Question

Will 2 play 5's Work with playbar? Or did I make a mistake?

  • 12 February 2013
  • 58 replies
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I just bought into the Sonos Experience on New Years. The sales rep. said their was rumor of the playbar..which led to my decision to buy (2) play 5's, in hopes that in the near future I could also use them for Hometheater experience. What I have read thus far concerns me. No mention of Play 5 combined with Playbar.?? Will they work, or did I make a mistake....??

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58 replies

Had the same problem but somehow was able to work it out by pairing the living room configuration with the Tv's Playbar and then setting the volume for each configuration. It's not perfect as it does not really works as real surrounds but it works.
Sorry for the mistakes, as I'm not a native speaker. I hope I helped you guys.
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I read somewhere else that the issue is because the play 5 is old and doesn't have 5GHz wireless... If this is the case, when doesn sonos plan to update the current play 5's to meet the requirement and if my speakers were all wired (ethernet connected), this should cancel the need for the faster wireless? I was just looking to buy a second play 5 but looking at these threads really makes me unsure if I want to invest in a product that is already outdated... I'd probably get the play 3 or 1 just to find out that the next feature they release isn't compatible. 
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I read somewhere else that the issue is because the play 5 is old and doesn't have 5GHz wireless... If this is the case, when doesn sonos plan to update the current play 5's to meet the requirement and if my speakers were all wired (ethernet connected), this should cancel the need for the faster wireless? I was just looking to buy a second play 5 but looking at these threads really makes me unsure if I want to invest in a product that is already outdated... I'd probably get the play 3 or 1 just to find out that the next feature they release isn't compatible. 
We don't have any plan or news available for an updated PLAY:5 with 5GHz support or setting up a way to add it as the surround for a PLAYBAR. As mentioned here, aside from the technical limitations, the audio profile out of the PLAY:5 would very likely overwhelm the PLAYBAR unless it was highly limited. 

5GHz is only used for bonding Sonos components with the PLAYBAR in the surround setup. The PLAY:1 for example, has both 5GHz and 2.4GHz. It uses the 2.4GHz for all communication with Sonos components or your home network except for when you want to bond it as rear surround speakers with the PLAYBAR.
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I read somewhere else that the issue is because the play 5 is old and doesn't have 5GHz wireless... If this is the case, when doesn sonos plan to update the current play 5's to meet the requirement and if my speakers were all wired (ethernet connected), this should cancel the need for the faster wireless? I was just looking to buy a second play 5 but looking at these threads really makes me unsure if I want to invest in a product that is already outdated... I'd probably get the play 3 or 1 just to find out that the next feature they release isn't compatible. 
If 5GHz is necessary for surround, then why is the sub not mentioned anywhere for having it?
I read somewhere else that the issue is because the play 5 is old and doesn't have 5GHz wireless... If this is the case, when doesn sonos plan to update the current play 5's to meet the requirement and if my speakers were all wired (ethernet connected), this should cancel the need for the faster wireless? I was just looking to buy a second play 5 but looking at these threads really makes me unsure if I want to invest in a product that is already outdated... I'd probably get the play 3 or 1 just to find out that the next feature they release isn't compatible. 
The sub has 5GHz.
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I read somewhere else that the issue is because the play 5 is old and doesn't have 5GHz wireless... If this is the case, when doesn sonos plan to update the current play 5's to meet the requirement and if my speakers were all wired (ethernet connected), this should cancel the need for the faster wireless? I was just looking to buy a second play 5 but looking at these threads really makes me unsure if I want to invest in a product that is already outdated... I'd probably get the play 3 or 1 just to find out that the next feature they release isn't compatible. 
As Jgatie said, the SUB does have 5GHz which is used when it's paired with a PLAYBAR in either 3.1 or 5.1 setups.
I read somewhere else that the issue is because the play 5 is old and doesn't have 5GHz wireless... If this is the case, when doesn sonos plan to update the current play 5's to meet the requirement and if my speakers were all wired (ethernet connected), this should cancel the need for the faster wireless? I was just looking to buy a second play 5 but looking at these threads really makes me unsure if I want to invest in a product that is already outdated... I'd probably get the play 3 or 1 just to find out that the next feature they release isn't compatible. 
Hello all, me again.. Personally I don't think the playbar is loud enough for a movie or music sub, I've used it with music & movies on loud with the rest of my Sonos and it just farts & distorts. Disappointed with the Playbar tbh (previous system Bose AM15, ground shaker, would buy Bose again) Mark x
I read somewhere else that the issue is because the play 5 is old and doesn't have 5GHz wireless... If this is the case, when doesn sonos plan to update the current play 5's to meet the requirement and if my speakers were all wired (ethernet connected), this should cancel the need for the faster wireless? I was just looking to buy a second play 5 but looking at these threads really makes me unsure if I want to invest in a product that is already outdated... I'd probably get the play 3 or 1 just to find out that the next feature they release isn't compatible. 
Forgot to mention, the Playbar is great as a TV speaker if a little pricey..
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I read somewhere else that the issue is because the play 5 is old and doesn't have 5GHz wireless... If this is the case, when doesn sonos plan to update the current play 5's to meet the requirement and if my speakers were all wired (ethernet connected), this should cancel the need for the faster wireless? I was just looking to buy a second play 5 but looking at these threads really makes me unsure if I want to invest in a product that is already outdated... I'd probably get the play 3 or 1 just to find out that the next feature they release isn't compatible. 
Hi smoki666, that doesn't sound like the PLAYBAR at all, it can get extremely loud. Have you worked with our team live before?

