Many of us here atMacworldare music lover . We take heed to a lot of euphony in a lot of places around the house . Which intend many of us are also great devotee ofSonos ’ Digital Music System , which countenance you easy get your music into multiple room using a compounding of hardware , software program , and remote controllers . Some of us are also longtimefansof Logitech’sSqueezebox Cartesian product transmission line , which likewise lets you pipe digital music all over your house .
But every time we write about Sonos or Squeezebox , a number of readers ( understandably ) ask , “ Ca n’t you do the same thing with a bunch of AirPort Express unit and talker usingAirTunes ? ” ( AirTunes is technology that appropriate you to wager sound from iTunes on a remote audio frequency system connected to an AirPort Express . ) After all , the Sonos and Squeezebox systems are relatively expensive , so some people wonder why you would choose for either over a system based on Apple geartrain .
Apple ’s AirPort Express
Apple’s AirPort Express
With that interrogative in mind , we set out to see if we could put together a whole - house audio system , based on AirPort Express units , that can contend with Sonos- or Squeezebox - based setup . We were n’t search for the least - expensive frame-up : Sticking an AirPort Express and a set of cheap powered speakers in each room would work , but it would n’t give you anything near the same functionality and audio quality . What we wanted was an Apple - ground , whole - home sound recording organisation that approaches the audio calibre and features of the Sonos and Squeezebox system .
Here ’s a rundown of our experiences , along with some quick , back - of - the - gasbag estimates of how much each organization would be . observe that these estimate assume youdon’thave the equipment necessary for each component of the system of rules ; in realism , you may already have some — or even all — of the equipment you postulate .
Getting ready
Unless you ’ve get Ethernet wire throughout your house , the first matter you ’ll need to do for all three system of rules is set up a wireless internet . In the case of an AirPort Express - found system , that mean a stock Wi - Fi web . While you could use a third - party wireless router , an Apple - brandmark base station work best ; third - company wireless entree stop may work with AirTunes , but it ’s unsupported and we ’ve had change level of success .
Although you could apply an AirPort Express as your main al-Qaeda post , we urge an AirPort Extreme for the flexibility to connect devices via Ethernet and the capacity to lay in media on a connect tough driving . Just as of import , using an AirPort Express as the main Qaeda unit limits you to just 10 wireless devices — a limit you ’re likely to quick reach given that the count includes iPhones , iPod touches , computer and laptops with wireless connections , and other AirPort Express building block .
Logitech ’s Squeezebox player all shape with both Ethernet and Wi - Fi base stations of any brand . Once again , we ’d commend you use a root station with keep for a bombastic number of connected devices , since they add up . But if you go for the Squeezebox line of players , you’re able to select any brand of wireless router , let in Apple ’s AirPort .
The Sonos ZoneBridge
The Sonos system , on the other script , createsits own , proprietary wireless electronic connection . vantage of this approach admit easier setup and less interference . The Sonos web is alsoa mesh web , which means that instead of the web being hosted by a central basis station , any twist can extend the web to any other machine , give the system better overall range and performance .
The Sonos ZoneBridge
But the Sonos system of rules still need to connect to an survive meshing ( with Internet approach ) somewhere . Which think of at least one Sonos component must be within wired distance of either your router ( whatever type of router it is ) or an Ethernet larboard . If your router or connection port is in a closet or a room where you wo n’t be listening to music , the $ 99ZoneBridgeis a summary ( 4.3 - column inch square , 1.6 in improbable ) corner that plug in to your wired connection and acts as the first node in the Sonos wireless connection . If youdoplan to listen to music in the way with your internet embrasure , both the $ 349ZonePlayer 90(ZP90 ) and the $ 499ZonePlayer 120(ZP120 ) , each described below , integrate the ZoneBridge ’s functionality .
Apple’s Mac mini makes a great media server.
toll if you do n’t have equipment : Apple:$179 ( AirPort Extreme);Squeezebox:$30 and up ( cost of a Wi - Fi router if you do n’t already own one);Sonos:$99 ( ZoneBridge ) , $ 349 ( ZP90 ) , or $ 499 ( ZP120 ) plus router .
Host your music
for set up a music system of rules based on digital media , you require somewhere to host that media . The Sonos and Squeezebox systems are more flexible here : while both can get at music stored in your iTunes Library , they can also employ medicine stored on a net drive . For instance , the Sonos can colligate to euphony on a Time Capsule , a USB strong driveway connect to an AirPort Extreme base post , or an Ethernet - equippedNAS driveconnected to your internet .
To go the Apple path , you need a computer melt down iTunes . ( The computer also handles the actual playback ; with the Sonos and Squeezebox system , each ZonePlayer or Squeezebox hold playback independently . ) This can be an old Mac or PC you are n’t using anymore , your current Mac , or a new Mac or PC you purchase specifically for this purpose . Each option has its drawbacks : Using an onetime Mac may require you to upgrade the surd drive to hold all your medium , performance may be poor , and older calculator use considerably more electricity than today ’s models . Using your current Mac means that you have to divvy up iTunes with anyone else in the house who wants to take heed to music . And a new Mac will be you a honest clump of change .
Apple ’s Mac miniskirt take a great media waiter .
Logitech’s Squeezebox Touch
The Squeezebox system yield you a couple options . Though it requires you to run Squeezebox Server software system , you’re able to run that server on either a computer or a compatible NAS . If you go the NAS route , Logitech officially supports only the NetgearReadyNAS , though many other NAS devices are also compatible . For the computer - based approach , you’re able to utilize any recent Mac , Windows , or Linux PC .
( Of course , even if you go the NAS route for the Sonos or Squeezebox system , you ’ll still need a computer with an optic drive if you want to rive CDs to append their subject matter to your digital euphony library . )
We used a 2009 Mac mini for the AirTunes system . The Mac mini is idealistic for this type of post , as it ’s tiny , has slew of memory and HP for cover iTunes and related labor , runs coolheaded , and — perhaps best of all — uses much less energy than most computers , both when extend and while departed . It also support Wake on Demand ( see “ Take control , ” below ) . The Squeezebox system also used a Mac mini .
The Sonos ZP90 (left), ZP120 (center), and CR200 (right)
monetary value if you do n’t have equipment : Apple:$599 for Mac miniskirt , or the price of a used Mac;Squeezebox:~$250 for compatible NAS drive , or an inexpensive or used computer;Sonos:~$100 and up for a NAS drive .
Choose your rooms
The next dance step is mystify your music into your rooms . All three systems let you send audio frequency to your choice of locations , using ironware in each room to receive the wireless transmission and win over it to a signal you’re able to feed to a stereo or a set of talker . With the Apple system , that ironware is a $ 99AirPort Expressunit . Once the Express is set up ( see the next segment ) , any audio frequency you send from iTunes to that Express is pump out the Express ’ analog / visual - digital audio - production minijack .
It ’s worth noting that if you ’ve already got an Apple telly in a way , you could use the Apple video for AirTunes instead of an AirPort Express . The Apple idiot box usher up in iTunes as a address for audio frequency , just as an AirPort Express would .
Logitech ’s Squeezebox Touch
The Squeezebox Controller
The heritage of the Squeezebox mathematical product line is in devices that can be placed in a stock stereo rack . As a result , most Squeezebox ware have some sort of show on their front and put up keep for an infrared distant control . The $ 300Squeezebox Touch , the “ standard ” model , is a compact box that , like the AirPort Express , connects to an amplifier or powered speakers . But the Squeezebox offers leave / correct RCA sea dog for analog audio , as well as both coaxal and ocular jack for a digital signal . It ’s also acquire a vivid , 4.3 - inch color touch screen show on the front that shows album fine art , track information , and even the time and weather ; you’re able to also use the touch screen to operate playback without a remote .
instead , Logitech offers a slew of other alternative : the $ 150Receiver , a stark - castanets unit that inexplicably requires the $ 300 Controller , covered later , to set up ; the $ 400Duet , a big money boast both the Receiver and Controller ; as well as two model that include speakers ( covered later in “ Amp it up ” ) .
With the Sonos system , each hearing room needs a ZonePlayer . The $ 349ZonePlayer 90(ZP90 ) is a compact box , approximately 5.5 inches square by 2.9 column inch tall . Like the Squeezebox , the ZP90 can connect to stereo or powered speakers via analogue or digital jackass . The ZP90 does n’t have any sort of display , but it does provide hardware buttons on the front for adjusting and damp the bulk .
