Perfect 👌 Video. I actually did the same thing you did in reverse. I’ve had the gen 1 5 since it first came out and it’s been the only speaker I needed in my main room for a long time. I never even had two of them. I’ve since added more everywhere. I love the control and I love that I can uses the Sonos app to play what ever I want from which ever streaming service and my phone is uninterrupted. Solid. 🔥
Thanks a lot for your kind words! It's awesome to hear your experience with the Gen 1 Sonos Five, and I totally get why it's been your go-to speaker. The flexibility with the Sonos app and seamless streaming across services is indeed a game-changer. Adding more throughout your space sounds like you've built a solid audio setup. Cheers to the joy of uninterrupted tunes! 🎶🔊
I purchased the Sonos Five in part based on this video. All I can say is…..WOW! This thing puts out a tremendous amount of distortion free sound. If you are looking for a Stereo/Music oriented speaker, this is the way. Thanks for the review
Hello Weekend warrior- I’m so happy to hear that my review was helpful and that you are enjoying them! I use them constantly and I don’t imagine that will change for years to come! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment! Keep on enjoying those speakers, and I’ll see ya on the next one! ✌🏼🤟🏼
That's a really thoughtful comment, and you're absolutely right. It means the world to me to have these moments with her while she still wants to hang out with her old man! These are the memories I'll cherish forever. Thanks for noticing and for the kind words. 😊
Do you understand that they will stop working completely soon? It is almost certain that by 2034 they won’t work because Sonos will not update the app. These will be expensive bricks when that happens.
@@mikkoheilimo8832 Thay is quite the prediction, Mikko! I suppose you, @Husseinj and myself will have to reconvene in 2034 and see if your prediction has come true! Until then ✌🏼🤟🏼
I find it hard to believe that Sonos-or any reputable company-would intentionally disable their products remotely without valid reasons. In the United States, consumer protection laws such as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act would allow for major lawsuits against Sonos for engaging in unfair or deceptive practices. Under the Magnuson-Moss warranty act, there is specific language which states that companies are unable to prematurely disable products that are still operational without due compensation to the consumer. an example of that was Google when they recently disabled functionality of their nest protect home security system. Consumers were offered multiple options in order to recoup their losses. If you have credible sources or evidence to support your claim that the CEO made such a statement, I would be interested in seeing it. However, until then, I'm confident in Sonos' commitment to customer satisfaction and ongoing support for their products in compliance with consumer protection laws. Let's stick to discussing facts and reliable information. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
It could be worth trying them in vertical orientation - Sonos recommends the horizontal one for single speaker setup and vertical for stereo pair. It’s also interesting to try them in both vertical options (logo inside or outside) as it also changes the sound. For me - vertical with logo in for focused listening did the charm.
Hello, Mateus, thanks for stopping by! The first orientation I tried them in was vertical, and I did in fact prefer them this way. Unfortunately, someone in the household (i'm not naming names 👰🏻♀️ 😉) though they looked too big and that it threw off the aesthetics of the family room, so horizontal they lay. At some point I think i'm going to move these fives along with my turntable into a dedicated room and back into the vertical orientation. Side note: I didn't try them in both vertical orientations, so I am excited to see what changes I may notice between the two- Thanks for mentioning this!! Thanks again for stopping by and commenting, Mateus- I really appreciate it!!
When I bought a pair of sonos one a year ago, I was so happy that then I bought another pair, and then, third one. I have them in every room. Then I bought arc with sub and this is also great. But five is the one that I think about all the time for almost two years. And I'm close to them. But... what is the correct way to place them? Single Five has three tweeters firing in such way to reproduce a little stereo. Two fives (which is only option for me for classic stereo, not spatial or sth likie this) wont do a chaos in hight frequencies due to twitters directed sideways? And, on the other hand, when we put fives vertically, a potential mess in hights wont even increase? Because in such way one tweeter in every sonos five is pointing downwards, and the other upwards? I read somewhere that in vertical way that two tweeters turn off, and, in that case, we have one central tweeter probably the same as in sonos one. Only difference is three midrange in place of one in sonos one? There is a chance that algorithms take care of it and organizes those 12 speakers (6 for each sonos five) correctly. But algorithms dont organize also 12 speakers of sonos arc: two sonos one in stereo sounds much better (for music) than sonos arc. Sorry for that long and maybe inexact comment, I can remove it later
Hello again, Jan-Thanks for stopping in! I understand the desire for these speakers and the accompanying concerns, given their price tag. When it comes to such an investment, partial satisfaction is not an option. Here's what I can share regarding your specific concerns: I've encountered no issues with the perceived direction of the top end. While there are slight changes in orientation to create the stereo effect with the single 5, in my case, with the two speakers placed at a fair distance apart, I haven't experienced any "chaos." The speakers deliver a clean and articulate top end, clearly projecting from their individual positions. Unfortunately, I can't comment on the vertical position's impact on sound. During initial setup, I briefly placed them vertically, realizing immediately that they created too much presence in my living room. Despite being attractive speakers, having them in a vertical position didn't aesthetically appeal to me. For this reason, I didn't spend any time testing the audio in that orientation. In summary, Jan, considering your passion for Sonos (just like mine ☺️), I can't imagine a scenario where these speakers won't completely blow you away! Over the past few weeks, I have been loving them, and I anticipate enjoying their company for many years to come! I hope that helps, Jan! Thanks so much for stopping by. Please let me know if you end up getting a pair. I’d love to know what your thoughts are! Take care 🤟🏼✌🏼
This is an outstanding and well-made review, Mr. Workman. I am a long-time Harman Kardon lover, but you convinced me to get this Sonos Five. Excellent. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear that my review helped you decide on the Sonos Five. Harman Kardon makes great products, so I hope you enjoy the new experience with Sonos. Your feedback means a lot to me. Thanks again for watching and for your support! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Have a high resolution Hifi system and besides two older Play5’s (gen2) in a stereo pair with true play enabled. The Sonos pair is what I’m using most of the time, it is just fantastic. And you don’t need a sub at all, they are full range.
Hey Patrick, thanks for stopping by! I’ll tell you what these Sonos fives are one of my favorite items that I’ve purchased from any category in a long long time! I seriously enjoy every minute I’m listening to them. Although I agree that you do not need a subwoofer with them at all, I did have a sub mini laying around that I connected to them, which is just helping to make the deepest frequencies a bit more noticeable. But once again, I totally agree that it is not necessary. Can’t wait to see what they come up with Thanks again for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment Patrick I appreciate it!
I ordered my first Sonos Five on January 12th. The result is that I'm so happy/impressed with it,, rediscovering all my sound library that I don't want to miss on the real stereo another new level of listening. I ordered the second one earlier today. ❤ One is way enough unless you really want the proper stereo for the experience.
Hello, Rak- thanks for stopping by! I am so excited for you to receive your second speaker- you are going to absolutely LOVE it! This has been one of my favorite purchases in a long time, and best of all, the excitement never dulls with these. Please let me know what your final thoughts are once you get the second one up and running! Thanks again for taking the time to share your story, Rak- I really appreciate it! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman I'll come back with my updates once I have it in a couple of days. I have no doubts already. I agree, I already think that it's the best money I have ever spent in my life but with all the staging the stereo set can get me, I'm almost jumping with excitement. 🤗
@@NigelWorkman Also, I noticed that You have at least a million times less subs than you deserve for the great work you. It's such a quality that I can't even comprehend that! Here you have a new sub with the bell activated. I see a bright future for you with such a quality of content!
Please do, Rak! Everytime I throw on a record, without fail, I feel the need to find my wife and tell her how much I LOVE these speakers and how thankful I am to have pulled the trigger on a pair. She was annoyed with me initially due to the price, but she hasn't said anything since hearing them for the first time- she is secretly loving them as well- Im sure of it! 😂 @@Larcansil
Thank you so very much, Rak- I appreciate your confidence in me! These videos are not easy for me to make, so remarks such as this really do put a BIG smile on my face😊 I will do my best to keep quality videos coming!! I am working on a vision pro video as we speak.....having a hard time deciding what I think about it 🤔 Be on the lookout for that video coming hopefully by monday! wish me luck!! @@Larcansil ✌🏼🤟🏼
Thanks for sharing your experience! I just bought 1 pair of FIVE with a good price. it's on the way to my home. and it's my first time to use Sonos product. Expect will get similar feeling as you found.
I ended up going with the Arc, dual Gen 3 subs, and Fives as rear surrounds for OLED 77C1 TV. This was before the Era 300 were even announced. It replaced my old Nakamichi 7.2.4 soundbar I really wasn't happy with audio sound. I haven't been disappointed at all with the Sonos purchase. Use them for whole house audio, cable TV, and streaming with 5.1 or Atmos content. Also have several Beams/sub/surrounds in my office and master bedroom and Era 100 in kitchen.
This is one heck of a setup, Mr. Gold! The one thing I have yet to try with the 5s would be using them as rears for my Arc. Do you think it is worth having them as rears? Are they being underutilized? Without having actually tried this, I just imagine that they would be overkill in most scenarios. There are certainly some films that would take advantage, but would you recommend this setup to others? I am currently using Era 100 for my rears, and they do great! Now, if money is no object, heck yeah, those 5s are my rear channels! Hahahaha. Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your setup, Mr. Gold! Very impressive indeed! Take care! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman My Xfinity cable is only in 5.1 and most streaming platforms are about 30%-35% Atmos I like to watch. Not sure if the Era 300 would be better or around the same for mostly 5.1 content? My Fives are in rectangular Great room with family room, breakfast nook in the middle, and kitchen on the end. The Fives sit 12-14 feet behind my sofa on either side of the wall on speaker stands. The Arc/dual subs are around 16-18 feet in front of the sofa. I know Sonos "dumbs" down the rear surrounds compared to being in stereo pairs. Even dumbed down a bit, the Fives fill the space perfectly. I would have stuck with the Era 100s if I needed to place the rear surrounds 1-4 feet from the sofa.
