Bluesound is an option.  Their system also does share indexing like Sonos.  I don’t know if Bluesound is also no longer using SMBv1.  I have a Bluesound Pulse that shares the library in my Bryston BDP-2.  I’ve had it set up that way for many years now.  Don’t know the com protocol used for that share.  What disappoints me about Bluesound is share discovery was removed or at least at this time it does not work here.  What was cool about share discovery was when you chose Add Shares the BluOS app would display all shares it could find on your network.  Then you just pick the ones you want and they get indexed.  Very user friendly.  Now it seems to be missing.  Lesson is all systems make changes that may not make all people happy.

Framework for Evaluating Sonos Competitors:

Sonos systems are fundamentally multi-room audio streaming solutions that allow seamless audio control across various rooms through a network-based setup. To be considered a true competitor to Sonos, a product or system should offer similar capabilities, including Wi-Fi-based streaming, multi-room synchronization, app-based control, and integration with a range of streaming services. It could also support more advanced functionalities like home theater integration with dedicated soundbars, subwoofers, and surround speakers.

Many Bluetooth speakers exist that only allow basic wireless casting from a mobile device. There are also systems from companies like KEF, Bowers & Wilkins, Bang & Olufsen, and Naim Audio that offer wireless Wi-Fi streaming capabilities but do not support whole-house, multi-room audio solutions like Sonos. If we exclude these limited offerings, the list of "true competitors" would include:

Major Competitors to Sonos and Their Functional Gaps:

• Bluesound:

  • What It Lacks: Some say less intuitive setup than Sonos. It does provide a dedicated device, the Bluesound Node N130, that connects directly to existing Hi-Fi systems.

• Apple HomePod 2:

  • What It Lacks: No dedicated soundbar or home theater system. Limited to Apple's ecosystem, with restricted support for third-party services like Spotify and Tidal. Siri lacks full functionality with certain services. No dedicated device for connecting to existing Hi-Fi systems.

• Amazon Echo Studio:

  • What It Lacks: No dedicated soundbar for home theater; relies on multiple Echo Studio speakers to create a surround sound setup, which may not match the immersive experience of a soundbar-based system. Limited integration with third-party devices. Does not offer a dedicated device for connecting to existing Hi-Fi systems.

• Google Nest Audio:

  • What It Lacks: No dedicated soundbar or specialized home theater products. Primarily designed for single-room or grouped speaker use, not for comprehensive home cinema setups. No option to directly connect to an existing Hi-Fi system.

• Bose Smart Speaker Series:

  • What It Lacks: While it offers soundbars and surround speakers, Bose’s ecosystem is less flexible and more closed compared to Sonos, with fewer third-party integration options and a less unified app experience. Limited options for devices that directly connect to existing Hi-Fi systems, although some Bose components (like the Bose SoundTouch Wireless Link Adapter) offer basic connectivity.

• Denon HEOS Multi-Room System:

  • What It Lacks: Some say less intuitive user experience and more complex setup compared to Sonos. While it offers a soundbar, it lacks the ease of use and widespread adoption of Sonos products for casual users. Does not provide a dedicated device for direct connection to existing Hi-Fi systems.

Moderator edit: Post is likely AI generated