The Sonos Controller 200
The $ 499ZonePlayer 120(ZP120 ) is essentially a ZonePlayer 90 with a built - in 55 - Watt - per - transmission channel , Class - vitamin D amplifier . design for rooms that do n’t have an subsist stereo system , the ZP120 give you everything you need except the speakers ; speaker pole on the back of the unit of measurement let you plug in , using standard speaker system cables , whatever speakers you decide on . The ZP120 also provides a subwoofer yield for connect a powered subwoofer .
The Sonos ZP90 ( left ) , ZP120 ( center ) , and CR200 ( right )
Both ZonePlayers have a couple extra joke up their practical arm : First , each also sports left / right RCAinputs ; link up any audio root — a CD player , an iPod , a TV — to these inputs and you could send that equipment ’s audio to theotherZonePlayers , making it easy to hear , for illustration , to the audio track from a telecast sports event anywhere in the house . ( you may even take how that audio is encode for infection . ) Second , each ZonePlayer provide a two - port Ethernet switch for connect pumped-up devices — TiVo , game console , computer , NAS crusade — to your web .
Logitech’s Squeezebox Radio
( Logitech and Sonos also betray all - in - one units that combine a Squeezebox or ZonePlayer , respectively , with an amplifier and loudspeaker ; more on that in “ Amp it up . ” )
Cost if you do n’t have equipment : Apple:$99 ( Express ) or $ 229 ( Apple TV ) for each room;Squeezebox:$300 for each room;Sonos:$349 ( ZP90 ) or $ 499 ( ZP120 ) for each way .
Set up your “zones”
While each system requires a bit of initial setup on your computing machine , the procedures for adding new room to your organisation take issue notably . With the AirPort Express - base system , you need to configure each distant AirPort Express unit of measurement — using a computer running AirPort Utility — to join your electronic internet and act as a distant medicine gadget for iTunes . While the computer software walks you through the tone to do up the equipment , you have to make a serial publication of decision that require a certain stage of comfort with engineering .
To set up a Squeezebox Touch , you plug it in and , using the touchscreen , select either Ethernet or wireless . For tuner , you then select your Wi - Fi meshwork and enter the parole . The Squeezebox Server software system mechanically detects the young Squeezebox and add together it to its menus .
Setting up a remote ZonePlayer is as simple as choosing the Add A Zone command ( on your remote control or in the Sonos Controller app on your computer ) and then pressing a push on the new ZonePlayer ; the new zone is automatically added and configured .
The Sonos S5
Take control
All three systems , Apple , Logitech , and Sonos , provide computer software for controlling playback , choosing which rooms get music , and setting up playlist — iTunes , the Web - basedSqueezebox Server , and theSonos Controller , severally . But while this software package is convenient when you ’re ride at your Mac , it ’s not nearly so when you ’re in another part of the house and want to savour some line . So all three companies allow for solutions for distant control .
For the Apple scheme , that answer is Apple ’s free Remote app for the iPhone or iPod touch . Once you ’ve completed the one - clip pairing operation between the app ( on your i - equipment ) and iTunes ( on your Mac ) , plunge the app causes it to automatically link to iTunes — a process that by and large takes five to ten seconds . The app give way you an telling amount of restraint over playback : you could browse playlists , artist , albums , genres , podcasts , and more ; you could search for particular items ; you could use the Genius feature ; you could even create and edit play list , all from your iPhone or iPod touch .
For the Logitech system , you ’ll similarly get the best multi - room control using your iPhone or iPod touching . However , strangely , Logitech does n’t supply an prescribed app to do the trick . alternatively , there are two third - party distant apps , the undecomposed of which is Penguin love Music ’s $ 10 iPeng . iPeng front similar to Apple ’s Remote app , but with support for the extra feature film of the Squeezebox .
Audioengine’s P4 bookshelf speakers
The Squeezebox Controller
Logitech also offers a dedicated hardware remote , the $ 300Squeezebox Controller , that includes a small , color screen and a faux Click Wheel controller . However , we are n’t fans of this remote — you’d be far better off buying a $ 200 iPod trace and one of the Squeezebox - remote apps . unluckily , as name above , the Squeezebox Controller is currently the only way to put up the $ 150 Receiver .
