I’m in the middle of an epic journey of computer self-renewal, but I’m not the only one exploring ways to make my home more digital-friendly. The fine folks over at Lifehacker have put together an excellent article detailing how to duplicate the a Sonos wireless music system for a mere fraction of the price.
All you really need, it seems, is an iPhone/iPod touch, wireless router, and an AirPort Express. Thanks to Apple’s Remote application, you can now control your computer’s iTunes Library from wherever you are in your home, and the AirPort Express lets you pump those same tunes to your stereo system.
Technically, I can achieve the same thing with my Xbox 360 and Connect 360, but I have to admit that the Remote program feels far more elegant—otherwise, I have to control the music from the Xbox controller, which is kind of irritating. Perhaps an AirPort Express is in my future.
The problem with this is you computer must be on. I don't leave MBP on. Also, you are disregarding the DAC in the sonos, and the amp that is in the amp'ed model. So no it really isn't a sonos for a fraction of the cost. It's a fraction of the features for a fraction of the cost.
@hardonyou Don't you have to leave a computer on for Sonos as well?
Also, if you don't need the Sonos' DAC or amp (e.g. you're hooking up to a receiver with a built-in DAC or you have a separate DAC), the Apple setup starts to look quite nice.
I'm considering ditching my bedroom Squeezebox for a second Airport Express. The Apple Remote interface is definitely nice.
I LOVE AIRPORT EXPRESS! I use a somewhat similar setup in our flower shop's office, except for the cheapo router, we use the mac mini that's on the desk and plug it into an ethernet cable. I'm actually considering getting another airport express so we have a gateway for all the gadgets, as well as a slave AE for airtunes.
Because I used a product called sLinke to control 3 Sony CD changers, I happened to already have a digital audio distribution box (called a DXS) that automatically picked up the digital output from the changer currentl;y playing and output it to 4 digital coax jacks.
Anyway, when I got my Airport Express, I plugged the digital audio output into the DXS, which nor happily feeds pristine digital signals to a home theater received in my living room, an audiophile receiver with digital inputs in my family room, and an external DAC in my office. I can sit in any of those rooms or on my back porch and using my iPod Touch's Remote application, play from my 22,000 song, losslessly compressed iTunes library on my PowerMac G5.
I absolutely love the setup, and the Remote application makes it positively amazing!
You can duplicate the basic function of one ampless ZonePlayer; but if you want music all over your house in multiple locations available any time (which is how it is most powerful/fun, and I know, I have five ZonePlayers) then you are not even close.
You can use an NAS without the computer on.
Go visit someone who has a set-up like mine. You'll be envious!
I forgot to mention that what I really want to see is a box with an Ethernet port on one side and optical and coax digital audio outputs on the other. A wireless version would be great too, but I suspect a little pricey.
I use this setup and confirm its awesomeness
Been doing this for a month.
http://islandinthenet.com/2008/07/01/airport-everywhere-with-wireless-distribution-system-wds/
http://islandinthenet.com/2008/07/18/ipod-touch-remote-control/