Why Can't I listen to my music through my Computer?
Userlevel 1
My only disappointment with the Sonos system is a big one: why can't I listen to the music playing on the Sonos system through my computer? is there a way to do this???
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Then I apologize. This observation did not apply to you and I'm glad your Connect could be put to use. However, my observation was based on a very long, contentious thread from which anyone would contend that the number 1 reason for requesting a PC based Zone is people want a cheap way of subverting the need to buy Sonos hardware.
Userlevel 2
Well i can say i got this working by the following setuo,
Single ZP120 in back bedroom connected to an amp with speakers into the backbedroom and bathroom.
the line out was then run in to the bedroom pc 10 meter length this will then play though the computer speakers.
so essentaill each can be tuned off by switching the amp or speakers off
one thing to note is when i first set this up the audio on the pc was having a slight delay after a bit of searching it turned out that the built in drivers for the soundcard on the pc were being used, and processed by windows, to get past this just install the native drivers for the sound card , and change setting in the control panel for line in and all should work without problems.
Single ZP120 in back bedroom connected to an amp with speakers into the backbedroom and bathroom.
the line out was then run in to the bedroom pc 10 meter length this will then play though the computer speakers.
so essentaill each can be tuned off by switching the amp or speakers off
one thing to note is when i first set this up the audio on the pc was having a slight delay after a bit of searching it turned out that the built in drivers for the soundcard on the pc were being used, and processed by windows, to get past this just install the native drivers for the sound card , and change setting in the control panel for line in and all should work without problems.
Single ZP120 in back bedroom connected to an amp with speakers into the backbedroom and bathroom.
the line out was then run in to the bedroom pc 10 meter length this will then play though the computer speakers.
so essentaill each can be tuned off by switching the amp or speakers off
one thing to note is when i first set this up the audio on the pc was having a slight delay after a bit of searching it turned out that the built in drivers for the soundcard on the pc were being used, and processed by windows, to get past this just install the native drivers for the sound card , and change setting in the control panel for line in and all should work without problems.
Are you sure? A ZP120 (now Connect:Amp) does not have a line out. Only the ZP100, the ZP80, and the current Connect have a line-out.
Single ZP120 in back bedroom connected to an amp with speakers into the backbedroom and bathroom.
the line out was then run in to the bedroom pc 10 meter length this will then play though the computer speakers.
so essentaill each can be tuned off by switching the amp or speakers off
one thing to note is when i first set this up the audio on the pc was having a slight delay after a bit of searching it turned out that the built in drivers for the soundcard on the pc were being used, and processed by windows, to get past this just install the native drivers for the sound card , and change setting in the control panel for line in and all should work without problems.
This is interesting, but I'm confused about a few things...
A ZP120 is an amp isn't it? And mine don't have line out on them. I don't know if this was a feature on previous models. I suspect you are talking about a ZP 90 or what is now called a Connect.
But again I'm not sure what you mean, are you taking digital out to one and analog out to another?
The info about the drivers is very good.
Mike
Maybe a sticky is deserved for a list of big ticket items that Sonos doesn't currently do, for the benefit of new buyers?
Candidates:
1. More than 65k tracks
2. Hi res music files
3. The subject of this thread
And whatever else of a similar nature. Caveat Emptor always prevails of course, but there would be no harm in something like this on a manufacturer supported forum as enlightened as this one?
PS: And manage the thread such that it remains a concise list and doesn't grow into a 50 page thread that no one in his right mind would ever wade through:-). Any grief about anything on the list can be aired elsewhere. Additions and deletions from the list, with a brief explanation for each should be all it contains.
Candidates:
1. More than 65k tracks
2. Hi res music files
3. The subject of this thread
And whatever else of a similar nature. Caveat Emptor always prevails of course, but there would be no harm in something like this on a manufacturer supported forum as enlightened as this one?
PS: And manage the thread such that it remains a concise list and doesn't grow into a 50 page thread that no one in his right mind would ever wade through:-). Any grief about anything on the list can be aired elsewhere. Additions and deletions from the list, with a brief explanation for each should be all it contains.
Regardless, it is impossible to do. So it really doesn't matter how much you paid for your computer, it isn't going to be a zone. Maybe you can sell it since it seems to have no other use besides being an "already paid for through the nose zone." 😉
Agree with withanee67.
Sonos do not claim anywhere that you need a computer to use their system.
Maybe they should advertised more on the fact that you actually DON'T need a computer (in opposition to their competitors - which is probably the main reason for this kind of misunderstanding).
Sonos do not claim anywhere that you need a computer to use their system.
Maybe they should advertised more on the fact that you actually DON'T need a computer (in opposition to their competitors - which is probably the main reason for this kind of misunderstanding).
Sonos do not claim anywhere that you need a computer to use their system.
Maybe they should advertised more on the fact that you actually DON'T need a computer (in opposition to their competitors - which is probably the main reason for this kind of misunderstanding).