( Note that the Squeezebox Boom include an infrared remote , but it ’s limited to letting you navigate the machine ’s on - screen carte du jour . It ’s utile for control the bunce itself , but not conducive to controlling a multi - room system . Also , the Squeezebox units — except the Receiver — each provide some degree of playback command on the unit itself ; if you ’re listen in only one way , this allows you to operate that way ’s audio frequency without a remote . )
Parasound’s compact Zamp v.3
Like Apple , Sonos provide a detached app for the iPhone or iPod touch , Sonos Controller for iPhone , which we cover earlier this year . The interface for this app is strikingly similar to that of Apple ’s Remote app , which is a undecomposed thing . Like the Apple version , Sonos ’ iPhone app gives you perfect control over playback , although it also provides access to net services supported by the Sonos system but not by the Apple system — Rhapsody , Napster , Sirius , Pandora , and Last.fm — and it lets you browse Internet radio the right way from the remote control .
The Sonos Controller 200
Sonos also offer a consecrate computer hardware control , the $ 349Sonos Controller 200 ( CR200 ) . The CR200 ’s interface is very similar to that of the fellowship ’s iPhone app , but the CR200 offers better performance , consecrate hardware push button for frequently used functions , much better battery liveliness ( up to 5 days ) , and a move - to - wake motion sensing element . As our colleague Christopher Breen show out in his review , the dedicated controller is also less complicated as a “ family remote”—you pick it up and it ’s quick to go ; with an iPod ghost or iPhone , you ’ve fetch to wade through your other apps — or perhaps quit an app you ’re currently using — to launch the Sonos app . Finally , the CR200 come with a charging cradle .
Setting zones for the Apple (left), Sonos (center), and Squeezebox (right) systems
( On the other handwriting , one vantage of using an iPod touch - based accountant is the bevy of accessories uncommitted . For example , as part of a recent renovation , one of us installed in - roof speaker in our master bathroom . By stick an iPod touch inside anOtterBox Armor case , he can control his tunes while relaxing in the whirlpool bath and not concern about the iPod get pie-eyed — or even submerged . Yes , this falls under the family of “ first - human race problems . ” )
Whichever system you have , if you choose to go the iPhone - app route for your remote , we recommend dedicating an iPod touch for the purpose . While it may be less expensive to use your current iPhone or iPod touch , unless you ’re the only person who ever controls audio and you always have that gimmick ready to hand , it ’s inconvenient to share a single remote between your audio system and the myriad other thing your iPhone and iPod touch are used for throughout the day . Not to name that using your only iPhone or iPod touch as the remote control for your audio system of rules mean you ’ll eventually be catch with a dead battery when you desperately postulate that twist for some other use of goods and services .
Cost if you do n’t have equipment : Apple:$199 ( iPod touch);Logitech$199 ( iPod touch ) or $ 300 ( Squeezebox Controller);Sonos:$199 ( iPod soupcon ) or $ 349 ( CR200 ) .
Wake-up call
There ’s one more thing related to distant ascendancy to conceive : waking up your system . The Sonos system ’s part mechanically slumber when not being used in parliamentary procedure to conserve energy . However , they continue to follow the Sonos - created internet for natural process ; if a ZonePlayer detects a mastery mean for it , it mechanically waken up .
An Apple - based system ( or a Sonos or Logitech system accessing substance stored on a information processing system ) command a data processor , and unless you want to waste electricity by keep that computer on and awake 24/7 , you ’ll want to configure it to sleep when not in usance . The challenge here is how to wake it up from across the house when you require to listen to medicine . As long as your Mac is connect to your meshwork via Ethernet , or you have a late Mac that indorse Wake on Demand , you may use a technology calledWake on LANto rouse the sleeping computer over the web . The Squeezebox will mechanically wake the calculator that Squeezebox Server is running on . For the Apple - free-base system , if you ’re using an iPhone or iPod touch , the instrument I chose is Wake on Oui , an iPhone app that , once countersink up , let you tap a push to arouse your Mac .
toll if you do n’t have equipment : Apple:$1 ( awake on Oui);Squeezebox:$0;Sonos:$0 .
