2. What It Is

The system we tested consisted of two basic components: the ZonePlayer and the Sonos Controller. Sonos software makes the whole thing work.

The ZonePlayer ZP100 is an interesting device that helps to make a Sonos Digital Network more than just the sum of its parts. The ZonePlayer (I'll refer to it as the ZP) includes a 50 W amplifier, four-port Ethernet Switch, wired/wireless transmitter/receiver, and ports for connecting speakers, a subwoofer, and external inputs. A set of three buttons controls volume and connections to the Sonosnet network.

The controller includes a rather touchy 'jog' bar, volume control buttons, and a color display that enables control of all the ZPs in the network. The controller is rechargeable, so if connected to the charger when not in use, it should be always ready for action. The network can contain as many as 32 ZPs, and up to 16 computers can be used as audio sources.

We received two ZPs, one Sonos Controller, and two pairs of speakers from Sonos. The ZPs included power cords and Ethernet cables. We weren't quite as fortunate with the speakers - they didn't come with cables, and we were sent scrambling to find some speaker wire so we could test the system.

Cost

Bundle Price of $1199 which includes two Zone Players and one controller

Additional ZonePlayers - $499
Additional Controllers - $399
Sonos Loudspeakers - $179/pair

The Setup

Back of the ZonePlayer

The Sonos Digital Music System is designed as a wireless/wired hybrid. Unlike other 802.11x media players, which can connect wirelessly to a network, the Sonos system requires that at least one ZP be wired. This is actually a good thing, because the Sonos system uses its own wireless protocols, and provides certain advantages that are beyond what the competition delivers.

We connected one ZP to our network switch. The second ZP was plugged into a power outlet in an office about 50 feet from the first, to be used wirelessly. Once we got speaker wire, the speakers were wired to the ZPs. It should be noted that the ZPs featured large metal attachment points for the speaker wire. Color-coded and substantial, they made connections easy and rock steady. We could have instead used cables with the standard RCA plugs for attaching to the ZP. With the use of a mini-jack to RCA adapter, headphones or computer speakers could also be connected to the ZP, although there might be issues with controlling the amplified output coming from the speakers.

During the course of the review, the wireless ZP was tested in two different offices. The Controller acted something like a bridge, allowing control of both players from anywhere in a test area that was roughly 50 feet wide and multiple walls and doors away from either ZP.

A computer connected to the network served as the media controller, although is not necessary to make the Sonos system work. A notebook computer was used to physically connect to the 'wireless' ZP.