Strongly Seconded
If I want to listen to Sonos through my PC, I'll connect a Connect, or most any other ZonePlayer with the Audio-In port of my PC.
However, I have absolutely no need to do this as our home is covered throughout with Zones. Our PCs are off more times than on when we are using Sonos.
Best of Luck
If your computer is linked up to an expensive home theatre setup then presumaby it can play any of the music on your network or from the internet music services you use by using any media player you choose to have installed? It does not need any Sonos components to achieve this, and opens up access to music that Sonos cannot play (hi-res or DRM-protected music for example).
However if you want to have that same amplifier and speakers (that currently utilise your PC as an audio source) operate as part of a wider Sonos system (for synchronised linked zones, unified control of all Sonos zones etc) then you need your home theatre to utilise a Sonos device as a source too, so add a Sonos connect. Whether you choose to use your PC as a controller for this setup or any of the other Sonos controller options is then up to you.
As others have pointed out, Sonos promote the PC software as a Desktop Controller, not a Media Player. If you thought otherwise or were advised differently then you have made a mistaken assumption or been given incorrect information.
In the scheme of expensive home theatre installations the cost of the additional Sonos Connect is relatively small, and if you don't want to pay the "new" price then look out for a used ZP80 or ZP90 in classified ads or the online auction sites.
With all that said, you do need to also check that your home theatre processor/amplifier does not add its own processing delays to the source inputs as this can lead to synchronisation problems in party mode - if you search you'll find threads about this issue including which manufacturers seem better than others at avoiding this problem.
Userlevel 2
Ok Have just installed Windows 8 and trying to get my setup from windows 7 in which the line out from a ZP100 will play through the audio device.
this can be achieve by using the windows mixer and selecting the line in properties to Listen, this is ok except there is an audio delay.
if you install the audio driver in my case Realtek ALC888 HD from my dell vostro 410 , realtek.com.tw
install the drivers and go to control panel
select the HD Audio Manager and Line IN
mute the volume on the Recording Slider
and move the playback slider volume to about 70 found this the best with no distortion.
now you have audio through pc speakers with no audio delay.
Hope this help you all
this can be achieve by using the windows mixer and selecting the line in properties to Listen, this is ok except there is an audio delay.
if you install the audio driver in my case Realtek ALC888 HD from my dell vostro 410 , realtek.com.tw
install the drivers and go to control panel
select the HD Audio Manager and Line IN
mute the volume on the Recording Slider
and move the playback slider volume to about 70 found this the best with no distortion.
now you have audio through pc speakers with no audio delay.
Hope this help you all
Just saying. Why would wanting to avoid an additional significant outlay be something deserving of disdain?
What disdain? The fact you interpreted my comment as disdain is curious.
If the Sonos software is running on the PC then there is absolutely no reason why it could not output to the PC speakers. That's it. The fact that they don't is a money grab.
Somebody is laboring under the false notion that the Desktop Controller is actually fetching, decoding, processing and/or otherwise handling the actual music files. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Don't believe me? If one starts a track playing from the Desktop Controller, then exits the Controller application, the music keeps right on playing. If the music had anything at all to do with the Controller, then the music would stop. But it doesn't, which means maybe (just maybe) the Desktop Controller is just a controller, and has no music playback capabilites whatsoever.
Fortunately for me I do not own any Sonos hardware yet. I was about to start investing for speakers throughout my house but this lack of simple functionality has made me want to wait for a better solution. That coupled with the fact that the people who buy Sonos are such snobs judging by this thread.
Nick
This "basic lack of functionality" has only been present on one multi-room, multi-source music system - Squeezebox - and synching between the PC and the actual players was impossible. I wish you well in your search for this "simple" functionality, but you aren't going to find it in a system that comes close to Sonos in other facets.
And by the way, if you want to see snobs, check out the Linn systems. They make us seem like mere common folk.
Userlevel 2
Just saying. Why would wanting to avoid an additional significant outlay be something deserving of disdain?
Has nothing to do with disdain, we all want Sonos to be around for the long hall. They charge $0 in monthly fees and $0 in annual fees. Sonos components I bought 5 years ago are still getting free updates. If you could download the Sonos app and use it on your PC for free, this would put a significant dent in their income.
The proper way to think of your PC, is that it is nothing other then a Remote Control. That is all it is. That is all it was ever advertised to be, any expectation you have beyond that is unrealistic and not going to happen.
The proper way to think of your PC, is that it is nothing other then a Remote Control. That is all it is. That is all it was ever advertised to be, any expectation you have beyond that is unrealistic and not going to happen.
I am not up to date with their advertising, but the PC isn't even a remote control, to be honest.
Using a computer in a Sonos set up is very inconvenient, for those of us that aren't before it all the time, and who don't have it on 24/7. Playing music sitting in it, requires it to be wired to the router as well - another inconvenience.
Sonos is a multi room, multi source music system, and one source is stored music files, sitting in a device that is hardwired to the router. The simplest/cheapest way to get this source running is for the device to be an external HDD wired to the router. The other source is music from the router from the net.