@@mrgold3591Yeah, the good thing about the rears is that you can adjust the settings for both film, and music in the app. The system is just so reliable and a joy to listen to 🙂👍
I just bought a Sonos Play 5 Gen 1 used last year off Ebay since I thought the price was good. Wasn't expecting much - I have 2 Aiwa Exos 9s, a Bose Soundttouch Series III, and several Sony MHC-V50s and 77s etc. - I planned on testing out the Sonos Play 5 Gen 1 through a 3.5 mm input since I wasn't expecting the Wifi connectivity etc. and Older App to work. To my surprise, I was able to reset the Sonos and set it up with my router and ethernet. I say with all sincerity, the sound on this is amazing. I can't believe how such a (relatively) smaller system can produce such an astonishing sound... 😮☹🤔.... I am spending TOO MUCH TIME listening to my favorite music through this absolute beauty! Very pleasing and "sonorous" indeed! Huge Thumbs UP!!!👍👍👍
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It’s awesome to hear that the Play 5 Gen 1 exceeded your expectations, especially considering your impressive collection of audio gear. It really goes to show that great sound quality never goes out of style. Funny enough, your story reminds me of my friend Kris, who’s still using his first generation Play 5. Despite all the new tech out there, he swears by it and refuses to upgrade because he loves the sound so much. Happy listening, and here’s to many more hours of enjoying your favorite tunes! Huge thumbs up to you too! ✌️🤟
I’ve had a Technics SL-1210GR turntable + a stereo pair of Sonos Fives setup in my office for several years now. The hi-fidelity bang for your buck is there. I love the minimalist style and it sounds just as good as my traditional receiver + floor standing towers that cost over twice as much. If you want to take it to the next level, find some solid speaker stands for your Sonos Fives and consider adding a quality external phono preamp into the chain (I use a Pro-Ject Tube Box). Cheers 🍻
Hello, Sattern! I have been wanting speaker stands for some time now due to the interference I get when the volume is loud. I’m sure separating the speaker from the same table as the turntable would clear that up. I’d love a recommendation for some quality stands if you have one 🙏🏼 I will definitely be looking into the preamp you mentioned- I would imagine that would also improve my overall sound considerably! Thanks so much for dropping by and commenting- much appreciated! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman -- I'm always looking for good gear and tech content -- subscribed. For speaker stands, check out the Solidsteel SS-5s -- nice design and built for a lifetime. Also look at the Kanto SX series for something more budget-friendly but still sleek and solid. Happy listening.
Thanks, Michelle! I glad you enjoyed the video, and the Doogy!! Hahaha It was about time I gave her a little cameo 😁 I appreciate you stopping by and commenting! Take care 🤟🏼✌🏼
Still happy with my Sonos Play:5 (Gen 1), that I bought in 2009. I have considered upgrading several times, but I still think it is a waste of money. My Play:5 is still fine!
Hello, Henrico! It’s funny you should say this as one of my great friends and I often talk about how he still uses his GEN one in his living room as his main source of music. It still sounds amazing and he is not planning on getting rid of it anytime soon. This is clearly a testament of how great of a product Sonos makes. I think the one point of contention would be the inability to use this on the newer Sonos app, which would be required to have it communicate with newer products. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment , Henrico! I appreciate you ✌🏼🤟🏼
Hello Eduardo! I have it connected with the aux input via 3.5mm headphone jack. I wasn’t sure if this would enable me to send the audio to all of the additional Sonos speakers, but luckily it does! If you have any other questions for me, feel free to ask! Thanks so much for stopping by Eduardo. I appreciate you leaving a comment. Take care! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Your adorable daughter 😂, made my day. I was thinking whether i should get a pair of Sonos 5, now the answer now is a clear yes, thanks for the honest review
Thanks so much, CHS- She is full of personality, that’s for sure! I can always sense when she is creeping up behind me lol Glad you enjoyed the review, and I think you will LOVE a pair of 5’s in your life! Take care, and thanks for stopping by- I really appreciate it!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Hey, Kyler-thanks for stopping by! So here's the deal: When it comes to music, whether digital or otherwise, these are going to sound great! Now, when it comes to TV/movies, they will certainly sound better than the built-in TV speakers, but you will be missing out on any sort of multichannel audio experience that you would get with an Arc or Beam and would be limited to basic stereo L/R. If you are okay with that and just need some more volume along with much better sound than the TV, go for it! If, on the other hand, you see yourself wanting that home theater experience with Dolby Atmos, etc., you might want to go a different route. Hope this helps, Kyler! If you have any other questions, throw 'em at me! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Thanks… what I assumed wasn’t sure if they had any of the speak features for say watching tv and could act as a center channel…. Sounds like maybe 1 and a center channel is the way to go. Good size open living, kitchen , dining here in Portugal in a higher condo watching the big waves of nazare mostly where I do jetski surf rescue for a team. As an American who lives here in eu, while we have a big open living and such we’re still Europe so not a big house space like USA
I actually own the home theater Sonos system the arc the gem three subs and a pair of Sonos five for surround all hooked up to us 83 inch white screen Sony 890 J! I simply just love it!👍
Hello George! Man, that setup sounds epic! An 83-inch Sony A90J with the Arc, Gen 3 subs, and a pair of Sonos Fives? You’re basically living the home theater dream! I bet it sounds amazing. Thanks a ton for sharing your experience and for dropping a comment on my video. Really appreciate it, and I hope you keep loving that killer setup! ✌️🤟
It's hard to say which would be a better fit, considering the availability of Atmos content at the moment. As mentioned, I have not used the 5 as a rear, but it wouldn't be hard to imagine what that may sound like since it is just a traditional rear channel, albeit a very powerful one! I do have experience with the Era 300 as a rear channel, and I can confirm that during Atmos content, it really does add a whole new level of immersion! I would say that as soon as you have access to more content that takes advantage of Atmos, it would be worth buying a pair and at least giving them a test drive. When all is said and done, I think you would be really impressed! Keep me in the loop! I’d love to know your thoughts on the matter.
The first thing I’d recommended is to put some sort of anti-slip tape or stickers at the bottom. I’ve seen so many Fives and Play:5 Gen2 selling on second hand market are broken, I think it’s because of the smooth surface and tapper shape makes it easily falling off your hands.
Hey there! Thanks for the comment and the heads-up about the Sonos Five. You're absolutely right, those things can be a bit slippery! I haven't personally had one take a tumble yet (knocks on wood), but I can definitely see how that tapered shape could lead to some butterfingers moments. Maybe Sonos should consider adding some grippy bits to the next model, eh? "Sonos Five: Now with 20% more grip!" 😂 Thanks for looking out for us clumsy audiophiles! Appreciate the support on the channel. 🙌
Great video ! will buy it after your review ! PS: What's the music in the intro (03:00 - 026:00)? Shazam didnt help ! thanks in advance, keep the good content!
Hello Alonso, thanks for stopping by! Appreciate the feedback- especially when it’s good 😂 The intro song was created by a friend of mine (ProAve) and unfortunately I do not believe this track is available online. They have other music you might enjoy though- check it out!! Take care man, and I hope to hear from you on the next one ✌🏼🤟🏼
Hello, Aphos- I am indeed reviewing a pair of 5’s. I’m pretty sure there is some B roll in the video which displays both locations, but I couldn’t say where exactly.
Great video! I think Sonos realizes that the FIVES are a great part of their product line. Do I think they’ll release an ERA 500? Yes. However, I think like the arc, they will keep these as a part of the line for years to come. I have multiple Sonos fives. It’s a great speaker
Hey Scott, thanks for dropping by!! You make a great point- there is no reason to remove these from the lineup. The Idea of a Era 500 hitting the market (hopefully this year) has me excited BIG TIME! I've been hearing chatter of a new Arc coming late 2024.....I hope this happens as well! I could use a new setup for the basement TV. Once again, Scott, I really appreciate you taking the time to comment and I hope to hear from you again on the next one!! ✌🤟
Great video! I have a question. I have a first generation play bar, i have a sub, the old amp.... I would independently like to buy this Sonos 5 SOLEY for the purpose of using with my projector. I'm curious if theres a way I can wirelessly use this with a projector. I am currently using a Sonos Roam speaker with my projector. Any ideas? thanks!!
Hey Sunset, thanks for stopping by! Quick question first: Is your projector portable or fixed in place in a theater for example? There are soooo many routes we could take to achieve your goal, but the use case is important in choosing which! Look forward to hearing from you- let’s get this figured out!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman hi! It’s just a $250 projector I bought on Amazon. It’s portable and we use it everyday just about as opposed to our tv. I have a Sonos system for my tv but I wanted to get something in the $500 range for better sound for my projector than just my Sonos Roam (which works decent, but it’s not very loud) would I be better with a Sonos Arc?
If you plan on being portable at all with it, maybe a Sonos Move would be a good option? The new Move 2 has stereo sound, so that would certainly make movie watching more enjoyable. It is also a MUCH louder speaker compared to the Roam, AND you get to maintain the wireless connection! Now if you do NOT need the portability and you are in the same room as the Arc, you already have the best option IMO, other than the fact you would need an HDMI connection for that. If you aren’t in the same room as the Arc, and you don’t need portability or something as loud as the Arc, a Beam Gen 2 would also be a great option. The reason I’m leaning more towards the Beam versus the Five is the fact that you are primarily watching movies, and nothing is going to create a better cinematic sound experience than a soundbar that has separate channels versus just stereo. This, of course, is just my opinion lol. Go with your gut at the end of the day! Hopefully, there is something useful in all of that jibber-jabber up there 😂 Let me know what you end up doing, or if you have any additional questions, feel free to ask! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman oh you are so kind to reply in such great detail to a stranger. Thank you so much! Yes, I have a Sonos Five on order from Sonos, however I do have an email into their customer service/sales team to see if I can switch my order to the Beam Gen 2 as oppposed to the Five. (Truth be told, I might end up coming back for the Five as I would really love to hook my turn table up to it to have another turn table in the house. I hear great things about the Five but it’s not a solution to my projector issue as I’m finding. I do see that it has the port for the 3.5mm cable for a projector but the more I read I find that the lag makes the programming unwatchable and that a sound bar is a better option. I know the Arc would be most likely the best option, however this was kind of an impulse buy and I really just wanted to upgrade from my Roam. I’m not a true audiophile and I’m not that particular, so the Beam Gen 2 might be just what I need. If I’m able to get it changed before they ship me the Five, I’ll come back and let you know how it fares! Thank you again for your advice and kindness!!
