Raumfeld® Base

"The Raumfeld system isn't just about single-point streaming, however – it can also hook into your existing network and stream music stored on UPnP-equipped NAS devices and connected computers via its second Ethernet socket… the Raumfeld system is a joy to listen to."

"A similar concept to Sonos, but with B&O-inspired styling and a 160GB hard-driver Base unit to store your music. You can add a USB driver for more space. Raumfeld`S Base will wirelessy hook up to your computer`s music library and NAS server, too, along with Napster and Last.fm. There`s no iPhone app, but the Controller is a joy to use thanks to its intuitive touchscreen and reassuring rotary volume dial. You can choose to hook up a hi-fi to the system with an unobtrusive Connector, but it`s well worth investing in the great-sounding powered speakers, available in either kitchen-friendly or lounge-filling sizes."

"Two rooms, top-notch sound and great design-what`s not to love?!

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars!

"The neutrality and tonal balance on offer is impressive. Bass could perhaps be a little deeper, but it's taut and well-integrated with the midrange, while the treble is sparkly, but well behaved - as long you avoid overly sharp recordings... Then there's the Connector - its overall delivery will depend on your amp and speakers, but a test with our reference hi-fi proves that it's capable of conveying truly excellent detail and dynamics."

+ unfussy setup
+ great sound from all zones
+ built-in storage
+ looks and build

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars

"Sonos has had the high-end multiroom audio space to itself for the past few years, but now there's a new challenger in town: small German manufacturer, Raumfeld. Its wireless audio system tackles Sonos' expensive bundles head-on, but does it in a rather different way.
The speakers are the key differentiator in a Raumfeld system. Rather than building the wireless technology into a discrete amplifier or streaming module as Sonos does, Raumfeld builds it all directly into one of the speakers, along with a 30W per channel amplifier. The other speaker is passive, powered by the amp via a single length of standard speaker cable.
All you need to complete the picture is the Raumfeld Base, and the Controller - an angular slab of plastic complete with 4.25in, 280 x 476 capacitive touchscreen - and you have yourself a beautifully minimalist system. The design is pure Bauhaus and looks stunning."

Overall Rating: 5/6
Features & Design: 5/6
Value for Money: 4/6
Ease of Use: 5/6

"Seamless wireless audio is a great idea for spreading your music around your home. Much cheaper than an installation, and the ideal way to unlock the audio that's been building up on your computer's hard drive all these years.
So far, the Sonos system has offered one of the easiest plug n play solutions to the problem, and now little-known German manufacturer Raumfeld is muscling in on the act at a similar price point.
The Raumfeld system consists of a Base station, which you connect to your PC or wireless router via Ethernet cable, a pair of Wi-Fi-enhanced active stereo speakers and a Controller with touch-sensitive screen. It can stream audio directly from your PC or Nas drive, access web-based streaming services and play internet radio too, either through the Raumfeld speakers or through your existing stereo via the Wi-Fi Connector.
So far, so Sonos, but the Raumfeld system has an extra trick up its sleeve by including a hefty 160GB hard drive in the Base. You can use it to back up your favourite tracks so you don't have to switch on your computer to access your music."


"The Raumfeld system is a hassle-free wireless streaming solution whose only real rival at the moment is Sonos. Neither system is particularly cheap, and while the Raumfeld is the more expensive option, you do get the benefit of an onboard hard drive which allows you to use it without having to switch on your computer. It's horses for courses, but the Raumfeld is a serious rival to the Sonos and an excellent way to open up your computer-based music collection."

Verdict: 9 / 10

"This multi-room, wireless hi-fi provides an elegant solution to the problem of getting digital music off tiny devices and around the home. Raumfeld’s system pulls everything you’ve got into one place and then distributes it to superb speakers, made by Adam Audio. It’s a real rival to the popular Sonos system."