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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.ค. 2024
- A pair of Sonos Fives costs about the same as a pair of Sonos Ones with the Sub. Today, we test Sonos Fives vs Sonos Ones or play:1s with Sub. Which will sound better? Which is more versatlie? Let's find out!
If you like the way I do things, do come back and check out my videos often. Better yet, subscribe and ring that notification bell so that you’ll be informed when I release a new video. And if you find value in my work, also consider supporting my work by contributing to my coffee fund on patreon!
Patreon link for my coffee fund! : / peterpee
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:58 Upfront Summary
2:36 Brief Intro
6:42 Sound Comparison
11:11 Comparing the soundstage
12:52 Frequency Response
16:47 Usability Considerations
19:31 Conclusion
22:49 Demo recordings - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
![[MIRRORED] LISA - ROCKSTAR 🎸 MV version #LISA #BLACKPINK #ROCKSTAR](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/-U58DuCCtZk/mqdefault.jpg)
I wish more TH-cam reviewers would be unafraid to give a summary of their final opinion early in the video. I actually find myself watching full videos like the ones Peter puts out, where he gives his summary and opinion early. I then look for the reasons in the video to see if I would've reached the same conclusion. And sometimes, it's ok just to hear the summary and opinion, such as when you're already inclined to buy or not buy something, and you get a trustable opinion right away. Good job, Peter.
You are hand down the Sonos review king. You post videos other people only think about. You answer questions before they are even asked! Truly a gentleman and a scholar.
Best review I've ever seen on TH-cam. Thorough, accessible, clear, in-depth without being wordy or repeating himself every 10 seconds, well laid out, and THANK YOU for putting the summary at the beginning, though I did watch it all the way through. Bravo!
Direct to the point, and no clickbait.. I wish most TH-camr Tech channels were like you!
Thank you for putting the summary upfront. The very thorough analysis which follows is excellent too
Great video, I enjoy your format with your answer up front. I still watch the entire video, btw.
Very cool of you! Thank you!
Hi Peter, thank you for comments for the pairings of Sonos I really appreciate it. I like audio music especially the country and Western, and intend to buy the Five and Sub, What is your comment ? Thanks. Haiban.
Very recently stumbled across your channel after looking for reviews on the Sonos sub (gen 3). Since then I’ve watched a number of your videos, I have found them to be very informative. Thanks.
Glad you like them!
TH-cam algorithm placed you in my feed today and I am so grateful. Your videos are excellent and well informed. Really helped me to figure out a few things about my Sonos system and helped me with decisions on whether I should buy a sub or an extra play 5.
Welcome aboard! Am glad that you have found the videos useful!
It’s so nice how you give your verdict up front for those on the go or do t have the time for the full review. Great works for great channel.
Thanks Marc! I do that exactly for the reason that some may not have time for the full video!
Just discovered this very very interesting channel. I love your way of explaining. I'm an old hi-fi enthusiast who has now converted to digital, which is a very different world from analog. There are many things to learn and to discuss and this channel seems to me the right place!
Welcome aboard! I am also a convert from the older analog amps with all the cables. :)
Wow 😳 first time on your channel, I'm always after thorough detailed and enough technical reviews.
As a sonos beginner (arc and 1's) and getting informations about the 5s I'm so much more educated about this subject.
Thank you for your work and sharing.
Liked and subscribed.
Really enyoy how you answer upfront! Really good when in a hurry. I always end up looking on the whole video when i have more time. :) Really good channel! Always supporting!
Thank you so much for showing your appreciation! I know when I watch other videos, I can get impatient when the point is not being delivered and the video is just baiting you to watch all the way through to rack up the view hours. So I try to do it the other way and hope to help others find the answers first. I know I talk a lot and videos can get draggy with all the details so I give my summary first before I go on into the details that may not interest everyone.
fantastic review format - crisp, clear and the right information. Kudos to you.
Your breakdown of the video is superb!! I watched the entire video and loved every bit.
This channel is just fantastic! Keep it coming Peter!
Glad you enjoy it!