The turntable has RCA output, which is then converted to 3.5mm stereo headphone jack via a cheap Amazon cable. This plugs into the back of the 5. Let me know if you have any more questions! ✌🏼🤟🏼
No way!! I need to get a demonstration of that ASAP! Have they already implemented this in any of their vehicles? there’s an Audi dealer right down the street from me and I would love to experience this system!
Happy new year, keep up the great content.. SONOS palindrome 😆. Note, at around 5 mins in you mention that sonos app sends the highest quality audio over to the speakers..... Strictly, the SONOS app does not send / stream any audio data to any SONOS speaker, it instructs the speaker to stream the data from the service direct. The quality of service is down to what the provider of the service outputs, the speaker will accept the best it can process. You can turn the app off and indeed your phone and the audio will continue as well as you being able to skip pause go back and resume play for as long as the power is maintained to at least one (I think) of the speakers.
Thanks so much, MC3- and thanks for adding some insight regarding the app function! I didn’t realize this was the case across the board- for example: you cannot stream Dolby Atmos encoded tracks directly from the Apple Music app, but you can from Apple Music within the Sonos app. Is this still the case? And if so, how does it function this way concerning your explanation? Maybe you could clear this up for me cause it confuses the heck outa me 😂 Aside from that, I’m very thankful for you taking the time to add some useful information to the comments! That’s what this section is all about! Take care MC3!! Hope you are having a great new year so far! ✌🏼🤟🏼
I didn’t know that. For what ever reason, regardless of how it is designed to work, any time I use the Sonos app it is infinitely better for not just sound quality but stability than any other app direct. I don’t know why. But I’m not house with my set up the way it is, it’s not even comparable. Sonos app playing Apple Music and Pandora are both better than direct tonPandora or direct to Apple Music outside of the Sonos app🤷♂️ that’s one of the things I like most about Sonos. I’ve been talking about this for like 10 years ever since I got the gen1 5. No comparison. In my opinion. Good to know still though. My ears would argue with you all day but my brain doesn’t know which one is which 😂.
Yeah, I think what you have both written can be explained and hopefully makes sense in what you are experiencing.. The S2 (and older S1 for that matter) controller app is purely a controller. Think of It as a remote control. It does not process audio data in any way as far as I know and as such is not dependent on the hardware or the OS on which the app is running. Whether it's a Mac, PC, iPhone , Android, low end or high end spec. It purely sends the hardware (the SONOS speaker) instructions on what to play and which service to get it from. The SONOS hardware (speaker) handles all of the connectivity to the providers servers and the processing of the audio data. I think this probably explains why direct from a non Sonos app the quality may be different (lower)? Maybe that is partially processed by the phone / laptop and sent to the speaker in a different manner. I can see that being a high probability dependant on how much access Sonos engineers give 3rd party developers to thier proprietary code. Just info I've picked up over years of beutifully rich audio from thier products and an inquisitive mind. I always reserve the right to be wrong though 😂.
I really appreciate your detailed insights into the Sonos app and hardware dynamics! Your explanation about the app being like a remote control and the SONOS speaker handling all the audio processing makes total sense. It's interesting to think about how different apps might affect audio quality based on how they handle the data. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences with the community, MC3!! We all appreciate it very much!! Thanks again for stopping by and please feel free to add this type interesting info to any of my videos- I love it!! Take care!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
I have 4 ones, 2 moves for outside and inside , 2 play 3’s , 2 connects, and one play 5 first gen but your video makes me want a pair of play 5’s. I use Deezer too and like it very much.
Hello, Rich- You have quite the collection! I’m always looking for an excuse to buy more 😂. What I really need to do is get rid of my Gen 2 HomePods and replace them with Sonos. I originally thought I would be AirPlaying from one of the streaming apps, and in this use case, I would be sending audio to all of the AirPlay-compatible speakers. However, I have ended up using the Sonos app primarily, as AirPlay is just so darn unreliable! Maybe it's because I am sending audio to different types of speakers simultaneously? I don’t know what the problem is exactly, but it exists and is extremely inconvenient. Sonos has won me over not only due to the great sound but also the reliability! Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Rich. I appreciate you! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Hello, Rich- You have quite the collection! I’m always looking for an excuse to buy more 😂. What I really need to do is get rid of my Gen 2 HomePods and replace them with Sonos. I originally thought I would be AirPlaying from one of the streaming apps, and in this use case, I would be sending audio to all of the AirPlay-compatible speakers. However, I have ended up using the Sonos app primarily, as AirPlay is just so darn unreliable! Maybe it's because I am sending audio to different types of speakers simultaneously? I don’t know what the problem is exactly, but it exists and is extremely inconvenient. Sonos has won me over not only due to the great sound but also the reliability! Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Rich. I appreciate you! ✌🏼🤟🏼
I forgot all about the arc sl edition from Costco with 2 play ones and a sub on the S2 system. It’s in my wife’s brothers room / Media room. He lives with us and has downs. We don’t use that much ( his room )
@@MrRichbrll It sounds like your wife's brother hit the lotto with that setup, Rich!! I bet he gets to enjoy lots of awesome movies with that arc- I know I love mine!!
Hey Flip! Yes you can connect a sub or sub mini to the fives. Now whether or not that’s a “necessity” is totally subjective. As you can see in the video, my fives are in a relatively large space so I personally felt like I needed a little more bass. I did end up connecting a sub mini, but depending on room size, I’m sure you could totally get away with just using the fives on their own. Even before I connected the sub, I was really happy with the sound- I just happen to have a sub laying around so I connected it lol. And as for the turntable, yes I connected it with an adapter from Amazon, which was female RCA to stereo headphone jack. Let me know if you have any other questions! ✌️🤟
@@NigelWorkman thanks for the great response! did you have a sonos sub? i guess you can connect a regular sub too, if you split the headphone jack into a rca to go to the sub, and the other split to the FIVE.. correct? is that what you did, or did you have a sonos sub?
@@fsflip3111 Hi Flip, you would need to purchase a sonos sub. Maybe there is a workaround to this, but I have not researched this at all. Cant imagine it would be worth it even if there were a way to use a different one. just noticed your last comment- even if you split it off to another sub in the way you mentioned, you would have no way to tune or control the sub itself. I’m sure it wouldn't sound terrible, but it would sound MUCH better to just run a Sonos sub. They work harmoniously with one another in that the overall tune will now be adjusted to take advantage of the sub, taking the low-end workload off of the 5. This allows them to sound even cleaner at higher volumes. Hope this helps!!
How do you think a single Sonos 5 would fair in a similar situation? I'm a big vinyl fan, currently have two KRK rocket 5s monitors running from my turntable mixer... but, I love the sonos infrastructure, have a few around the house and to be honest we listen to digital most of the time these days... so thinking about what would get more uses with the family and I feel like the Sonos 5 as the turntables & monitors rarely get used.
Hey Paul! This is a tough question, and I've been sitting here (at work, LOL) contemplating what I think the correct move would be in your situation. Starting off, I also have two Rocket 5's in my editing area, and there's no doubt that the Sonos sounds much better. I'm not knocking the KRK because I really enjoy using them to mix the music I make, but when it comes to listening to music, I can tell you without a doubt that I prefer the Sonos 5. Now, on the other hand, can one Sonos 5 replace two Rocket 5s? In sheer volume, the answer is no. This is only important if you find yourself needing a lot of volume. Don't misunderstand- the 5 is plenty loud; it's just not as loud as a pair of the KRKs. You should also consider how wide of a stereo image you are hoping to achieve from the single Sonos 5. Is the room very large? Are any of your other Sonos products in close proximity to where the 5 will be placed? It does have a great stereo image, but moving from two speakers down to one will be noticeably more narrow- not by much though! The great thing about it all is, you can always add another one down the line, and the fact that you already have a few around the home means you will have the ability to fill another space with a brilliant-sounding speaker and tie it all together for an amazing whole-home audio experience! Bottom line is- I think you should give it a shot! There will truly be no better way to answer all these questions without just going for it. I have high hopes though, Paul! Hope any of this helps! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask! Take care! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Hey Rebel-thanks for stopping by! Funny you should ask, as I just placed them vertically for the first time. Keep in mind, I’m using a stereo pair, so this is Sonos' preferred orientation. Now, I’d love to tell you that I noticed a major difference in the sound signature, but I didn’t. However, you’ll be able to direct the sound to a particular listening position with much more precision, which does change the sound a bit, but it’s not a total game changer. That’s not to say there aren’t folks out there who might notice a significant difference, especially those with a more advanced listening ability-but unfortunately, I’m not that guy, lol. If you’re only planning on using one speaker, then horizontal is definitely the way to go, as this allows you to hear stereo imaging from just one speaker. Placing a single speaker vertically will switch it to a mono signal, so keep that in mind. Hope this helps, Rebel! Feel free to ask any follow-up questions you may have-I'm happy to help! Take care! ✌️🤟
Thanks so much for watching and for your question! Trueplay is actually built right into the Sonos app, so no need for a separate app. Sonos introduced it back in 2015 as a way to fine-tune your speakers to the specific acoustics of your room. It uses your iOS device’s microphone to measure how sound bounces around the room and adjusts the speaker for the best possible sound. It’s a really handy feature that helps get the most out of your setup, no matter where you place your speakers!
Thanks, Felix! Anytime I’m recording, and she ends up popping into the video. I usually keep it, but she doesn’t always grace us with her presence lol.
