I often use the “No sound on certain channels after system update today” thread as an example of when an update actually does have a bug.  Almost 2000 replies for a bug in only one specific piece of hardware. 

I didn’t take advantage of the custom speakers launched 2018 as I already had the black or white versions and not enough rooms to place additional speakers 😊.  However, if Sonos were to offer a customer speaker for the Era 300/100 or whatever speaker will replace the Five * I’d seriously consider purchasing one or two WITH  two (2) conditions. Let me explain…

I’m maxed out with the number of Sonos components that can be supported at 32 via WiFi which does  not include a Port, Roam2 x 2  and Sub that are offline.  The conditions I’d Iike to see are:

1. Allow me to use pending upgrade discounts at 25% or 30% vs the current 15% applicable only towards the Sonos Customer speaker.
2. Some “Bad Ass” design that is a must have **

I realize the second condition is subjective. However, the first condition is pretty much a must; unless I’m totally blown away by the second condition. 🤣

 * The Five (although a fantastic speaker as is) IMO is due for a refresh; not that it needs one, but just because it is the last speaker to bring in-line with the other speaker upgrades.  It IMO needs a new identity to standout from the Era 300 as the Sonos Flagship two-channel speaker.

I’m also of the opinion that Sonos needs to keep a dedicated two-channel speaker to maintain a high-end (if you will allow) purest stereo experience. Bells and whistles are nice; but traditional stereo sound has it’s place as well.

This was the period I bought my first Sonos devices (2018); Beam (Gen 1), Sub and Ones. For this purpose I did not need the special edition speakers. I do like them, though. We have a black One in our kitchen, where a red speaker would not have been out of place. So I like the idea of more choice in colors.

I have a friend who has a pair of the lovely blue Sonos PLAY:1s, I’ve always thought them extremely attractive, and fit well against his blue wall paint schemes. He’s moved since then, but I still covet those devices. 

I have a soft spot for anything blue, which might explain why the blue nodes are particularly appealing. The gradient of the color looks pretty cool.

Personally, I'm curious about what an artist speaker would look like and who would be a good choice, considering the Beastie Boys were quite popular back in the day. I would love to see what a Metallica or Elton John speaker would look like, as they are two significant artists from my 30 years on earth. Maybe some of you have other big artists you think would be even better options? 🤔

I think that’s the ‘trouble’ with artist branded speakers. The artists are not perpetually ‘popular’ with the general public, so the option for sales is limited to a few years, while they’re ‘relevant’ .

That being said, I would go crazy over some Roger Dean / Yes related speakers, but then I’m of an age…. I do find Roger Dean’s art to be fascinating, though. 

I suspect the more classic, understated blue style would be a better, longer term play for sales. Much like (I think) the Hays were. Not identifiable with just one musician/band, but generally more appealing for various spaces. And I agree, that gradient effect is lovely. 

A “Metallica - Ride the Lightning” themed speaker would be pretty darn cool.

I remember seeing a picture LP in my youth:

As I like the idea of an artist speaker edition, I had the idea of a „Michael Jackson - Black or White Edition“. I‘d like a speaker, maybe the Era100, designed in a black / white color mix. 
Imo that would be a great social statement and also a honorable monument to one of the greatest artists ever… the King Of Pop !!! 

And first time we wouldn’t have to choose between Sonos standard colors black or white. We could get both in one. 😎

I‘m really bad in drawing, but in my mind it could look like that…

… or that…

My favorite speaker from this era is most definitely the Play:5 (Gen 2). It’s the closest to HiFi you can get from a Sonos speaker. It is such a well-balanced and warm sounding speaker that produces the perfect amount of bass. IMO, it is so good that no Sonos speaker since has been able to match its audio quality (other than the Five). My stereo pair of Play:5s is by far my favorite setup in my house.

The image below was snipped from above in this thread.

My reason for doing so was to expound upon my opinion regarding how Sonos should proceed regarding a celebration or collaboration. So without further ado here are my thoughts...

In my opinion if Sonos were to offer a special edition speaker it should be about Sonos. Special edition colors and/or artist promotion IMO are marketing tools. To the contrary, the speaker should celebrate the 20 Year Anniversay of Sonos; but more importantly it should be about the Sonos Sound! 

For me the Sonos Sound is not about DD5.1 or Dolby Atmos; which as we all know is electronic wizardry. Sonos, IMO has done a fantastic job to bring the aforementioned to enhance our enjoyment of movies and now music. 

However, to me the Sonos Sound is about basics. That being the unadulterated pureness of two-channel stereo. I can’t think of any speaker over the 20 Year history that better represents the Sonos Sound than the original Play:5 series and now the Five.

Just as the Sonos Play:5 Gen2 was chosen for the Beastie Boys Special Edition speaker; IMO the Five is the only logical choice for two reasons:

• Expansive Sound even as a single stand-alone 
• Horizontal Speaker Grill (white); as the best Canvas for imprinting 

Sonos might go so far as to:

• Offer the Five in a limited production run of 1000 numbered units via special order
• Include Papers of Authenticity 
• Of course a unique design imprint to commemorate Sonos 20 Year Anniversary Celebration 
• Maybe with expanded memory (for futures) and Bluetooth capability (not necessary but would be nice) *

So FWIW, there you have my thoughts on a Sonos Special Edition speaker.

 * This may be in conflict with the Sonos new product release schedule; and therefore should not be considered as a must. Let’s just get the speaker done! 😊

The challenge I see, with anything other than a paint change, is the expense of setting up a new internal design, and manufacturing line. I’d guess this is more costly than just changing a paint scheme. But I’ve no idea what expense, if any, Sonos is interested in entertaining. This could just be a marketing ploy to get us posting about ‘other’ things. 

You’re so suspicious 😂😂😂

I’m cynical ;)

Some call it cynicism; others call it being realistic.  😜