Amp it up
Once you ’ve got your organisation set up to institutionalize music to various location , you need to get that music sign into an audio system that lets you listen to it . If you ’ve already got a stereo in a room , you could simply use that , running the appropriate audio cable from an audio output on the AirPort Express , Squeezebox , or Sonos ZP90 / ZP120 to your receiver or amplifier .
If you do n’t already have an audio organization in a elbow room , you ’ve got a few option . For the AirPort Express , Squeezebox , and Sonos ZP90 , the simplest and least expensive solution is to tie your participant ironware to a set of ego - powered computer speakers . Unfortunately , with a few exceptions , the well-grounded quality wo n’t compare to what you may get with a good Seth of traditional speaker and a dear amplifier .
( One of those exceptions is Audioengine ’s $ 349 Audioengine 5 — aka , A5 — a standout powered bookshelf speaker system that provides excellent reasoned caliber in an attractive , summary package . What arrive at the A5 especially appealing for this use is that the rear of one of the A5 ’s two loudspeaker has an AC outlet specifically design for an add - on equipment such as an AirPort Express , Squeezebox , Sonos ZP90 — you just secure in your wireless unit , run a poor cable from its audio jack to the A5 ’s audio input , and you ’re good to go . )
Logitech ’s Squeezebox Radio
The second option is an all - in - one unit that combines a wireless recipient with an amplifier and speakers . Logitech name two such Squeezebox models . The $ 200Squeezebox Radiois designed for your nightstand ; it ’s got a individual mono speaker system that offers adequate quality and intensity , but is n’t really adequate to of cranking the tunes . The $ 300Squeezebox Boomhas a larger , boom - box form ( though it ’ll still fit on a nightstand or ledge ) , with two-channel speakers and more power for better audio quality . The Boom also provide a connection for a powered subwoofer to really get the political party going . Neither model is going to offer the audio tone of a consecrate set of speakers and an amplifier , but they ’re affordable , and we like the phone of the Boom . Both models also come with front - dialog box show and controls , so you’re able to operate them without a remote ( though the Boom does let in a little , infrared remote control ) .
The Sonos S5
Sonos , on the other hand , is a newcomer to this blank . The company just announced the $ 399$ZonePlayer S5 , which is essentially a ZP90 with an amplifier and five speakers in a background enclosure . We suspect the S5 will vocalise noticeably good than the Logitech system , albeit at a higher price and with no build - in showing and few control .
Still , there ’s no dubiousness that for the in effect sound character , you ’ll want a consecrate amplifier and a good circle of verbalizer . Once you go this route , the choice of talker is up to you — you may practice your darling with any organisation . For smaller rooms , we urge a good set of bookshelf models , such as the $ 250 / pairParadigm Atom v.5and $ 279 / pairPSB Alpha B1speakers we covered in our clause on building an iPod stereo system . Another good option we ’ve been testing lately is theAudioengine P4(AP4 ; $ 249 / couplet ) , the unpowered — and slightly small-scale — sib of the A5 we cite above . Alternatively , you’re able to go all - out with a set of heavy speakers , or a sub / sat system of rules , that offer full - range audio frequency .
Audioengine ’s P4 bookshelf speakers
If you go this road , the Sonos ZP120 bid something that the Squeezebox line does n’t : a ZonePlayer with its own amplifier , so all you necessitate to add are a pair of secure speakers . If you ’re a music lover , you may have such a duet already attached to an old stereo . For only $ 150 more than the ZP90 , you get a very unspoilt amp that has mass of succus to fill a good - size room .
For the Apple - based system and the speaker - less Squeezebox units , the choice is n’t as round-eyed , as you ’ve got to shop for a quality amplifier among the myriad choices out there . For the fun of it — and to nail down some kind of cost estimation — we decided to find a great multi - room - system A . We narrowed down our search with a yoke criteria : We render to put together a organisation that competed with the Sonos ZP120 in terms of features and character , so we wanted an amplifier that was little in size while put up plenty of world power , and we want an amplifier that was energy effective . ( The Sonos ZonePlayers log Z’s when not in economic consumption to keep up electricity . )
What we settled on was the $ 349Parasound Zamp v.3 , a stocky , 45 - Watt - per - channel amplifier specifically designed for system like these ; Dan Frakes tested two Zamps . At only 9.5 inches wide , 10 inches deep , and less than 2 inches high , each Zamp is tiny as traditional amplifier go , but it ’s built like a tank — it ’s largely made of metal , weighs seven Sudanese pound , and come with a two - year warranty — sounds great , and puts out plenty of exponent , handling the bigNHT Classic Four towersin Dan ’s main stereoscopic photograph cheat surprisingly well .
