“Also forget about the sonarray, sounds like total A$$ you can get much better performance from rock speakers or my favorite sonance mariners on an aluminum fence post driven down in the ground. this way you can tap each speaker for proper volume and you can simply daisy chain.”

If you can use multiple Mariner speakers (not just a single pair) in this zone, then the acoustic performance of several 6 ½ inch, 2-way speakers can outperform the SONARRAY system. However, there are a few issues to consider.

Most well-designed 2-channel or multi-channel amps for distributed audio can drive a 4-ohm load which would be two pair of Mariners or Rocks. If you need to run more than two pair of speakers, then you might want to consider the 70v version called the FMS660. Then as mentioned, “you can tap each speaker for proper volume and simply daisy chain.” However, this is a 70v methodology and not applicable to 8-ohm systems. You’ll also need a 70v amp for this zone which the budget may not allow for.

If you want to stay with an 8-ohm system and have continuous coverage around the zone, then SONARRAY will do this for you. Namely, blanket the entire zone in seamless sound without gaps in coverage while presenting a reasonable load to the amplifier. In this regard, SONARRAY is a better choice for covering up to 2000 square feet compared to a pair of Mariners’ or Rocks in that same space. And importantly for many clients, the system can easily recede into the landscape.

The key to optimizing the performance of SONARRAY is to use high quality amplification with 100-150 watts/channel. SONARRY will still sound good driven by lower power discrete output device amps (no power ICs’), but won’t sound as dynamic and impressive. Dealers who have been really successful with SONARRAY package the SONOS zone player with line-level outputs with our Sonamp 2120T power amp. The 2120T is rated for 120 watts/channel into 8 ohms and achieves its high current output through its high-quality toroidal transformer, over-specified power supply and fully-discrete output stage.

IC-based amplifiers cannot source enough current to begin with, can run hot and then pull-back their current output in an effort to remain reliable. This in effect acts as a dynamic compressor and noticeably restricts bass impact, punch and realism. An extra pair of speakers added to these amplifiers can actually make things worse in some ways.

Many of our distributors have Mariners and the SONARRAY system on display for demo. Please compare the two systems for yourself and decide which approach you prefer.