Sonos ZP80

usability, size

price

100% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

The Sonos Digital Music System certainly doesn’t disappoint on the first count. After digging all of the various components out of their various boxes (and there were a LOT of boxes), I had the system connected to my PC and streaming music from the...

We love the remote control, but the need for an ethernet connection is a real flaw with the Sonos. Considering what you're paying, you might expect a rather more seamless system.

Sonos aims to make its award-wining music-streaming system more affordable

Versatile wireless digital music system ; remote control and ZonePlayers for two rooms ; remote can control both players separately

Still too expensive ; speakers not included ; one ZonePlayer requires Ethernet cable to connect to your router ; can't play songs bought from online iTunes Store

To be fair, the ZP80 Bundle is a more elegant and versatile solution than the Airport Express. But it's still much too expensive for what it is. At this price it ought to be a completely wireless system that doesn't need Ethernet cables at all.

Quick and easy to set up, very easy and familiar to use

Not the cheapest wireless system, limited support for download services

The ZP80 can be coupled with virtually any amp and speakers via its RCA analogue or optical or coaxial digital sockets. Or you can hook it up to powered speakers, and use any combination of ZP80 and 50-watt amp-packing ZP100 units

Compact. Excellent audio quality. Broad file format support. Very easy setup.

No WM DRM, FairPlay, or WMA Lossless support. No photo support. Controller lacks a headphone output.

This is a truly excellent wireless audio solution for people who already have a good home stereo system and audio playback devices in multiple rooms. And it's surprisingly easy to set up.

The drawback to this design is that the first Zone Player you install must be hardwired to your router. Unless you have Ethernet to a stereo, that unit is essentially wasted. (It’ll play your music, but that’s redundant because your PC can do the same...