There is no denying it – since its inception Sonos has created a revolution in the world of wireless multiroom music streaming. How does the PLAY:5 improve upon the original?…
Until now the current PLAY:5 has held the reign as the daddy of Sonos’ range. As more multiroom speakers options become available, Sonos has now decided to build upon its pedigree for sound quality… cue the PLAY:5!
Featuring a complete internal redesign – the similar looking shell is rather deceiving to those who assume this is simply a slight cosmetic update. The speaker includes 6 custom-designed drivers, with each one paired to its own dedicated amplifier ensuring optimum sound from each woofer to produce a complete sound. There are 3 tweeters and 3 long-throw mid woofers, all tuned to match the PLAY:5’s updated acoustic design. This sealed cabinet also allows for easy room placement – meaning it will sound great, no matter where in the room it sits. And the sound?… Quite frankly, it’s absolutely epic. It’s as simple as that. At low volumes you can hear both crystal clear detail and a pleasant rhythmic bass. Should you wish to push the limits, at high volumes the PLAY:5 continues to reward your ears with a controlled sound you’d expect from a much larger speaker and dedicated amplifier. In my humble opinion, you’ll struggle to believe a wireless speaker is capable of producing such powerful, punchy sound with very little distortion. I have had the pleasure of working with hi-fi for many years now, and rarely do I see a product get as many people in one room in order to see what’s making that beautiful music. When played side by side with the original PLAY:5 for comparison, the improved, punchy bass and sparkling clarity become even more apparent.
If the original PLAY:5 impressed us… Then this is a complete game changer. To say we were impressed (as you can probably guess we are by now), would be a monumental understatement.
Swipe controls replace the old-style push buttons on the PLAY:5
If the impressive sound of the PLAY:5 isn’t quite enough for you (at this point I hear you ask “what more could I want?!”) – Sonos has designed the PLAY:5 to work in sync with a second speaker, much like the original PLAY:5. In this set-up it now functions as separate left and right channel speakers – creating a wider, deeper and bigger sound to fill your room. The design team at Sonos have combined both functionality and quality of sound in this redesign – as the PLAY:5 can be sat either flat or horizontally, with small rubber feet to provide a stable grounding for the PLAY:5 on any surface in the home. Sonos have certainly made improvements with the design producing a stronger, and more versatile speaker.
As part of the design, touch controls have been put in place with the push buttons scrapped. This design allows users to swipe to change tracks as they walk past, or press pause and change volume easily – without complicating its simple design. Sonos have made big steps to become one of, if not the, iconic hi-fi brands of the twenty-first century, and as such the PLAY:5 proves itself as both a real performer and a lifestyle item. Its functionality and sleek design mean it can be placed anywhere in the home without the need for a traditional separates system. The PLAY:5 has been designed to withstand high humidity and temperatures – so is perfect for the areas, such as near a kettle.
Paired with the Sonos Trueplay app, (which measures the acoustics of the room and tunes the PLAY:5 perfectly to its location) makes this a serious contender for the modern musical enthusiast, integrating into the lifestyle of anyone who loves music – with its superb sound quality, design and usability.
It’s no wonder Sonos has been named in The CoolBrands Top 20, and the PLAY:5 proves its worth pound for pound against any speaker I’ve heard. We believe this will be a very popular option and, quite frankly, justifies all the hype surrounding it.
For more information check out the PLAY:5 product page, or give your local store a call to arrange a demonstration today.
Any idea when it’s available?
Also Somos themselves are advising that it not be sited in bathrooms.
Hello Jason,
Not until Sonos reveal the dates, unfortunately. However, if you contact your local store you can register your interest and we’ll let you know when they’re in stock.
In regards to the bathroom question, the Sonos informs us it will be “humidity resistant – Designed to withstand high humidity.” Sonos has also told us that this is fine for areas “such as in a bathroom with a running shower.” However the PLAY:5 is not waterproof or water resistant, so make sure it stays away from the running water and you’ll be fine.
Many thanks.
On my Christmas shopping list!
At the risk of being pedantic, “Sonos have made big steps to become one of, if not the, iconic hi-fi brands of the twentieth century” should probably read twenty-first century. Unless they are going for the retro look.
Hello Nick,
Well spotted! And yes thank you, you are right. Although the way they are going, I imagine it’ll be “iconic hi-fi brands of the twenty-second century” too.
Well, as a play 5 owner who doesn’t think that its sound is particularly wonderful I’d be curious to hear how the 2 compare – my 5 has never impressed me given its cost.
For what it is worth I would have once called myself an audiophile who has owned many thousands of pounds worth of fairly high end gear, and still has a dedicated listening room. My Sonos system plays via some active speakers (AVI 9.1 monitors) with sub and has punch and a tight bass – the Play 5 is in the kitchen and despite trying various locations seems more recessed, lacking attack and even sounding slightly boomy which I have assumed is due to the ported design. As the new model is sealed this may improve matters. I was thinking of getting a pair of play 1 or 2’s to replace it, but the new 5 has to be worth a listen. Question is, do I get one of these or go for a Sonos playbar when I get my new TV..?
Hello Steve,
Having heard the new PLAY:5, I can say the difference is quite noticeable between the two versions. I would say the 2015 version, compared to a separates hi-fi of similar cost, beats most systems I’ve heard – both in terms of tonal clarity, weighting, separation and cross-over. That’s ignoring the fact it also has Sonos’ streaming capabilities on top of that. Sonos will be offering in-store comparisons between the two models prior to launch. Our VIP Club members will be first to hear about these events, so I would suggest signing up to our VIP Club, and keep an eye out for future announcements.
Kind regards,
Ian