Group test: Audio streamers pt2

Overview Price comparison: Sonos Digital Music System Zonebridge More info: Sonos Size: (Zonebridge) 110x110x41mm Weight: (Zonebridge) 270g File support: MP3, WMA, AAC, OGG, WAV, AIFF, Audible.AA, Apple Lossless Connectivity: Composite, S/P-DIF, Optical Transmission: WLAN, LAN Additional features: Direct access to Napster song catalogue, internet radio, modular components add additional functionality Sonos Digital Music System Zonebridge The Sonos digital music system recently received a bit of a refresh by adding the ZoneBridge 100 along with support for digital music downloads via Napster. This is a modular collection of hardware that can be assembled to suit your needs, and includes a choice of two 'ZonePlayers', one with internal amplification for connection to passive speakers and a second to be hooked up to an existing amplified speaker set-up in another room. The new ZoneBridge connects directly to your router to offer instant wireless set-up and connection to each ZonePlayer within range, and an all-important handheld controller puts all of your media at your fingertips. The set-up is intended to be modular, allowing you to add additional players or equipment to expand coverage around the home. We were bowled over by the easy and quick set-up, degree of control and performance of the Sonos, which made hooking up the other devices in this test seem like trying to navigate the Hampton Court maze blindfolded. The controller uses an effective layout and iPod-style scroll wheel to allow you to easily choose from internet radio stations, streamed music from your hard drive or tracks from Napster's online library starting with a free 30-day trial. Although we had some problems with inconsistent streaming from Napster, everything else worked perfectly, so while there's no doubt that it's expensive, it's still one of the most impressive and rewarding ways to control music around the home we've seen yet.

Verdict Plus points Very easy to set up, excellent degree of control, great performance, modular components Minus points A tad expensive

Overview Price comparison: TerraTec Noxon 2 radio for iPod More info: Terratec Size: 165 x 165 x 150mm Weight: 3.5kg File support: MP3, AAC+, WAV, WMA-9, OGG Connectivity: Composite, S/P-DIF, Ethernet, 3.5mm jack, iPod dock Transmission: WLAN, LAN Additional features: FM radio, internet radio, Podcasts, alarm, iPod support, built-in speakers TerraTec Noxon 2 radio for iPod This compact two-piece unit offers access to a massive range of radio-based and digitally encoded content. As well as streaming your music collection around the home via wired or wireless network, the unit includes a built-in FM tuner, can access internet radio, podcasts, DAB radio and includes an iPod dock to charge and browse your Apple player. The upper unit houses the main display and connectivity that includes optical and composite out. This slots into a base unit with built-in 10-watt bass driver and two 4-watt tweeters, as well as external volume, bass and treble controls which rather strangely are placed at the back. To get the most from the hardware you'll need to get it connected to a uPnP network in the home and use the TwonkyMusic server software supplied to share media folders on your computer. Despite a few initial teething problems we eventually got this configured correctly and once up and running we were impressed by the speed at which you can browse content and the smooth streaming to the built-in speaker or external audio source in another room. You can also use the device as an alarm clock and select any of the available sources for your wake-up call. Though the design may be questionable overall, the Noxon 2 is flexible and usable enough to offer an excellent solution for downloading and streaming music around the home.

Verdict Plus points Compact, range of source material, impressive performance from the speakers Minus points Can be awkward to configure on some routers, design issues with the speaker unit

Final verdict The potential for increasing the range and accessibility of digital audio with any of the streamers in this group test was very impressive, and as you can see from the scores it was a pretty hard fought battle. If its bare bones streaming you're after and already have a meaty surround system to handle it, the Logitech Wireless DJ is superb for offering instant access to all of your music in any room of the house from the palm of your hand. The Noxon impressed with the sheer range of media available, but did suffer from a few minor design flaws and connectivity issues. While we liked the performance from Philips with its beautifully designed WACS system, though it's worth considering whether you'll really need the hard drive and CD player before you shell out. That leaves us with the Sonos, which although expensive is a superb modular audio system that's extremely easy to set up thanks to the new ZoneBridge and a genuine joy to use. What with support for Napster downloads and an extremely intuitive controller we'd pick this as our choice of home audio solutions in a heartbeat.

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