Thanks for another great video, I just bought the complete sonos surround system (Arc,Sub,2x one) based on your content! 👍😊
Holy! I’m Glad that you found my advice useful!
Thank you very much also for the quick summary at the beginning it helps alot.
+ Great Work
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the summary up front. Much appreciated. Really a breath of fresh air.
Great channel with amazing deep dive analysis. I m a fan of your content
I'm so happy to have discovered your channel! You're presentations are very clear end evidence based. Cheers!
Welcome aboard and I am glad you like them!
I truly appreciate your style of reviewing. I also can tell you are honest and knowledgeable. Thank you!
I appreciate your kind words!
Love the upfront summary conclusions, thank you 👍🏻
This one of the best reviews I've ever watched, regardless of topic. Kudos to you, Mr. Pee. And thank you.
Thanks for the high praise!
Thank you very much for all the SONOS vids you've published. Your considerations are very good.
Thanks for your support and compliments lido!
Just found your channel and its awesome! Keep up the good work!
Hey, thanks!
Hi Peter, Thank you for your clear, honest and easily understandable review. I love your humour too! I suffer from tinnitus and after 5 years or so with my Sonos system I have been considering upgrading my Sonos Play:1s and Playbar as I need more treble and cleaner music and dialogue to enjoy watching TV or listening to music at a lower volume. Your video has convinced me to upgrade to the Arc and pair of Fives to go with my Gen 2 Sub.
Hey Mark! That's a killer combo. If I invite anyone to my house, I make sure the Arc is set up with the fives as surround and a sub to go with it. Can't have anyone say Sonos isn't great!
@@PeterPee I installed two Fives last night. As you described in on of your videos the sound is cleaner, clearer, broader and more complex. At a lower volume I can hear individual sounds and instruments when listening to music. I am awaiting a new Arc to replace my playbar - delivery in another 2 weeks. Again thank you for your clear and easy to understand reviews - the charts you walk through are excellent.
Thank you for your kind compliments and support on Patreon too! I greatly appreciate that!
This video was the definitive response to my own question: Play1’s with sub or play5’s? The answer came down to usability. Play one’s with the Alexa is much more useful for my kids and wife. Play 5’s (if they had voice assistance built in would have won, no doubt) are much bigger and take up more space, the other members of the family wouldn’t be able to use them either. Music choice is the other key consideration, I listen to drum and bass a lot (all music is listened to) and the ones with the sub sound incredible. I liked the sub so much that I now have another set up with play ones in the dining room. This is a great video, unbiased and honest. I thank you sir because it was your information that steered me in the direction that I chose. Love your style, keep going.
I had one Sonos Five and wanted true stereo so was thinking either adding another five or replacing the Five with two Ones and the Sub. I chose the later because my wife was against two fives in our living room. At the end I‘m super happy with the two Ones and the Sub. The sound is incredible! Even better than some of the Hi-Fi speakers I got demonstrated in my Hi-Fi store. Love Sonos!
Great style, quality videos, fantastic presentation. Keep it up
Thank you Leo!
Thanks Peter. Great help. I ordered the sub initially to add to my pair of Fives. Now I am going to hook it up to my pair of Ones in the other room.
That is a much better use of resources. In economics, they call this comparative advantage
Awesome video Peter! Thanks!
I just took delivery of a pair of 5s and adsolutely thrilled with the outcome. Was using a Focal 2.1 Dôme set up driven by Marantz amp and wanted to switch to a simple, 2.0 or 2.1, wireless, easy to use Apple/Spotify, great sounding with plenty clean solid bass, can easily fill a 50sqm room, somewhat portable and attractive. That's a pair of 5s... So happy and thank you Peter for your valuable insights!
Great to hear! Besides the Sub, a pair of five is a recommendation that never fails to please.
Another great video. Keep up the great work 👍
Thanks 👍
Amazing channel! Keep it coming! Subscribed
Thanks for the sub!
What a great video, just rewatched this, I have all your Sonos products except the Sub, which I refuse from buying as I am a recovering noiseaholic and an active audiophile....., and there is so much valuable information here. Well done! Pearls!
