Free SONOS Bridge (Usually $75) with Any Play: 1, Play: 3 or Play: 5 at SONOS Resellers Inc JB-Hifi

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JB Hi-Fi

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  cypher67 on 13/11/2013 - 13:59

  -1

  Having spend 5 minutes working out what this item is and what a "bridge" is…. (allows you to connect to your speaker/s wirelessly)

  I dont see the value in this product without the bridge, otherwise its just another over priced speaker. Should always be included free, just a money grab selling it seperately. I'll pass thanks.

  • 

    SteveAndBelle on 13/11/2013 - 14:09

    I somewhat agree BUT you don't always need to run a 'Bridge' and in fact I ran my SONOS system for years without one. The 'Bridge' is a device that connects the SONOS proprietary network and all the SONOS devices to your home network however if you spend the money on a SONOS 'Connect' device (a small box you attach to an existing Amp and/or speakers) instead then it already has the Bridge smarts built-in so you don't need to use the separate 'Bridge' at all. I added a 'Bridge' to my system mainly because they weren't available when I got my first SONOS device 'back in the day' and I wanted to free up one of my 'Connect' devices to use in another area as it was just sitting in a cupboard acting like a 'Bridge' anyway.

    So not really a 'money grab' as such… just a way to connect the cheaper SONOS 'Play' devices to your home network as some people may only end up running a couple of 'Play' based zones anyway. If you've got the money up front and want to get into SONOS then just buy a 'Connect' device and use your existing Amp and/or Speakers without the need for a Bridge, easy!

  • 

    eDust on 13/11/2013 - 14:09

    +1

    I haven't spent a full 5 minutes reading so I could be wrong - but I think without the bridge, the Sonos devices form their own proprietary network. With a bridge they connect to your 802.11/ethernet network.

    Edit: beaten by SteveAndBelle

    • 

      SteveAndBelle on 13/11/2013 - 14:17

      Kinda correct. SONOS cannot work without some sort of 'Bridge' as SONOS operates on its own network full stop. You can either build a system with a separate 'Bridge' like the one they're giving away here OR you can purchase a 'Connect' device which costs more up front but already has the 'Bridge' smarts built-in.

      A SONOS 'Connect' costs around $549 by itself and it needs to be connected to an existing Amp & Speaker system but that's all you need to get started… no separate 'Bridge' required. There's also the SONOS 'Connect:Amp' for around $800 which is similar but has a decent little 2-ch Digital Amplifier built-in so all you need is a pair of speakers and you're up and running… again, without the need for the standalone 'Bridge' device.

      Difficult to explain but I hope I'm making it clearer?! The main reason for SONOS needing the separate proprietary network is purely down to quality control. It looks after itself and is basically 'untouchable' by the normal person while the rest of your network has the potential for IP conflicts and to be altered by its users or other connected devices. It also allows SONOS to keep on truckin' even when your normal network is completely flooded with traffic too! Handy ;)

      • 

        eDust on 13/11/2013 - 14:29

        +1

        Also something to do with latency. IP based audio streaming (like over 802.11n etc) has terrible latency, Sonos came up with a fix for this by inventing their own standard. Yamaha and other companies have done something similar.

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  theological on 13/11/2013 - 14:44

  This looks pretty good, any idea what the best price would be for a Sonos Play: 1? $297 at JB Hifi still seems a little steep…

  • 

    SteveAndBelle on 13/11/2013 - 14:45

    They're still pretty new so I doubt you'll be able to get much cheaper than that sorry.

    If you want to wait a couple of weeks you could save a bit by getting one from the US: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Sonos-PLAY-1-Wireless-HiFi-Music-…

    … and yes, the US versions will work fine here and with existing Aussie sourced SONOS stuff. I should know, 75% of my system is from the US :)

    • 

      eDust on 13/11/2013 - 14:53

      SteveAndBelle, speaking strictly of sound quality alone, which would sound better? A Sonos Play:1 or the Bose Soundlink Mini?

      • 

        snowcold on 13/11/2013 - 16:47

        Personally, I use sonos and I absolutely love it. I haven't used a Bose soundlink Mini. But few things to consider before you make your decision.

