There’s a new kid on the audio
streaming block but can Simple Audio give the all-conquering Sonos system a
bloody nose?
Simple Audio
Price: $1,785.9 (Roomplayer I + Roomplayer
II)
Website: simpleaudio.co.uk
Simple
Audio
Design and build
The Simple Audio kit costs more than its
Sonos equivalents, but there’s a high-end Hi-Fi feel to the solid aluminium and
glass finish on the Roomplayer units. It jettisons Wi-Fi for Power line
(mains-based) internet, claiming superior robustness, which in turn allows for
high-quality 24-bit/96kHz tunes. Pretty nifty.
Set-up and usability
Power line tech is built into each unit,
although you’ll need a Powerline module if you don’t want a player next to your
router. It took a few tries to get it all up and running, but the system is
free of the interference that can affect wireless systems. Different user
accounts mean you can keep your music library free of the kid’s Bieber.
What does it play?
No disputing Simple Audio’s performance
edge: these units handle audiophile-level 24-bit sound files at up to 96kHz
(but not 192kHz, yet). There’s support for a broad range of common formats,
such as Apple Lossless and FLAC, and although there’s no Napster or Spotify
(yet), We7 and Deezer streaming is there.
How does it sound?
This solution has lots more punch than
Sonos, with better definition of rhythms and tonal variations: it’s all just
more hi-hi-like in its presentation, especially when you feed it high-bitrate
tunes. We’d welcome just a little more detail and dynamic punch – this is a
pricey system, after all – but all the same, it’s impressive stuff.
Expanding the system
There’s less choice for expansion with a
Simple Audio setup. So far there are just two products: the amp-equipped
Roomplayer I and the streamer-only Roomplayer II. The system can expand to up
to 16 zones, though it lacks a party mode for sharing music across al zones. No
Android controller yet, either.
Tech specs
Amp 50w class D (Roomplayer I)
Outputs 4mm audio + sub; analogue, optical
and coax digital (rear), 3.5mm headphone socket (front)
Inputs Analogue, Powerline/Ethernet (rear),
3.5mm (front)
Formats Mp3, AAC, WAV, AIFF, Apple
Lossless, FLAC
Key online services Tuneln, We7, Deezer
Dimensions 200 x 200 x 50 mm, 1.6kg
Roomplayer I
Price: $974
Streaming unit with 50w amp: add speakers
and plug into a wall
Roomplayer II
Price: $811.9
Streamer only: plug into an amp or hi-fi
system for killer sound
Roomplayer
II
The app – SA Controller
Control your setup via a free desktop
program or iOS app, which allows you to set up and send different music to
different zones. The iOS app isn’t quite iPad-ready, and is a little clunky.
Ratings: 4/5 stars
It’s not cheap, but it does sound better –
and more service could see it cake the top spot
Sonos
Price: $1,168.99 (Connect: Amp + Connect +
Bridge)
Website: sonos.com
Sonos
Design and build
Styling is low-key, and reminiscent of
Apple kit (think Mac Mini, in particular). Build quality is great, and each of
Sonos’ solid casework and a smooth finish. Connectivity is good too, although
it’s a shame that all the inputs are on the rear on the rear of each unit,
which makes quick access a little more convoluted.
Set-up and usability
Units communicate via Sonos’ own, very
robust wireless network. The Bridge unit ($64.9) is optional but worthwhile,
plugging into your router so the other receivers don’t have to – otherwise
you’ll need to keep one unit by the modem. Setting up your system is one-touch
easy, and adding extra units is the work of seconds.
What does it play?
The Sonos supports almost all formats at up
to CD-quality, including Apple Lossless, FLAC and WAV, but unlike the Simple
Audio it won’t handle high-bitrate 24-bit/96kHz files. Your compensation is
access to a class-leading set music streaming services, including Last.fm,
Napster and Spotify, plus thousands of online radio stations.
How does it sound?
When plugged into a set of small
stand-mount speakers and fed with tasty lossless files, the Connect: Amp will
rival the sound of a half-decent mini hi-fi. If you want to get every last drop
out of it, hook up a Connect to a DAC and dedicated amp to get real character
into your sound. Still – most of you won’t feel the need.
Expanding the system
Sonos systems support multiroom use in up
to 32 zones, with each zone able to listen to its own tunes or sync sounds
across multiple units. Two speaker-toting systems are also available (Play: 3,
at $422, and Play: 5, at $568) and can be linked for stereo sound. There’s also
an active subwoofer, the $974 Sub.
Tech specs
Amp 55w class D
Outputs 4 mm audio + sub (Connect: Amp);
analogue, optical, coax digital (Connect)
Inputs Analogue, Ethernet
Formats Mp3, AAC, WAV, AIFF, Ogg, WMA,
Apple Lossless, FLAC
Key online service Last.fm, Napster, Rdio,
Spotify, Tuneln
Dimensions 89 x 185 x 207 mm, 2.3 kg (Amp);
74 x 136 x 140 mm, 0.69kg (Connect)
Connect: Amp
Price: $649.5
Built in 55w amp and integrated wireless
receiver: just add speakers
Connect
Price: $454.5
Streamer only: add it to your hi-fi or amp
for music on demand
The app – Sonos controller
Sonos’ desktop software is brilliantly
effective and makes short work indeed of multi room setups. Android or iThing
apps turn your portable devices into handy remotes.
Ratings: 5/5 stars
It may not have full audiophile cred, but
this is still the most usable streaming system in the world
