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Sonos just announced that as of Monday, August 15th, Last.fm is now an ad-free, paid music service. Current users will be able to listen to the service over any Sonos device for free through September 15th. After that, listeners will be prompted to sign up for a subscription which is currently $3.00/month.
Friendly Note: Ordering anything through the links on this site will help pay for the countless hours spent writing and promoting it. Thank you for your support!
Today Sonos introduced its newest digital music system, the PLAY:3. Smaller than the S5, aka PLAY:5, the new player has three built-in speakers each with a dedicated digital amplifier. And just like the S5, you can pair two of them in the same room and have dedicated left and right audio channels.
To make it more versatile than the other models, the PLAY:3 can be positioned vertically or horizontally. The system automatically detects which position it’s in and adjusts the speaker output accordingly. If that’s not cool enough, you can mount it on the wall or under a counter with the optional mounting kit. At just 12″x9.5″x8.5″ and under 8 lbs it will fit almost anywhere.
As with the other Sonos products, the PLAY:3 streams all your favorite internet radio stations, subscription services and personal music collection. Set up works the same as other models, and you control it with the dedicated controller or one of several apps available for Apple or Android.
The PLAY:3 goes on sale today at the following prices: $299 USD, $329 CAD, $419 AUD, 299 EUR, 259 GBP, or 2980 CNY.
Friendly Note: Ordering anything through the links on this site will help pay for the countless hours spent writing and promoting it. Thank you for your support!
If you’ve been shopping for a digital music system for any time at all, you probably noticed the price gap between Sonos ZonePlayers and Logitech Squeezeboxes. And to add insult to injury, Sonos requires one of its systems to be connected directly to your wireless router, which for some may mean purchasing a ZoneBridge.
Well, today is your lucky day! Sonos just announced it is slashing the price of its ZoneBridge in half – down to $49. While even with this price adjustment Sonos models are still more expensive than comparable Logitech ones, it does help to bring down the cost of implementing a Sonos system for your house.
Friendly Note: Ordering anything through the links on this site will help pay for the countless hours spent writing and promoting it. Thank you for your support!
The Sonos ZonePlayer S5 is simply amazing. With 5 independently powered speakers and the built-in 55W per channel amplifier, you can’t get a better system for the price. Even more astounding is you can link two of these babies together in the same room with one as the left channel and the other as the right. How cool is that?
Setup couldn’t be easier, either. Just plug it into your network router (if you don’t own a Sonos ZoneBridge or another ZonePlayer) install the software and your ready to go. In just minutes, you’ll feel like you’re front row at the concert. You can control it from your Android, iPhone, or iPad, too.
Someone who wants a no-fuss portable system that’s great for outdoors.
People wanting big sound and the ability to have left and right audio channels.
Someone who doesn’t mind controlling the system remotely.
Wow, what else can I say about the Sonos ZonePlayer S5? For about $400 you get rich, room-filling sound that rivals more complicated and more expensive audio systems. If you’re looking for a stand-alone digital music system, this is the one to buy.
Here’s what owner K Bizz has to say about the Sonos ZonePlayer S5:
Just hooked up my Sonos S5 and I’m blown away. Here’s why:
INSTALLATION: Simple, simple, simple: I timed the installation and it took less than 12 minutes. It found my iTunes then connected to the internet. Setting up Pandora was just so easy to do.
INITIAL EXPERIENCE: Music came through immediately and the sound is amazing! I really can’t believe it. Sound quality and content are essential for a positive listening experience and Sonos combines both seamlessly. Seriously, the S5 is a life changer!!!
FINAL WORD: Try this product, you won’t be disappointed – it’s worth every cent! Sonos – thank you for the S5!
You must have either your first ZonePlayer or a ZoneBridge physically attached to your wireless router. If your router sits somewhere other than where you want your ZonePlayer, then yes you'll have to buy a ZoneBridge.
Also, there are no on-board controls on any of the ZonePlayers. They must all be controlled remotely. If you use the free application that's available for Mac, PC, iPad, iPod Touch, iPhone or Android, then you don't need a separate controller. If you want a portable controller and don't own an iPod, iPhone or Android, then you'll have to buy the Sonos Controller.
In order to connect your iPod or iPhone to a ZonePlayer you need to have an Apple AirPort Express or a Sonos Wireless Dock.
The Sonos Wireless Dock sends your digital music files wirelessly to ZonePlayers throughout your home—without ever converting to analog like most conventional docks.
Support for compressed MP3, iTunes Plus, WMA (including purchased Windows Media downloads), AAC (MPEG4), Ogg Vorbis, Audible (format 4), Apple Lossless, Flac (lossless) music files, as well as uncompressed WAV and AIFF files.Native support for 44.1kHz sample rates. Additional support for 48kHz, 32kHz, 24kHz, 22kHz, 16kHz, 11kHz, and 8kHz sample rates.Apple "Fairplay", AAC Enhanced and WMA Lossless formats not currently supported. Previously purchased Apple “Fairplay” DRM-protected songs may be upgraded. See Apple for details.
Operating systems (for stored files)
Windows® XP SP2 or higher, Windows Vista™ or Windows 7;Mac OS X v10.4 or higher, including v10.6; NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices supporting CIFS
Internet radio supported
Streaming MP3, WMA
Album art supported
JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF
Playlists supported
iTunes®, Rhapsody, WinAmp®, Windows Media Player®, and MusicMatch™ (.m3u, .pls, .wpl)
Playback modes
Crossfade, shuffle, repeat
Friendly Note: Ordering anything through the links on this site will help pay for the countless hours spent writing and promoting it. Thank you for your support!
If you’ve ever wondered how to get your enormous music collection on your home office computer to play on your stereo system in the living room, the Sonos ZonePlayer 90 is your answer. Besides playing the tunes you already own, you’ll also be able to pipe in all your favorite internet radio services like Sirius, Pandora and Slacker. This thing rocks!
The Sonos 90 has both analog and digital audio outputs to integrate with all of your existing equipment be it a home theater system, a stereo receiver, or simply a pair of powered speakers. Set up takes less than 15 minutes, and the whole system can be controlled by the included remote, or an iPod or iPhone.
This video offers a quick overview of the Sonos ZP 90:
This next video has a great demonstration on how to use the iPhone app to control the ZonePlayer:
People who want to utilze their existing audio or home theater equipment.
People who want a small, stylish player that fits anywhere
Someone who doesn’t mind controlling the device remotely
So, if you’re looking for something to tie together your existing components into one kick-butt, comprehensive music system, the Sonos ZP 90 is for you. It’s stylish, compact, feature rich and delivers outstanding sound quality.
Here’s what one current owner has to say about the Sonos 90:
Darcy T.,
This little system is amazing! The Sonos ZonePlayer 90 is barely 5″ square, but the experience it makes possible is huge. The sound through my home theater system is clear, crisp and rich.
The setup was a little tricky for me, but Sonos’s excellent technical support helped me out in a jiffy. Setting up my music services was easy, too – it took a mere 5 minutes to set up Pandora, Sirius and Rhapsody.
The only con I can think of is the price – it’s a bit pricey. But is it worth it? For me, absolutely yes…the ability to ditch the PC speakers and fill my house with my favorite music is priceless. With that said, the Sonos ZP 90 is easily one of the best tech purchases I’ve ever made.
You must have either your first ZonePlayer or a ZoneBridge physically attached to your wireless router. If your router sits somewhere other than where you want your ZonePlayer, then yes you'll have to buy a ZoneBridge.
Also, there are no on-board controls on any of the ZonePlayers. They must all be controlled remotely. If you use the free application that's available for Mac, PC, iPad, iPod Touch, iPhone or Android, then you don't need a separate controller. If you want a portable controller and don't own an iPod, iPhone or Android, then you'll have to buy the Sonos Controller.
In order to connect your iPod or iPhone to a ZonePlayer you need to have an Apple AirPort Express or a Sonos Wireless Dock.
The Sonos Wireless Dock sends your digital music files wirelessly to ZonePlayers throughout your home—without ever converting to analog like most conventional docks.
Support for compressed MP3, iTunes Plus, WMA (including purchased Windows Media downloads), AAC (MPEG4), Ogg Vorbis, Audible (format 4), Apple Lossless, Flac (lossless) music files, as well as uncompressed WAV and AIFF files.Native support for 44.1kHz sample rates. Additional support for 48kHz, 32kHz, 24kHz, 22kHz, 16kHz, 11kHz, and 8kHz sample rates.Apple "Fairplay", AAC Enhanced and WMA Lossless formats not currently supported. Previously purchased Apple “Fairplay” DRM-protected songs may be upgraded. See Apple for details.