Because it ’s made for custom sound installing , the Zamp has a number of features that make it perfect for pairing with an AirPort Express or Squeezebox . It automatically exit into a baron - saving sopor mode when no audio sign is present , and automatically wakes up as soon as it detects a signal . In other words , the amplifier is on only when you ’re place audio to its AirPort Express , Squeezebox , or ZP90 . With a traditional amplifier , to broadcast music to the kinsfolk room , you demand to either go to the family elbow room and turn on your audio frequency scheme — a task that sounds simple , but get annoying very quickly — or you need to leave it on all the clip , wasting electricity . The Zamp also has a convenient arse - mounted set - it - and - forget - it bulk telephone dial ; once you ’ve matched the volume in your various rooms , you may use your AirTunes or Squeezebox bulk controls .
Parasound ’s compact Zamp v.3
Thanks to its small-scale size and heat - aegis feature , the Zamp also , like the ZP120 , go well if you ’ve get speakers build into walls or ceilings . The cables for Dan ’s in - roof loudspeaker head to a “ medium closet ” that also also hosted the Mac mini he was using as the shopping centre of the Apple - found organisation for this clause . Two Zamp units sat next to the Mac mini , an AirPort Extreme , two AirPort Express whole , and an extraneous hard drive for the miniskirt , and the loo never got perceptibly warm . In shortsighted , Dan loved the Zamp , and found it to be corresponding to , if not good than , the amplifier inside the Sonos ZP120 in terms of sound recording and build quality .
price if you do n’t have equipment : Malus pumila : cost of amplifier and loudspeaker for each room;Logitech : cost of adenylic acid and speaker unit for each room , or $ 300 for Squeezebox Boom for smaller rooms or $ 200 for Squeezebox Radio for the nightstand;Sonos : toll of amp and utterer for each elbow room ( with the ZP90 ) , just verbalizer for each room ( ZP120 ) , or $ 399 for an S5 .
The experience
For the purposes of material - man examination , the whole - home audio recording organization Dan put together consisted of five rooms of audio . Two of them paired an AirPort Express or Apple TV with an live stereo system , two paired an AirPort Express with a Zamp and loudspeaker system , and one paired an AirPort Express with a readiness of Audioengine A5 verbalizer . Dan used this Apple - base arrangement for a footling over a month to see how it compared to the Sonos system . Jason , on the other hand , tried out a Squeezebox - based system that covers three rooms of his house , one with a Squeezebox Boom , one with a Squeezebox Radio , and another with an olderSqueezebox Classicplayer sequester to a Sony amplifier and speaker unit .
If you expend your multi - room sound recording system frequently , one of the best features of the Sonos system is the concept of Zones . you’re able to send dissimilar audio to unlike suite , as well as singly control the volume level in each way . In recitation , this means you ’ve essentially get aseparateaudio system of rules in each room , all control from a single remote , but you still have the option to link all rooms to work the same music together . Even well , you could easily link up picky elbow room at any time ; for representative , you could toy one play list in the kitchen and family room , while another plays in the bedchamber , and still another plays outside on the terrace . ( Within groups , you’re able to control each zone ’s book separately ; once you get the correct balance , you’re able to then adjust the overall degree with one slipper . )
There ’s no deny that Sonos excels when it comes to multi - way sound recording , but Squeezebox has also support the concept for quite some time . Each Squeezebox player can represent different music , or multiple players can be synchronized with one another to provide the same medicine throughout your firm . Although Squeezebox ’s plan of attack is n’t as elegant as Sonos ’s , it does the job , let company guests to move from room to elbow room while hearing the same cautiously constructed iTunes playlist . And if you ’re using the iPeng iPhone app , the Squeezebox organization ’s multi - room ascendency approach that of the Sonos .
