Not sure what you heard about not being able to control the volume independently. Each Sonos Connect connected to a local input on the Niles amp will give you independent volume control of that zone. You can also create groups in the Sonos software if you wish to control more than one zone at the same time. For instance, if you want to turn on the kitchen and dining room and control the volume all at once, without having to do so separately, you can group the kitchen and dining room together. Otherwise, they will be completely separate, source and volume.