Best answer by Ryan S
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Play:1 stereo pair with Sonos One
Userlevel 3
Will it be possible to pair a ‘One’ with a Play:1 to create a stereo pair?
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So you are ‘shure’ are you? This is based on exactly what expert knowledge?
Who is forcing you to do anything?
People - please stop bleating about this, you cannot stereo bind a play:5 to a play:3, you cannot bind a play:3 to a play:1 and you cannot bind a play:1 to a Sonos One - THEY ARE DIFFERENT PRODUCTS. Just because the names sound similar and they look similar does not mean they are the same. Go, buy an Echo dot and move on......
Userlevel 7
+26
Hi Pinny, to be clear, you can use Sonos One with any and all Sonos players. It can control them too using the Alexa skill. The only thing you can't do, is bond a Sonos One and a PLAY:1 as a stereo pair or surround sound setup with a PLAYBAR, or PLAYBASE. You need to use two of the same product to set up a stereo pair or as part of a surround setup.
You are not being asked to fall for it - using Dots for backward compatibility is the option given by Sonos for every speaker they have ever made. Including those that are not produced anymore which by the way, are also upgraded for free to accept voice control.
But if you are buying pairs in future for expansion, why would you not buy Sonos One pairs?
But if you are buying pairs in future for expansion, why would you not buy Sonos One pairs?
I would be, except in the rare case that I needed a second PLAY:1 to set up as a stereo pair. But as you say, if I was buying a pair, it would definitely be a pair of Sonos Ones. Besides, I think the Sonos One looks better 🙂 The fact that they are the same price is just a bonus.
How does having the Alexa Mic's built-in to the top of the speaker compare to having a separate Echo Dot when it comes to your voice commands being heard?
Common sense would suggest that it would be easier for an Echo Dot, placed away from the actual speaker, to hear voice commands better than the Mic's built-in to the speaker of the ONE?
Maybe this has been solved by the use of clever Mic's or Algorithms, but as most people don't sit right next to the speakers, then for me at least I'd have thought having a Dot positioned closer to myself than speakers would make voice control more effective?
Not having to tell which speaker to play on after each command is an advantage of the ONE, but if there could be a default speaker/group/pair option that could be configured in the settings of the Sonos app that would remove that issue, as again, I only have one pair of Play 1's and so obviously I'd only ever want the music to be played on those, so having to say "...in the kitchen" at the end of every command is a bit annoying.
I guess I could test this out by putting my Dot on top of one of my speakers and testing out the effectiveness of the voice control! 😃
Common sense would suggest that it would be easier for an Echo Dot, placed away from the actual speaker, to hear voice commands better than the Mic's built-in to the speaker of the ONE?
Maybe this has been solved by the use of clever Mic's or Algorithms, but as most people don't sit right next to the speakers, then for me at least I'd have thought having a Dot positioned closer to myself than speakers would make voice control more effective?
Not having to tell which speaker to play on after each command is an advantage of the ONE, but if there could be a default speaker/group/pair option that could be configured in the settings of the Sonos app that would remove that issue, as again, I only have one pair of Play 1's and so obviously I'd only ever want the music to be played on those, so having to say "...in the kitchen" at the end of every command is a bit annoying.
I guess I could test this out by putting my Dot on top of one of my speakers and testing out the effectiveness of the voice control! 😃
Another thing I have just noticed, I asked Alexa to "play songs by Elbow in the Kitchen" and then said "Alexa, pause", the music did stop, but then when I said "Alexa, play" it started playing a previous playlist on the actual Echo Dot.
I then realised I have to say "Alexa, resume" if I want to continue listening to songs by Elbow in the kitchen.
I guess that makes sense, but again I wish there was a default setting, to tell Alexa to play all audio via my Sonos speakers, so for example when I'm listening to music on my Sonos speakers and ask Alexa the time, the response will come from the Sonos Speakers not the Echo Dot.
I imagine having to support Alexa voice control on existing speakers caused added complications that delayed the feature, as if Sonos were just having to create a new speaker with Alexa voice control built-in, and not have to worry about backwards compatibility with older Sonos speakers it would have been easier to implement.
As it stands now, the implementation isn't fully consistent, which I guess is unavoidable.
I then realised I have to say "Alexa, resume" if I want to continue listening to songs by Elbow in the kitchen.
I guess that makes sense, but again I wish there was a default setting, to tell Alexa to play all audio via my Sonos speakers, so for example when I'm listening to music on my Sonos speakers and ask Alexa the time, the response will come from the Sonos Speakers not the Echo Dot.
I imagine having to support Alexa voice control on existing speakers caused added complications that delayed the feature, as if Sonos were just having to create a new speaker with Alexa voice control built-in, and not have to worry about backwards compatibility with older Sonos speakers it would have been easier to implement.
As it stands now, the implementation isn't fully consistent, which I guess is unavoidable.
OK, from what I'm reading here, if I want to make my kitchen setup (single Play:1) into a stereo pair I should get a PLAY:1, not a Sonos:One. When the new Sonos:One was announced I was curious if I could benefit from the voice control here, but I guess not. Well, prices seem to be coming down on the PLAY:1 and they are offered used more and more which is the upside to this.
I agree with the majority here. I have a 5.1 setup in my living room and a Play:1 in the bedroom and kitchen. I already have all the speakers I can reasonably use in my place, but I'd be willing buy a One to swap into my 5.1 setup and take the hit (likely ~50% of the original price) selling off a Play:1 in order to get voice control.
However I would not be prepared to replace both my 5.1 surrounds, and as others have mentioned, having two voice control speakers in the same room is pretty pointless. If I was ever to replace a second Play:1 it would be the one in the bedroom.
I'm sure that sonically the Play:1 and the One are close enough to work seamlessly as a mismatched pair. Perhaps just provide a caveat message in the app when setting up that this is not officially supported / won't provide a quite optimal experience / etc when compared to a matched pair.
Google Assistant is my voice ecosystem of choice anyway, so I'm holding off until Sonos add this in 2018. Hopefully by then they'll have caved in to pressure and allowed us to mix Play:1s and Ones!
However I would not be prepared to replace both my 5.1 surrounds, and as others have mentioned, having two voice control speakers in the same room is pretty pointless. If I was ever to replace a second Play:1 it would be the one in the bedroom.
I'm sure that sonically the Play:1 and the One are close enough to work seamlessly as a mismatched pair. Perhaps just provide a caveat message in the app when setting up that this is not officially supported / won't provide a quite optimal experience / etc when compared to a matched pair.
Google Assistant is my voice ecosystem of choice anyway, so I'm holding off until Sonos add this in 2018. Hopefully by then they'll have caved in to pressure and allowed us to mix Play:1s and Ones!
I doubt that very much; IMO a safer bet is that they will stop making play 1s in time.
I can't see why not being able to mix should be such a big matter seeing how easily and cheaply voice control can be obtained just as well by a Dot if there isn't the space/need for a Sonos One either singly or as a pair. I also believe that speculating from the outside about why there should be no trouble pairing a 1 and a One is based on vastly incomplete information about the internals/architecture of the two products.
However I would not be prepared to replace both my 5.1 surrounds, and as others have mentioned, having two voice control speakers in the same room is pretty pointless. If I was ever to replace a second Play:1 it would be the one in the bedroom
Are you sure it's pointless? For larger rooms, having one mic location can get a little difficult. I can see where having 2 can be useful. I haven't tired it yet, but I wouldn't be too surprised if I have a better experience.
I'm sure that sonically the Play:1 and the One are close enough to work seamlessly as a mismatched pair.
Based on what information? The fact that they are around the same size?
Perhaps just provide a caveat message in the app when setting up that this is not officially supported / won't provide a quite optimal experience / etc when compared to a matched pair.
Sonos doesn't really like doing that kind of thing. They don't seem to want to allow the customers to setup the system in a way they know will not sound good. Probably a big reason why they don't do bluetooth.
Maybe if your room is really large, but my surrounds sit about 2 metres either side of my central TV watching position. I am going to pick up a Google Home mini and an Echo Dot to mess about with shortly though, so I'll reserve judgement on how well far-field mics work in my particular environment.
Based on what information? The fact that they are around the same size?
Based on the specs sheet and a bunch of early impressions saying it sounds basically the same.
https://www.engadget.com/2017/10/18/sonos-one-review/
The Sonos One uses the same audio components and speakers as those found in the Play:1, but the internal layout had to be completely redesigned in order to fit the microphones.
So yeah, it might not be sonically identical due to the 'internal layout being redesigned' but if the hardware is the same a mismatched pair should be able to be sent exactly the same audio signal as a matched pair. Any differences would be purely acoustic, akin to having one of your pair on a bookshelf and one on a table, for example.
