Contributor I

Sonos component recommendations

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I am considering replacing my current home stereo system with a Sonos system. I have turntable connected to the stereo, as well as wired outdoor speakers. Also, I use an Amazon Echo in my kitchen. I currently have small wall mounted speakers and a subwoofer connected to the stereo. Finally, I have a large amount of music on a Mac computer (connected to our home network), that I would like to able to access and stream in addition to the typical radio, Spotify/Pandora, and online content.

So, here are my requirements:

1.) Play my vinyl collection, via the turntable, through the Sonos system.

2.) Access and stream from the music collection on my Mac

3.) Play music on outdoor Sonos speakers

4.) Have a voice activated Sonos speaker in my kitchen

5.) Mount wall mounted speakers in a separate room

Basically, I would like to duplicate my existing setup, be able to play vinyl through the new system, and be able to play music on a set of outdoor speakers. In addition, somehow be able to play music from my computer. I currently have a CD player and CDs, but will burn what I want in to my computer and eliminate my CD player. Lots going on here, not even sure if it is possible, but I would like recommendations on where to start.

Thanks.

Steve

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buzz

Grand Maestro

From the user/operator/setup standpoint two AMP’s plus the voice capable SONOS unit would be the ultimate, retiring the receiver.

In terms of cost, PORT (as an input to the receiver) and a voice capable SONOS unit would be next. You would be able to play different programs through each of the SONOS units, but indoor and outdoor speakers connected to the stereo receiver would always play the same program, unless it is a multi-zone unit. If the receiver is multi-zone you could play SONOS sources in one zone and receiver sources (Tuner, CD, VCR, etc.) in the other Zone if the receiver has four amplifiers. Note that most legacy multi-zone stereo units have only two amplifiers and simply provide preamp level outputs to the second zone -- you must supply the second zone amplifiers.

Note that none of the SONOS units include a Phono Preamp. Attempting to use the receiver’s Phono Preamp is tricky because there is a 70ms delay between input to SONOS Line-In and output from the SONOS players. In your case you could probably get away with using the receiver’s Phono Preamp as input for the SONOS Line-In because you would not normally be able to simultaneously hear indoor and outdoor speakers and will not notice the delay.

S

SGabbardAuthor

Contributor I

I suggest you get exposure to music from streaming services by getting an Echo Dot, wiring that to the existing receiver and see how it goes. That may even be all you ever need to do, if you find that you don't miss the music on your CDs. Note that you can use the Dot via the Phone without ever talking to it, if that is not something you see yourself doing.

That is the way to go to leverage current components for a very low cost. The Dot will deliver the same sound quality you are getting from your present set up, once wired in to the receiver.

Once you get acquainted with how well the Dot can - or cannot - serve you for music, you can decide next steps, especially if you think that you need access to your CD music.

Adding a Port to the receiver in the manner you say will work and will provide access to music from your CDs, but for a little more money you can get a Sonos Amp - that makes sense if the receiver is aged and out of service access.

Of course if you want to also play the same music at the same time in the kitchen, including that from the CDs/turntable, Sonos is the way to get that. But if you do not see that need, that place can be served by many options including Sonos.

These are great suggestions. I will probably go the route of sneaking up on the system. I already have an Amazon Echo Dot in the kitchen, so I could replace that with a Sonos One, move the Echo to be an input to the receiver, and see how it works.

Thanks to everyone for this discussion.

K

Kumar

I will probably go the route of sneaking up on the system. I already have an Amazon Echo Dot in the kitchen, so I could replace that with a Sonos One, move the Echo to be an input to the receiver, and see how it works.

If you are ok for the kitchen to be a standalone music zone that plays just music via streaming services/internet radio, I suggest trying one of the better voiced speakers from Amazon or Google. I have a Echo Show 8, and the sound from that for music play is - IMO - perfectly adequate for a kitchen, for about half the price of Sonos One. Plus, the album art feature is very useful for knowing, at a glance, what is playing.

It may also serve better for things like videos of cooking recipes - if you/family is into those kind of features.

The thing about Sonos is it is still pretty much in a class by itself if you want multi room music in perfect sync across the zones. If this feature is not needed, there now are many other options, many of which are more value for money.

S

SGabbardAuthor

Contributor I

I probably don’t need the video option, and would prefer better sound. We typically have a laptop in the kitchen or use a phone for recipes. It looks like the Amazon Echo, Apple HopePod Mini, and maybe a Google smart speaker would get me decent sound, at ½ the price. Any recommendations?

K

Kumar

It really depends on which smart ecosystem you prefer or are into. At around the USD 125 price point, all offer decent for kitchen sound quality.

And you never know...what will happen if video is available in a convenient way!

I would therefore suggest Amazon or Google, since Apple doesn't offer video at this time.

K

Kumar

If you haven't discovered this already:

https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-smart-displays/