What Hi Fi Sound and Vision 14 AUG 2009

Sonos BU250

£ 800 5

* * * * *

The best wireless music system in the business just got even better

For
Fine sound; robust wireless performance; flexible music choices; brilliant new user interface only adds to the appeal
Against
Nothing, except that it costs £100 more than the old version (but we think that's fair enough)

The Sonos system has been a firm favourite of ours for years: this wirelessly distributed multiroom music system works seamlessly and, with half-decent source material, it sounds terrific, too.

It's not even that expensive, as you don't pay through the nose for an integrated hard drive. Instead, it connects up to your router and pulls your music – MP3, AAC, Apple Lossless, whatever – from your computer or NAS device.

Millions of tracks available
The Sonos's appeal has increased due to the addition of a number of online music services, including Deezer, Last.FM and Napster – the last of which costs £10 a month but gives unlimited access to millions of tracks.

The hardware has been refined over time too,with smaller and cleverer 'ZonePlayers' – the music hubs you use to distribute music around your home.

This system bundle tested here includes one of each type: a ZP90, which isn't amplified, which you connect to your existing system, plus a ZP120. This is essentially a local mini system, with its own power amplification – just add speakers.

This new version puts these hardware tweaks in the shade, with the biggest change to hit the Sonos system since it first launched: the arrival of the CR200 controller. And in essence, it's very similar to an iPod Touch.

This is a timely development: last year the company issued an app enabling Apple users to operate their Sonos systems with an iPod Touch (or iPhone).

Why get a CR200, not a Touch?
You might question whether it's worth upgrading from a CR100 to a CR200 – when you could simply buy an iPod Touch instead and pocket the change.

All we'd say is that the Sonos version feels nicer in the hand, is faster to use, and appears sharper and brighter than its Apple rival.

And this new handset only adds lustre to an already polished performer. Sonically, the Sonos is still top-class: with lossless files, it's as close to hi-fi as Wi-Fi gets. What more could you ask for?

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