Systemline?

[Funkstar]

Anyone used these?

Welcome to Systemline

One of the guys at work is having a new house built and getting a load of this equipment installed. He isn't going for the music server which is "hoorin' expensive" (direct quote).

Personally i wouldn't touch this propriatory stuff with a barge pole, but then I'm not normal. I'm not going to advise him against it or anything, I'm just curious if other have used a setup like this and what your thoughts are.

[menthel]

Looks fancy but bloody expensive. I am currently thinking about our new house and how to wire it up. However, I think I would not go that propriatory. I will use sonos for music and perhaps either media centre and extenders or sky multiroom for video.

[Funkstar]

If you are going Sonos, Have you looked at SqueezeBoxes?

Transporter & Squeezebox Wireless Network Music Players - Every room deserves a soundtrack

I'm a huge fan and long time user. Opensource, flexible, high quality, great user community.

Currently running 2x SqueezeBox 3s and a SqueezeBox Controller off a Thecus N5200Pro NAS box. Also have a second Controller, Reciever, SB2 and a SliMP3 in a box somewhere.

I think they are cheaper than the Sonos equivelant, and IMHO much better anyway

[beanbandit]

Originally Posted by Funkstar

Anyone used these?

Welcome to Systemline

One of the guys at work is having a new house built and getting a load of this equipment installed. He isn't going for the music server which is "hoorin' expensive" (direct quote).

Personally i wouldn't touch this propriatory stuff with a barge pole, but then I'm not normal. I'm not going to advise him against it or anything, I'm just curious if other have used a setup like this and what your thoughts are.

If i was having a house built, i would definitely go for a built in system. Its much cheaper to get the wiring done now, than try and do it 6 months after moving in, as for equipment, i would personally do the research and install my own choice from brands i know more about.

Originally Posted by Funkstar

If you are going Sonos, Have you looked at SqueezeBoxes?

Another vote for Sqeezeboxes. I've had the 3 for a couple of years now ands its so convenient and tidy. Also like the look of the new system, would like to add that at some point

[menthel]

I have looked at the squeezeboxes and they just did not do it for me! I much preffered the way that the sonos system works.

[Funkstar]

How so?

I'm genuinely interested as I don't know much about the Sonos system.

[menthel]

I had a tryout and found the wireless performance somewhat wanting. I also much prefer the ipod like interface of the sonos and its ease of use. I figure that if my father in law understands it then it must be simple. I also preffered the sound quality, the option of buit in amplification (makes it great for kitchens, bathrooms etc) ability to use the bases as wireless bridges.

[Funkstar]

The Duet bundle with the new Controller and reciever make are quite iPod like in their operation. Or at least I guess they are, hardly ever used an iPod.

Built in amplification is missing I'll give you that, I wouldn't be surprised if SlimDevices/Logitech address this in the future though, Logitech do have a lot of experience in speaker systems.

SBs can be used as wireless bridges too

[TheAnimus]

These Systemline devices look awful. The remote looks cheap and nasty too.

[menthel]

Originally Posted by Funkstar

The Duet bundle with the new Controller and reciever make are quite iPod like in their operation. Or at least I guess they are, hardly ever used an iPod.

Built in amplification is missing I'll give you that, I wouldn't be surprised if SlimDevices/Logitech address this in the future though, Logitech do have a lot of experience in speaker systems.

SBs can be used as wireless bridges too

I guess I can have a look at the new duets but for me the amplification will be really great for putting these in bedrooms and the kitchen.

[sjbuck]

That's been an issue for me, i have a Duet on order and am currently renovating an old house and installing ceiling speakers in various rooms. I'll be routing the cable for all the speakers back to the cellar where I'll have 2 or 3 duet receivers and their amps all in one place. It's a pain that there isn't a version on the receiver with an amp in it, even if it's only 15-30w or so.
If one isn't avaialble in the future I'll end up buying a multich room/channel amp I think, but the ones I've seen ain't cheap. I investigated active speakers but found them thin on the ground and expensive......

[menthel]

Originally Posted by sjbuck

That's been an issue for me, i have a Duet on order and am currently renovating an old house and installing ceiling speakers in various rooms. I'll be routing the cable for all the speakers back to the cellar where I'll have 2 or 3 duet receivers and their amps all in one place. It's a pain that there isn't a version on the receiver with an amp in it, even if it's only 15-30w or so.
If one isn't avaialble in the future I'll end up buying a multich room/channel amp I think, but the ones I've seen ain't cheap. I investigated active speakers but found them thin on the ground and expensive......

That is one of the reasons I am leaning towards the sonos system.

[autopilot]

Originally Posted by menthel

That is one of the reasons I am leaning towards the sonos system.

The fact that Squeezebox's don't have Amp's is a pro, not a con. The vast majority of people buy them to compliment existing systems or just prefer to select their own. It gives you way more flexibility in choosing speakers etc. And an Amp can be added to the total cost and still have it come in cheaper than the Sono's.

I am using one of these with one of my SB's - Trends TA10.1 and it sounds astonishing for the money.

menthel, having seen you around the forums for a while and reading your posts, i can say for sure you would prefer a SB over Sono's - the Sono's is a completely closed system with the emphasis on locking down functionality so that it's very noob friendly. The SB is a lot more and can what the Sono's do a hell of a lot more - and there are loads of great plugins etc. It's nicer to use to, the 2 handed operation of the Sono's remote i found a bit tedious at times. The Sono's is amazing, i cant deny that, but i think you would prefer the SB.

[menthel]

See, its the locked down, noob friendlyness that actually appeals this time. My work is getting even busier and I am travelling a lot so I need to have a system that:

a) doesn't need tweaking or even tempts me to
b) my wife can handle using and fix simple problems when I am not there and
c) takes up as little room as possible.

However much fun it is to have stuff to tweak and play with, I already have enough stuff like this and just want my music system to work!

Thanks for the advice though! I will continue to poke around and evaluate until purchase day comes though. I think that is a large part of the fun!