I have them connected to my sub mini and I do prefer them like this. This living room is a bit large so the bass didn’t have as much of an impact without it. Smaller rooms could certainly go without it, but the larger the room gets, the greater the necessity for a sub. Thanks for stopping by Ranj! I appreciate your opinion and I thank you for sharing it! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Hello Mr. sniper shot! Thanks for stopping by. As long as they are all Sonos speakers, you can connect as many as you want! You will just run an auxiliary input from your turntable to the input on the back of the five. It will recognize the turntable as a source for all of your subsequent Sonos speakers. On another note, if you are referring to the Victrola carbon edition turntable, I would highly recommend you avoid at all cost. I had absolutely nothing but a nightmarish time with that turntable. I went through several of them and all of them had the same connectivity issues. Total piece of junk. Let me know if you have any other questions! Thanks again for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate it. ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman Hi Nigel Workman, thanks for your reply. You mention the Victorla carbon but Im considering buying an Pro-ject carbon. Are those two similar two each other and if so how? Do you recommend any other record player?
@@MrSnipershot Oh I see what you meant- the Brand “Pro-ject”. That’s a great turntable. I forgot they also have one called “Carbon”. You are good to go with that one!
If you have weather that is extreme, like I do, I would not recommend it. I too have a covered deck, but I also experience quite extreme storms and they can happen quickly without time to prepare and in that case, I can imagine forgetting the speakers out there. If you’ve ever seen a drop of water on the surface of your deck, I would not put the speaker out there. The “Sonos Move 2” on the other hand, is what I would recommend for this situation. It’s an amazing sounding speaker that would easily survive a situation like the ones mentioned above. Hope this helps! ✌️🤟
Realistically Sonos is just going to add design aesthetics and color tones that match the current eras, add a listen off switch and make it Bluetooth compatible. Sonos might further make the bass slightly better and will definitely delete google voice off the new 500’s. The only issue, is I’m going to guess the 500’s are out by probably the summer. So I still wouldn’t buy them now. Not at full price. Just makes no sense. Wait a little.
Hey CD! I leave my mind open to any possibility at this point. Im leaning towards them being an atmos enabled speaker as there is just too much rumor to turn a blind eye to it. Even some leaked internal documents detailing a larger atmos enabled speaker, so there is some merit there. But to the point of my video- Would you be disappointed if you bought the 5's? I can only speak for myself at the end of the day and I can honestly say, If a new pair of 5/500 arrives this summer, I will gladly add them to the collection right along side the current 5 which I will probably keep forever, because I LOVE THEM! 😂 Thanks for dropping by and sharing your thoughts, CD- Whichever way this thing turns out- we all win!! take care ✌🏼
@@NigelWorkman I don’t think it will be atmos enabled. That’s what the 300’s are for. The fives are Sonos’ hi-fi speakers. I assume the 500’s would be improved “hi-fi” speakers. Every refresh of any speaker from 2017-2020 and beyond that’s already been out Sonos has kept the DNA of that speaker and simply refined it. I expect the same with the soon to be “500’s”. I always figured the whole atmos speaker 500 rumors are what became the 300’s. Who knows though. It would make no sense to get rid of that part of their market.
@@TheCdM1981 While I understand your perspective, it's crucial to consider the evolving landscape of the music industry, which is increasingly embracing multi-channel formats. For Sonos to neglect incorporating this capability into their flagship offering would seem out of touch with industry trends. The Era 300 may be a step in the right direction, but to view it as Sonos' sole solution for multi-channel music seems limiting. With the industry's trajectory toward Atmos-enabled content, it's plausible to expect modern speakers to align with this trend. Given Sonos' infrequent product updates, missing the opportunity to introduce multi-channel functionality in their flagship speaker now could mean waiting another 8-10 years-a significant oversight in light of industry advancements. It's unlikely that the Era 300 represents Sonos' definitive foray into the multi-channel audio realm. There's likely a flagship device on the horizon to address this emerging market. However, there's always the possibility that my perspective is completely out of touch 😆. Time will indeed reveal the outcome, my friend! I'm ok with either ✌🏼🤟🏼
The future is Dolby Atmos Music. Something Five is missing. I would not recommend investing in old speakers at full price. I will replace my Fives when ERA 500 comes. No one knows exept Sonos, when it will be released.
I don’t disagree that Atmos/multi channel Audi mixes will likely become the new standard for digitally streamed music, but on the other hand, there is a huge resurgence of physical media happening right now. The sale of vinyl records, and even tapes and CDs, is becoming hugely popular again. Most of these formats will continue to be traditional stereo, and as a result, there will always be a place, at least for the foreseeable future, for a traditional set of stereo speakers. Not only that, if you talk to people outside of our little tech bubbles, just ask the average Joe what they think about Dolby Atmos enabled music and there is a 90% chance that they’ll have no idea what you’re talking about lol. That alone should indicate that stereo music is not going anywhere anytime soon. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your opinion, Henrik. Only time will tell which one of us Is on the right track. ✌🏼🤟🏼
I own a $2,700 Genelec 2.1 setup. It’s reference monitors for studio work. The Five has so much extra color and nonsense compared to them. No shit? Well, this is the type of knowledge actual audiophiles can give. The Five has “ear candy” that is enjoyable for about 20 minutes. That’s not bad but it’s not the level you get from professional equipment. The highs and mids are not balanced. To be specific; in Korn’s “Narcissistic Cannibal” song I can clearly hear every instrument particularly the tamborine. However with the Five I have to strain to hear it as it is a muddy mess in the highs/mids. The Five for movies is pretty good (I have a stereo pair) as the bass is present.
Hello, Seven- Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate the perspective of someone who works with reference monitors designed for studio use. It's important to remember, though, that the Sonos Five is aimed at a different audience and use case. While professional equipment like your Genelec setup offers unparalleled precision and clarity, the Five is designed for general home audio use, providing a more versatile and user-friendly experience. Its "ear candy" qualities are indeed intended to enhance casual listening and home entertainment. The differences you mention, like the coloration and balance, are part of what makes the Five appealing to many home users. It's about striking a balance between technical performance and enjoyable everyday listening. Your feedback is valuable, and it's great to see such detailed analysis being shared. However, it's also important to appreciate products within the context they are intended for. Thanks again for your detailed comment! ✌🏼🤟🏼
It’s such an important way to decipher what a product can do though. Why have EQ ever? It’s for preference but it’s also for speaker placement and different music. The “ear candy” is not a good thing just like candy isn’t good for you. It tastes good but you’ll be sick of it really quick. That’s also why I gave it the “20 min” rating. That’s not bad. For $1,000 I find it to be very hyped up in the mids and that ruins the pocket for each instrument. Maybe $2,000 needs to be spent to get rid of that. For a wifi category speaker with ease of use it’s good. Comparing it to studio monitors is a flattering effort as well. If you mixed music with these though it’d be a disaster.
@@viasevenvai I completely understand where you're coming from, Seven. Your perspective highlights a critical distinction between professional-grade studio monitors and consumer-oriented speakers like the Sonos Five. EQ and speaker placement are indeed essential for optimizing sound based on personal preference and the specific environment. The "ear candy" quality of the Five, which can be appealing for casual listening, does come at the expense of the precision needed for studio work. Your analogy to candy is apt-what's delightful in small doses may not hold up over time, especially for critical listening. For users seeking a more analytical and balanced sound, professional monitors like your Genelec setup are undoubtedly the better choice. The Sonos Five, however, serves a different market-those who prioritize ease of use, versatility, and a more engaging sound for everyday entertainment. It's a trade-off between convenience and audiophile-grade accuracy. Your input is invaluable for helping others understand these differences and making informed decisions based on their specific needs and preferences. Thank you for sharing your insights!
Nonsense. Sorry, but statements like this need to be backed by data. Look at the review of the Fives on Audio Science Review. As "audiophile" (in the true sense) a ressource as you can get. The Fives are an accurate speaker, Sonos as a company run a large R&D budget. Add the room correction in-built functions (ANY sound system is the gear + the acoustic environment) and it's a killer proposition for most people. Genelecs are great but as you say 3 x the price, plus add the cost of room correction to make them sound their best. Every environment has limitations. For instance in my case due to limited placement possibilities - due to preexisting furniture, room shape, wife and kids expectations etc. - the Genelecs aren't optimal, because of the rear port. All considered taking into account the compromises I need to make I believe the Fives are probably the best choice on the market for me, even compared to more expensive or elaborate propositions.
Hey Carlos! Thanks for sharing your opinion. I wanted to add a bit more to what you said. Before the big app update, my Sonos system was super reliable, and I never had a single issue. But the new app has been buggy, and it’s caused a lot of frustration for me, not just with the Sonos speakers, but with the whole system. The new app came out a few days ago, and it’s been promising, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Sonos will fix all these problems. I’ve invested a lot in their ecosystem, and I don’t want to give up. I totally understand why you have your opinion, and I’m not jealous when I say I’ve been enraged by them more than a handful of times recently. Fingers crossed for those of us who enjoy our Sonos systems and hope for a smoother road ahead. Take care, Carlos, and thanks for stopping by!
Perfect 👌 Video. I actually did the same thing you did in reverse. I’ve had the gen 1 5 since it first came out and it’s been the only speaker I needed in my main room for a long time. I never even had two of them. I’ve since added more everywhere. I love the control and I love that I can uses the Sonos app to play what ever I want from which ever streaming service and my phone is uninterrupted. Solid. 🔥
Thanks a lot for your kind words! It's awesome to hear your experience with the Gen 1 Sonos Five, and I totally get why it's been your go-to speaker. The flexibility with the Sonos app and seamless streaming across services is indeed a game-changer. Adding more throughout your space sounds like you've built a solid audio setup. Cheers to the joy of uninterrupted tunes! 🎶🔊
No doubt
I purchased the Sonos Five in part based on this video. All I can say is…..WOW! This thing puts out a tremendous amount of distortion free sound. If you are looking for a Stereo/Music oriented speaker, this is the way. Thanks for the review
Hello Weekend warrior- I’m so happy to hear that my review was helpful and that you are enjoying them! I use them constantly and I don’t imagine that will change for years to come!