Thank you for your kind compliments!
Keep coming back to this video because I’m still on dilemma between 1 Five vs 2 Ones🤪 please do make a video for this Peter!
Your wish is my command.... th-cam.com/video/DeC5s71aqA4/w-d-xo.html
In that case it's better two sonos one. At stereo set up.they would sound beautiful
get a five and get a one lol
@@jf5581 ttt
I'd get a Sonos Five then in a few years you can get another 🤖🤙
Excellent video, you always outdo yourself. 👍🏼
Thank you!
You are a smart dude, I really appreciate your Videos. Thank you Peter!
Glad you like them!
Excellent review found the answer I was looking for thank you…
Awesome work! 👍🏼
Outstanding commentary, thank you...
This channel's comment section is litterally the kindest i've ever seen
Excellent presentation.
Very Good Video as always. Thank you for your effort.
Thanks for showing appreciation!
this is a fantastic review
Your voice is so smoothing 🙂
Exactly the video I wanted to watch 👌
Glad to hear that!
Great job bro 👍
Very helpful. I ordered the Arc, Gen 3 sub, 2-ones and 2-Fives today. Looking forward to the new experience
Hope you enjoy it! This is a good configuration. You'll have your bass, your surround effect. Have fun rewatching some of your favorite movies!
How much did that cost you? 😲
Thank you, I love your format. Give me your recommendation first then back it up. Rather than dangling the carrot of your conclusion till the end.
Thanks for the recognition Sky!
Thank you for the comparison. Your video assisted me in making the final decision - decided to pick up a pair of Sonos One (an SL and an One Gen 2) plus the Sub Gen 3.
Decided on this set up coz it will provide me with flexibility to built it into a home movie system later.
Always happy when I have managed to help! Good call on the One SL and a non-SL. Most people don't realise you don't need both to have a mic. And when paired, only one of them will work as a mic input anyway. And Sonos has been kind enough to allow pairing both of them together!
@@PeterPee Yes 👍 All thanks to you sharing the wisdom Peter 😊. Saved me $20 which I have “invested” in a pair of Flexson stands (this is before I know about your new Kanto Stands).
@@PeterPee but you can't put them into a stereo pair unless they match (SL + SL or non-SL + non-SL)
@@HowDidIGet3700Subs That's wrong. You can absolutely put any combination of Sonos Ones (Gen 1, Gen 2, SL) in a stereo pair. This is well documented and I do this myself. They sound great.
@@brianlowry1355 that's what everyone (myself included) thinks but that's before I did more research and read about it. Sadly it's just your opinion
Amazing how similar the frequency response is actually. My use case is somewhat mobile. I live in Australia and travel north for winter in a camper. I don't need to compromise on the same sound I'd get at home (especially when I go outback bush camping with no-one else around. OK sometimes I might even get out the mirror ball...My set up includes 2 older Play 5s paired to a sub (they sound much better together) and two original Play 1s. No issue connecting to a 4g wireless router even when I have no internet as long as I have songs downloaded to my phone on Spotify I can music anywhere by plugging the phone straight into the back of one of the Play 5's and using my partners phone to control volume.
Thank you so much for the video, ✅✅✅. That track that you played at the end of the video it’s excellent I am trying to get it but is coming up as lose yourself as a name, I love the track perfect for happy hour 🍻 ambience.
Hi Peter, thanks for the series of great videos on Sonos. I have a dining space to install speakers in. I don't need a proper sound stage as it's for ambience music. What would you recommend. The space is about 6x6m (half is the dry kitchen, half is the dining space). I'm thinking of just installing two Ones near the dining table because of the small footprint.
Exactly what I wanted to know. I needed good quality speakers for the motorcycle garage, but also wireless with full range sound.
Great to hear!
