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I initially bought this because my router and my stereo were on opposite sides of my living room. I have a wired network printer that I can now put anywhere I want and use over the wireless network. It worked great and didn't take up much room at all. After I moved, I was able to attach one of the ZonePlayers directly to the stereo, and I discovered I could use the ZoneBridge as an access point to provide wired ethernet ports at the other end of my house from my wireless router. Considering the price of other products designed specifically for this purpose, it's actually a pretty good deal for that as well. Since other reviews make it clear that it works well for its intended function, I thought I would mention this unexpected bonus feature.
The Sonos ZoneBridge allows your to quickly extend your existing Sonos system, or you can use it as the foundation Internet connection for the system if you don't want audio in the room where your router is located. Set up is very simple.Note I selected 5* for sound quality as a rating of the Sonos system overall - the ZoneBridge does not itself have a sound output. And the picture doesn't let you imagine just how small and neat this unit is.My Sonos systems: A - 2 ZP90 + 1 ZP120 + 1 ZP5; B (vacation home) 1 ZB100 + 1 ZP5
This is one product that has surpassed my expectations completely. Plus, as a transplanted Minnesotan in New York, I can save my favorite local stations from MN and listen to them here as if I were at home.
I am fairly technical and am usually an early adopter, although have at times, been disappointed with other purchases not working quite as well as advertised. I have debated buying the Sonos system for several months mostly due to price and also in part wondering if it could truly live up to the claims and reviews.
I can now stream my iTunes Library from a Time Capsule (NAS) and listen to streaming music from Pandora, Last.fm, Sirius and more. I am thrilled with all aspects of my Sonos purchase and cannot believe how easy it was to set up and the sound quality.
I received it about an hour ago, and in minutes, had the Zone Bridge connected to my router (since the router is kept hidden in a closet out of sight) and then the S5 ZonePlayer set up in my living room. The music is flawless, crystal clear and I would never know it is from the internet- no stutters, gaps or delay.
The only downside I can see will be now wanting to buy another S5 for my bedroom.
Still haven't gotten down how Sonos playlists work since they're different than on iTunes. When it connects it does work fine.
The ZonePlayer is equally easy to set up. It also has a noticeably better sound quality so that it is worth the extra $$.
easy to set up, don't have near the problem with dropped connections I had using Airport Express. Would be nice if it could connect with the ZoneBridge directly.
You get what you pay for. There is room for improvement, have been using my iPod Touch as controller and that using another network doesn't have near as reliable a connection.
Would also like the ability to rate the album on iTunes like one can using APX with the remote. Would be nice if it were a mirror of iTunes and one didn't have to learn a who new system.
The Zone bridge is a 'set and forget' device. It makes the link to your wired network when wired ethernet is not available near your audio system. Set up is fast and easy, the unit is small and stylish. Price should be a little lower, but it is acceptable.
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