Customer Reviews

Sonos Wireless Music Controller 200

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I've had a CR200 for 9 months now and I would echo most of the other reviewers comments in that it does seem like an expensive piece of kit at first glance. However, it is one of those things that once you've used it for a while, but then have to use one of the alternatives, you realise just how good it is. It's very responsive - the motion sensor wakes the screen up as soon as you pick it up, and it's immediately ready to use. The motion sensor can be disabled if you're going to be carrying it around, however. Having the hardware buttons on the front for common functions, and the purpose made charging cradle also just make it that bit more convenient and usable than the iphone/android options.

I have knocked one star off my rating due to the fact that my controller developed what seems to be a common fault - parts of the screen stopped responding to touch in more and more places, some of which eventually made it unusable. On the plus side, Sonos handled it very well. They were obviously aware they had a problem with the batch which my unit came from, as they had already emailed me to tell me they had extended the free warranty on my controller for an extra year. When I contacted them about the problem, they arranged to have the defective unit collected and I opted to have them send me out a new one asap (after giving them my credit card details). The deal was that if they got the defective one back within 14 days, I wouldn't be charged for new one. Otherwise I'd have had to wait until they received the bad one before sending out the replacement.

Update (Nov 2011):
The controller I got as a replacement for the first faulty one has now developed the same problem, after about 10 months. Disappointed with Sonos that they haven't managed to fix a quality or design problem which they are well aware of. While my controller is away being fixed/replaced, I'm using my IPhone4 to control my Sonos system, and it's just not as good. The CR200 controller is always ready to go as soon as you pick it up - not so the IPhone app (unlock the screen, and then often wait while it tries to connect to the Sonos system again)

Update (July 2012)
My 3rd controller has just had to be returned (luckily a few days before the 2yr warranty ran out) for the same reason as the first two. I was extremely reluctant to take a replacement, given the history of this product, but Sonos promised that they have indeed fixed the design or manufacturing problem and backed this up with a further 2 years warranty. Interestingly the sticker on the inside of this latest replacement says (c)Sonos 200x-2012 whereas the old one said 200x-2009. Hopefully this means that the design (or components) have changed. Time will tell....

To put this review into some context I have tested all the controllers currently available to control the Sonos including:

- Apple ipod / iphone - Free from the Apple app store
- Android (Andronos) - Free from Android Marketplace
- Sonos CR100
- PC / Laptop Application - Free from Sonos

Yes the CR200 is expensive but in terms of overall user experience I have found it to be superior to all the other controller options. Although the family have access to all of the above this one is the preferred option everytime. It really is the quickest and most reliable choice. As spare / additional controllers all the above options work great but having now used the CR200 for three months I believe it justified the initial outleigh just in terms if the overall user experience and quality feel. Recommended

very good if a little expensive. Much quicker than the iphone/ipod app. However, after only a few months it developed a fault where parts of the touchscreen were not responsive. Judging from the online forums it seems to be a common problem. However, Sonos were very quick to acknowledge the problem and I am currently awaiting a replacement. Rating would have been less than the four stars had it not been for the very good (so far!) customer service from Sonos.

I love good gadgets and therefore I love this!

You obviously need to combine this Controller with the ZonePlayer S5. I have my system supplemented with the ZoneBridge as well. Combined with the Sonos ZonePlayer S5 and the ZoneBridge this is an amazing piece of kit. I predict that you will be blown away by the quality of sound and build just as I was. The system is extremely easy to set up and you will be listening to superb sound within minutes.

First let me explain the different pieces of equipment:
1) The ZonePlayer S5 is where you sound comes from and what a sound!
2) The ZoneBridge connects to the router. Whilst you can directly connect your ZonePlayer S5 to the router and so save yourself a little bit of money I think when you're splashing out this amount of cash you may as well go the whole hog and get the ZoneBridge. This means that your ZonePlayer S5 can be moved to any room in the house rather than being tied to the room your router lives in.
3) The Zone Wireless Music Controller 200 is expensive but gives you ultimate flexibility as you can control your system from anywhere and it again frees you from being tied to the computer - this time to control your system. If you own and iPhone or and iPod Touch then Sonos offer a free app which allows you to control your ZonePlayer from your Apple 'i' gadget. Whilst doing it this way will save you quite a substantial amount of additional expenditure, I find the Wireless Controller to be a much easier system than the Sonos app in its layout. It also means you don't have to share your precious Apple 'i' gadget with anyone as they can use the Zone Controller.

The Sonos Zone system allows you to access all the music stored on your PC and also the option to listen to the radio. You can tune in to local stations and more - plus you can also sign up to last.fm or Napster for example to stream music. Last.fm is free and Napster offers a 30 day trial after which you would have to subscribe. You also have the obligatory aux port so you can connect other gadgets, music systems etc as you wish.

This is the best sounding and most flexible music system I have ever had the privilege to own. I wish I had the money to add more ZonePlayers - it would be amazing to have them dotted all over the house!

I love my Zone system and think you will love yours too!

I am now on my 5th controller, they seem to work for a month then the touch screen develops faults. I thought I was just unlucky after the 2nd failed, it is pretty obvious now that there must be a fundamental issue with this model controller. Baring in mind its cost I have to give it a big fat ZERO!!!! But the site does not allow it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This controller is easy to use, and does what you would expect, when its working, making it easy to listen to your library anywhere in the house.
HOWEVER, it will fail with time (you just have to look on many forums, including the one on the Sonos' own website) and the touch screen will fail after only limited use.

I have probably only used mine around 30 times and most of the screen no longer responds, which seems to be the common problem users complain about, which is something you dont expect for such a costly item. Mine is out of warranty and going to cost a lot to repair, and I have just accepted that I have to use the app for the Iphone to control the system instead, as it does the same. I would suggest to anyone that if you already own and iPhone or android phone to just use the apps as a controller and dont bother with this highly unreliable, yet fantastic piece of kit.

The rest of my system works fine, dont get me wrong, sonos is good, it is just this particular controller that will break very very soon!

Expensive it is, but they say you continue to experience the quality long after the cost is forgotten. Nice snappy interface and sharp clear graphics. You could use the free iTouch or iPhone app to control the Sonos but that has two disadvantages; one is that you have to turn the iDevice on, select the app and wait for it to connect, and the other is that it doesn't use the Sonos wireless, it requires that you have a wireless access point in your house connected to the Sonos in some way.

If you're used to the older CR100 and used it in the bathroom (as it is splashproof), unfortunately the CR200 isn't splashproof, but don't let that stop you buying this lovely piece of technology!

I've written a fuller review elsewhere on the Sonos system, the CR200 is the icing on the cake. Very cool, it works (every time), is not too big, not too small.... I have an itouch too, but prefer the CR200 for controlling the system.

Bit pricey, that's all I'd say!

Cannot fault this controller. Originally used android app and thought that was pretty good. Could not go back to it now. Advise anybody with Sonos system to use Sonos controller.

Only downside description says it is wall mountable, but charge unit is for desktop only.