        1. Sonos sound quality is very good. But the echo system is expensive.
        2. Bose Soundlink Mini is a bluetooth speaker. Generally, the sound quality of bluetooth steaming is inferior compared to the Sonos MeshNetwork created by sonos devices. On the plus side, you can connect practically any mobile device
        3. Sonos will work only with the sonos apps (There are apps for iOS/Android/Windows/Mac); No bluetooth/airplay support. Means you cannot send the output of itunes/VLC to sonos speaker.
        4. If you want to watch movies, sonos is a bad choice
        5. The best thing about sonos is that you can start playing from your laptop and later pickup your phone and resume from where you left off.
    • 

      eDust on 13/11/2013 - 15:04

      Sorry to bug you about this, how about the Sonos Play:1 vs the Play:3, in sound quality alone?

      • 

        snowcold on 13/11/2013 - 16:34

        If you could afford a Play 3, go for it. You can get good bargains on sonos from HN usually.

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  President Bartlett on 13/11/2013 - 15:04

  Steve and Belle,

  Does the Bridge function as a wireless extender for my normal wireless network. I remember researching speaker systems a few months ago, and recall that one of the systems did.

  Does that ebay link above have the bridge? Doesnt look like it. If that's the case, seems strange to spend $260 (inc postage), when you could pay $298 including a bridge.

  I use a dedicated computer next to my tv to record and play TV. Will the sonos system work with my TV/computer (i can plug in to either I suppose) without the need to buy a soundbar. Obviously it will sound better with a soundbar.

  Thanks!

  • 

    SteveAndBelle on 13/11/2013 - 15:31

    Some SONOS components can extend your network yes but I haven't had much to do with that as I have copper throughout the house and feed each SONOS device and as many other devices with a pure ethernet connection. This way I keep the standard WiFi network purely for the portable devices alone (phones, tablets etc.) Sorry but you'll have to research that a bit more yourself.

    Correct, the eBay link doesn't include the bridge however you may be lucky enough to get one if you ask :) It's still a good deal though for those of us who already have a SONOS system in place and don't need another Bridge (& don't want the hassle of having to sell surplus equipment etc.) These US eBay prices will probably fall once the Play:1 has been out for a while but probably not too much plus it all depends on the value of the Aussie dollar anyway.

    If you want to connect a SONOS device to something else to make the sound then you should be looking at the SONOS 'Connect' series, not the 'Play' series. The 'Connect' devices have no speakers built-in but utilises existing Amps and/or Speakers and/or other equipment to make the sound. You could connect a SONOS 'Connect' to an input of your TV and let the TV produce the sound if that works for you but be aware there are many other possibilities to do what you want too so best to check the SONOS site and see what's available.

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  SteveAndBelle on 13/11/2013 - 15:14

  +1

  Eeek!

  As I've said here before… sound quality is in the ear of the beholder. I personally don't really like the 'Bose' sound but millions (if not billions) of other people do. It's very punchy and has impressive low-end which is obviously a popular sound but when it comes to smooth mids and defined highs without sounding too harsh or glassy then I'd go for something else. Problem is that we no longer have dedicated Hifi stores where people can audition equipment properly, we're left with noisy big box stores where all you can do is crank up your favourite party track and decide between the few generic brands & models they sell. Still, better this than nothing I suppose :) Other problem is that brand new audio gear needs time to run-in before it settles down and starts to sound good so you really just can't tell anyway :(

  An example: I collect & repair audio equipment as a hobby and I've done some blind tests on friends with surprising results. I picked up a pair of generic 'White Van' tower speakers in my travels that cost me next to nothing and becasue of the no-name brand are pretty much worthless. Cheap MDF cabinets covered in a cheap black fake woodgrain vinyl finish loaded with cheap Chinese drivers… but when I auditioned them they blew my mind! Not as good as some of the very valuable speakers in my collection of course BUT sooooo much better to my ears than a lot of the $1000+ stuff my friends brought over to compare. You just can't tell what's good and what's not without listening to it sorry.

  Moral of the story is listen to it yourself them make up your own mind… don't let anyone convince you differently and especially don't blindly just buy a brand name! If you can't listen & compare then just take the risk and buy it then flip it later on for as much as you can.

  • 

    eDust on 13/11/2013 - 15:24

    Thanks!