The AirPort Express setup , on the other hand , supports only a single audio frequency signal , so while you’re able to opt which room get audio at a given time , all rooms must listen to the same thing . And unlike the Sonos system , you have only a undivided , maestro book stage for all rooms : crank the book and it increases the same amount in every room . This means that unless you have the same audio system in every elbow room , your initial amplifier apparatus will admit some manual increase staging — separately adjust each elbow room ’s volume level , walk back and forth between rooms many times , to match .
Beyond multi - way accompaniment , the Sonos organisation and Squeezebox line also have a act of other advantages over the Apple - only organization . They support more format than iTunes ( include WMA , FLAC , and Ogg Vorbis ) ; let you range and play net wireless stations ; and include sleep and wake procedure . But for many the great unwashed , perhaps the biggest advantage for the Sonos and Squeezebox systems is their ramp up - in support for a mountain of euphony armed service — Rhapsody , Napster , Sirius , Pandora , and Last.fm among them .
Setting zones for the Apple ( left ) , Sonos ( center ) , and Squeezebox ( right ) systems
Sonos has a duad unique advantage , too : the capableness to rain cats and dogs a separate audio source ( a CD role player or television set ) from one room to all the others ; and the mesh net , which , because it produce its own wireless internet , forfend potential connexion issues from having a firewall lam on your computer ( a common source of job with an AirPort Express - based system ) .
On the other hand , the Apple - based arrangement is n’t without its own advantages . The most obvious is that many substance abuser , especially Mac drug user , already have at least some of the require equipment , making this approach considerably flashy than purchase a Sonos or Squeezebox organization . Similarly , if you ’re already an iTunes substance abuser , the AirTunes organisation will be instantly familiar ; both Sonos and Squeezebox extend waiting line - based interfaces that can be a bit confusing to those wean on iTunes . ( Once you get used to them , however , you may be foil that iTunes does n’t offer a similar feature . )
Since the Apple system is controlled flat from iTunes , it ’s also terrifically integrated with iTunes feature of speech ( such as Genius ) and iTunes play list ( including saucy play list ) . The Squeezebox organisation automatically loads your iTunes depository library and play list , but it does n’t presently support other characteristic such as Genius and iTunes DJ . The Sonos system can import iTunes playlists , but the feature is a bit kludgy , and you need to re - import play list each meter you modify them in iTunes .
The AirTunes system also supports iTunes - DRM medicine ; Sonos and Squeezebox power train ca n’t play it . And adding music to your system is a bit easier with the AirTunes system . You just rip CDs or drag audio Indian file into iTunes ; that music is straightaway available for playback . If you ’ve fix up any Smart Playlists in iTunes that would include that new music , those playlists are similarly update automatically . Adding music to the Squeezebox and Sonos system involves a mo of a delay : whenever you add music to iTunes or to a separate euphony directory on your heavy crusade or NAS , the Squeezebox and Sonos systems must re - index your music program library in gild to recognise that newfangled music .
On a non - musical note ( punning intended ) , a side benefit of a system base on AirPort Express unit is that you’re able to link a USB pressman to any Express to make it available to any data processor on your local meshwork .
Finally , it ’s worth note that there are workarounds for AirTunes that , while imperfect , rough a few of the Sonos and Squeezebox system ’s feature . If you have software on your Mac that provides entree to one of those online medicine Service , you could apply the Mac package Airfoil to stream that audio frequency across your AirTunes system . ( Although the Sonos and Squeezebox systems get at a high - quality Rhapsody watercourse than the web internet browser version , and the Sonos Pandora subscription does n’t have commercial message . ) While you ca n’t browse cyberspace receiving set stations from Apple ’s Remote app on your iPhone or iPod touch , if you have particular Internet radio stations you listen to frequently , you may tote up them to a play list ; you may browse that playlist , and start playback of any net radio station , from the iPhone app .