Hi Peter another great video! I love it keep them coming! I've been watching all your sonos videos lately but I don't think I've heard you mention (or maybe I missed it) anything about what all can be connected to a pair of Sonos 5's i.e. I'm toying with the idea of buying a pair to complete my ARC and Sub gen 3 setup and I was thinking that, if at anytime I'm not using them for surround rears in the home cinema I could move them to another room and use them solely for music if this makes sense. Also the main question I have for you is would I be able to use these as a pair of computer monitors if I remove them from my surround setup obviously! and if this is possible would there be much involved in setting them up for this? So if you see what I mean instead of me buying a pair of 1's just for my home cinema setup if I buy these 5's I could possibly have the three options 1. to use them for Hifi speakers 2. to use them for my home cinema setup and 3. if possible computer monitors as well, I hope this makes sense and you understand what I'm getting at.
Giving your summary at the start made me want to watch it til the end
Haha.. My intent was to make it easier for people to get my answer without having to withhold it like some channels. So I give it upfront and if anyone has time to watch to the end, then great!
I am from singapore. Happy to see all your videos about all sonos product. I have purchased sonos playbase recently and like to expand but confused whether to go for sonos sub gen 3 (or) 2 sonos one sl which will improve my sound quality of playbase.Please advice i dont want to purchase both.by the way why playbase is not reviewed by you even though it is discontinued but one of the good product in sonos lineup.
Amazing review
Thanks!
I love this review just set up 2 SL Ones with gen 3 sub and Arch sound Bar Amazing sound!!!
Even my wife Likes it.. Set up for Surround Sound Home theater.. I love it!!
Here's my abbreviated journey with Sono. We originally purchased 2 x Play1s to replace standalone speakers driven by an AMP with input from an Apple IPod. We used iTunies but it was a clunky set-up, never sounded very good. The Play1s with Sonos (and Spotify) was a complete revelation, streaming music allowed us to play any song, we could pass the app around or let friends install and choose their favorite song and the sound was amazing from two small speakers. My daughter was approaching 21 with her party at home, I said to my wife I'll go check out a play5 as I had read they had more bass. I purchased one, came home, installed and WOW! I immediately went out and purchased a second Play5 - the party was amazing :-) We have just purchased a Sonos ARC soundbar for a new TV and enjoying this also.
Paul, yes, the Sonos Play:5/Five does that for users who aren't prepared for the sound quality. I myself did the same thing. Came back with one from the store, and went out again to buy the next day.
Ok. This guy’s a g. Subscribed.
Thank you Andrew! Welcome!
Really excellent review, many thanks Peter :-) Any chance you might compare with the Bluesound? Cheers
Definitely on the horizon. I am looking at the Bluesound lustily....
Peter, thanks for the detailed reviews that show what you mean with the graphs. This is all very helpful and I have used your reviews to make addition "investments" in Sonos equipment. Just wondering but have you considered adding a new dimension to your reviews? Like maybe show the results when the setting are set to have max/min values for bass and/or treble? For example, I have a pair of Fives with the Arc soundbar and a pair of Subs for my TV in the living area. What would the graphs look like when the setting are placed to produce the maximum bass?
Hey thanks for the suggestion! It is something I have definitely done before but I did so many videos I can’t remember which video I put that segment in. I was showing the difference what each setting does. But very interesting as a stand-alone video. Let me put that in as an idea!
Peter, your channel is a true gem of TH-cam. You approach a rather niche product with great detail and attention. You're one of the very few people on TH-cam where I can watch a 25+ minute video not only without skipping, but actually sometimes pausing and rewinding!
I have 3 Fives and 3 Ones placed throughout the home. I will also attest to the fact that the Fives give a much sweeter. pleasant to the ear, less distorted yet more thorough sound throughout. I hooked up my Sub to a pair of Ones in stereo; while this set up can give a lot more punch, the sound inadvertently gets somewhat distorted through delay and material conduction of the low frequencies from the Sub.
Still, I'd like to kindly ask you to perform a sound frequency response curve with a single Five and pair of Fives with and without the Sub, preferably with the Sub being isolated and turned off. Very curious to find out how Sonos software changes the output of Five when paired with the Sub. I had a Five briefly paired with the Sub and felt that I was worse off with the Sub than without...
Thanks, and keep up the good work!
To give you an idea, I tried it out and the crossover point between the sub and fives is quite high. Between 90-110hz.