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment! Keep on enjoying those speakers, and I’ll see ya on the next one! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Bought my play 5s eight years ago and they’re still going strong and slowly kept adding on the family with the Move, Roam, & Beam.
Love that you left your daughter in there, and you were so kind about it. One day they wont want or need your attention. That was special Dad. ❤
That's a really thoughtful comment, and you're absolutely right. It means the world to me to have these moments with her while she still wants to hang out with her old man! These are the memories I'll cherish forever. Thanks for noticing and for the kind words. 😊
If you enjoy how it sounds in 2024, you’ll probably still enjoy the sound in 2034.
You are absolutely correct, Hussein! That’s a great way of putting it 👏
Do you understand that they will stop working completely soon?
It is almost certain that by 2034 they won’t work because Sonos will not update the app. These will be expensive bricks when that happens.
@@mikkoheilimo8832 Thay is quite the prediction, Mikko! I suppose you, @Husseinj and myself will have to reconvene in 2034 and see if your prediction has come true! Until then
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I talked with CEO when they told that they will kill old product line - it not prediction - it based on company info
I find it hard to believe that Sonos-or any reputable company-would intentionally disable their products remotely without valid reasons. In the United States, consumer protection laws such as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act would allow for major lawsuits against Sonos for engaging in unfair or deceptive practices.
Under the Magnuson-Moss warranty act, there is specific language which states that companies are unable to prematurely disable products that are still operational without due compensation to the consumer. an example of that was Google when they recently disabled functionality of their nest protect home security system. Consumers were offered multiple options in order to recoup their losses.
If you have credible sources or evidence to support your claim that the CEO made such a statement, I would be interested in seeing it. However, until then, I'm confident in Sonos' commitment to customer satisfaction and ongoing support for their products in compliance with consumer protection laws.
Let's stick to discussing facts and reliable information. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
It could be worth trying them in vertical orientation - Sonos recommends the horizontal one for single speaker setup and vertical for stereo pair. It’s also interesting to try them in both vertical options (logo inside or outside) as it also changes the sound. For me - vertical with logo in for focused listening did the charm.
Hello, Mateus, thanks for stopping by! The first orientation I tried them in was vertical, and I did in fact prefer them this way. Unfortunately, someone in the household (i'm not naming names 👰🏻♀️ 😉) though they looked too big and that it threw off the aesthetics of the family room, so horizontal they lay. At some point I think i'm going to move these fives along with my turntable into a dedicated room and back into the vertical orientation.
Side note: I didn't try them in both vertical orientations, so I am excited to see what changes I may notice between the two- Thanks for mentioning this!!
Thanks again for stopping by and commenting, Mateus- I really appreciate it!!
When I bought a pair of sonos one a year ago, I was so happy that then I bought another pair, and then, third one. I have them in every room. Then I bought arc with sub and this is also great. But five is the one that I think about all the time for almost two years. And I'm close to them. But... what is the correct way to place them? Single Five has three tweeters firing in such way to reproduce a little stereo. Two fives (which is only option for me for classic stereo, not spatial or sth likie this) wont do a chaos in hight frequencies due to twitters directed sideways? And, on the other hand, when we put fives vertically, a potential mess in hights wont even increase? Because in such way one tweeter in every sonos five is pointing downwards, and the other upwards? I read somewhere that in vertical way that two tweeters turn off, and, in that case, we have one central tweeter probably the same as in sonos one. Only difference is three midrange in place of one in sonos one? There is a chance that algorithms take care of it and organizes those 12 speakers (6 for each sonos five) correctly. But algorithms dont organize also 12 speakers of sonos arc: two sonos one in stereo sounds much better (for music) than sonos arc. Sorry for that long and maybe inexact comment, I can remove it later
Hello again, Jan-Thanks for stopping in! I understand the desire for these speakers and the accompanying concerns, given their price tag. When it comes to such an investment, partial satisfaction is not an option. Here's what I can share regarding your specific concerns: I've encountered no issues with the perceived direction of the top end. While there are slight changes in orientation to create the stereo effect with the single 5, in my case, with the two speakers placed at a fair distance apart, I haven't experienced any "chaos." The speakers deliver a clean and articulate top end, clearly projecting from their individual positions. Unfortunately, I can't comment on the vertical position's impact on sound. During initial setup, I briefly placed them vertically, realizing immediately that they created too much presence in my living room. Despite being attractive speakers, having them in a vertical position didn't aesthetically appeal to me. For this reason, I didn't spend any time testing the audio in that orientation.
In summary, Jan, considering your passion for Sonos (just like mine ☺️), I can't imagine a scenario where these speakers won't completely blow you away! Over the past few weeks, I have been loving them, and I anticipate enjoying their company for many years to come!
I hope that helps, Jan! Thanks so much for stopping by. Please let me know if you end up getting a pair. I’d love to know what your thoughts are! Take care 🤟🏼✌🏼
This is an outstanding and well-made review, Mr. Workman. I am a long-time Harman Kardon lover, but you convinced me to get this Sonos Five. Excellent. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear that my review helped you decide on the Sonos Five. Harman Kardon makes great products, so I hope you enjoy the new experience with Sonos. Your feedback means a lot to me. Thanks again for watching and for your support!
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Have a high resolution Hifi system and besides two older Play5’s (gen2) in a stereo pair with true play enabled. The Sonos pair is what I’m using most of the time, it is just fantastic. And you don’t need a sub at all, they are full range.
Hey Patrick, thanks for stopping by! I’ll tell you what these Sonos fives are one of my favorite items that I’ve purchased from any category in a long long time! I seriously enjoy every minute I’m listening to them. Although I agree that you do not need a subwoofer with them at all, I did have a sub mini laying around that I connected to them, which is just helping to make the deepest frequencies a bit more noticeable. But once again, I totally agree that it is not necessary. Can’t wait to see what they come up with
Thanks again for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment Patrick I appreciate it!
I ordered my first Sonos Five on January 12th. The result is that I'm so happy/impressed with it,, rediscovering all my sound library that I don't want to miss on the real stereo another new level of listening. I ordered the second one earlier today. ❤ One is way enough unless you really want the proper stereo for the experience.
Hello, Rak- thanks for stopping by! I am so excited for you to receive your second speaker- you are going to absolutely LOVE it! This has been one of my favorite purchases in a long time, and best of all, the excitement never dulls with these. Please let me know what your final thoughts are once you get the second one up and running!
Thanks again for taking the time to share your story, Rak- I really appreciate it! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman I'll come back with my updates once I have it in a couple of days. I have no doubts already. I agree, I already think that it's the best money I have ever spent in my life but with all the staging the stereo set can get me, I'm almost jumping with excitement. 🤗
@@NigelWorkman Also, I noticed that You have at least a million times less subs than you deserve for the great work you. It's such a quality that I can't even comprehend that! Here you have a new sub with the bell activated. I see a bright future for you with such a quality of content!
Please do, Rak! Everytime I throw on a record, without fail, I feel the need to find my wife and tell her how much I LOVE these speakers and how thankful I am to have pulled the trigger on a pair. She was annoyed with me initially due to the price, but she hasn't said anything since hearing them for the first time- she is secretly loving them as well- Im sure of it! 😂 @@Larcansil
Thank you so very much, Rak- I appreciate your confidence in me! These videos are not easy for me to make, so remarks such as this really do put a BIG smile on my face😊 I will do my best to keep quality videos coming!! I am working on a vision pro video as we speak.....having a hard time deciding what I think about it 🤔
Be on the lookout for that video coming hopefully by monday! wish me luck!! @@Larcansil
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Thanks for sharing your experience! I just bought 1 pair of FIVE with a good price. it's on the way to my home. and it's my first time to use Sonos product. Expect will get similar feeling as you found.
Hey Martin! I’m excited for you and you new speakers! Have you received them yet? I’d like to hear your thoughts on them!
I ended up going with the Arc, dual Gen 3 subs, and Fives as rear surrounds for OLED 77C1 TV. This was before the Era 300 were even announced. It replaced my old Nakamichi 7.2.4 soundbar I really wasn't happy with audio sound. I haven't been disappointed at all with the Sonos purchase. Use them for whole house audio, cable TV, and streaming with 5.1 or Atmos content. Also have several Beams/sub/surrounds in my office and master bedroom and Era 100 in kitchen.
This is one heck of a setup, Mr. Gold! The one thing I have yet to try with the 5s would be using them as rears for my Arc. Do you think it is worth having them as rears? Are they being underutilized? Without having actually tried this, I just imagine that they would be overkill in most scenarios. There are certainly some films that would take advantage, but would you recommend this setup to others? I am currently using Era 100 for my rears, and they do great! Now, if money is no object, heck yeah, those 5s are my rear channels! Hahahaha.
Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your setup, Mr. Gold! Very impressive indeed!
Take care! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman My Xfinity cable is only in 5.1 and most streaming platforms are about 30%-35% Atmos I like to watch. Not sure if the Era 300 would be better or around the same for mostly 5.1 content? My Fives are in rectangular Great room with family room, breakfast nook in the middle, and kitchen on the end. The Fives sit 12-14 feet behind my sofa on either side of the wall on speaker stands. The Arc/dual subs are around 16-18 feet in front of the sofa. I know Sonos "dumbs" down the rear surrounds compared to being in stereo pairs. Even dumbed down a bit, the Fives fill the space perfectly. I would have stuck with the Era 100s if I needed to place the rear surrounds 1-4 feet from the sofa.
@@mrgold3591Yeah, the good thing about the rears is that you can adjust the settings for both film, and music in the app. The system is just so reliable and a joy to listen to 🙂👍
LOL, Future content creator creeping in in the background! Another solid review my man. Love those speakers.
