Versatile music playback and services

Sonos offers many ways to listen. The Controller let me select different music for each listening zone, or play the same music in every room at once.

Although I could control music playback using Sonos' desktop software on my PC, I preferred to use the elegant, intuitive handheld Controller. The first time I reviewed the Sonos system, I raved about this device. I stand by my first assessment of it. Although it provides plenty of options, it's still impressively simple to use. I simply pushed the "music" button to access my PC's music library and select music by artist, album, or song title — the computer doesn't even need to be turned on.

I added songs to my queue using the remote's intuitive controls.

By pushing the "zones" button, I can select a zone — my bedroom, for instance — and see what's playing, and what's coming up next. The Controller let me easily adjust the volume, shuffle or repeat songs, edit the song "queue" (or playlist) for each zone, and play the same music in all zones (what Sonos calls "Party mode"). I'm not even limited to PC music — each ZonePlayer provides an audio input for a source such as an FM tuner or CD player.

I'm still impressed by the integrated motion sensor that "wakes up" the Controller whenever I pick it up, so I don't have to turn it on. I also noticed some handy features I didn't see the first time I reviewed the Controller: a clock with sleep timer and alarm. Now I can fall asleep to my favorite music, or wake up to it.

And here's another cool feature: Sonos now offers a free app that allows you to control your system with your iPhone™ or iPod® touch. I didn't get a chance to try this out, but you can read about it in Amanda's blog post.

Even more music to enjoy
Some very cool extras are included with the Sonos system software; namely, integrated access to Napster, SIRIUS Internet Radio, Pandora, and Rhapsody. You can easily sign up for each of these services through the Sonos Controller or the desktop software on your PC, as a free 30-day trial subscription is included for each with the BU-150.

Here's a breakdown of what each of these services offers:

Napster allows you to play an unlimited number of songs for $12.95 per month
SIRIUS Internet Radio provides 65 channels of 100% commercial-free music provides 20 channels of news, talk, sports, and comedy programming subscription costs $12.95 per month
Pandora® lets you create your own radio "channel" based on music you like suggests music based on your preferences lets you create up to 100 channels per account
Rhapsody® lets you stream unlimited music for $12.99 per month also allows you to stream "channels" organized by genre

Flexible setup options
This system really impressed me with its flexibility. I could choose to configure my system in a number of ways: I could keep the ZoneBridge plugged into my PC and listen in two additional rooms, or plug one ZonePlayer into my PC and use the ZoneBridge to extend the system's wireless network beyond its specified 200 feet — into my garage, for example. Since the ZonePlayer 120 could power my speakers, I didn't need an amplifier in each zone. And this system is easily expandable — if you want to listen in more rooms, you can have up to a total of 32 ZonePlayers in your system.

High-quality wireless sound

How did it sound, you ask? Fantastic, just like it has in the past. When I listened in Party mode, the music was perfectly synchronized. I had no problem with sound quality or interference, even when the microwave was running.

As for the ZoneBridge 100, it did its job well, sending a clean wireless audio signal to the ZonePlayers in the system. It was also just as easy to set up as the ZonePlayers are. Plus, its compact, straightforward design allows for easy placement just about anywhere.

The ZonePlayers in my bedroom and living room both provided clear, high-quality stereo sound.

A system that never becomes obsolete

One impressive trait of the Sonos system is the fact that Sonos can, and does, regularly update the system software. The downside to this is that you will probably need to download new software when you install your system. Fortunately, that's really easy to do.

The upside — and it's a big one — is that these software updates can keep the system up-to-date with the latest file formats and music services, and full of fresh, useful features. That gives me peace of mind: as new music technology comes down the pike, I won't have to spend more money on a new system anytime soon. I can just go to Sonos' site and download the latest update for free.

Still an elegant solution for multi-room PC audio

My hat's off to Sonos. Two years ago, their innovative digital music system made me a believer in the reality of great-sounding wireless multi-room music. Now, by adding increased wireless range and power output, along with an even smaller footprint for the ZonePlayer 120, Sonos' BU-150 bundle has improved on an already fantastic system.