Skip to main content
AXB8152
Contributor I
March 16, 2022

Alternative Software to Control SONOS

  • March 16, 2022
  • 12 replies
  • 4629 views

I’ve had my SONOS setup for a number of years.  Hell, I’ve even enrolled on the beta test programme (I wouldn’t bother if I were you...you don’t get anything back from SONOS other than so many questions and video “proof” of the issues one has with the software!  Even though I am retired I am having to spend HOURS of my time trying to get the bugs and limitations of the software ironed out...all for no reward!  

My biggest issue is that the software seems incapable of coping with the volume of my music library (stored on a local NAS Drive/Server.  

It can’t search more than 66,000 tracks, and causes all sorts of issues if I try and add another music library (for my classical collection, stored on a different network share!).  

I realise this is all trying to direct me towards utilising a streaming service, but I have amassed my music collection over 40 years, so don’t see why I should pay a monthly subscription to have access to music, which I already own!  

Is anyone aware of software which I can use which will cope with my large music collection on a networked drive?  I see from previous threads there is an Apple Product, but I don’t own any Apple hardware, so either Windows 10/11-based, or Android.  

There have been a few threads discussing the same in the past, which then seem to be fairly quickly stifled by SONOS...probably recognising the large element of truth in the criticism of the SONOS  Controller Software.  

Oh...and another thing...Don’t say you have integration with Alexa (on the “One” Speaker, when it doesn't support even the simplest communication integrations, e.g. “Drop-in”.  

 

    This topic has been closed for further comments. You can use the search bar to find a similar topic, or create a new one by clicking Create Topic at the top of the page.

    12 replies

    Show previous replies
    buzz
    buzz
    Grand Maestro
    March 16, 2022

    A relatively easy management scheme could revolve around separate seasonal shares. For example Christmas music could be excluded most of the time.

      jgatie
      jgatie
      March 16, 2022

      Agreed that there are probably not that many users who need to have over 65,000 tracks indexed, but at the very least SONOS should offer a supported workaround, or even recommend software which can cater for large local music libraries.  Given there is the option to add a music library from a NAS, surely it would not be beyond the bounds of impossibility for SONOS to access queues, playlists and the music library directly from these local NAS boxes?  

      I realise it is not a “modern” way to consume music, i.e. from files on a NAS, but I don’t want to have to pay a subscription service to consume music I already own.

       

      The workaround is Plex. 

        Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement