Sooloos vs. Sonos


I would like to move my CD’s out of my living room and onto my hard drive. My desktop HP is in the same room as the stereo, but they are on opposite walls. I can’t wire them directly to each other, but they are both next to ethernet ports. Components are: B&W 804 speakers, Musical Fidelity integrated amp, Rega Planet CD player (to be replaced).

Several retailers I spoke to in NYC recommended Sooloos. I agree the interface is great, but I don’t want an extra monitor in my living room – would prefer to control use the PC to search, select and play. That said, recommendations boiled down to:

1) Sooloos Ensemble (hard drive unit) – input from ethernet port, output to integrated amp; control it from the PC; cost = $4500

2) Sonos Zone Player 90 – input from Ethernet port, output to DAC (Sim Audio 300D?); DAC into integrated amp; with Sonos Bridge connected to PC, ethernet; control all from PC; cost = $2050

I prefer #2 because of cost and its modular approach. I could also use the Sonos to run music to another room with a mini-system. Can I get the same quality, reliability as with the Sooloos? Also: do I need a re-clocker (Pace Car?) with the Sonos, as I’ve read on the forum?

Your help will be appreciated?
128x128wsomers
The touch is easilly the best and way lowest cost. Add iPad as a remote and it is an amazing interface and server. Only limited by the dac you use.
Another alternative that fits your budget, existing wiring, and desire to use the computer for storage and control would be the Linn Akurate DS ... also a solution where the sound quality is minimally dependent on computer setup, DAC jitter rejection, etc. There are also many wireless handhelds (i.e. iPod touch, iPad) for control.
All you need is SB Touch (modded to Linear Power Supply), a good DAC, and DBPoweramp ($30) to create FLAC's from CD's.

I have beed using the SB Classic for about 5 years. The original software version was a little problematic but the SB's guys have been regularly updating the software and nowadays it is fairly reliable.

I am a software developer and the bugs I encountered in the past I was able to find solutions for. I think a non-techie may have found it more difficult than me. The most recent updates have been very good and I have had to do minimal diagnostics.

For the low cost of SB Touch I think it is a no-brainer (even in stock form).

BTW - MOG.com is coming to SB in September.