squeezebox vs sonos

SqueezeBox will stream music loslessly from a PC. It generally requires a PC to function. The regular model of Sonos includes a storage server, so it stores your music as well. Sonos has additional functionality which allows you to do multi-room stuff. Visit http://slimdevices.com and http://sonos.com to learn the basics.

I haven't been able to compare sound quality directly. I have a SqueezeBox (latest version) and it has good sound quality for its size and price. You can also go digital out from a SqueezeBox to a good DAC to make a big jump in sound quality. The DACs in the SqueezeBox are good, but they are surrounded by a bunch of electronics and they have a wimpy power supply. I don't think you'll find the audio quality to be bad in any way but you probably won't be amazed by it either. Jitter on the digital outs is good but not outstanding - my RME Audio Digi 96/8 PCI card has noticeably lower jitter.

I think the Squeezebox DACs are ok, but I am not that thrilled with the analog section. If you add an external DAC that has jitter removal and an excellent analog section like the Lavry Black you can very very good results.

Of course that bumps the cost a bit, but I'd rather do that than pay for a modded SB.

The sonos does not have a storage device and requires use of a computer to store your music. I really enjoy the ease of use of the sonos and the sound is above average. I have not heard the squeezebox devices.

Good luck,

Reg

how do these sound compared to (your) cd transport + dac?

I used the SQ3 and thought the sound quaility was not as good as an inexpensive 20 year old Sony multi-disk CD player, we used the analog outs only. I would be interested in any that have tried a seperate DAC and what their impressions are. The other negative of the Squezzebox is the interface, just doesn't suit me. I saw the Sonus at RMAS and liked it's interface and controler a lot more than the SQ, but it costs quite a bit more also. I was able to do a direct, well almost, comparison between CD and Sonus, the CD won. The Sonus guy was sitting next to me with the local dealer. The dealer is going to set the Sonus up to a DAC and we are going to do a direct comparison CD vs Sonus. I really hope it works, I want this technology, but will not give up sound quality.
Doug Clary

Pleade note, Slim Devices stood behind their trial period and refunded my money promptly after returning the SQ3, nice to do business with a good company!