by Mike Connelly
The Sonos Amp replaces a Connect:Amp design that dated back nearly a decade and topped out at modest power output. Our hands-on review includes a full configuration walkthrough of the Sonos Amp in a rack-mounted, multi-zone passive speaker installation. We also take a detailed look at how the Amp handles whole-home deployments that its predecessor could not. Continue reading How To: Sonos Amp Review & Configuration
Here, I describe an advanced network topology that uses Ethernet-connected Sonos Beam soundbars for better Sonos wireless coverage in your home. This approach: (1) provides significantly greater wired line backhaul to your SonosNet network, and (2) shifts the majority of your Sonos speakers to 5Ghz, freeing spectrum in 2.4Ghz for your remaining Sonos speakers. It is also possible to use either the Sonos PLAYBAR or PLAYBASE instead of the Beam, for example in your home theater. However, the Sonos Beam is a much more cost-effective solution, particularly for secondary rooms in a whole home deployment. Continue reading How To: Advanced Sonos Wireless Network Configuration Using Sonos Beams
Sonos speakers support Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri simultaneously, letting users mix and match voice assistants independent of their music source or smart home platform. Here, we explain how that flexibility works in practice and what it means for households split across competing ecosystems. A Sonos owner can run an iTunes library, a YouTube Music subscription, and Apple HomeKit controls from a single speaker while still asking Google a question. Continue reading Sonos One & Sonos Beam (Part 2): Review of Voice Services Including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant & Apple Airplay 2
HD Radio is embedded in more than 35 percent of new U.S. car radios but is incompatible with every Wi-Fi speaker platform, including Google Cast and Airplay. This article explains how to build a local HD Radio server using an RTL-SDR USB dongle and open-source software on a Mac. Continue reading How To: Play HD Radio on Your Mac