True, which is a very Apple-ish 'we know better than you' approach and kinda frustrating for a die-hard Android user and tech tinkerer. Luckily AirAudio allows you to stream any system audio source from a rooted Android to Sonos :)
Sonos said in one of the announcements here that the new One is revamped with only the base and power input the same so expecting to pair the 1 and One is not realistic. The play 1 has been around a while so it would be likely that they would update the player.
Agree with the majority here - I have been waiting for this product to stereo pair with my existing Sonos. Will sell it now and go all in on Google home because I don't want to wait for a year for a Google smart speaker that I can't even pair with my old one.
Waiting for this product? Were you psychic? Because the product wasn't announced until two weeks ago, and it was stated shortly after launch it could not be paired with a Play:1. And now because their speakers can only be paired with the same model, you are dumping Sonos for Google? Uh, you do realise that Google can't pair any of their speakers at all?
Exactly. I really only need one speaker with mic and Alexa/GH/Siri...and the rest can be Play:1. I hope you do Sonos! I see the same sentiment being echoed in other Sonos forums on the innerweb.
I have to agree as well. I already have a Play:1 and had been holding off buying a second in hopes that Sonos would release either an Airplay compatible or voice-enabled speaker. Not being able to pair this with my existing Play:1 or my Play:5 is disappointing.
I can almost see pairing with a Play:1 because they sort of look alike, despite having different hardware, but what makes one think it would pair with a Play:5 that is 4 times the size with a completely different sound?
Are you talking about grouping? Grouping is different from pairing. Pairing is bonding the two together as one room, with each unit playing the right or left channel of the stereo signal. Grouping is just grouping rooms together to play in sync. All Sonos devices can be grouped, including the oldest models all the way to the new One.
Are you talking about grouping? Grouping is different from pairing. Pairing is bonding the two together as one room, with each unit playing the right or left channel of the stereo signal. Grouping is just grouping rooms together to play in sync. All Sonos devices can be grouped, including the oldest models all the way to the new One.
I was about to order a Sonos One to pair with my existing plan:1 but luckily did a little search before it and saw this thread.
So even more than one year later the issue is still valid. To me it's a VERY stupid decision not to allow to pair one and 1. Not only impact the sales of One but more importan is ruining the customers confidence and trust on Sonos!!
So even more than one year later the issue is still valid. To me it's a VERY stupid decision not to allow to pair one and 1. Not only impact the sales of One but more importan is ruining the customers confidence and trust on Sonos!!
I completely agree. I own a couple play 1's and would love to incorporate Google Assistant to my existing system. Makes me consider Google's home max speaker coming out soon.
Why would one consider a Google speaker that can't be paired with anything over a Sonos speaker that actually can be paired with itself, just not with other models? That's an "or the bunny gets it" threat which is not too well thought out.
Placed a Feedback submission with Amazon. Recieved the following;
Hello,
Thanks for being a Prime member, Alfred.
I'm sorry to hear that flash briefing isn't working on your Alexa while using the Sonos.
Currently, you are unable to use the flash briefing on Alexa through Sonos.
I'd like to inform you that to use the flash briefing by Sonos will be available soon. But we don't have the exact releasing date.
To help you with this, I've personally forwarded your query that flash briefing isn't working on Alexa through Sonos to Alexa development team. They shall surely look into this matter and shall come up with the possible options available. As you might have noticed, we are carefully reviewing potential features to add to the Alexa.
Your feedback and suggestions are very important for us to make sure we improve the product where it lacks or to be rectified so that it gives better performance to our Alexa customers and you may make the best use of it to enjoy it to the utmost.
Please be assured that, there's nothing to worry, we are here to take care of issues you encounter and we always endeavor to provide the best service to our valued customers and aim to ensure that the issue is resolved.
I appreciate you for taking time and writing to us with your concern, customers like you help us improve and build a better service.
Should you require any additional information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We'll be happy to help you!
I hope that you will honor us with another opportunity to prove the quality of our service to you in the future. We look forward to seeing you again.
We'd appreciate your feedback. Please use the buttons below to vote about your experience today.
Best regards,
Dhineshkumar
Amazon.com
Hello,
Thanks for being a Prime member, Alfred.
I'm sorry to hear that flash briefing isn't working on your Alexa while using the Sonos.