Little trolls are always trying to sneak in a little cameo 😆
A let that one slide- it was funny ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman 😂🤣
I just bought a Sonos Play 5 Gen 1 used last year off Ebay since I thought the price was good. Wasn't expecting much - I have 2 Aiwa Exos 9s, a Bose Soundttouch Series III, and several Sony MHC-V50s and 77s etc. - I planned on testing out the Sonos Play 5 Gen 1 through a 3.5 mm input since I wasn't expecting the Wifi connectivity etc. and Older App to work. To my surprise, I was able to reset the Sonos and set it up with my router and ethernet. I say with all sincerity, the sound on this is amazing. I can't believe how such a (relatively) smaller system can produce such an astonishing sound... 😮☹🤔.... I am spending TOO MUCH TIME listening to my favorite music through this absolute beauty! Very pleasing and "sonorous" indeed! Huge Thumbs UP!!!👍👍👍
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It’s awesome to hear that the Play 5 Gen 1 exceeded your expectations, especially considering your impressive collection of audio gear. It really goes to show that great sound quality never goes out of style.
Funny enough, your story reminds me of my friend Kris, who’s still using his first generation Play 5. Despite all the new tech out there, he swears by it and refuses to upgrade because he loves the sound so much.
Happy listening, and here’s to many more hours of enjoying your favorite tunes! Huge thumbs up to you too!
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I’ve had a Technics SL-1210GR turntable + a stereo pair of Sonos Fives setup in my office for several years now. The hi-fidelity bang for your buck is there. I love the minimalist style and it sounds just as good as my traditional receiver + floor standing towers that cost over twice as much. If you want to take it to the next level, find some solid speaker stands for your Sonos Fives and consider adding a quality external phono preamp into the chain (I use a Pro-Ject Tube Box). Cheers 🍻
Hello, Sattern! I have been wanting speaker stands for some time now due to the interference I get when the volume is loud. I’m sure separating the speaker from the same table as the turntable would clear that up. I’d love a recommendation for some quality stands if you have one 🙏🏼
I will definitely be looking into the preamp you mentioned- I would imagine that would also improve my overall sound considerably!
Thanks so much for dropping by and commenting- much appreciated! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman -- I'm always looking for good gear and tech content -- subscribed. For speaker stands, check out the Solidsteel SS-5s -- nice design and built for a lifetime. Also look at the Kanto SX series for something more budget-friendly but still sleek and solid. Happy listening.
Thanks so much, Sattern- I’m going to take a look at those ASAP! I really need to get that phono amp as well- it will make a big difference I bet!
Great video…tons of info! Loved the dog cameo
Thanks, Michelle! I glad you enjoyed the video, and the Doogy!! Hahaha
It was about time I gave her a little cameo 😁
I appreciate you stopping by and commenting! Take care 🤟🏼✌🏼
Still happy with my Sonos Play:5 (Gen 1), that I bought in 2009. I have considered upgrading several times, but I still think it is a waste of money. My Play:5 is still fine!
Hello, Henrico! It’s funny you should say this as one of my great friends and I often talk about how he still uses his GEN one in his living room as his main source of music. It still sounds amazing and he is not planning on getting rid of it anytime soon. This is clearly a testament of how great of a product Sonos makes. I think the one point of contention would be the inability to use this on the newer Sonos app, which would be required to have it communicate with newer products.
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment , Henrico! I appreciate you
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@@NigelWorkman Correct. I use two apps now. That’s the downside.
Is your turntable connected Bluetooth or wired to the 5’s?
Hello Eduardo! I have it connected with the aux input via 3.5mm headphone jack. I wasn’t sure if this would enable me to send the audio to all of the additional Sonos speakers, but luckily it does!
If you have any other questions for me, feel free to ask!
Thanks so much for stopping by Eduardo. I appreciate you leaving a comment. Take care! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Your adorable daughter 😂, made my day. I was thinking whether i should get a pair of Sonos 5, now the answer now is a clear yes, thanks for the honest review
Thanks so much, CHS- She is full of personality, that’s for sure! I can always sense when she is creeping up behind me lol
Glad you enjoyed the review, and I think you will LOVE a pair of 5’s in your life!
Take care, and thanks for stopping by- I really appreciate it!!
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Would you recomend them without a Sonos sound bar if also using for TV/ movies but vinyl & digital music too, thanks
Hey, Kyler-thanks for stopping by! So here's the deal: When it comes to music, whether digital or otherwise, these are going to sound great! Now, when it comes to TV/movies, they will certainly sound better than the built-in TV speakers, but you will be missing out on any sort of multichannel audio experience that you would get with an Arc or Beam and would be limited to basic stereo L/R. If you are okay with that and just need some more volume along with much better sound than the TV, go for it! If, on the other hand, you see yourself wanting that home theater experience with Dolby Atmos, etc., you might want to go a different route.
Hope this helps, Kyler! If you have any other questions, throw 'em at me!
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Thanks… what I assumed wasn’t sure if they had any of the speak features for say watching tv and could act as a center channel…. Sounds like maybe 1 and a center channel is the way to go. Good size open living, kitchen , dining here in Portugal in a higher condo watching the big waves of nazare mostly where I do jetski surf rescue for a team. As an American who lives here in eu, while we have a big open living and such we’re still Europe so not a big house space like USA
I actually own the home theater Sonos system the arc the gem three subs and a pair of Sonos five for surround all hooked up to us 83 inch white screen Sony 890 J! I simply just love it!👍
Hello George!
Man, that setup sounds epic! An 83-inch Sony A90J with the Arc, Gen 3 subs, and a pair of Sonos Fives? You’re basically living the home theater dream! I bet it sounds amazing. Thanks a ton for sharing your experience and for dropping a comment on my video. Really appreciate it, and I hope you keep loving that killer setup!
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It's hard to say which would be a better fit, considering the availability of Atmos content at the moment. As mentioned, I have not used the 5 as a rear, but it wouldn't be hard to imagine what that may sound like since it is just a traditional rear channel, albeit a very powerful one! I do have experience with the Era 300 as a rear channel, and I can confirm that during Atmos content, it really does add a whole new level of immersion! I would say that as soon as you have access to more content that takes advantage of Atmos, it would be worth buying a pair and at least giving them a test drive. When all is said and done, I think you would be really impressed!
Keep me in the loop! I’d love to know your thoughts on the matter.
The first thing I’d recommended is to put some sort of anti-slip tape or stickers at the bottom. I’ve seen so many Fives and Play:5 Gen2 selling on second hand market are broken, I think it’s because of the smooth surface and tapper shape makes it easily falling off your hands.
Hey there! Thanks for the comment and the heads-up about the Sonos Five. You're absolutely right, those things can be a bit slippery! I haven't personally had one take a tumble yet (knocks on wood), but I can definitely see how that tapered shape could lead to some butterfingers moments.
Maybe Sonos should consider adding some grippy bits to the next model, eh? "Sonos Five: Now with 20% more grip!" 😂
Thanks for looking out for us clumsy audiophiles! Appreciate the support on the channel. 🙌
Great video ! will buy it after your review ! PS: What's the music in the intro (03:00 - 026:00)? Shazam didnt help ! thanks in advance, keep the good content!
Hello Alonso, thanks for stopping by! Appreciate the feedback- especially when it’s good 😂
The intro song was created by a friend of mine (ProAve) and unfortunately I do not believe this track is available online. They have other music you might enjoy though- check it out!!
Take care man, and I hope to hear from you on the next one ✌🏼🤟🏼
7:12 I'm confused - are you reviewing multiple Sonos 5?
8:18 You keep saying "pair of speakers" but I see only 1 Sonos 5
Hello, Aphos- I am indeed reviewing a pair of 5’s. I’m pretty sure there is some B roll in the video which displays both locations, but I couldn’t say where exactly.
Great video! I think Sonos realizes that the FIVES are a great part of their product line. Do I think they’ll release an ERA 500? Yes. However, I think like the arc, they will keep these as a part of the line for years to come. I have multiple Sonos fives. It’s a great speaker
Hey Scott, thanks for dropping by!! You make a great point- there is no reason to remove these from the lineup. The Idea of a Era 500 hitting the market (hopefully this year) has me excited BIG TIME! I've been hearing chatter of a new Arc coming late 2024.....I hope this happens as well! I could use a new setup for the basement TV.
Once again, Scott, I really appreciate you taking the time to comment and I hope to hear from you again on the next one!! ✌🤟
Great video! I have a question. I have a first generation play bar, i have a sub, the old amp.... I would independently like to buy this Sonos 5 SOLEY for the purpose of using with my projector. I'm curious if theres a way I can wirelessly use this with a projector. I am currently using a Sonos Roam speaker with my projector. Any ideas? thanks!!
Hey Sunset, thanks for stopping by! Quick question first: Is your projector portable or fixed in place in a theater for example? There are soooo many routes we could take to achieve your goal, but the use case is important in choosing which!
Look forward to hearing from you- let’s get this figured out!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman hi! It’s just a $250 projector I bought on Amazon. It’s portable and we use it everyday just about as opposed to our tv. I have a Sonos system for my tv but I wanted to get something in the $500 range for better sound for my projector than just my Sonos Roam (which works decent, but it’s not very loud) would I be better with a Sonos Arc?
If you plan on being portable at all with it, maybe a Sonos Move would be a good option? The new Move 2 has stereo sound, so that would certainly make movie watching more enjoyable. It is also a MUCH louder speaker compared to the Roam, AND you get to maintain the wireless connection! Now if you do NOT need the portability and you are in the same room as the Arc, you already have the best option IMO, other than the fact you would need an HDMI connection for that. If you aren’t in the same room as the Arc, and you don’t need portability or something as loud as the Arc, a Beam Gen 2 would also be a great option. The reason I’m leaning more towards the Beam versus the Five is the fact that you are primarily watching movies, and nothing is going to create a better cinematic sound experience than a soundbar that has separate channels versus just stereo. This, of course, is just my opinion lol. Go with your gut at the end of the day!
Hopefully, there is something useful in all of that jibber-jabber up there 😂
Let me know what you end up doing, or if you have any additional questions, feel free to ask! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman oh you are so kind to reply in such great detail to a stranger. Thank you so much! Yes, I have a Sonos Five on order from Sonos, however I do have an email into their customer service/sales team to see if I can switch my order to the Beam Gen 2 as oppposed to the Five. (Truth be told, I might end up coming back for the Five as I would really love to hook my turn table up to it to have another turn table in the house. I hear great things about the Five but it’s not a solution to my projector issue as I’m finding. I do see that it has the port for the 3.5mm cable for a projector but the more I read I find that the lag makes the programming unwatchable and that a sound bar is a better option.
