Sonos Play 5 user reviews

apostle 29 August 2012

Good: For online raio works out of the box

Bad: Issues regarding adding own music to library

Comment: As the main review tended to concentrate on the radio options (napster, spotify, et al) I want to point out some issues that might influence the purchase of a great piece of kit. Firstly, and this is something that does not receive much (any) mention is that if you are adding your own ripped CDs to the Music Library there is a track limit of 65,000 (or less - depending on mp3 tag length). Let's stop using phrases like "all you music collection" when it patently is not true.
Adding music can also be problematic, and a scan of the forums will give an indication of the scale of this problem. Having bought two units a week ago I still haven't managed to add any of my music folders (and clearly this is not just my problem). I am currently listening to my music through the inbuilt music app on my iPad using line in. It is also worth mentioning that using line in to watch online TV on your iPad or other device with the sound through Sonos will give significant sync problems. Everything ends up looking like a 70s Japanese Kung-fu movie.
Having got those issues out of the way let's see why I am happy at spending £700.
I have my two units set up as a stereo pair (L+R) of speakers. The sound quality for size of unit is exceptional. Look at the price of Bose speakers and think of the added functionality that comes with Sonos and price becomes less of an issue. I'm not saying that, as speakers, Sonos are better than Bose - speakers provide a very personal experience - but I would find it hard to make any comparison where Sonos dd not come out on top.
There is a strong, but not overpowering bass, good mid-tones, and (to my ear at least) exceptional top-end - even after this short usage time I have heard elements of my music that have escaped me previously. Stereo separation is accurate and distinct; Yes' "Tales From Topographic Oceans" had Rick Wakeman's keyboards swirling majestically around the bedroom, while a mono recording from the Kinks' first album was planted firmly in the middle of the room (no faux stereo here). Although my set-up is in an average-size bedroom (to which I am unfortunately confined for much of my time) I would have doubts about the power available to fill a decent size living room - I don't think you are likely to having the neighbours banging on the walls.
Overall, extremely pleased with my purchase (although y bank manager may not agree), but there appears to be a lack of third-party development (as you get with the squeezebox), so - as far as I am aware you cannot get additional goodies like BBC iPlayer content or fancy skins for the iPad controllers.

Dominic Samuel H Becher 21 August 2012

Good: it sounds amazing

Comment: worth every penny. used nearly every day since i bought it from Amazon, and its never failed me once.

Kennyj 21 July 2011

Good: Well made, easy to set up, and control, good sound.

Bad: Nothing

Comment: Great piece of kit, easy to set up and use. Perfect way to stream your music all over your home. Even though expensive it is good value for the money.

Roger Hanke 20 May 2011

Comment: Easy to set up
Works like a dream... paired with decent speakers the sound is brilliant if your files are of high quality.
Reduces clutter... kit is hidden away apart from the speakers.
No more hunting for hours looking for a lost CD only to find an empty case.
The iphone app is brill

Andy Churchman 8 May 2011

Good: Easy to use and good sound

Bad: Can work out expensive

Comment: Love it!

casey36 28 March 2011

Good: * Easy setup * Surprisingly good sound quality * Loads, loads, and more loads of music services available * Free Sonos Controller iPhone/iPod touch app is the cat's pajamas with bees' knees printed on them

Bad: * The S5 isn't quite as "all-in-one" as its name implies, since the proprietary network makes two ZonePlayers or a ZoneBridge necessary for wireless access, adding to the cost * While setup is easy, if you run into any snags they're hard to fix * Sonos wants the thing back when I'm finished reviewing it Final Thoughts

Comment: Whether you're considering the ZonePlayer S5 as an addition to an existing Sonos system, or simply as a portable standalone audio system, it's a smart, compact device with sound quality that belies its small size. That, combined with its plethora of available streaming audio services (forgive me, El Guapo) make it hard to resist.
Need to know more Call Sonos Experts at 1-877- 816- 3761 and press(1)

sonos 23 February 2011

Good: good when itworks

Bad: keeps cutting off

Comment: ok when it works - fo half a song usuallly
keeps cutting off

i am bit pissed off with it
quite embarrising if you showing friends

Lposchamberlain 12 November 2010

Good: Addictive!

Bad: can't think of anything.

Comment: I first came across Sonos (I had never heard of it....self confessed middleaged technophobe) 2yrs ago whilst looking for a 'normal' hi fi system, budget meant I couldn't afford it (as I definately wanted more than one!) Decided to save my pennies, in the meantime Sonos very kindly developed the S5, perfect, no need for seperate speakers. Having been totally seduced (and saved those pennies/pounds) my 3 S5's & zonebridge arrived last week, definately worth the wait, the system is fantastic!!!!

Claire Martin Saunders 26 September 2010

Good: Simple to use. Updated regulary

Bad: The price. But you get what you pay for

Comment: Sounds great, looks great and you can listen to what you want all over the house.