By the way, I am always very mindful about the length of my videos. I know my videos always end up a little too Long In my opinion.
@@PeterPeeThe length of videos was meant as a compliment haha
Haha... Ok. I just thought that if I could deliver the same content faster, it’d be better for viewers!
A great video Peter. Such an in-depth review is hard to find. Would you mind sharing the song author and titles you used for demo tests?
Lose Yourself. On the Bach. Both available on TH-cam Studio.
@@PeterPee Thank you
Hi Peter only just found your channel and its very helpful, would you please advise on what i am to about to set up , i have a PLAYBASE and intend to install two speakers on the other side of the room, what would suggest, which speakers ? mostly for films and obviously occasionally music ?? cheers.
Thanks!
Thanks David for your kind contribution!
hi Pete, awesome information. there has be overemphasize on single user environment with Sonos, wonder if you be kind enough to dig into multi user home environment? like your living shared among family members, how user account is taking control over Sonos speakers? can it be built up in a living room 3.1, so basic user only have right to take Play the out but can't configure it due to lack of administrator right. thanks.
Hi Peter, this is a great video that very effectively answers a long-standing question a lot of folks ask. One basic question-does the One/Sub pair get reasonably loud? I’m guessing not as loud as the Fives, but am hoping it will rock out at least to some degree.
Your guess is right. Not as loud as the fives. The fives can put fear in most. The sub with the ones does help the ones get much louder than just the ones on their own. It relieves the ones of the bass duties and thus allows it to channel more of its limited amplification power to the higher frequencies.
Thanks again for the video and for your reply. @@PeterPee
Thanks for the comparison!
I'm really curious if anyone ever considered or tried this: I'm considering getting the Sonos 5 as my 'main' living room speaker and 'scatter' Sonos Ones around the room, which is about 50 square meters and lacks the shape to create a proper symmetrical setup. Any thoughts?
Interesting test, thanks! Have you compared sound quality with 2 Play Five in stereo mode in vertical vs horizontal positon?
he mentions he likes them horizontal - but that doesn't make sense if you want real stereo or real left / right separation. He talks about a larger even soundstage and therefore recommends hoizontal - which takes away the real task of having separate left and right sounds. I feel vertical is better if using two of them!
@@chrismotec confirmed, I now have this setup and the sub: well worth it in all aspects
Peter, I want to listen to your recommendation and get a pair of Sonos Five to stereo pair for music listening but they will have to sit on the ground due to limited space in my dinning room. But if I go with the two Sonos One with sub I can put the Sonos Ones on a stand to be higher at ear level. What do you think? Will the Sonos Five sitting on the ground hurt the sound quality? Which would be better?
Creía que tener dos Play 5 2da gen era un verdadero Sistema HiFi estéreo. Hasta que Adquirí el Sonos Ray los agrupé- El cambio ha sido espectacular. La distribuación de los sonidos en La Sonos Derecha, Sonos Izquierda y Ray Central ha sido de una inmersión que no puedo creer!!!
Personalmente creo que incluir un SUB a un par de Play 5 2da Gen es un despropósito.
So I have the 3 pair with sub, which I attach to the soundbar for a bit of home theatre. I already had the plays and needed more oomph. I’ve never heard a Sonos 5 but a chap at work says it’s amazing. Always wanted to get a pair at some point for the living room ... hmmm.
That's the rabbit hole! Watch your step!
Great video Peter!
I’m new to the “audiophile” world but love my Sonos setup - 2 Ones w gen 2 Sub - and have been experimenting with various setups. I noticed that you’re using an mp3 to test the sound in this video. I’ve seen various audio forums that debate the quality of higher resolution music and so I subscribed to Deezer hi-fi just to try it out. But I can’t really tell a difference between FLAC and mp3 and don’t know if it’s because of my setup, my ears, or something else... Have you done any tests of mp3 vs. other audio formats (i.e. FLAC files)?
Yeah. The reason why I am using mp3 is because TH-cam will always only royalty free music so this is what I use because TH-cam provides the music in the library for me in mp3 format.
As for difference, not everyone will be able to tell the difference. Sometimes you also need someone to point out to you what you need to listen out for before you can spot it.
My suggestion is, don’t chase it. If you can’t hear it, it’s a blessing! Enjoy what you find enjoyable.
And by the way, there is a trick that some formats use to give the impression of higher quality. And that is to mix the audio a bit hotter. Like make it louder. And humans perceive louder to sound better. So.
@@PeterPee That all makes sense. Thanks for the quick reply Peter!
As someone about to purchase Sonos for the first time I am finding your videos so helpful! Thank you! What would you consider doing in an open concept living/dining/kitchen when it's better suited to having ambient music throughout the entire room versus making a specific sound stage set up. Will it work to have a combination of Sonos fives and ones throughout the space without them being paired, possibly with a sub involved? Or it is best to make a stereo pairs in different sections of the space, even though it's all open?
Cool. Welcome to the world of Sonos! Ok an open space setup, let me recommend 2 sonos ones paired with a sub. And an additional Sonos five. This allows you to setup 2 “rooms”. You can play either depending on how much you need to fill up the room.
And even if you choose the ones, they can be augmented by the sub. If you choose the fives; their bass response is good enough to keep you happy.
@@PeterPee Thank you, that makes sense to have the two rooms within the one space the way you suggest. Will playing both setups all at the same time sound okay as well?
Oh yes. The timing for Sonos multi room is actually very good. You won’t find discernible lag or timing differences.
You can use Airplay from Apple TV with any Sonos speaker and I have found it to be very reliable. Two fives and a sub even work in this way!
Hi Peter
I love your reviews
Your opinion with adding a five between a pair of Sonos one sl
How far apart do you recommend for stereo set up for a pair of 5s and a pair of 1’s. Trying to decide which to get. I’d get the 1’s with a sub.
Thanks for the wonderful comparison. For the purpose of this test, what was the EQ setting for the bass for your Fives? I feel the bass to be less than adequate unless I move the slider all the way till 7 or + and then I am worried I might damage speakers.
For my testing I usually set all the equaliser to neutral. If you need to move to +7 no issues. I haven’t heard of a sonos speaker being blown by excessive bass settings before.
@@PeterPee Thank you so much for that reply. But, do you think its possible? To blow a pair of fives by listening at high volumes at +7 bass?
Hi there, very informative video! Which of the 2 setups would you recommend for a relatively small bedroom?
I'd go for the Fives. I am assuming music because both these setups don't play well with video.
Hi Peter. Maybe another video you could do is a pair of Sonos 5’s in stereo, vertical position and seeing if you can hear the difference with tweeters both facing in and then tweeters both facing out. So basically the Sonos symbol both on inside vs both on outside.
There is negligible difference there.
Peter - if I wanted to listen to music AND watch movies could I have 2 x Sonos 5s either side of the TV plus a Beam/Arc? From this video it is apparent that the two 5s are better for listening to music, but also that they don't handle lip sync well so if I were to add a beam:
1) would this solve the issue and let me watch movies?
2) would I also be able to listen to music (i.e. Spotify via my iphone) or would adding the Beam block this? (i.e. I would have to choose a set up between watching a movie or listening to music)?
3) Can I set up a 'room' with just the 2 x 5s and another 'room' with the 2 x 5s plus Beam but physically have them in the same location (near my TV)?
I only discovered your channel today and have subscribed because of your wonderful approach to providing incredibly valuable content, so thank you!
Thanks for your support Shane.
You can surely have 2 x Fives and a beam/arc. I am assuming you are setting them up as two separate rooms. You can then choose which to play to and that isn't a problem. Movies and music can be consumed this way. But you cannot actually share the fives across two rooms. You can't set up a room with the fives and another room using the beam and the same fives.
Hey Peter as always excellent content. With the Sonos Five as surround do you still need to have two pairs? I already have the arc and the base gen 3 on the setup. Or will two Sonos one sl will do the job
If you have 2 Sonos One SLs already, they will do the job just fine. The Sonos Five will sound better but you will still need a pair and that’s gonna cost $1k.
