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Sonos--deal killer

I don't post much, but I do lurk. Just got my Sonos ZP90 yesterday and went to install it today. BIG suprise, you have to buy another ZP90 or Zonebridge to make the thing wireless over the network, it has to be plugged into the router directly. Went back to the web site and they do have one sentence that does say that you have to have another device (missed it completely). This really needs to be emphasized on their website, they don't seem to have any problem emphasizing the wireless feature of the ZP90. It's a shame, I was really looking forward to trying the Sonos, but I won't even be able to try the thing. I don't have a computer anywhere close to my stereo system, and I'm not about to unplug everything I've got and move it up another floor just to hear how the thing works. I thought the industry standard on wi-fi devices were that they were self contained and would connect to the network without any other support devices. I may be wrong on this, but I have never encounterd another wi-fi device that needed this. I know, my bad, should have paid more attention to the fine print, now I'm out $34 shipping (here and back), but I am not going to pay another $100 on top of the $349 that the ZP90 cost so that I can connect to my network. Sorry about the rant, but if you are looking at the Sonos, be aware that a ZP90 WILL NOT connect to your wireless network without spending another $99. Now to try the Squeezebox Duet.
Doug
dougclary
frederick21's avatar
frederick21
44 posts
 
Dougclary-

One Sonos must be plugged into your router because that player creates the 'Sonos net' it runs on. It uses a separate wi-fi to connect player to player. That is why one must be hardwired to your player.

What you may not know it it also extends your wireless capability. Let's say you have a ranch house that is 100 yards long and your wireless router is on one end of the house. If you are at the other end you would not be able to get a signal with your laptop. If you had Sonos players strung along the house you would then be able to wirelessly connect to the furthest Sonos from your router and connect to your wireless wi-fi.

Many were unhappy with 'burning' a Sonos for the very same reason you state. That is why they created the product the Sonos Bridge.

Buy one. You're almost there. You'll be glad you did.
streetdaddy
349 posts
 
Anybody using their iphone/itouch to control their systems? With the free app it is SOOOOO cool. Way better than the big/bulky remote that comes with it and also way better range since it has better wifi range. My controller was always losing connection, freezing up etc. With my itouch i have never had a problem, even sitting outside.{ i have speakers on my patio}
jamesw20
269 posts
 
Iphone app. is teh next best thing about Sonos! I found the remote to be cumbersome. Now much easier! They should start packaging the system with an ipod touch, I guarantee it would be less expensive and easier!
dougclary OP
10 posts
 
It took me a while, but I finally got the Sonos hooked up with an ethernet cable (I know many of you said just buy the bridge) and I couldn't be happier. This unit gets the job done. I tried the original Squeezebox and the Sonos analog outs put it to shame. The Sonos software is fantastic, another leap up from the Squeezebox software. It is so user friendly. The biggest suprise is just how good the Sonos analog outs are. I'm sure that when I save up the money to get a good DAC it will be another improvemnet. I'm still PO'd about Sonos not emphasizing on their website that you have to have two (or the bridge) to use the wireless, but I am willing to forgive due to the quaility of the product. If this isn't the future of music playback than I don't know what it could be.
Doug
streetdaddy
349 posts
 
just wait till you control it with an iphone......then you'll really be impressed!
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