Currently, you are unable to use the flash briefing on Alexa through Sonos.
I'd like to inform you that to use the flash briefing by Sonos will be available soon. But we don't have the exact releasing date.
To help you with this, I've personally forwarded your query that flash briefing isn't working on Alexa through Sonos to Alexa development team. They shall surely look into this matter and shall come up with the possible options available. As you might have noticed, we are carefully reviewing potential features to add to the Alexa.
Your feedback and suggestions are very important for us to make sure we improve the product where it lacks or to be rectified so that it gives better performance to our Alexa customers and you may make the best use of it to enjoy it to the utmost.
Please be assured that, there's nothing to worry, we are here to take care of issues you encounter and we always endeavor to provide the best service to our valued customers and aim to ensure that the issue is resolved.
I appreciate you for taking time and writing to us with your concern, customers like you help us improve and build a better service.
Should you require any additional information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We'll be happy to help you!
I hope that you will honor us with another opportunity to prove the quality of our service to you in the future. We look forward to seeing you again.
We'd appreciate your feedback. Please use the buttons below to vote about your experience today.
Best regards,
Dhineshkumar
Amazon.com
I will personally wait to see what the final word is on this, and make do with my single speaker in the meantime. If there is no change I will have to decide if I want to snap up a few second hand Play 1s from those who choose to upgrade, or invest in the newer speakers.
Did I miss something? Sonos is going to announce a final word on this functionality? I highly doubt that. That said though, I would think that if they are going to make a change, they would announce it before the retail season moves into full swing. If they opt not to do it at this time, I doubt we'll here a thing.
I will personally wait to see what the final word is on this, and make do with my single speaker in the meantime. If there is no change I will have to decide if I want to snap up a few second hand Play 1s from those who choose to upgrade, or invest in the newer speakers.
Did I miss something? Sonos is going to announce a final word on this functionality? I highly doubt that. That said though, I would think that if they are going to make a change, they would announce it before the retail season moves into full swing. If they opt not to do it at this time, I doubt we'll here a thing.
I was going on MikeV's comment: "A couple of days ago, their CEO tweeted that they are considering allowing the Play:1 and Sonos One to be paired together. No guarantee that it will happen, but our voices have been heard at the highest levels of the company."
Fingers crossed.
I was going on MikeV's comment: "A couple of days ago, their CEO tweeted that they are considering allowing the Play:1 and Sonos One to be paired together. No guarantee that it will happen, but our voices have been heard at the highest levels of the company."
Fingers crossed.
I think the CEO's statement will be as definitive as you are going to get, at least until they actually release this functionality.
I was going on MikeV's comment: "A couple of days ago, their CEO tweeted that they are considering allowing the Play:1 and Sonos One to be paired together. No guarantee that it will happen, but our voices have been heard at the highest levels of the company."
Fingers crossed.
I think the CEO's statement will be as definitive as you are going to get, at least until they actually release this functionality.
Well I would still be interested in hearing the technical reasons for the incompatibility, if indeed there are any.
If someone from the sonos team is reading this, I think allot of us would really appreciate a transparent honest discussion on the subject.
If there are technical problems with stereo coupling of the two speakers, I would imagine there has been a number of emails exchanged between engineers and management discussing the problems.
If someone in charge is willing to authorise such transparency, it should simply be a matter of copying a few relevant paragraphs from said emails to explain the problem to us. Who knows, maybe someone from the community would have a solution you hadn't thought of.
Userlevel 7
+22
I was going on MikeV's comment: "A couple of days ago, their CEO tweeted that they are considering allowing the Play:1 and Sonos One to be paired together. No guarantee that it will happen, but our voices have been heard at the highest levels of the company."
Fingers crossed.
I think the CEO's statement will be as definitive as you are going to get, at least until they actually release this functionality.
Well I would still be interested in hearing the technical reasons for the incompatibility, if indeed there are any.
If someone from the sonos team is reading this, I think allot of us would really appreciate a transparent honest discussion on the subject.
If there are technical problems with stereo coupling of the two speakers, I would imagine there has been a number of emails exchanged between engineers and management discussing the problems.
If someone in charge is willing to authorise such transparency, it should simply be a matter of copying a few relevant paragraphs from said emails to explain the problem to us. Who knows, maybe someone from the community would have a solution you hadn't thought of.
Except that we know from past experience that is not the way Sonos operate.
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