Peter Pee excellent thanks 🙏
Thanks for the video peter. Question I currently have 2 ONES(gen 1) and a SUB(gen 1) but I am looking to go out and replaces the ONES with the new gen2 ONES. Would you recommend to get just 1 FIVE speaker or 2 ONES? I want to replace mainly for the airplay compatibility of new gen speakers and will be used for my office.
If you already have the sub, I’d say go for a pair of the ones. The bass won’t be an issue.
Okay .... Superb review ! What about 2 x 5's + 2 x 1's + sub??? The mids from the One's are superior to the 5's. Have you tried the four of them with the sub for music?
(I own two 5's gen 1 with a sub for many years but the only thing I'm missing is some mids)
Thank you.
I'm planning on buying rear speakers to go with sonos arc and gen 3 sub I just ordered. Would you go with one Sls or the fives? My living space is small/ medium sized with 9 foot ceiling which would you suggest? Also I currently have sonos accommodation so the SL ones would cost me $190 for a pair or $550 for a pair of 5s. Let me know what you think
I've tested the setup with two 5s and I thought they sounded muffled. I was told they needed to be turned up quite a bit to sound better. The reason apparently being that they are meant to be used where high volume is needed, ie public spaces. Not sure about that. I then tested two Ones and they sounded clearer - the lack of low frequencies will probably be addressed by the sub. I have not had a chance to listen to that combination yet.
That's the way sound works. If you are asking a big driver to play back at lower volumes, the chances are that it will sound a little muffled as compared to a smaller driver.
Please do a video for below scenario👇
I have Sonos Arc, One SL pair as rear surround & Sonos sub. Its give me 5.1.2 HT experience for Atmos enabled movies. But when listening songs, I only need 2.1 channels. Since Sonos is versatile & modular concept, I have 2 options to play 2.1 channels. First option is Arc+Sub, second option is 2xOneSL+sub. I want to know which option give better sound staging & better sound quality for music/song.
Another great video!
Can you compare the sound of a pair of Fives only vs a pair of Fives + Sub?
Yes I can and I am going to be releasing the video in a short while! :) Watch out for it!
Looking forward to it, Peter!
Can you also share your Sonos Five EQ settings for music listening?
I have not actually deviated from the base eq settings yet. Haven’t found a permanent place for the fives and currently trying to get used to the stock sound so I know what I’m changing.
@@PeterPee Hi, thanks a lot for the wonderful review. I also curious about the question asked about pair of Fives vs a pair of Fives + Sub.
What's the best location for the Play 1's when using in a home theatre setup?
My setup is a pair of Sonos One L and R near ceiling, Play:5 Gen2 in the middle front cabinet, and Sub Gen3 on the side (paired with SonosOne). So far I am quite happy with it. It's a compromise to have complete set of drivers.
They are setup as 2 different rooms?
@@PeterPee Yes, setup as 2 different rooms, but are physically in the same room. Volume appears as Group volume (but can individually adjusted), usually I will set the Play:5 volume 25-30% higher than Sonos One pair to make the vocal more powerful. If I set them equally the same, the Sonos One become too dominant.
Good setup. This allows for a lot of flexibility.
You can’t pair the fives and the ones into one Sonos “room”. Their definition of room is a single speaker, a pair of speakers, or a surround setup. All instances either with or without a sub. You can’t pair multiple setups into one room.
What do think about the ones and the 5 working together with the sub and arc?
Love the content!! I have been waiting for a channel like this. I'm planning on doing an overkill setup! Is it possible to have an arc + sub and two play 5's for living room, and two play 5's and a play sub in my bedroom all playing at once? And can I duplicate these setups in multiple room if I have good enough wifi?
Hi Khoel, thanks for showing your appreciation. Well, the wifi requirements is pretty low on the Sonos devices so I would say that if you are able to watch youtube on the wifi coverage, you'd be able to get a Sonos device connected in that room.
And yes, you can have both the setups playing all at once in perfect sync!
