Would You Buy an Ampless w/Digital Out "Zone Player Pro"

Two Types:
A standard audio size rack mountable with multiple analog and multiple digital inputs (optical & coax), digital out (again optical & coax), variable analog out, fixed analog out with level trim, 4-port Ethernet switch, IR blaster out, and optional external antenna. Price $499.00 - $599.00.

A small form factor very similar to an AirPort Express with one analog output (variable or fixed), one digital output (optical), and one Ethernet port. Price $150.00

I like this plan better. Thank UR.

--Mark.

I would definitely consder purchasing an ampless zone player - would love to see one add'l feature - the ability for the zone player to turn on and off the external amp - could be as simple as a 110V switched outlet

I like this plan better. Thank UR.

--Mark.

I don't disagree. The reason behind the description of the "Zone Player Pro" is because that was the most common I saw through the various threads.

Sonos is a young company and a complete redesign of the only product they have doesn't seem to make sense. Again, had they released the Zone Player with a Digital Output, I think this whole discussion would not be so prevalent throughout the forum.

Taking the guts of the existing product minus the amp, adding the digital output, and putting it in a new case seems the easiest route to not upset the apple cart.

Just my thoughts, and as this is all conjecture anyway, it really doesn't mean anything other than a wishful thinker trying to rationalize something I have no control over anyway. It just really bothers me how good the Sonos System is, yet I have to look at another solution to add to my Auio/HT rack when the options that have been discussed seem so logical. Ranting again... Sorry.

Phil C.

[b]EDIT: Sales totals removed as they are not relevant to the poll.[/b]

I would definitely buy one but I can only wait so long.

It's not like the ZP is totally useless in its current configuration. Thousands of us use them every day without needing digital outputs and are quite happy. The point being, while not the optimal configuration, the ZP in its current form can be adapted to almost all of the audio systems out there.

If one really likes the Sonos DMS, I can't see not having digital out, having an amp, or not fitting in a rack being that big a deal to keep from purchasing one. Go ahead and buy one and start enjoying it. Say in a year or so if or when a new 'Pro" ZP is released, buy that and either move the old ZP to another location or sell it.

Just my $0.02.

UR

Good points Uncle Robin. I purchased one Zone Player and the Controller to serve my outdoor deck area. We used it all summer without a hitch and enjoyed it very much. Like I keep saying, it is a great product.

In its current form, it is definitely not optimized for use in the Audio/HT Rack. Can you though, most definitely. Is it the best option available, not according to the tests I did.

I used the analog outs and fed my Rotel Pre-Pro and was not impressed. It sounded better when I used Analog Bypass so the pre-pro did not digitize the signal coming in and I was using the DAC's in the Sonos. I compared it to my PC outputting via WMP 10 using S/PDIF playing the same files as the Sonos using the Analog and the difference was night and day. The digital out of my PC via S/PDIF into the pre-pro won hands down. I compared it to my Sony CX455 400 Disc CD Changer which is also connected to my Rotel Pre-Pro via Toslink and the CD player won hands down also. I also compared the PC playing a file to the Sony CD Player playing the same track via a the original CD and I and several people had a hard time telling which was which. With the Sonos via Analog out, it was very easy to tell.

Phil C.

I love Sonons remote interface. I have played with it and think it’s the best thing out there. But, after much thought I won't be buying one, and sadly I discourage the people in my office who seek my advice from getting one. We went with a different product for our conference room and war room. The system just doesn't "play well with others". The variable line out doesn't integrate well with existing audio systems. I really like the remotes form factor, I could even use the amped version in several rooms in my home where I don't have complete systems, but I do not want to deploy multiple streaming media systems in my home so that I can efficiently integrate with my current audio systems. I think your customers and potential customers are screaming to you in a unified voice that they want a product with a digital output and a form factor that will fit in with their existing audio systems. Your remote's GUI and its multizone ease of use are your real selling points, and while you argue with your customers that they don't need digital outs, one of your competitors with something as simple as digital outs is going to develop an easy to use remote and leave you catching up. The meter is running and if you provide it first, I will buy your system for my home and recommend it virally, if you don't I will buy it from whoever first gives me what you have plus what I and your other potential customers want. I respect the fact that you developed the first easy to use system so I would like to see you continue to try to meet the desires of your customers. If you do so, I would be happy to purchase some, buy in to your system and facilitate your company’s success. Good luck.

the forum administrators here seem almost hostile to the customers and potential purchasers pleas for digital and fixed line level outputs.

Hostile? Examples please.

I've found SONOS to be extremely responsive to customer requests and continue to expect them to do so. Remember, this is a start-up company and I'm thrilled with their initial product lineup and am looking for greather things to come.

MaxwellHaus,

None of this was meant to be combative. I do feel your frustration as I think almost everyone here does, but lets not take it out on the Forum moderators.

I think/hope Sonos knows that we all want this and want it badly. Within our finite community currently over 86% of voters have said yes to purchasing an Ampless w/Digital Out Version of the Zone Player. This poll has bolstered our request further.

I wish Sonos would consider sending out an email to all registered users asking this same poll question so that they could really see the amount of interest and the amount of increased sales that would result.

Again, just the thoughts and ramblings of a happy wishful thinking Sonos owner.

Phil C.

[b]EDIT: Sales totals removed as they are not relevant to the poll.[/b]

I would buy one hands down as well, especially since a couple of jobs I've used these on has needed an external amp anyway because the Sonos power was simply not enough. It would be nice to have a non-heat generating component to go with the external power amp. These lil' ZP100s get HOT...even when not powering speakers.

Also (and I'm not sure whether this is the time and/or place) but I have practically begged Sonos Tech & my sales/tech rep for SOME way to talk to Sonos outside of their CR100 interface- i.e.- IR commands, RS232 protocol or even easier for Sonos to do- an IP protocol (there has to be one in place already for the desktop software). If I bought one of these units for my home theater (which I WOULD in a heartbeat) I'd be livid if i had to put down my nice AMX remote, MX3000 or (*insert fav remote here*) just to track up or track down on the Sonos unit, the pick back up the remote for the rest of my components to adjust volume, etc. Even the best planned playlist has a song you want to skip sometimes...and songs that are louder or quiter than others.

Just my $.02...

Oh...and I forgot to mention, just so you know...Sonos definitely listens. I was directed to this thread by an email from Sonos...very encouraging!