[hugh]

Currently I am streaming audio to an Apple TV and an Airport Express via iTunes on my computer which I find generally satisfying but it has some weaknesses (mainly multiple streams to multiple devices) so I am investigating Sonos.

The following is some of reasons I see for selecting one system over the other.

• Sonos - ability to direct multiple streams to multiple devices; superior remote; ability to adjust volume by location; separate Wi-Fi net reduces any bandwidth issues over existing Wi-fi net; amplified devices such as the Z5 mean you don't have to have a separate amplifier.
  
• itunes / Apple devices - cheaper $99 for Airport Express vs $400 for Z90 Player; Genius; songs within iTunes, no additional software; Genius playlist functionality; Apple TV has multiple functionality.

Please Note Before Posting on this thread.

This thread is for discussing why you might choose the Sono's wireless home audio system vs. the Apple ecosystem. Please do not post about how much you like using Sonos or iTunes.

The point of this thread is to distinguish the pros and cons of one system over anothr.

 

[apn]

A minor point, but you might consider using iPod/Pad/Phone apps instead of using the dedicated remote. A friend of mine went this route instead of buying the very large and expensive ($250) Sonos remote.

Also, any particular reason you don't have SqueezeBox on the list? While not using a separate wi-fi subnet, it does everything the Sonos does, but at a fraction of the price, plus you have the option to control via Apple and Android apps.

 

[hugh]

Remote apps exist for both Sonos and Apple hence why I did not highlight as an advantage of one over the other. This thread is strictly for comparing Sonos vs. Apple.

 

[JohnnyCanuck]

I have had AppleTV for about a year and just bought Sonos in my new home. My views are preliminary at this time because I just started playing with Sonos, but for music only ... no comparison. Sonos is miles ahead of AppleTV.

The advantages of Apple are the ability to buy music from the system, and the ability of AppleTV to do video as well as audio. If, however, the sole purpose is to distribute audio throughout the home, Sonos does it extremely well and is far more sophisticated with a wonderful UI.

I have a ZP90 feeding an upstairs audio system and will be adding an S5 for portable or outdoor use. I am very impressed with the Sonos product.

Setup is very simple. Sonos software runs on any Windows platform, XP and beyond. No problems installing on my Windows Home Server. ITunes does not support server based installs. a major negative. iTunes playlists import into Sonos without difficulty. Sonos co-exists with iTunes very well. As with most Apple products, AppleTV and iTunes co-exist with nothing, so the credit here goes to Sonos.

 

[hugh]

I have purchased a ZP 90 and ZP 120 so I'll try an add some more thoughts in coming days.

 

[thenish03]

Hugh, looking forward to your review. I have been contemplating the Sonos/Apple TV/ Squeezebox devices myself.

 

[hugh]

Hmm, so far, I find the Library application pretty barebones and nowhere near as robust as iTunes. Don't like the Sonos iPhone remote app as much as the Apple one.

I'm still assessing but after a few days, I am really disappointed.

 

[dufferdan]

Hugh,

There are other ways to skin this cat, however I assume out of the gate you have not pre-wired speaker wire from your main audio system to speakers in each room, hence the thought of Sonos?

Do you have ethernet to each room?

Can you easily run speaker wire?

I see you have tight restrictions on the thread, so don't want to get hammered for being off-topic, but I have alternatives that I use. Let me know if you have interest.