An amazing and well thought out amplifier.
I was looking for an amp that would pair up with my 4 Polk Audio 70-rt ceiling speakers. Let's start with the input from the preamp. You can run an input globally as well as control that gain. You can also pass though out, to another amp input. Non-Globally, each stereo channel has the exact same feature, individual gain and a pass through out. Each channel also has a selector between global and local. If you wanted to connect individual Sonos Connect's to all 4 channels, for individual rooms, CI 980 is a great option. You can mix and match as well, that is one of the reasons I find the amp well thought out. There is a "stereo" or "bridge" mode on every zone as well. Gives you so many options for it to be a multiple room or multiple channel solution. In my case I have 4 speakers in one room, this is where bridged mode comes into play. I am running the NAD C165BEE with a Sonos Connect, NAD AM/FM Tuner, the 4 Polk 70-rt's and a sub for my 1000 sqft cabinet shop. You won't get the half the power and clarity from the Sonos Connect AMPs and you will save money as well. If I were going to do a multi room Sonos set up, I would buy 2-4 connects and this amp. Lastly it has the 12v IN/OUT switch capability, removable rackmout brackets and very quiet fans if you are doing a custom cabinet/closet install. You won't be disappointed. The NAD CI 980 is a great value and amazing sound.
Pros: individual zone flexibility (global, stereo, gain levels and bridged modes) sound quality, power, price point and well built
Cons: The only one I will mention is the channel plugs for your speaker cable. Don't plan on using any speaker wire over 14ga, not that an amp of this power needs more. Just be aware if you are the bigger is better type. A nice quality 14ga wire just fits.