Logitech Squeezebox vs. Sonos

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.

I've used all that you have listed as your options. Here's some of my opinions.
First, I like the duet controller the best. Just awesome. And it can control the touch and transporter, if you want different zones etc. The cr sonos controller just didn't do it for me. I also have the iPad app for the SB duet, and I still prefer the duet controller? Plus it has headphones out on it just in case.
The duet doesn't do hi res, the touch and transporter, and sonos do. I bought the duet because it doesn't. I am using it with an older dac that only does redbook res. But it does it really well!
For hi res stuff, my computer, a PC, has a spdif out, and I run it to my main dac, or to a pop pulse wireless USB transmitter, and they both do a phenomenal job. Though wireless has it's issues. I use either the SB server or jrriver. And the iPad can control all with either the SB app or splash top. You can get it going really easily, without spending a lot of money, just look at the software, the controllers,and hardware in that order. See what you can live with. Good luck!