for not updating most of their (admittedly
good) hardware for 3 or so years.  It will kill me to plunk down my semi
hard-earned money on a system that might be obsoleted within months.

I currently own a wonderful SB3 and have been very happy with it for
providing us with single zone audio (before we moved to a bigger
place).

Here are some questions/concerns:
Do I need to marry each SB receiver with an amplifier?  That starts to
seem more kludgy.  Doesn't the cost of an amplifier plus SB receiver
start to equal the cost of a Sonos ZP100 zone player?

What the heck is a powered speaker?  Apologies for being dumb, but the
only powered speakers I'm familiar with are sub-woofers and the
speakers that you attach to a computer.

To provide audio to the various rooms with in-ceiling speakers, could I
locate all the SB receivers in my family room and connect them through
my receiver there?  In that case, I suppose one couldn't watch TV in
the family room while listening to music in another room whose speakers
are powered by the family room receiver.

Listening to music without the computer on:
I understand I can use the squeezenetwork to listen to Pandora,
Internet radio, etc. without the computer on.  But could I listen to my
music collection on my NAS without the computer on?  It seems like I
would have to load my collection online to listen to music without the
computer on.  

Finally, what about the whole (draft) wireless N issue?
Although debated hotly on the Sonos forums, there sure seems to be an
issue with how well the Sonos system can co-exist with a wireless N
system.  Would the new SB family be at an advantage here?  It seems to
run wireless G, so perhaps this is just an issue with any wireless
product today.

I hope I don't come across as a Sonos plant or something.  Believe me,
nothing would please me more than to switch to a SB system at the last
minute and teach the Sonos team a lesson about the importance of
STAYING innovative with both hardware and software.

So any answers/insight you can provide related to the above is most
appreciated!


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