Logitech Squeezebox vs. Sonos

I too have ZERO lag or ZERo dropouts and I use a wireless router in the adjoining room

I'd recommend SBT after being completely disappointed with Sonos ZP90/ZB combo. You need either your computer (music files) or NAS connected to wireless router (connected to DSL/Cable modem). And you may need an additional ZB (Sonos enjoys pushing this). You can't connect NAS directly to ZP90/ZB, but supposedly you can wire ZP90 to computer, although this didn't work for me. In the end the Sonos is over priced to me for what you get compared to SBT. You can use wireless, wired or USB with SBT. I had "rebuffering" issues with mine and ultimately returned it. Would have been fine with ethernet or USB drive but I didn't care for the interface/GUI (wouldn't show all album artwork either).

SBT when it's working is just a wonderful device. I'm using it's own analog out (undecided re what external DAC to use) and it sounds great. BUT- when there's trouble logitech support won't give "official" network/NAS advice; the effectiveness of their support is very dependent on the tech assigned to your case. In my case, my troubles were compounded by having a mixed windows/apple/Time Capsule/Netgear setup. It finally was sorted out (apple tech support being the most helpful). Seems that the money saved on the hardware is offset by the time spent debugging their software-particularly their network server. My advise is to avoid mixing OS and network devices and if there are problems cut your losses on the nonhelpful tech and try later- hopefully the next tech is more helpful.

Thanks again to the forum for all your opinions. Right now, though, no one system seems to have it all (hi-res support, easy-to-use GUI, true plug-n-play hardware compatibility, etc., etc.). So I'll wait this one out a bit more, and just keep ripping my CD's with iTunes in ALAC.

But I've also been considering an Olive O2, which costs significantly more than Sonos or SBT, but is still affordable, and which can also address a dedicated [Olive] music server. It can address music on a HDD on a PC, Mac, or NAS as well.

Music storage apart from a computer or a NAS certainly does have its advantages. For instance, power supplies, connectivity, and user interfaces can be optimized for hi-fi use rather than for computer use.

Also, it seems that Olive have really applied themselves to the issue of metadata parsing (a big bugger with iTunes, particularly with classical music, which has been criticized ad infinitum in the buff mags and blogs). I mean, Mozart WAS definitely an artist, but I think I'm looking for the performers who recorded [any particular example of] Mozart's music when I search!!

Anyway, I can get an O2 to use on my main system, addressing music files on my network, and transfer those files to an O3 server when the time comes. The O3 lacks digital outs AFAIK, but I'm sure it'd do quite well as a music and CD player in my second system as it is.

As well, it's the only Olive server that I can currently afford, but in its current configuration, its storage capacity at 500GB is a little light. According to my calculations, my current CD collection, when completely ripped, will easily exceed that number, and that's exclusively Red-Book-to-ALAC. HD audio is a real byte-eater which can easily triple my storage requirements as more music becomes available on better-than-CD downloads.

Right now, though, I have few HD files, as my primary digital source is iTunes on a Mac (G4), addressing my music files on a PC. But, at the suggestion of many of y'all, I'll try one of the iTunes plugins that have been reviewed favorably here and elsewhere, and continue to wait a little longer.

Thanks, John

You can use a standard web browser even on handheld mobile devices to control the Touch as well as the remote that comes with it and the installable controller programs for Ipod, Android, etc.

The newer Logitech devices are very flexible, reliable and easy to use I find.

I use a Touch and A SqueezeRadio and love both. Will likely add more down the road.

Pandora works and sounds great also. HAven't tried the other installable apps yet but there seems to be quite a few + more coming regularly.

My only issue is that Logitech devices do not seem to display composer information, at least by default.