Sonos Amp vs Denon DRA800H / Marantz NR1200
Discussion
I'm looking to give up Bluetooth streaming and move to a proper network-in multi-room setup in the not-too-distant future.
I want to work with my existing speakers (Monitor B2 Bronze) in the living room, so will need a network amp, then use some all-in-one 'satellite' pods in the kitchen, bedroom, etc.
The market leader by all accounts is Sonos. I'd need the Amp, plus a few Ones. But I'm loathe to spend £600 on a single piece of hardware with limited functionality.
So I'm looking at the Denon DRA800H and Marantz NR1200 as alternatives. From what I can see, these two are essentially the same device but in different form factors. I don't think there's much to separate them, beyond aesthetics. At £400, they represent a good saving over the Amp (although it's worth noting the basic pod speaker that runs over HEOS – the Denon Home 150 – does cost more than the Sonos One). Versus the Amp, you get a lot more in terms of feature set: DAB, Bluetooth, Airplay 2, a tonne of inputs...
Does anyone have experience with these products? I've used Sonos, but never HEOS – how's the user interface on that? Do we expect prices for any of this kit to go down any time soon? I'm in no rush.
I want to work with my existing speakers (Monitor B2 Bronze) in the living room, so will need a network amp, then use some all-in-one 'satellite' pods in the kitchen, bedroom, etc.
The market leader by all accounts is Sonos. I'd need the Amp, plus a few Ones. But I'm loathe to spend £600 on a single piece of hardware with limited functionality.
So I'm looking at the Denon DRA800H and Marantz NR1200 as alternatives. From what I can see, these two are essentially the same device but in different form factors. I don't think there's much to separate them, beyond aesthetics. At £400, they represent a good saving over the Amp (although it's worth noting the basic pod speaker that runs over HEOS – the Denon Home 150 – does cost more than the Sonos One). Versus the Amp, you get a lot more in terms of feature set: DAB, Bluetooth, Airplay 2, a tonne of inputs...
Does anyone have experience with these products? I've used Sonos, but never HEOS – how's the user interface on that? Do we expect prices for any of this kit to go down any time soon? I'm in no rush.
Recently had some building work which meant made sense to wire some stuff in.
Ended up with new Sonos Amp plus Sonos Beam, 4 x Blucube ceiling speakers wired to amp plus Sonos Move(at slightly later date)
Not big into this stuff(never really listened to music b4) but having got it I think it is superb. Friends who are into their music think the sound out of the ceiling speakers via the amp is 2nd to none
Not sure if helpful but noticed not many replies.
Got to say also that the Move is great for taking outside or moving round house
Ended up with new Sonos Amp plus Sonos Beam, 4 x Blucube ceiling speakers wired to amp plus Sonos Move(at slightly later date)
Not big into this stuff(never really listened to music b4) but having got it I think it is superb. Friends who are into their music think the sound out of the ceiling speakers via the amp is 2nd to none
Not sure if helpful but noticed not many replies.
Got to say also that the Move is great for taking outside or moving round house
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