Recommend a CR200 replacement please


Userlevel 2
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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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39 replies

Userlevel 1
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Grrr. Another CR200 screen starting to fail here...

As it's been a while since the last answer to this question and (don't laugh) I have never owned an Android tablet, what are peoples opinions about the current best options for a good CR200 replacement?

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

ps Just like the OP, for me it needs to have a cradle/charging dock, not a cable.
Userlevel 5
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I have been using a
Vizio XR6M10 Smartcast Tablet Remote - 6-inch LCD Display - 8 GB - Android 5.1

Vizio had the idea to replace streaming apps, etc on their TVS with this device. I happened to purchase a Vizio TV while they were shipping this as the remote. The idea wasn't successful and they are now in the process of moving back to regular hard remotes.
But I found it very useful as my Sonos interface and other Smart Home Apps for say lighting.

It has wireless charging and comes with the wireless charging stand. So perfect for not having to plug things in as you pick it up/down!

Because it is not really being sold its a little tougher to find sources based upon refurbished, new, etc.

I found some on Ebay just yesterday and got three with shipping for 195$.

I was looking at some of the tablets, but the convenience of wireless charging tablets was confusing to determine what to get. I saw some Black Friday deals for some tablets regularly 50 for 35. But then having to figure out wireless charging needs, etc I just went with what I knew worked.

The Visio stand is upright so makes a nice viewing station.
Userlevel 6
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I have been using a
Vizio XR6M10 Smartcast Tablet Remote - 6-inch LCD Display - 8 GB - Android 5.1


Interesting! So do they have play store access then, can they boot straight to Sonos
Userlevel 5
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[/quote]Interesting! So do they have play store access then, can they boot straight to Sonos[/quote]

Yes they have Playstore. Basically straight Android. I haven't done any fancy booting, etc since I use it for a few apps (Sonos, Lutron, Leviton) But since it is basic android, I am sure you can. I have installed Macronis on it also.
Userlevel 6
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Be aware that the Sonos app is no longer optimised for tablets and other large format devices. It used to be —- used to look fantastic on my IPad. Now it just looks the iPhone, just bigger. Just bear this in mind when choosing how much to spend on a tablet as in this case bigger isn’t necessarily better.

Andrew
Userlevel 6
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Yes they have Playstore. Basically straight Android. I haven't done any fancy booting, etc since I use it for a few apps (Sonos, Lutron, Leviton) But since it is basic android, I am sure you can. I have installed Macronis on it also.


Thanks! I see there's also a P version which has Android 6.
Userlevel 5
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Yes they have Playstore. Basically straight Android. I haven't done any fancy booting, etc since I use it for a few apps (Sonos, Lutron, Leviton) But since it is basic android, I am sure you can. I have installed Macronis on it also.


Thanks! I see there's also a P version which has Android 6.


Yes, the P version also has 16Gb ram as to the 8Gb on the M Version. I could never find many available P Versions.
Userlevel 1
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I have been using a
Vizio XR6M10 Smartcast Tablet Remote - 6-inch LCD Display - 8 GB - Android 5.1
.


Looks ideal, shame it not available in the UK without some heavy shipping/import costs!
Thanks for sharing though.
Userlevel 6
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I have been using a
Vizio XR6M10 Smartcast Tablet Remote - 6-inch LCD Display - 8 GB - Android 5.1



Took the plunge and managed to get a Vizio XR6P10 new for £65 from Canada to UK, might be a bit more if I have to pay import duty. Hopefully it will replace my CR200 which will no doubt be unsupported in the near future.
Userlevel 6
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I have been using a
Vizio XR6M10 Smartcast Tablet Remote - 6-inch LCD Display - 8 GB - Android 5.1


Hi, did the XR6M10 get the Android 6.0 update?

I've just got my XR6P10 delivered and it's brilliant! I want another but can only find XR6M10's for a reasonable price. I'm not bothered about the extra storage space but I would prefer Android 6.0 for longevity of Sonos updates.
Userlevel 7
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... the CR100 with its hard buttons is still the best way to control a Sonos system.

Indeed!!
Userlevel 5
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I have been using a
Vizio XR6M10 Smartcast Tablet Remote - 6-inch LCD Display - 8 GB - Android 5.1


Hi, did the XR6M10 get the Android 6.0 update?

I've just got my XR6P10 delivered and it's brilliant! I want another but can only find XR6M10's for a reasonable price. I'm not bothered about the extra storage space but I would prefer Android 6.0 for longevity of Sonos updates.


Not sure, I am traveling for business but will be headed home tomorrow and will check.

I've got 4 of them scattered about the house.
Userlevel 6
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Not sure, I am traveling for business but will be headed home tomorrow and will check.

I've got 4 of them scattered about the house.


Hi, did you manage to check the Android version?
Userlevel 6
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Old vs new