I know the Arc would be most likely the best option, however this was kind of an impulse buy and I really just wanted to upgrade from my Roam. I’m not a true audiophile and I’m not that particular, so the Beam Gen 2 might be just what I need. If I’m able to get it changed before they ship me the Five, I’ll come back and let you know how it fares! Thank you again for your advice and kindness!!
How did you conect your turntable to the 5's?
The turntable has RCA output, which is then converted to 3.5mm stereo headphone jack via a cheap Amazon cable. This plugs into the back of the 5.
Let me know if you have any more questions!
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Did you see that Audi picked up Sonos for in car audio?
No way!! I need to get a demonstration of that ASAP! Have they already implemented this in any of their vehicles? there’s an Audi dealer right down the street from me and I would love to experience this system!
Happy new year, keep up the great content.. SONOS palindrome 😆. Note, at around 5 mins in you mention that sonos app sends the highest quality audio over to the speakers..... Strictly, the SONOS app does not send / stream any audio data to any SONOS speaker, it instructs the speaker to stream the data from the service direct. The quality of service is down to what the provider of the service outputs, the speaker will accept the best it can process. You can turn the app off and indeed your phone and the audio will continue as well as you being able to skip pause go back and resume play for as long as the power is maintained to at least one (I think) of the speakers.
Thanks so much, MC3- and thanks for adding some insight regarding the app function! I didn’t realize this was the case across the board- for example: you cannot stream Dolby Atmos encoded tracks directly from the Apple Music app, but you can from Apple Music within the Sonos app. Is this still the case? And if so, how does it function this way concerning your explanation? Maybe you could clear this up for me cause it confuses the heck outa me 😂
Aside from that, I’m very thankful for you taking the time to add some useful information to the comments! That’s what this section is all about!
Take care MC3!! Hope you are having a great new year so far! ✌🏼🤟🏼
I didn’t know that. For what ever reason, regardless of how it is designed to work, any time I use the Sonos app it is infinitely better for not just sound quality but stability than any other app direct. I don’t know why. But I’m not house with my set up the way it is, it’s not even comparable. Sonos app playing Apple Music and Pandora are both better than direct tonPandora or direct to Apple Music outside of the Sonos app🤷♂️ that’s one of the things I like most about Sonos. I’ve been talking about this for like 10 years ever since I got the gen1 5. No comparison. In my opinion. Good to know still though. My ears would argue with you all day but my brain doesn’t know which one is which 😂.
Yeah, I think what you have both written can be explained and hopefully makes sense in what you are experiencing..
The S2 (and older S1 for that matter) controller app is purely a controller. Think of It as a remote control. It does not process audio data in any way as far as I know and as such is not dependent on the hardware or the OS on which the app is running. Whether it's a Mac, PC, iPhone , Android, low end or high end spec.
It purely sends the hardware (the SONOS speaker) instructions on what to play and which service to get it from.
The SONOS hardware (speaker) handles all of the connectivity to the providers servers and the processing of the audio data.
I think this probably explains why direct from a non Sonos app the quality may be different (lower)? Maybe that is partially processed by the phone / laptop and sent to the speaker in a different manner. I can see that being a high probability dependant on how much access Sonos engineers give 3rd party developers to thier proprietary code.
Just info I've picked up over years of beutifully rich audio from thier products and an inquisitive mind. I always reserve the right to be wrong though 😂.
I really appreciate your detailed insights into the Sonos app and hardware dynamics! Your explanation about the app being like a remote control and the SONOS speaker handling all the audio processing makes total sense. It's interesting to think about how different apps might affect audio quality based on how they handle the data. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences with the community, MC3!! We all appreciate it very much!!
Thanks again for stopping by and please feel free to add this type interesting info to any of my videos- I love it!!
Take care!! ✌🏼🤟🏼
I have 4 ones, 2 moves for outside and inside , 2 play 3’s , 2 connects, and one play 5 first gen but your video makes me want a pair of play 5’s. I use Deezer too and like it very much.
Hello, Rich-
You have quite the collection! I’m always looking for an excuse to buy more 😂. What I really need to do is get rid of my Gen 2 HomePods and replace them with Sonos. I originally thought I would be AirPlaying from one of the streaming apps, and in this use case, I would be sending audio to all of the AirPlay-compatible speakers. However, I have ended up using the Sonos app primarily, as AirPlay is just so darn unreliable! Maybe it's because I am sending audio to different types of speakers simultaneously? I don’t know what the problem is exactly, but it exists and is extremely inconvenient. Sonos has won me over not only due to the great sound but also the reliability!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Rich. I appreciate you! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Hello, Rich-
You have quite the collection! I’m always looking for an excuse to buy more 😂. What I really need to do is get rid of my Gen 2 HomePods and replace them with Sonos. I originally thought I would be AirPlaying from one of the streaming apps, and in this use case, I would be sending audio to all of the AirPlay-compatible speakers. However, I have ended up using the Sonos app primarily, as AirPlay is just so darn unreliable! Maybe it's because I am sending audio to different types of speakers simultaneously? I don’t know what the problem is exactly, but it exists and is extremely inconvenient. Sonos has won me over not only due to the great sound but also the reliability!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Rich. I appreciate you! ✌🏼🤟🏼
I forgot all about the arc sl edition from Costco with 2 play ones and a sub on the S2 system. It’s in my wife’s brothers room / Media room. He lives with us and has downs. We don’t use that much ( his room )
@@MrRichbrll It sounds like your wife's brother hit the lotto with that setup, Rich!! I bet he gets to enjoy lots of awesome movies with that arc- I know I love mine!!
hey man, can you hook up the sonos sub to the fives? is it necessary? also, how did the hook up the turntable, is it rca cables?
Hey Flip! Yes you can connect a sub or sub mini to the fives. Now whether or not that’s a “necessity” is totally subjective. As you can see in the video, my fives are in a relatively large space so I personally felt like I needed a little more bass. I did end up connecting a sub mini, but depending on room size, I’m sure you could totally get away with just using the fives on their own. Even before I connected the sub, I was really happy with the sound- I just happen to have a sub laying around so I connected it lol. And as for the turntable, yes I connected it with an adapter from Amazon, which was female RCA to stereo headphone jack.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
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@@NigelWorkman thanks for the great response! did you have a sonos sub? i guess you can connect a regular sub too, if you split the headphone jack into a rca to go to the sub, and the other split to the FIVE.. correct? is that what you did, or did you have a sonos sub?
@@NigelWorkman do you need a sonos sub or can any sub hook up?
thanks
@@fsflip3111 Hi Flip, you would need to purchase a sonos sub. Maybe there is a workaround to this, but I have not researched this at all. Cant imagine it would be worth it even if there were a way to use a different one.
just noticed your last comment- even if you split it off to another sub in the way you mentioned, you would have no way to tune or control the sub itself. I’m sure it wouldn't sound terrible, but it would sound MUCH better to just run a Sonos sub. They work harmoniously with one another in that the overall tune will now be adjusted to take advantage of the sub, taking the low-end workload off of the 5. This allows them to sound even cleaner at higher volumes.
Hope this helps!!
How do you think a single Sonos 5 would fair in a similar situation? I'm a big vinyl fan, currently have two KRK rocket 5s monitors running from my turntable mixer... but, I love the sonos infrastructure, have a few around the house and to be honest we listen to digital most of the time these days... so thinking about what would get more uses with the family and I feel like the Sonos 5 as the turntables & monitors rarely get used.
Hey Paul! This is a tough question, and I've been sitting here (at work, LOL) contemplating what I think the correct move would be in your situation.
Starting off, I also have two Rocket 5's in my editing area, and there's no doubt that the Sonos sounds much better. I'm not knocking the KRK because I really enjoy using them to mix the music I make, but when it comes to listening to music, I can tell you without a doubt that I prefer the Sonos 5.
Now, on the other hand, can one Sonos 5 replace two Rocket 5s? In sheer volume, the answer is no. This is only important if you find yourself needing a lot of volume. Don't misunderstand- the 5 is plenty loud; it's just not as loud as a pair of the KRKs.
You should also consider how wide of a stereo image you are hoping to achieve from the single Sonos 5. Is the room very large? Are any of your other Sonos products in close proximity to where the 5 will be placed? It does have a great stereo image, but moving from two speakers down to one will be noticeably more narrow- not by much though!
The great thing about it all is, you can always add another one down the line, and the fact that you already have a few around the home means you will have the ability to fill another space with a brilliant-sounding speaker and tie it all together for an amazing whole-home audio experience!
Bottom line is- I think you should give it a shot! There will truly be no better way to answer all these questions without just going for it. I have high hopes though, Paul! Hope any of this helps!
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!
Take care!
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I wanna buy this speaker, is it better in horizontal or vertical ? i will use with my pc
Hey Rebel-thanks for stopping by! Funny you should ask, as I just placed them vertically for the first time. Keep in mind, I’m using a stereo pair, so this is Sonos' preferred orientation. Now, I’d love to tell you that I noticed a major difference in the sound signature, but I didn’t. However, you’ll be able to direct the sound to a particular listening position with much more precision, which does change the sound a bit, but it’s not a total game changer.
That’s not to say there aren’t folks out there who might notice a significant difference, especially those with a more advanced listening ability-but unfortunately, I’m not that guy, lol. If you’re only planning on using one speaker, then horizontal is definitely the way to go, as this allows you to hear stereo imaging from just one speaker. Placing a single speaker vertically will switch it to a mono signal, so keep that in mind.
Hope this helps, Rebel! Feel free to ask any follow-up questions you may have-I'm happy to help!
Take care! ✌️🤟
Is the trueplay a sonos app?
