So what do you all think about Sonos?

[DJ in TX]

I read an article on Engadget today about a new product from Sonos, the Zoneplayer S5.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/13/sonos-zoneplayer-s5-all-in-one-wireless-speaker-lowers-cost-of-entry/#continued

It looks interesting actually (2 tweeters, 2 mid range and a small sub all in one unit). Definitely less clutter, which I can appreciate. It says each speaker is powered by its own dedicated digital amplifier.

I am only a few days away from buying my first real audio system in several years (AV receiver-Pioneer vsx-819, and a pair of Paradigm Atoms). But before I take the plunge I want to make sure I consider all options. What do you all think about Sonos in terms of hardware quality, and the related sound quality of their products?

How would you expect the audio quality (power and accuracy) of this all-in-one Zoneplayer to compare to the 2-channel system described above?

 

[lsiberian]

I read an article on Engadget today about a new product from Sonos, the Zoneplayer S5.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/13/sonos-zoneplayer-s5-all-in-one-wireless-speaker-lowers-cost-of-entry/#continued

It looks interesting actually (2 tweeters, 2 mid range and a small sub all in one unit). Definitely less clutter, which I can appreciate. It says each speaker is powered by its own dedicated digital amplifier.

I am only a few days away from buying my first real audio system in several years (AV receiver-Pioneer vsx-819, and a pair of Paradigm Atoms). But before I take the plunge I want to make sure I consider all options. What do you all think about Sonos in terms of hardware quality, and the related sound quality of their products?

How would you expect the audio quality (power and accuracy) of this all-in-one Zoneplayer to compare to the 2-channel system described above?

There are some excellent 3" drivers, but I doubt good execution in this kind of product. If you want small speakers.
http://www.zaphaudio.com/audio-speaker18.html

Those would be a better choice.

You'd need a sub to cross them with, but they do a good job for the rest of the range.

 

[DJ in TX]

Yeah, I thought that might be the case.

I have no knowledge or experience with sonos, so I was thinking that if they happened to be known for using high quality drivers and other internals, that this might be a viable option for me.

Don't get me wrong, the small all-in-one form factor would be nice, but for me it would have been more about having a very simplified and unified system that also provided internet radio feeds, as well as being easily expandalbe to other rooms in the house if I were ever so inclined. But if it lacks quality and power comparatively, then I will likely stick with Operation: Atom.

If anyone else has relevant info about sonos for this discussion, I'm all ears.

 

[lesterp]

I have Sonos and it is a paradigm shift. My wife and I haven't listened to a CD or a track from our itunes library since we got it last December, just Pandora, last.fm, Napster and internet radio. The whole thing is controlled with my iPhone. That being said, I have listened to the new S5 and it is a game changer - extremely clear sound up to levels that no all-in-one system can touch. Everyone will always be skeptical about products from a company that is breaking new ground, but Sonos is a company started by audioholics for audioholics so they aren't trying to pull a fast one.

 

[MidnightSensi]

I have not heard the Sonos speakers, but I have used Sonos players and they are excellent. You can buy them as passive or amplified, so if you don't want their speakers or amplifier you just get the passive version. I'd say the S5 is designed for someone who needs a compact package more than they want quality music reproduction. I haven't heard it, but, that's just my hunch.

I'd recommend buying your own speakers, but I do understand the advantage of an all-in-one system.