Sonos Play 3 vs Apple iPod Hi-fi

[kpwalker]

Hi guys

I'm looking to get something comparable to a Sonos Play 3 system but with a line-in input as I find the Sonos software terribly restrictive as i'd like to steram anything to the player from my Macbook (or just connect via line-in which the Play doesn't have..). This article sparked my interest in the Apple iPod Hi-fi from 2006: http://www.minimallyminimal.com/blog/apple-ipod-hi-fi It got slated at the time, mainly due to price it seems, but I can pick one up now very cheaply. I'm not sure on the sound quality, i'm no audiphile but a big music lover. I'm currently using a Sony CMT-CPX1 (http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/product/CMT-CPX1) which is 10+ years old and have no idea how the Apple will compare than that...!

Appreciate any advice here.

Thanks!

 

[mmg]

I had never heard of the Apple HiFi, so I can't speak for its sound quality. I do find it weird that you're comparing it to a Play3. Sonos is a network player, while the Apple HiFi seems to be a docking station with a line in.

If you want the features of the Play3 with a line in, you can get a Play5. You could also get a Bose SoundTouch system, which has a line in, network capabilities but also features AirPlay, which allows you to connect your Apple devices wirelessly and play the sound from your applications.

 

[richardw42]

Sonos fan here. But the Play 3 is good rather than great.

Ive just bought a NAD Viso 1 for the kitchen (1st gen) from Sevenoaks for £199. I've since seen they're doing open box ones on eBay for £139. Which is a bit of a bargain.

The SQ is ahead of the Play 3. I had some glitches at first. It was a couple of feet from an oil fired boiler, I've moved it a foot or so down the work top and it works perfectly.

The Mk1 has a dock for iPhones pre 5 and Bluetooth, which is what I wanted. And a line in.

The newer version has airplay instead of a dock.

The market is pretty full of these docks but the is a very good example.

 

[davedotco]

For Apple users there is a very simple solution. Use an Airport Express (or Apple TV if you want video too) and a small pair of active speakers.

It is cheap, wireless (via Airplay) and is way, way better than any all in one or docking solution.

My desktop system (currently my only system) is exactly this, an AEX and a pair of Studiospares/Seiwin SN4a speakers, cost is under £200 and performance is comparable to a good budget hi-fi, and a zillion times better than the alternatives.

 

[TnA200]

Sorry to say I can't comment on the Sonos, but I have only heard good to great things about their system.

We have an iPod HiFi connected to an Airport Express via optical cable. It works great all over the house from a kids music box, bedroom/sports machine music system and it fills all these roles very well. The sound is good and can be meaty too. Naturally it has it's limitations compared to seperates, but then again we all know that's not its role anyway. We like and use ours almost daily and can only say that sound and usability via Apple Remote App or direct Airplay make it a great addition.

 

[Sorreltiger]

I am more than happy with my Epos Aktimate Mini, which fills the ktchen with sound while I'm cooking or eating. The latest incarnation is much more expensive, but the Micro is well-reviewed:

http://www.whathifi.com/review/epoz-aktimate-micro

 

[richie60]

Another good one to consider is the Cambridge Audio Minx 200 which also has the RCA line in you want or the cheaper Minx 100 from Richer Sounds.

Rich