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- Excellent sound quality
- Expandable system with purchase of additional units
- Requires Ethernet connection or wireless bridge
- No iPod docking station
- Pricey
Reviewers agree that the Sonos Play:5 iPod speaker (previously called the Sonos ZonePlayer S5) stands out for its wireless technology, expandability and excellent sound quality. Reviewers say that the sound quality of this single-speaker system, assisted by five speaker drivers, is above average. No remote is included; you have to use your iPhone or iPod Touch to control playback, and a free downloadable app is required (if you don't have an iPhone, you'll have to purchase a rather pricey remote).
It's possible to equip as many as 32 rooms with streaming audio by linking together multiple Sonos Play:5 units, but reviewers note that any whole-house setup can get pricey. Reviewers also mention a couple of features that are missing with the system, such as the lack of an iPod docking station (though it has an aux-in jack), and even a power switch. The well-reviewed Creative ZiiSound D5 (*Est. $160) is also wireless, but less expensive overall.
Professional reviews from CNET and PCMag.com rate and explain the Sonos Play: 5's technology -- many reviews use the older model name, ZonePlayer S5. User reviews from Amazon.com and BestBuy.com provide additional insights.
| Sonos Play:5 All-In-One Wireless Music Player (S5, Black) | |
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Our Sources
Reviewer Campbell Simpson likes the ZonePlayer S5 for its ease of setup and many features. He has some concerns about the high price, but likes the system's "scalability and modular design," and ultimately rates it at 4.25 stars out of 5.
Review: Untitled, Campbell Simpson, March 28, 2011
2. CNET
David Carnoy writes a very informative review, complete with background information on the wireless technology inherent in the Sonos music system. While he is very impressed by the system, Carnoy notes that setting up the kind of musical experience the product is capable of can be expensive. In July 2011, the CNET review was updated with the new model name.
Review: Sonos Play:5, David Carnoy, Nov. 19, 2009
Tim Gideon writes that the Sonos ZonePlayer represents a more affordable way to move into the world of Sonos home audio -- as long as you own an iPod Touch or iPhone. He's impressed with the system but notes some omissions, such as a lack of an iPod dock and slightly skimpy bass response. He also points out that the system isn't entirely wireless; it requires an Ethernet connection or wireless bridge.
Review: Sonos ZonePlayer S5, Tim Gideon, Nov. 10, 2009
4. Amazon.com
More than 180 users contribute to the Sonos Play:5's 4.6-star rating at Amazon. Most can't say enough about the great sound quality and ease of setup and use. Very few have any complaints, and of those who do, the main problem seems to be a misunderstanding of the technology --some didn't realize the requirements for setting up the wireless system.
Review: Customer Reviews: Sonos Play:5 All-In-One Wireless Music Player, Contributors to Amazon.com
5. BestBuy.com
The Sonos Play:5 has two separate entries on BestBuy.com – rated at 4.8 out of 5 from more than 20 reviewers for the black model, and at 4.6 from more than 30 consumers for the white version. Most rave about the sound quality, but one thinks the bass is a bit weak, another thinks the sound quality isn't worth the high price, and a third complains about incompatibility with his Mac operating havesoftware.
Review: Sonos -- Sonos Play:5, Contributors to BestBuy.com
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