2 ONE vs Play 5(LOUD VOLUMES)

Without any doubt a Play 5 (gen 2).

A pair of Play 1’s and a sub would also be very good but you could buy a pair of Play 5’s instead for less and they will play louder and you would be very happy.

Thank you so much for this answer! Im heading to the store in a couple of hours and i really dont want to regret the decision 🙂

I have two play 1s and a Sub and that set up is superb. With 2 Play 5s you won't get the deep warm bass the sub outputs. I found my Gen 1 Play 5 would loose bass at higher volumes too. But if you are not a bass freek then 2x5s would be fantastic and you have a later option of adding the sub too.

I've just played with the same question, but with a Play:3: Play:5 vs 2 x Play:3

I had first called Sonos to enquire and what they think would sound better... The answer was 2 x Play:2

I then bought that setup to compare. The salesman at the store pretty much put it as:
2xPlay:1 > Play:3
2xPlay:3 > Play:5

I can confirm that 2xPlay:3 not only sounds better than a Play:5, it will also be much louder.
Stereo separation can't be beaten using two physically separate speaker.

Thanks for all the input guys! 🙂

I'd be surprised if 2xPlay:1 wouldn't sound better than a Play:5, maybe not as loud... but better for sure.

I'd be surprised if 2xPlay:1 wouldn't sound better than a Play:5, maybe not as loud... but better for sure.

Better stereo yes, but do not sound as good. A single Play 5 (gen 2) in horizontal position actually gives a very wide soundstage than in many ways is better than a pair of Play 1/ones.

The Play 1 pair only works if you sit in the optimal listening position, the Play 5 sound good no matter where you sit.

I'd be surprised if 2xPlay:1 wouldn't sound better than a Play:5, maybe not as loud... but better for sure.
Better stereo yes, but do not sound as good. A single Play 5 (gen 2) in horizontal position actually gives a very wide soundstage than in many ways is better than a pair of Play 1/ones.


Ok, I wasn't overly impressed by the Play 5 soundstage.
I certainly much preferred the 2xPlay:3

If I may input my 2 cents. If you are looking for just a single speaker to purchase, the Play 5 wins all day. I have 2-Play 1s, 2-Play 5s the sub and Playbar. 2 Play 1s may play slightly louder but the low end response of just a single 5 out performs a pair of 1s. As another poster mentioned, keep it in the horizontal position for a wide sound stage. I dare to say a pair of 1s would need to be around 8 feet apart to deliver the same sound stage.
Also, if you want a bassy experience as you say, seriously look in to the sub. With my pair of 5s playing alone, it can be felt in the walls and floors but if you want that true kick in your gut, the sub cannot be beat.