The total cost
When starting this experimentation , we had skip to terminate up with a mesa comparing the price of each arrangement . But as you’re able to see from our toll estimates throughout the clause , there are so many factors that affect how much you ’ll have to drop , even if you ’re starting from starting line , that a nice , neat table was n’t in the cards . Instead , here ’s as unsubdivided a cost summary as we could put together :
If you ’re starting from scratch , the initial cost of the AirTunes system is approximately $ 978 : $ 179 for an AirPort Extreme , $ 599 for an entry - storey Mac miniskirt , and $ 200 for an iPod touch with the Wake on Oui app . The per - elbow room toll is $ 99 ( an AirPort Express ) plus the cost of an amplifier and speakers .
Estimating the cost of a Sonos system is a bit more complicated . The initial cost is anywhere from $ 398 ( a ZoneBridge , a NAS drive , and an iPod trace with Sonos app ) to $ 948 ( a ZonePlayer 120 , a NAS drive , and the Sonos Controller 200 ) , look on your choice of control and whether or not you plan to listen in the room that serves as the “ base ” of the organization . The per - elbow room price is either $ 349 ( a ZP90 ) plus the cost of an amplifier and utterer , or $ 499 ( a ZP120 ) plus the cost of speakers . ( Note that Sonos does bid discountedbundles ; for example , if you purchase a ZP120 , ZP90 , and CR200 together , you save $ 200 . )
For the Squeezebox , the initial cost is $ 250 for a NAS crusade or $ 599 for a Mac mini , and then $ 200 to $ 400 per room , plus the cost of an amplifier and speakers for rooms not serviceable by a Squeezebox Boom or Squeezebox Radio . The Squeezebox ’s on - gimmick controls reduce the need to grease one’s palms a consecrate $ 199 iPod touch - based remote control if you tend to hear in individual suite , though for true , whole - house control , you ’ll still want one .
In the end , we distrust that for most multitude , even those starting from slit , the Apple system is go to be the least expensive ; how much less expensive can change wildly depending on your setup and current equipment .
The verdict?
With all that information in psyche — and there ’s admittedly quite a minute of it to absorb — which route should you take to get your tunes everywhere ?
For those who ’ve already get a unspoiled amount of the necessary Apple hardware , especially an AirPort Extreme and several AirPort Express units , an AirTunes system is appealing thanks to the much lower price of launching . ( And , in fact , if you have enough of the required gear already , you may depart by “ test driving ” the AirTunes system in just a pair rooms to see if you wish it . )
If you ’re starting from scratch , or mostly from scraping , however , it ’s worth taking a step back to consider which system of rules might be the better choice for you .
If you think you ’ll spend most of your time listening in only one room at a metre , or listening to the same music in all rooms , and if most of the medicine you ’d want to listen to is already in iTunes , an AirPort Express - base whole - dwelling house system will belike serve , and it will do much of what you need for a lower price .
On the other hand , if you want more flexibility , including the capableness to heed to different sound recording in unlike way , and the option to take advantage of subscription and online services , either the Sonos arrangement or Squeezebox lineage may be worth the additional money , particularly when you conceive their ease of use and other benefits .
In footing of take between Sonos and Squeezebox , it once again get along downs to details . The Sonos system is more expensive overall , but it declare oneself a more elegant experience , its mesh topology web makes it much more dependable in orotund house ( especially those not already permeated by reliable Wi - Fi ) , and the ZP120 with integrated amplifier is perfect if you ’ve already got a good set of stereo speakers . The new S5 also looks to be a great means to get big , high - quality audio into rooms that do n’t need a full - mess up stereo system .
Logitech ’s Squeezebox line is less expensive and provides multi - way capability that are well-nigh as good as Sonos ’s , but it relies on your house ’s own Ethernet and Wi - Fi mesh . If you ’ve arrest a circumscribed telephone number of room that you really call for to fill with expansive , high - quality sound ( via a Squeezebox , amplifier , and external speakers ) , but several smaller rooms that could be service well by the integrated speakers in the Squeezebox Boom or Squeezebox Radio , Squeezebox may be a better deal .
Whatever approach you take , one thing ’s for certain : once you ’ve experienced being able to listen to your favorite music wherever you are in the house with a few rap on a screen , you ’ll wonder how you ever got along without your whole - house system .
Updated 10/19/09 12 pm : Clarified AirTunes compatibility with third - company router . update 10/23/09 11:30am : Corrected Zamp guarantee information .
