Contributor II

Bluesound vs Sonos?

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I have read all the threads on here on this topic but does anyone have up-to-date experience with comparing the latest equipment and software.

I own neither so far, but what has caught my eye is a NAD AV amp which has BlueSound OS built in. This level of integration appeals to me. Most importantly, it solves my worry about the virtual centre channel in a 5.1 Sonos home cinema system using two Sonos Amps (subject of a separate post). Because of this and not wanting a soundbar, I have decided to replace my current AV Amp, initially planning on using the Sonos Port to deliver streamed music, when I came across the Bluesound based NAD alternative.

The Bluesound amps (Power Node or PowerNode Edge) both also have a line level output - allowing it to drive a pair of speakers and give an input to an existing stereo. Sonos Amp doesn’t seem to have this.

The Bluetooth app seems equally good to me, maybe it has been updated since I saw it heavily slated on here (5 years ago). I can wire most of my multi-room nodes using the ethernet.

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Belly M

Engage crystal ball for future predictions…

I predict that in future blueos will only exist in OEM format, in other brand devices, ie they will not be making their own amplifiers. Otherwise there is a conflict of interest, they are competing with their hardware partners?

They are indeed competing, but also with their sister company NAD. Quite distinct though as Bluesound is marketed at the lower end, they have professional products for integration. NAD have more feature rich (screens for artwork etc.) and Home Cinema along with loads more watts in the M series. A few Hi-Fi brands now have BluOS integration but they are more akin to the NAD offerings.