Just out of curiosity what OS/software are you using on the Pi's?
Vini
24 Jun 171#14
There's no denying the quality of Sonos, build, sound and supporting infrastructure (apps). However, you are paying a premium to be able to build that 'mesh'.
If you're not going to have many devices, then there's not much point going with Sonos.
djdope
24 Jun 17#13
Get a Sonos if you can afford it. Also use true play to set it up.
Vini
23 Jun 171#11
Sonos is pure internet. It effectively has an OS and does all the 'pulling' of audio itself. You can't stream from your phone as such, your phone is effectively a remote.
The CA, receives via Bluetooth, AirPlay, Phono/Jack and also has capability to pull from the internet. When streaming, it relies on the connection between your device and the CA. So as per my earlier example, downloading (streaming) music from the web to my iPhone from Apple Music, and then relaying this via AirPlay to the CA, can occasionally 'buffer'.
Take for example Radio 2, I've listed to that on the Sonos daily for about 6 weeks. Crystal clear, DAB-esq (if not a better bitrate). Sonos seems to use TuneIn Radio as its supplier of radio channels.
The CA, from what Ive read, uses Shoutcast servers. I'm not even sure BBC offer official shoutcast streams. But in the hour or two I spent listening today on the CA, the bitrate was definitely fluctuating.
As an iOS user, I have no experience of Apt-X Bluetooth, but I find standard Bluetooth quite lacking in fidelity when listening.
To be fair. Unless you're really into music, you probably won't even notice.
The connectivity options offered up by the CA are great in idea, which is why I plumped for it. I'm just wondering now, if I actually need all this connectivity.
It's going to be a toss up between connections and sound quality. Right now, not sure what will win out.
Being able to hookup my PC to the unit via 3.5mm, might seal it!
clogher
23 Jun 17#10
What?
BlackCloud
23 Jun 17#9
Sorry to be a bit dim, but could you explain the difference in how the Sonos and CA differ pull in the streams. I was considering an Air 200 v2. Thank you.
Vini
23 Jun 171#8
Ok, after a quick 10 minute blast, the Sonos has a far better sound stage and PC/iOS application. The fact the Sonos pulls content directly from the web, rather than "receives device streams" is definitely obvious, and probably an advantage.
I've always struggled when pulling content from Apple Music (to my iPhone) and then relaying via Airplay to a "receiver", despite having 3200AC wireless and 80/20 internet, there is occasionally a transfer breakdown.
Gonna give the CA unit the weekend, and see how I get on.
Vini
23 Jun 17#7
Talked myself into it... gonna grab one, providing there's local stock, and will look to sell the SP3 I think.
DannyBoy99
23 Jun 17#6
Not putting this deal down at all, just adding some personal observations regarding Sonos:
1. Personally I've found the Sonos mesh network implementation to be rock solid. I had a Samsung wireless multiroom system before and it was continually dropping out. Replaced it with Sonos and it hasn't missed a beat. Bluetooth is ok as a back up but I've never found AirPlay to be reliable. Yeah, you can't take Sonos to the beach, but in fairness it was never designed to be used outside the home.
2. Sonos integrates with SmartThings and (according to rumour) will also soon have Amazon Echo integration. Worth considering if you are a smart home user. I use mine as part of an alarm system (plays dogs barking on alarm activation).
3. The Sonos app is actually very good and supports a number of different music streaming services. Plenty of other systems support Spotify connect, but personally I've started to get the hump with the performance of the Spotify app and now use the Sonos app instead.
My advice is to figure out what factors are important to you before taking the plunge on a multiroom system. This CA system will undoubtedly give you more bang for your buck on audio performance, but do consider how it compares in other areas.
pennyfarthing88
22 Jun 171#4
You know what and this is gospel I was going to post that Titan drill last week but B&Q's abysmal website said it was out of stock so I didn't bother.
Still you live and learn :innocent:
JJHUKD
22 Jun 17#3
are these as good as sonos?
Vini to JJHUKD
23 Jun 172#5
Based on the price, feature set and usual good sounding audio, I'd rather have bought this than my Sonos Play3.
I already have multiroom audio in the way of Raspberry Pi's & Class T amplifiers. However, I have just setup a home office in the box room and was umming and aahing over my options, I'd considered a Bose Mini, Standard Bluetooth speaker, Ceiling speakers, bookshelf speakers and the Sonos. Every room in the house has Kef Ceiling speakers fed by the Pi's & Amps, except the box room. Given this home office setup might not be forever, I for some reason, talked myself out of putting ceilings in and last month I bought a Sonos Play 3 (£249) to sit on the desk. The unit is nice, well built but it took a while for the sound quality to grow on me (not used to two speakers being setup in such close proximity), which it pretty much has now.
I have nothing negative to say about the simplicity to setup the Sonos, or the (potential) mesh that Sonos creates. However, for someone who already has a device agnostic setup, throwing in the Single Sonos unit hasn't really brought much to the table. Other than I can control it via my Home Automation setup (openHAB). Sure, for someone who just wants out of the box simplicity, I cannot argue.