Operating systems (for stored files)
Windows® XP SP2 or higher, Windows Vista™ or Windows 7;Mac OS X v10.4 or higher, including v10.6; NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices supporting CIFS
Internet radio supported
Streaming MP3, WMA
Album art supported
JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF
Playlists supported
iTunes®, Rhapsody, WinAmp®, Windows Media Player®, and MusicMatch™ (.m3u, .pls, .wpl)
Playback modes
Crossfade, shuffle, repeat
Friendly Note: Ordering anything through the links on this site will help pay for the countless hours spent writing and promoting it. Thank you for your support!
If you’re looking for state-of-the-art audio for your whole house, the Sonos 120 is the system for you. The digital amplifier delivers 55W per channel of professional quality sound through your favorite speakers. In just minutes, you’ll be listening to iTunes, Pandora, Sirius and countless other internet radio stations.
You can control your ZonePlayer wirelessly from anywhere in your house through your smart phone, iPod, iPad, PC or Sonos 120 dedicated controller. You can also add up to 32 more systems for high fidelity sound anywhere and everywhere. The coolest feature of all is everyone can be listening to different music at the same time.
Here’s a couple videos for more information about the ZP120. The first one gives a quick overview and the second a more detailed demo.
Stream music from the internet or play your iTunes from any computer
Wireless control with free apps for smart phones, Apple products and computers
Simple setup and wireless expandability to play different songs in different rooms
Free software updates
The Good
Superb sound quality
It has a built-in amplifier
You can control it from your iPhone Touch or Android smart phone
The Bad
That $499 price tag – but this is a top-of-the-line system that compares extremely well to high-end component stereos
You may need to buy a ZoneBridge depending on your router’s location
Who is the Sonos ZP120 for?
People who must have the best of the best regardless of price
Someone who wants professional-quality sound in a compact system
People who need big sound to fill a big space
So is the Sonos ZP 120 worth the price? Well, when you combine the ease of setup with the superior sound quality, expansion possibilities, and other features, it’s easy to see that it is.
Here is what one current owner has to say about the Sonos 120:
Alan B.,
The SONOS 120 changed our lives. My wife thought I was crazy installing it, but has since told me on several occasions that she really loves having music in the house. The kids love it too. We now spend more time with the TV off’ and instead play music.
Here’s why I like it. 1) It’s very easy to set up. 2) It’s easy to use, even for my young children. 3) The touchscreen controller is easy to navigate. 4) Expanding the system with more ZonePlayers is a snap. 5) Accessing music whether on my computer or on the internet is effortless.
I simply can’t say enough about the Sonos ZP 120. It has surpassed my expectations.
You must have either your first ZonePlayer or a ZoneBridge physically attached to your wireless router. If your router sits somewhere other than where you want your ZonePlayer, then yes you'll have to buy a ZoneBridge.
Also, there are no on-board controls on any of the ZonePlayers. They must all be controlled remotely. If you use the free application that's available for Mac, PC, iPad, iPod Touch, iPhone or Android, then you don't need a separate controller. If you want a portable controller and don't own an iPod, iPhone or Android, then you'll have to buy the Sonos Controller.
In order to connect your iPod or iPhone to a ZonePlayer you need to have an Apple AirPort Express or a Sonos Wireless Dock.
The Sonos Wireless Dock sends your digital music files wirelessly to ZonePlayers throughout your home—without ever converting to analog like most conventional docks.
Support for compressed MP3, iTunes Plus, WMA (including purchased Windows Media downloads), AAC (MPEG4), Ogg Vorbis, Audible (format 4), Apple Lossless, Flac (lossless) music files, as well as uncompressed WAV and AIFF files.Native support for 44.1kHz sample rates. Additional support for 48kHz, 32kHz, 24kHz, 22kHz, 16kHz, 11kHz, and 8kHz sample rates.Apple "Fairplay", AAC Enhanced and WMA Lossless formats not currently supported. Previously purchased Apple “Fairplay” DRM-protected songs may be upgraded. See Apple for details.
Operating systems (for stored files)
Windows® XP SP2 or higher, Windows Vista™ or Windows 7;Mac OS X v10.4 or higher, including v10.6; NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices supporting CIFS
Internet radio supported
Streaming MP3, WMA
Album art supported
JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF
Playlists supported
iTunes®, Rhapsody, WinAmp®, Windows Media Player®, and MusicMatch™ (.m3u, .pls, .wpl)
Playback modes
Crossfade, shuffle, repeat
Friendly Note: Ordering anything through the links on this site will help pay for the countless hours spent writing and promoting it. Thank you for your support!