HomeKit Alternatives to Sonos Amp

[williamrodz]

Hello!

I have two outdoor, weather-resistant speakers. I am looking for an amplifier to power them for music.

What I want:
- AirPlay 2 control / HomeKit support
- Amazon Alexa control
- Volume control from iOS Device (ideally integrated with AirPlay)

In the average use case, I'll use the Spotify app to play music from my iPhone.

So far, it seems that the Sonos Amp has everything I want. However, it's on the pricey end at $649. Is there a less expensive alternative available that has everything I'm looking for?

 

[pup]

Just curious, if your speakers are outside and the amp inside, how is Alexa going to work?

 

[kristof46]

Sonos still is not so "pro" imo. High price just because it is Sonos. Sounds like Apple prices
Anyway. Take a look at Marantz products. Especially Marantz MCR-612 (melody x). It could be little bit more expensive but it is waaaay better amp.

 

[pup]

Or get an airport express / appleTV and any old amp.

 

[waw74]

.

 

[kristof46]

Or get an airport express / appleTV and any old amp.

How do you want to connect them? Old ATV had optical port so it was possible. Old amp don't have HDMI. Airport express had minijack but it is old device

 

[pup]

They're old but apple still supports them and they're a pretty popular choice for streaming - despite the fact that as such they command a relatively high price on eBay/craigslist. Still much cheaper than the alternatives, especially if you already have the amp.

 

[DarwinOSX]

Sonos still is not so "pro" imo. High price just because it is Sonos. Sounds like Apple prices
Anyway. Take a look at Marantz products. Especially Marantz MCR-612 (melody x). It could be little bit more expensive but it is waaaay better amp.

That is a terrible suggestion. He can do alot better for the price.

 

[kristof46]

That is a terrible suggestion. He can do alot better for the price.

You are right but only if he has enough space for bigger machine. In this price range we can talk about AV amp Yamaha Onkyo etc. But if he doesn’t have enough space (like I did) you have to look for something smaller with good sound. Marantz is really good. Much better than Sonos or Denon.

 

[BarrettF77]

Sonos is more like the apple equivalent in audio except the support their stuff. Buddy has an Amp, no complaints

 

[williamrodz]

You are right but only if he has enough space for bigger machine. In this price range we can talk about AV amp Yamaha Onkyo etc. But if he doesn’t have enough space (like I did) you have to look for something smaller with good sound. Marantz is really good. Much better than Sonos or Denon.

I have space! So you recommend a Yamaha or Onkyo AV receiver? Any in particular?

 

[kristof46]

Yamaha R-N803D
Yamaha R-N602
Yamaha RX-V 485
Onkyo TX 8390
Onkyo TX-8270
Onkyo TX-8250