For controlling all of this, Sonos gives away for free a decently designed controller that can be hosted by most handheld devices in the market.
Sonos isn't cheap, but is value for money to most users. Expecting a free zone player out of a computer that contains music is fine, but Sonos not meeting that expectation isn't a money grab. Zone player hardware is how they earn money.
And by the way, if you want to see snobs, check out the Linn systems. They make us seem like mere common folk.
A question I haven't yet seen an answer to.
Like Linn, Naim too has a lot of expensive streaming hardware now. I am sure there are a few others, and most brands now have network players/streamers that are more modestly priced.
What do these systems offer a user that Sonos does not, in terms of SQ, features and convenience? Apart from the hi res stuff?
Equivalent set ups can cost multiples of Sonos, so why do people spend that kind of money?
This isn't rhetorical, I truly want to understand.
Like Linn, Naim too has a lot of expensive streaming hardware now. I am sure there are a few others, and most brands now have network players/streamers that are more modestly priced.
What do these systems offer a user that Sonos does not, in terms of SQ, features and convenience? Apart from the hi res stuff?
Equivalent set ups can cost multiples of Sonos, so why do people spend that kind of money?
This isn't rhetorical, I truly want to understand.
I've not looked into their streamer offerings, so I'll not speak to them, but I do know Linn and Naim are audiophile brands. That right there is mainly what they offer. I'm not saying they are not high quality, but they certainly have that exclusivity and brand elitism going for them.
If one is inclined towards that type of thing, they get a quality product with a price which mainly reflects the reputation and exclusivity. Combine this with the audiophile's need to believe the more $$$ they spend, the better the sound, and you have a valid marketing strategy, even if you are selling 10% engineering quality + 90% snake oil at 5000% profit.
As always, good speakers are a must, lest all the "benefits" of the $$$$ you spend slip away.
If one is inclined towards that type of thing, they get a quality product with a price which mainly reflects the reputation and exclusivity. Combine this with the audiophile's need to believe the more $$$ they spend, the better the sound, and you have a valid marketing strategy, even if you are selling 10% engineering quality + 90% snake oil at 5000% profit.
As always, good speakers are a must, lest all the "benefits" of the $$$$ you spend slip away.
Very true, the last part. And that is the same extra spend for Sonos as well as these brands.
But the price difference is not a price point, it is multiple price points.
Granted they may have better build quality/components, but in this kind of tech, I am not sure it makes sense. In five years all existing solutions may be obsolete, and I am guessing that around that kind of service life is what Sonos designs, builds and therefore charges for its boxes.
I have some Linn speakers.
I am underwhelmed by them.
Cheers,
Keith
I am underwhelmed by them.
Cheers,
Keith
Userlevel 2
Have you got a sound system in your house? if so seems a waist not to use the Sonos Connect on that instead of your computer much better sound with sub ans all!
The post you are replying to is almost 2.5 years old. I'm sure any offense the person I replied to felt is far past. So you are a little late to the game. Also, if you read the entire thread with an objective eye, you would see that the "snotty" tone was fully established by those who were stomping their feet for this functionality, a "basic functionality" that has only been seen on exactly one multi-room music streamer, and that was discontinued due to poor sales and support.
Since you are new to forums, I'll cut you some slack, but for future reference it may be better to let sleeping threads lie. Often they are well and fully spent, and everything that needed to be said is fully beaten into dust.
Userlevel 1
I don't understand, if the play:5 is only $50 more then buy that and plug the pc into the 5's line-in.
If I could have one piece of input on to the whole subject, I would thoroughly recommend a forum about common issues/misconceptions. Then when the question inevitably arises again someone can just paste a link to the forum/thread that will explain. Someone gave me a link to a thread that helped me to understand. The big negative at the moment is that members who have answered these questions too many times are now answering them in a manner that seems to the reader to be very unfriendly. IMO that is not good for the forums, the products or the members who then end up in an argument which has started largely due to the tone of their reply.
I hope that my thoughts are in some small way insightful.
Excellent point - there are maybe a dozen or so such issues that arise over and over that can be similarly addressed, with less frustration and grief all around.
Userlevel 1
More sticky threads would seem to be an easier way of doing it, they're always at the top of the forums so are easier to spot.
Right. I suppose this will have to be a moderator initiative.
Personally, I don't want my computer to be part of the second by second music playing. I prefer to pass the chore to specialist hardware, such as SONOS. Since I sometimes develop and and beta test, I may want to shut the computer down or it might crash. With SONOS on the scene, the music continues while I struggle with the computer issue. Actually, there are no speakers attached to any of my computers -- except the laptop and these are turned OFF.
While they might be at the expensive end of the "computer speaker" range, PLAY:1 is better than any computer speaker that I have encountered.
While they might be at the expensive end of the "computer speaker" range, PLAY:1 is better than any computer speaker that I have encountered.
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