  • 

    eDust on 13/11/2013 - 17:01

    Does sending audio from a phone to a portable speaker over Bluetooth affect the quality much?

    The only time I got to play with Bluetooth audio streaming was 5 years ago and the quality really sucked and turned me off portable speakers. Just wondering if times have changed and the sound quality has improved. Also, when I tested Bluetooth back then, I also compared a line-in source and there was a world of difference, so it wasn't the speaker, it was Bluetooth)

    • 

      SteveAndBelle on 13/11/2013 - 17:27

      +1

      Yes, since A2DP became the standard I've found Bluetooth streaming more than adequate… but there's never a substitute to a hard-wired connection, even a cheap $2 cable will offer superior performance to Bluetooth but of course it can't offer the same flexibility or convenience :(

      In saying that most Bluetooth streaming is designed for 'on-the-go' type activities ie. in the car or via headphones when out & about. Most scenarios include so much background noise that picking the sound quality difference between Bluetooth and a cabled connection is futile anyway so Bluetooth wins hands down.

  • 

    tron07 on 14/11/2013 - 11:28

    How does the Sonus soundbar product compare to something like Samsung's soundbar that comes with a subwoofer and cheaper as well?

    http://www.dicksmith.com.au/audio-mp3?brand=116

    • 

      SteveAndBelle on 14/11/2013 - 11:49

      Oranges & Apples sorry… very different products!

      That's like comparing a Corolla to a Troop Carrier… they both have four wheels & engines, they both move people & things around, they'd probably both look the same from space too! They are similar in so many ways but they're a completely different product designed for different purposes. The Troopy costs around four times as much but can the Corolla tackle serious offroad tracks & water crossings fully laiden with several passengers, supplies and luggage? Of course not.

      The SONOS devices are capable of so much more than just connecting to a signal source and playing audio and that's where the money is. If you don't need all the extra flexibility the SONOS offers then buy the Samsung and save a fortune! I haven't heard the Samsung Soundbar nor have I heard a SONOS Soundbar so I can't really comment on Sound Quality but build quality I'd say the SONOS would be streets ahead.

      You usually still get what you pay for and when it comes to SONOS the extra you pay is mainly for build & sound quality but mainly for the extra capabilities & flexibility of the product. Of course there's also an amount of exclusivity built-into the price too but hey they've been the only fully multi-zone audio system offering all the features people need/want since they were released on the market several years ago so I suppose they can afford to charge what they do ;)

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  President Bartlett on 13/11/2013 - 16:05

  Thanks SteveandBelle

  One more question, can multiple phones/tablets control the music, or only one?

  • 

    SteveAndBelle on 13/11/2013 - 16:14

    Mutliple… which is bittersweet :)

    I have had many a party over the last few years (since smartphones were able to control the SONOS) where all the guests would login to the system and add whatever tracks they wanted to the queue… even adding tracks stored on their own phones! This has been an awesome feature… however after a few drinks and after a few hours pass you always get the idiot who wants to skip everyone elses tracks to get to theirs then crank up the volume which kinda wrecks it for everyone. That person is usually the one who passes out first anyway ;)

    Two solutions to this… no longer be friends with those people (easy!) or get the team at SONOS to deveop a special interface to allow your guests to peruse the collection & add tracks but lock everything else up and only allow Admin access by the owner. I posted this concept on the SONOS forums many, many years ago as a potential future improvement and got a fair bit of support but alas nothing yet.

    Mind you, I also posted the concept of a SONOS SubWoofer on the forum too and about a year later they released the SONOS 'Sub'. Coincidence? Probably, but hey I can always dream it was my post that made it a reality :P

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  jollster101 on 13/11/2013 - 16:15

  +2

  Multiple phones or Tablets, be it android or Apple can control a single play * system.

  I have a play 5 and I love it.

  Mine came from the US via ebay and was a steal in comparison to what you can buy them for here. I got a play 5 and the bridge and still had $200 in change to what jb were going to charge.

  • 

    SteveAndBelle on 13/11/2013 - 16:16

    Ahh Jollster, ain't life sweet :)

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  LolwutMikka on 13/11/2013 - 18:50

  Telstra's always had the Bridge for free with every Sonos purchase. Further 10% off for staff members too