I'd recommend giving us a call so a technician can take a closer look. You might have some settings or trouble with the system we can help with.
I read somewhere else that the issue is because the play 5 is old and doesn't have 5GHz wireless... If this is the case, when doesn sonos plan to update the current play 5's to meet the requirement and if my speakers were all wired (ethernet connected), this should cancel the need for the faster wireless? I was just looking to buy a second play 5 but looking at these threads really makes me unsure if I want to invest in a product that is already outdated... I'd probably get the play 3 or 1 just to find out that the next feature they release isn't compatible. 
Thank you , I'll call you.
I read somewhere else that the issue is because the play 5 is old and doesn't have 5GHz wireless... If this is the case, when doesn sonos plan to update the current play 5's to meet the requirement and if my speakers were all wired (ethernet connected), this should cancel the need for the faster wireless? I was just looking to buy a second play 5 but looking at these threads really makes me unsure if I want to invest in a product that is already outdated... I'd probably get the play 3 or 1 just to find out that the next feature they release isn't compatible. 
I've reset my whole system and the Playbar cannot match the volume of the Play 5's with dance music, the Playbar distorts, simple as.. Be warned if you are thinking of purchasing the Playbar for dance music or any loud music. It's a great TV speaker and that's all.
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I read somewhere else that the issue is because the play 5 is old and doesn't have 5GHz wireless... If this is the case, when doesn sonos plan to update the current play 5's to meet the requirement and if my speakers were all wired (ethernet connected), this should cancel the need for the faster wireless? I was just looking to buy a second play 5 but looking at these threads really makes me unsure if I want to invest in a product that is already outdated... I'd probably get the play 3 or 1 just to find out that the next feature they release isn't compatible. 
Is your latest entry from before or after having spoken a Sonos technician?
OK, I'm tracking this conversation somewhat. I have a Play 5 and Sub - they work exceptionally well. Just deciding to get a Playbar. I'm not so concerned about the surround sound effect at this time. You surely can add a Play bar to an existing 5 and Sub set-up, right? And will a bridge on the Playbar solve this?
OK, I'm tracking this conversation somewhat. I have a Play 5 and Sub - they work exceptionally well. Just deciding to get a Playbar. I'm not so concerned about the surround sound effect at this time. You surely can add a Play bar to an existing 5 and Sub set-up, right? And will a bridge on the Playbar solve this?
Hi Brian.  You can certainly add a Playbar to a Play:5 and Sub.  The Playbar can be grouped with the Play:5, or played independently, just as any two Sonos speakers.  The Sub can be used with them as you'd expect.  You just can't use the Play:5 as part of a surround sound setup with the Playbar.

John
OK, I'm tracking this conversation somewhat. I have a Play 5 and Sub - they work exceptionally well. Just deciding to get a Playbar. I'm not so concerned about the surround sound effect at this time. You surely can add a Play bar to an existing 5 and Sub set-up, right? And will a bridge on the Playbar solve this?
is here anyone know when SONOS can release a new "play 5" which can connect to playbar for surround sound?
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Despite the technical incompatibility, a pair of Play5 as surround speakers would be an overkill.
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I read somewhere else that the issue is because the play 5 is old and doesn't have 5GHz wireless... If this is the case, when doesn sonos plan to update the current play 5's to meet the requirement and if my speakers were all wired (ethernet connected), this should cancel the need for the faster wireless? I was just looking to buy a second play 5 but looking at these threads really makes me unsure if I want to invest in a product that is already outdated... I'd probably get the play 3 or 1 just to find out that the next feature they release isn't compatible. 
@Smoki666

One of my setups consists of a Playbar and a grouped stereo pair of Play5 
(i don't care much for surround sound). The Play5s add the depth and base to make this all around a great listening experience.

In this setup, i do not experience sync issues whatsoever. Dropouts and distortion are usually caused from WiFi interference, routing issues, and daisy chained components that utilize the inbuilt switch in the Sonos components and add network traffic to the SonosNet.

Might be worth to submit diagnostics immediately after you experience the sync issue and to contact Sonos. Their great support team can help you to sort this out.
Despite the technical incompatibility, a pair of Play5 as surround speakers would be an overkill.

sound right, but if has the possibilities, then that would be more flexible, isn't it?
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Despite the technical incompatibility, a pair of Play5 as surround speakers would be an overkill.

I don't disagree Peng!
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If anybody wants to modd the Play5, the public FCC records for Sono's components can be found here http://fccid.net/search.php?cx=partner-pub-0545639743190253%3A4869533996&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=U...
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I personally think the Connect:Amp, Connect, and Play:5 are getting a little long in the tooth and wouldn't be surprised to see updated versions.... in next few years.
How many surround speakers can you add.... Can a 12.2 home theater system be created with Sonos components ???... i.e (Sound bar, 2 subs + 7 surround speakers)
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No 5.1 is the max. I mean you could add other stereo speakers but that is all they would be stereo speakers.
No 5.1 is the max. I mean you could add other stereo speakers but that is all they would be stereo speakers.
Then what's so special about Snos's home theater compared to Bose?!!!... even the LG guys have a 9.1 surround home theater that's a blast with 25% the cost of Sonos. I am sincier in my question and i really hope to receive an answer.
No 5.1 is the max. I mean you could add other stereo speakers but that is all they would be stereo speakers.
Bose and LG's offerings are not wireless, and they are not part of a multi-room audio system that allows for perfectly synchronized audio in up to 32 units all around the home.