Hi Peter, May I ask if you would recommend adding a sub to the pair of Sonos fives? (I know someone asked similar questions in the comments but could get your feel about it)
I’m actually from Malaysia. I enjoyed your videos, thanks a lot for all the work and effort. Too bad our currency is weaker and our tax on speakers is higher. A sub costs RM3999 which is about SGD1300, it’s SGD150 more than getting it in Singapore :( anyway, look forward to your future videos. Cheers!
Hey Mervyn! I have just released this video last night! th-cam.com/video/Mr0Gvp-0h-U/w-d-xo.html
Should answer your question.
Ouch. That price is painful.
Great, will check it out tonight. Thanks!
Great video. I’ve been looking for this comparison for a very long time. What about adding a sub to two play 5. Would there be any sonic advantages
Actually I plan to do a video on just that! Stay tuned!
I'm eagerly waiting for this exact video as I have both fives and ones and also sub and unable to decide if fives is adding some unpleasant experience because of the way my setup placement is. Can you also please once show your exact setup, placements of speakers and sub, how far is each one from MLP, are rears behind mlp or facing each other etc in one of your videos. I have 2 fives as rears facing each other to send the sound directly to ears but I feel that sound coming from opposite five speakers are creating some unpleasant experience.
Have you tried Trueplay? The Sonos five needs a bit of distance from the walls. When I push it too close to the wall the bass bloats up.
@@PeterPee But shouldn't the sub takeover some of the lower frequencies when paired together? So with a sub, maybe not so bad to put the 5's close to wall?
In theory yes. But the wall will also bounce off the higher bass frequencies, not just those frequencies handled by the sub.
I was moving speakers around the other day and tried some play 1 with sub. The play 3 with sub are incomparably better. Even the wife appreciated the better sound and she doesn’t pretend to be an audiophile like us. I’ve never had the 5s. I wonder how a pair of them compare with a pair of 3 and sub? Way back when I had the play 3 pair and was disappointed. I added the sub and WOW! The other advantage, as you say, is this can also be part of my tv setup with the Beam
Yes, your experience is probably what most will feel when they try the Play:3 + sub combination out. But for the Fives, it's hard to make it better with a sub. The increase in performance and sound quality is not as big.
Be very happy with the play:3s paired with the sub. If you have to pay for the fives and sell the play:3s and sub, don't do it. Keep the Play:3 and sub.
@@PeterPee but what about your thoughts on play 3s + sub vs play 1s + sub?
I have 2 fives in one room and the ones with the sub and play bar in my den. The fives are clean and has crisper mids. The bass is good but not as low .. but is good enough to not need a sub
Hi Peter - new to your channel and really enjoying your videos. I'm about to buy into the Sonos ecosystem so keen for your thoughts on a debate I'm having. For a mix of music and movies (but mostly music), would you go for Beam + Sub or Two Ones + Sub? Price is similar so curious if you have a view on the sound quality for these combinations. Thanks again for the awesome videos - cheers from Sydney!
If you go for 2 Ones with sub, there won’t be a way for you to pipe in your tv sounds into them at all. Only music purely. But sound stage and music performance wise they will be better than the Sonos beam. Just bear in mind that you will be locked out of tv sound inputs.
Thanks for the reply Peter! Completely forgot about the TV input without a soundbar. You've saved me a headache had I not asked you before buying! Thanks a ton and keep up the awesome work.
Whew! Glad to be of help!
@@PeterPee Hi Peter - thanks again for your help. I have one more question, although a bit less straight forward so hoping you can help. If we focus on quality of music only (soundstage, bass, etc.), how do you think a single five stacks up against a Beam + Sub? I want to retain the optionality for TV + surround in the future so going for the Beam instead of 2 ones. From your reviews it sounds like the Five has solid bass, but wondering if it's worth spending twice the amount to setup the Beam with a Sub. Do you think for music they are comparable or is one option better than the other? For context, I intend to put this setup in a small room - roughly 30 square metres. Thanks again for all the help and staying tuned for your new videos. Cheers.
For music, definitely the Sonos five. The beam with sub will have a lot of bass but music performance won’t be anywhere close to the five.