Anyway, last weekend I packed my SP3 in my hand luggage, thinking it would be ideal by the pool, only to find it MUST be connected to a router to function/setup. Nightmare, thats some heavy unit to lug around for no use whatsoever.
Luckily my pal took a UE Wonderboom which for such a small unit, packed a decent enough sound quality for by the pool.
This Cambridge unit has airplay, Bluetooth, analogue in x2 AND Ethernet for internet radio etc. Whilst I've not heard this particular unit, Cambridge usually make good sounding kit.
Given this is £100 less than I paid for my SP3, is have much rather had this.
muckspreader1 to JJHUKD
24 Jun 17#12
Ha ha sonos the speaker equivalent of beats.Bought the s150 monitor audio for less but only has bluetooth but what a speaker for the £119 and reviews are excellent.
pennyfarthing88
22 Jun 17#1
Yes but is it in stock ?! :laughing:
pavel76 to pennyfarthing88
22 Jun 17#2
In store and online with free delivery ...not like Titan drill :smiley:
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Opening post
16 comments
If you're not going to have many devices, then there's not much point going with Sonos.
The CA, receives via Bluetooth, AirPlay, Phono/Jack and also has capability to pull from the internet. When streaming, it relies on the connection between your device and the CA. So as per my earlier example, downloading (streaming) music from the web to my iPhone from Apple Music, and then relaying this via AirPlay to the CA, can occasionally 'buffer'.
Take for example Radio 2, I've listed to that on the Sonos daily for about 6 weeks. Crystal clear, DAB-esq (if not a better bitrate). Sonos seems to use TuneIn Radio as its supplier of radio channels.
The CA, from what Ive read, uses Shoutcast servers. I'm not even sure BBC offer official shoutcast streams. But in the hour or two I spent listening today on the CA, the bitrate was definitely fluctuating.
As an iOS user, I have no experience of Apt-X Bluetooth, but I find standard Bluetooth quite lacking in fidelity when listening.
To be fair. Unless you're really into music, you probably won't even notice.
The connectivity options offered up by the CA are great in idea, which is why I plumped for it. I'm just wondering now, if I actually need all this connectivity.
It's going to be a toss up between connections and sound quality. Right now, not sure what will win out.
Being able to hookup my PC to the unit via 3.5mm, might seal it!
I've always struggled when pulling content from Apple Music (to my iPhone) and then relaying via Airplay to a "receiver", despite having 3200AC wireless and 80/20 internet, there is occasionally a transfer breakdown.
Gonna give the CA unit the weekend, and see how I get on.
1. Personally I've found the Sonos mesh network implementation to be rock solid. I had a Samsung wireless multiroom system before and it was continually dropping out. Replaced it with Sonos and it hasn't missed a beat. Bluetooth is ok as a back up but I've never found AirPlay to be reliable. Yeah, you can't take Sonos to the beach, but in fairness it was never designed to be used outside the home.
2. Sonos integrates with SmartThings and (according to rumour) will also soon have Amazon Echo integration. Worth considering if you are a smart home user. I use mine as part of an alarm system (plays dogs barking on alarm activation).
3. The Sonos app is actually very good and supports a number of different music streaming services. Plenty of other systems support Spotify connect, but personally I've started to get the hump with the performance of the Spotify app and now use the Sonos app instead.
My advice is to figure out what factors are important to you before taking the plunge on a multiroom system. This CA system will undoubtedly give you more bang for your buck on audio performance, but do consider how it compares in other areas.
Still you live and learn :innocent:
I already have multiroom audio in the way of Raspberry Pi's & Class T amplifiers. However, I have just setup a home office in the box room and was umming and aahing over my options, I'd considered a Bose Mini, Standard Bluetooth speaker, Ceiling speakers, bookshelf speakers and the Sonos. Every room in the house has Kef Ceiling speakers fed by the Pi's & Amps, except the box room. Given this home office setup might not be forever, I for some reason, talked myself out of putting ceilings in and last month I bought a Sonos Play 3 (£249) to sit on the desk. The unit is nice, well built but it took a while for the sound quality to grow on me (not used to two speakers being setup in such close proximity), which it pretty much has now.
I have nothing negative to say about the simplicity to setup the Sonos, or the (potential) mesh that Sonos creates. However, for someone who already has a device agnostic setup, throwing in the Single Sonos unit hasn't really brought much to the table. Other than I can control it via my Home Automation setup (openHAB). Sure, for someone who just wants out of the box simplicity, I cannot argue.
Anyway, last weekend I packed my SP3 in my hand luggage, thinking it would be ideal by the pool, only to find it MUST be connected to a router to function/setup. Nightmare, thats some heavy unit to lug around for no use whatsoever.
Luckily my pal took a UE Wonderboom which for such a small unit, packed a decent enough sound quality for by the pool.
This Cambridge unit has airplay, Bluetooth, analogue in x2 AND Ethernet for internet radio etc. Whilst I've not heard this particular unit, Cambridge usually make good sounding kit.
Given this is £100 less than I paid for my SP3, is have much rather had this.