Opinions on Bluesound vs Sonos.

As you have found software is key for any sort of streaming or whole house audio. I used to have Sonos, sold it and never looked back. 
 

I use a Node to do all my streaming either from local files or internet. I use an external DAC and separates like any regular mid to high end stereo. I am not a fan of the Sonos amps as they are way overpriced but are convenient. 
 

It is easy to use any amp you want from the Node and another option here (different software) is the Wiim Amp which can prob drive the speakers as well or better than the Sonos amp and is a streamer too. I have no other bluesound products as many brands can easily be used with the Node. 
 

FWIW, you can run your existing Sonos speakers with JRiver software. The Sonos speakers are renderers or endpoints, I forget and JRiver sees them. Since JRiver sees them you can play thru them. Gapless playback is not reliable tho. JRiver software is pretty good and there is an iOS version (App Store) which I used to use to control the speakers.
 

The bluesound software I like and is generally found to be easy to use. I have not used the software the Wiim user do tho. And as you know Sonos has blown two major software releases in the last few years.

Thanks.

One of the purposes that the Sonos Amp serves is that it is incredibly discrete. One unit. Easy to hide. This is important because those are the terms set by my wife to put the speakers in our fairly formal living room. So I would prefer single unit discreteness and single unit simplicity.

The Bluesound Powernode is $950. The Sonos Amp is $700 and claims to be 4 ohm stable and 250 watts at 4 ohms (which is unlikely) but still a lot more than the potential 160 watts into 4 ohms of the Powernode.

The Bluesound Node is $500 and I could pair it with a small amp like a PS Audio Sprout or a Peachtree Audio GaN1 (they bundle it with a Node for $1700) or maybe something from Schiit. But that's going to put the total way over the Sonos Amp and over the Powernode as well.

I may start a separate thread about people's experience with the Powernode.

Question- does anyone know if the Node will power-on or wake up an attached amp so that no remote is needed?

After doing a little research I do not think the Powernode is an option for me. It very well may be a better amp than the Sonos Amp for the types of speakers the Powernode is intended to drive.

However, Bluesound have not (and apparently will not) release specs regarding the ability or capability of the Powernode to drive 4 ohm speakers.

So if I go with Bluesound it will have to be with a Node and a separate amp.

I think you are missing out on a lot driving those speakers with Sonos or Bluesound amps. Stick with Sonos if you like it, they will fix their problems. I suggest using a Sonos Port connected to a decent integrated that does well at 4 ohms. 
 

That said, I have Sonos all over my house, but removed it from my main system after I tried a different streamer and realized I could do a lot better. 

@zlone I don't plan on sticking with Sonos. Too many problems for too many years. This current issue has been going on for two months and Sonos has made no commitment to fix it. That kind of disregard for their customers is the last straw.

My plans to switch could certainly fall through though. Starting over is a pain in the behind. I could get lazy.

But the Sonos system was primarily for my wife and she has less patience than I do with clunky, complicated and unreliable apps/software. She wants to push a button and hear music wherever she is.....and that IS the promise of Sonos. It just isn't the reality. She has had so many issues with the app. And to be clear...its not us...its them. The Sonos boards resonate with discontent regarding these common and ongoing issue as well as their disregard for customers.

Anyway, I've posted on this before but the Sonos Amp is better than most people are willing to give it credit for. I compared it with a beefy Bryston amp (which was huge and ugly and not permitted to stay in the living room). It was better to be sure. But not in a way that was meaningful to me. I am completely satisfied with the Sonos Amp as a component that fits a need...even with these speakers.

I have less confidence in the Bluesound amp and am not compelled to give it a try so I will be taking your advice to get a separate amp if/when I finally divest myself of Sonos.

@n80 Understood. I do not use the Sonos that much, but my wife does, and the complaints have been numerous. An amazing blunder for such a successful company and product.

Don’t touch Sonos with a ten foot pole…they recently bricked my system and 1000s of others in a half-assed “courageous “ update intended to support another, future product….

They, including the CIO, are outright lying about the current state of their product’s impairment (sound familiar? ; )  

Funny too…just read a financial article saying BUY BUY BUY Sonos stock…all while the comments sections are full of their livid customer base, saying their systems are non-functional…and there’s no realistic hope of their issues being addressed and that the stock’s probably not a good buy, after all 🤣🤣🤣🤣

I have two Moves and a Port…I loved them..the upgrade basically made them paperweights. Never ever again will I purchase Sonos equipment…and the truth is….there are thousands that have been hit harder than me…I still have my main separate system and music library. There are people that have spent tens of thousands filling their house with Sonos equipment…that are out of commission…just so the company can sell headphones nobody will want!

OP - The Node has a trigger out that I use to wake up my Crown amp so you're good to go.

If it's within budget, I would use a regular, non powered, Node in front of a new integrated amp (best option) or use the preamp out of the node into a separate amp (more economical than a full integrated amp)  to power your tower speakers.  The performance gain in your towers will be substantial vs. driving them with a power node.  The power node is really designed to drive architectural in wall speakers.  Good luck and cheers.

Not sure what your budget is but if I went to a one box solution I'd take a hard look at Hegel. Specs say they will drive speakers down to 2ohms.

I have an extensive Sonos system that I use for casual listening using ROON as a front end. Works well for me, but would be a bit of a learning curve.

I don’t have any experience with Sonos. I did use the Bluesound Node and Vault for years but I moved on because ultimately my units kept getting hung up during the very frequent Bluesound updates.

What is your actual budget? I get that you want to save space but I strongly recommend separates. If a software update winds up bricking your streamer, then at least you have a useable amp. I believe you have already had that experience.

Get a small integrated Class D Amp that will drive your speakers nd get a small streamer, either the Node or from once you determine your budget

@mahler123 That does not sound encouraging about the Bluesound updates. That is one of the primary issues with Sonos!

I do plan on getting a separate amp with the Node if I go with Bluesound.

Would love to know if Bluesound is any better than Sonos in terms of reliable function.

I'm not sure about budget yet. I'd have to gauge what I can get from selling the Sonos gear.

My dealer is a Bluesound rep and he denies seeing any issues such as I described.  It’s been about 5 years since I owned Bluesound and perhaps they have their product improved, but having had about $1500 lost to this issue I won’t be going there again.

  I have 2 Cambridge Audio CXN streamers that have worked flawlessly.  They have just upgraded their DAC and the app is very good.  Pair it with a small but potent integrated Class D amp and you would be set.