Skip to main content
Rod_7
Contributor III
October 5, 2017
Answered

Alexa and existing Sonos speakers.

  • October 5, 2017
  • 26 replies
  • 3438 views
Exactly what do I need to buy to get my existing Play Ones and Fives to work with Alex?. At present I have no Alexa device. Will the new Sonos One have Alexa built in or will it need an external source?
This topic has been closed for further comments. You can use the search bar to find a similar topic, or create a new one by clicking Create Topic at the top of the page.
Best answer by Bob_100
You need either an Echo device from Amazon (I'd suggest a Dot) or the new Sonos One with Alexa built in.

26 replies

Show previous replies
Intelebop
Intelebop
Lyricist III
December 12, 2017
I also plan on hooking our 5 up to a new Audio Technica record player, which is also an Xmas gift. I bought the connecting cable and I’m hoping what they told me was correct, that the play 5 will connect and play the vinyl.... ?? Any words of wisdom?

As far as I can see that should work so long as the Audio Technica has a built in preamp (check the instructions). If it doesn't you'll need a preamp connected between the turntable and the Play 5. You should be able to get a battery powered preamp quite cheaply from somewhere like Maplin if you are in the UK and probably Radio Shack in the US.

Sorry, I don't have any knowledge on connecting devices by cable.[/quote]
    jgatie
    jgatie
    December 12, 2017
    [quote=Intelebop]

    OK thanks, well if that's the case what are the mics in the 5 for?

    They were meant to be used for Trueplay like tuning, but it was found that a stationary mic was not suitable and the mic in a mobile device was needed. As such, they have never been activated and serve no purpose at this time.
      jimbroon
      Contributor III
      December 12, 2017
      Hi - I've currently got a sonos Play 5 in my kitchen (and other zones in my house by virtue of Connect:AMP's). I am looking to get Alexa controlled speaker in my kitchen. I'm thinking of EITHER

      1 - getting an Echo:Dot and connecting that via the line in into my exisitng Play 5; OR

      2. replacing the Play 5 with a Sonos ONE.

      Seems to me that 1 is cheaper and probably gives better sound given the better speakers in the Play 5.

      Can anyone advise if there is any technical reason (perhaps because of the fully intergrated nature of Alexa into the Sonos ONe why that would be the better choice?

      Thanks in advance!
      Intelebop
      Intelebop
      Lyricist III
      December 13, 2017
      I have a friend using an Echo Dot into a pair of play 5s through line-in into one of the Play 5s. It works fine but I'd say the sound quality isn't quite as good as when the play 5 is playing a music source independently. I did write to Sonos Support about whether there's going to be a Sonos three and Sonos Five but, as suspected, they are not giving anything away at this time. Hopefully we'll see another Alexa enabled speaker not too far into the New Year.
      CamasD90
      Lyricist I
      July 9, 2018
      I'm leaning toward a Alexa enabled thermostat for my living room to control Sonos. That way I don't need a Dot in my living room. I already have a complete Sonos surround system in that room. This way I get Sonos and Thermostat control without another device plugged in and sitting around.
      CamasD90
      Lyricist I
      July 9, 2018
      I’ve got mine working with Alexa and Ecobee4
      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement