I reckon he could be pursuaded to go digital, so; for a half decent digital system we are needing:
-iPad and computer (to sync music to iPad)
-a sonos play:5 (or 3) in each room
- the sonos brain
am i correct? Anyone use the sonos system and can comment on sound quality? Maybe compared to a surround sound system?
Originally Posted by Lixarto
It's the requirement to play in multi rooms that will limit your options, Sonus is definitely a good option in this case.
I've been through this myself and ended up with this, bear in mind I only needed two rooms.
Mini PC (currently a Dell Zino, soon to be Mac Mini) in the TV cabinet, connected to the TV which can also act as a monitor.
All CD's ripped to itunes (using lossless) on the mini PC.
Separate DAC connected to the mini PC via USB then connected to a traditional hi-fi amp and speakers.
Ipad or Iphone both have Apple Remote installed, a free download that acts as a controller for itunes.
So, even without the TV on, as long as the mini PC is on then just flick on the ipad and it's all there, with no tunes actually stored on the ipad or syncing to be done.
Then in the kitchen I have some small wireless speakers that run from a dongle (plugged into a USB port) on the same mini PC. The only issue is that you can't have both on at once, have to choose between living room system or kitchen system. Not a problem for me.
The above works superbly for my needs.
Several B&W Zeppelin Airs & an iPad? Not as good as a 'real' (eg Linn/Naim) hi fi, but sounds very good, very flexible, easy to use, etc.
The OP can install a traditional hi-fi system in any room [speakers, amp & cd player] for his Dad. And Sonus have a box that can input music from the music server too, thus winning on two fronts.
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