Thanks so much for watching and for your question! Trueplay is actually built right into the Sonos app, so no need for a separate app. Sonos introduced it back in 2015 as a way to fine-tune your speakers to the specific acoustics of your room. It uses your iOS device’s microphone to measure how sound bounces around the room and adjusts the speaker for the best possible sound. It’s a really handy feature that helps get the most out of your setup, no matter where you place your speakers!
I subscribed because of your daughter 😂. You should include her in your videos. You guys are fun.
Thanks, Felix! Anytime I’m recording, and she ends up popping into the video. I usually keep it, but she doesn’t always grace us with her presence lol.
And they get even better with a sub gen 3
I have them connected to my sub mini and I do prefer them like this. This living room is a bit large so the bass didn’t have as much of an impact without it. Smaller rooms could certainly go without it, but the larger the room gets, the greater the necessity for a sub.
Thanks for stopping by Ranj! I appreciate your opinion and I thank you for sharing it! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Does it have google assistant?
Hello Mihai! Unfortunately, these speakers do not have any voice assistant options. Most of, if not all of the other Sonos speaker do, just not the 5.
i want to buy the sonos project carbon (sonos edition) + sonos 5 speaker. but how many speakers can you connect to it?
Hello Mr. sniper shot! Thanks for stopping by. As long as they are all Sonos speakers, you can connect as many as you want! You will just run an auxiliary input from your turntable to the input on the back of the five. It will recognize the turntable as a source for all of your subsequent Sonos speakers.
On another note, if you are referring to the Victrola carbon edition turntable, I would highly recommend you avoid at all cost. I had absolutely nothing but a nightmarish time with that turntable. I went through several of them and all of them had the same connectivity issues. Total piece of junk.
Let me know if you have any other questions! Thanks again for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate it. ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@NigelWorkman Hi Nigel Workman, thanks for your reply. You mention the Victorla carbon but Im considering buying an Pro-ject carbon. Are those two similar two each other and if so how? Do you recommend any other record player?
@@MrSnipershot Oh I see what you meant- the Brand “Pro-ject”. That’s a great turntable. I forgot they also have one called “Carbon”.
You are good to go with that one!
Can this go outside in a covered deck?
If you have weather that is extreme, like I do, I would not recommend it. I too have a covered deck, but I also experience quite extreme storms and they can happen quickly without time to prepare and in that case, I can imagine forgetting the speakers out there. If you’ve ever seen a drop of water on the surface of your deck, I would not put the speaker out there. The “Sonos Move 2” on the other hand, is what I would recommend for this situation. It’s an amazing sounding speaker that would easily survive a situation like the ones mentioned above.
Hope this helps!
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Realistically Sonos is just going to add design aesthetics and color tones that match the current eras, add a listen off switch and make it Bluetooth compatible. Sonos might further make the bass slightly better and will definitely delete google voice off the new 500’s. The only issue, is I’m going to guess the 500’s are out by probably the summer. So I still wouldn’t buy them now. Not at full price. Just makes no sense. Wait a little.
Hey CD! I leave my mind open to any possibility at this point. Im leaning towards them being an atmos enabled speaker as there is just too much rumor to turn a blind eye to it. Even some leaked internal documents detailing a larger atmos enabled speaker, so there is some merit there. But to the point of my video- Would you be disappointed if you bought the 5's? I can only speak for myself at the end of the day and I can honestly say, If a new pair of 5/500 arrives this summer, I will gladly add them to the collection right along side the current 5 which I will probably keep forever, because I LOVE THEM! 😂
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your thoughts, CD- Whichever way this thing turns out- we all win!! take care ✌🏼
@@NigelWorkman I don’t think it will be atmos enabled. That’s what the 300’s are for. The fives are Sonos’ hi-fi speakers. I assume the 500’s would be improved “hi-fi” speakers. Every refresh of any speaker from 2017-2020 and beyond that’s already been out Sonos has kept the DNA of that speaker and simply refined it. I expect the same with the soon to be “500’s”. I always figured the whole atmos speaker 500 rumors are what became the 300’s. Who knows though. It would make no sense to get rid of that part of their market.
@@TheCdM1981 While I understand your perspective, it's crucial to consider the evolving landscape of the music industry, which is increasingly embracing multi-channel formats. For Sonos to neglect incorporating this capability into their flagship offering would seem out of touch with industry trends. The Era 300 may be a step in the right direction, but to view it as Sonos' sole solution for multi-channel music seems limiting. With the industry's trajectory toward Atmos-enabled content, it's plausible to expect modern speakers to align with this trend. Given Sonos' infrequent product updates, missing the opportunity to introduce multi-channel functionality in their flagship speaker now could mean waiting another 8-10 years-a significant oversight in light of industry advancements. It's unlikely that the Era 300 represents Sonos' definitive foray into the multi-channel audio realm. There's likely a flagship device on the horizon to address this emerging market. However, there's always the possibility that my perspective is completely out of touch 😆. Time will indeed reveal the outcome, my friend! I'm ok with either ✌🏼🤟🏼
The future is Dolby Atmos Music. Something Five is missing. I would not recommend investing in old speakers at full price.
I will replace my Fives when ERA 500 comes. No one knows exept Sonos, when it will be released.
I don’t disagree that Atmos/multi channel Audi mixes will likely become the new standard for digitally streamed music, but on the other hand, there is a huge resurgence of physical media happening right now. The sale of vinyl records, and even tapes and CDs, is becoming hugely popular again. Most of these formats will continue to be traditional stereo, and as a result, there will always be a place, at least for the foreseeable future, for a traditional set of stereo speakers. Not only that, if you talk to people outside of our little tech bubbles, just ask the average Joe what they think about Dolby Atmos enabled music and there is a 90% chance that they’ll have no idea what you’re talking about lol. That alone should indicate that stereo music is not going anywhere anytime soon.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your opinion, Henrik. Only time will tell which one of us Is on the right track. ✌🏼🤟🏼
I own a $2,700 Genelec 2.1 setup. It’s reference monitors for studio work. The Five has so much extra color and nonsense compared to them. No shit? Well, this is the type of knowledge actual audiophiles can give. The Five has “ear candy” that is enjoyable for about 20 minutes. That’s not bad but it’s not the level you get from professional equipment. The highs and mids are not balanced. To be specific; in Korn’s “Narcissistic Cannibal” song I can clearly hear every instrument particularly the tamborine. However with the Five I have to strain to hear it as it is a muddy mess in the highs/mids. The Five for movies is pretty good (I have a stereo pair) as the bass is present.
Hello, Seven- Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate the perspective of someone who works with reference monitors designed for studio use. It's important to remember, though, that the Sonos Five is aimed at a different audience and use case.
While professional equipment like your Genelec setup offers unparalleled precision and clarity, the Five is designed for general home audio use, providing a more versatile and user-friendly experience. Its "ear candy" qualities are indeed intended to enhance casual listening and home entertainment.
The differences you mention, like the coloration and balance, are part of what makes the Five appealing to many home users. It's about striking a balance between technical performance and enjoyable everyday listening. Your feedback is valuable, and it's great to see such detailed analysis being shared. However, it's also important to appreciate products within the context they are intended for.
Thanks again for your detailed comment!
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It’s such an important way to decipher what a product can do though. Why have EQ ever? It’s for preference but it’s also for speaker placement and different music. The “ear candy” is not a good thing just like candy isn’t good for you. It tastes good but you’ll be sick of it really quick. That’s also why I gave it the “20 min” rating. That’s not bad. For $1,000 I find it to be very hyped up in the mids and that ruins the pocket for each instrument. Maybe $2,000 needs to be spent to get rid of that. For a wifi category speaker with ease of use it’s good. Comparing it to studio monitors is a flattering effort as well. If you mixed music with these though it’d be a disaster.
@@viasevenvai
I completely understand where you're coming from, Seven. Your perspective highlights a critical distinction between professional-grade studio monitors and consumer-oriented speakers like the Sonos Five.
EQ and speaker placement are indeed essential for optimizing sound based on personal preference and the specific environment. The "ear candy" quality of the Five, which can be appealing for casual listening, does come at the expense of the precision needed for studio work. Your analogy to candy is apt-what's delightful in small doses may not hold up over time, especially for critical listening.
For users seeking a more analytical and balanced sound, professional monitors like your Genelec setup are undoubtedly the better choice. The Sonos Five, however, serves a different market-those who prioritize ease of use, versatility, and a more engaging sound for everyday entertainment. It's a trade-off between convenience and audiophile-grade accuracy.
Your input is invaluable for helping others understand these differences and making informed decisions based on their specific needs and preferences. Thank you for sharing your insights!
Nonsense. Sorry, but statements like this need to be backed by data. Look at the review of the Fives on Audio Science Review. As "audiophile" (in the true sense) a ressource as you can get. The Fives are an accurate speaker, Sonos as a company run a large R&D budget. Add the room correction in-built functions (ANY sound system is the gear + the acoustic environment) and it's a killer proposition for most people. Genelecs are great but as you say 3 x the price, plus add the cost of room correction to make them sound their best.
Every environment has limitations. For instance in my case due to limited placement possibilities - due to preexisting furniture, room shape, wife and kids expectations etc. - the Genelecs aren't optimal, because of the rear port. All considered taking into account the compromises I need to make I believe the Fives are probably the best choice on the market for me, even compared to more expensive or elaborate propositions.
No this speaker is garbage a mess to connect to your network and every update breaks it stay away from sonos
Hey Carlos! Thanks for sharing your opinion.
I wanted to add a bit more to what you said. Before the big app update, my Sonos system was super reliable, and I never had a single issue. But the new app has been buggy, and it’s caused a lot of frustration for me, not just with the Sonos speakers, but with the whole system. The new app came out a few days ago, and it’s been promising, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Sonos will fix all these problems. I’ve invested a lot in their ecosystem, and I don’t want to give up. I totally understand why you have your opinion, and I’m not jealous when I say I’ve been enraged by them more than a handful of times recently.
Fingers crossed for those of us who enjoy our Sonos systems and hope for a smoother road ahead.
Take care, Carlos, and thanks for stopping by!