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Recommend a CR200 replacement please

Forum|Forum|11 years ago
July 30, 2015
39 replies
5176 views

I have 2 x CR200s and find them wonderfully easy to use, and so convenient as they just sit in their cradles. I have of course had a replacement unit due to touchscreen failure, and now the second one has developed a dead spot. Sonos will replace this for £70 which isn't too bad, but with the removal of so many functions in 5.4 (particularly EQ - what were they thinking?) I'm wondering about a different solution. I know you can dedicate an Android phone or small tablet to Sonos and even apparently connect it to Sonosnet rather than wifi. But what I really like is the ability to leave the controller in a charging cradle, and with the interface already open, so it's always ready to use. In other words, not having to leave it connected to a cable, and not having to open an app before you can use it. So here's my question, can anyone recommend a device that will work this way?
1. It needs a cradle/charging dock, not a cable.
2. Preferably small - a phone or tablet no bigger than 7" screen
3. How do I connect to Sonosnet rather than wifi?
4. How do I make it work immediately by having the Sonos app open and ready to use as soon as the device is picked up?

I suspect a lot of people with CR200s would like the same answers!

Thanks, Nigel
Connect, Connect Amp, Play 5, 2x CR200s and a mixture of legacy high end audio going back to the 70s!

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ratty

I've re-purposed an earlier Google/ASUS Nexus 7 (2012 model) as a controller. It's updated itself to the latest Android v5 (as do Google branded devices automatically).

1. It needs a cradle, not a cable.

Yes. ASUS supply a landscape mode cradle for the N7 (2012). It has charging contacts, which also send the tablet to sleep when it's replaced in the cradle.

2. Preferably small - a phone or tablet no bigger than 7" screen

Yes. It's 7".

3. How do I connect to Sonosnet rather than wifi?

You'd simply enable SonosNet connection in the controller app's Advanced Settings, then go to the tablet's WiFi settings and select the Sonos SSID.

4. How do I make it work immediately by having the Sonos app open as soon as the device is picked up?

I enabled a screen lock, 'daydream' (with a clock display) and 'screen pinning' in Android v5. This puts the tablet into kiosk mode. It wakes when touched.

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BigN

Enthusiast I

Nigel I will also be interested in user recommendations, as there will come a day when Sonos will no longer support the CR200. I expected my 4th replacement to arrive today, although UPS tracking data now shows a delay. Like yourself I find the CONTROL (to give it its Sunday name) is simple and easy to use. The recent 5.4 functions loss has not affected me much. I tend to use the Desktop Controller for updates etc, and also my iPad gets daily use for Sonos too.

But always good to have a Plan B, and I would also probably opt for a SonosNet connected alternative, c/w charging cradle, if such a beast exists.

I am fairly optimistic there is a good option out there, but while I could take a stab at answering your #3 & #4 questions, this forum has users much better qualified than I to do so.

SONOS rules! 8 Zones and counting!

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TJRL

Renowned Enthusiast II

Faced with the same dilemma we went to eBay and purchased a number of "near new" CR100s. I know they were discontinued before the CR200, do not have touch screens and are well outside any warranty or Sonos repair provision. But as the "weapon of choice" for controlling a Sonos system they are just the best thing about (IMHO). 😃

7x CR100, 2x CR200, 5x SP100, 1x ZP80, 7x ZP100, 1x iPod Dock, 1x Boost, 4x Play 1, 3x Play 3, 2x Play 5, 1x PlayBar & 1x Sub.

jgatie

Note that Android tablets also have a "Keep screen on while charging" mode that keeps the screen on, but dimmed, in a charging cradle. You have to enable Developer Options; go to Settings->About and tap the "Build Number" field seven consecutive times. You will then see a menu for "Developer Options" in the main settings. Keep the Sonos app on at all times (by pinning or a Kiosk mode app) and you have instant access when you remove from the cradle or tap the screen.

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upstatemike

The 2012 Nexus 7 is a pretty good alternative to a CR200 but the CR100 with its hard buttons is still the best way to control a Sonos system.

Local music library with carefully constructed playlists - no shuffling!, Integration with Homeseer Automation, No touch screen devices, No streaming services, No Apple products ever

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timjn

Avid Contributor I

I use a Nexus 7 (2013) as replacement for the CR200.

It has built in wireless charging so you can leave it ona a on a Wireless Charging base or dock (I use the Nexus wireless Charger) to charge and pick it up at required without having to plug or unplug any wires.

You can also use a target home launcher app and configure it to launch the Sonos app instead of the home launcher when you tap the Home button, this makes it more like a Sonos remote as you launch the Sonos app automatically each time you press the Home button rather than having to use Android to open the default launcher and then open the Sonos App.

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timjn

Avid Contributor I

For point 4 you can turn off the lock screen and security pin so that you pick up the tablet with the Sonos app already open and then is no need to swipe the screen or tap in a pin code to unlock it

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nputtickAuthor

Trending Lyricist I

Thanks for the suggestions - timjn particularly. I can get a refurb 2013 nexus 7 for about £80, so will follow up soon!

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BigN

Enthusiast I

I still use my single CR100, but recognise its limitations. Obviously the CR200 has had a difficult history, particularly with the touch screen fails, a recurrent fault. One of my five has now been replaced at least twice! With the suggested alternative controller options posited by users responding to this topic, it is easy to understand Sonos' decision to get out of controller hardware, and just offer the free apps. Works for me!

SONOS rules! 8 Zones and counting!

Barry CE

Retired Sonos Staff

Just to add something extra in here guys.

If you want an iOS/Android device to be a real, dedicated controller, be sure to read into Guided Access (iOS) and Screen Pinning (Android).

Just a note, I use screen pinning on the Nexus 7 (2012) WiFi, since it does support lollipop, which is required for Screen Pinning.

Check out this FAQ if you are ever interested in having this : CLICKY!

I work for Sonos but the views expressed here are provided at my own time and leisure.

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