Contributor III

Question

Help ! Torn Between Sonos Five and Era 300 ?

62 replies
489 views

Hi Everyone,

I am somewhat torn between choosing the Sonos Five or the Sonos Era 300. So for me the idea of upgrading to these speakers began because I currently use the first-generation Apple HomePodthe bigger one’s which is remarkably good for its size and delivers strong bass that I enjoy most. I have two HomePods paired in stereo and use them for movies, where they provide a virtual Dolby Atmos effect. My issue is that, although the sound is excellent there is just a slight bass shortfall I keep noticing; this sparked my upgrade thoughts. But the quality such small speakers offers is out of the world !

I once heard the first-generation Sonos Five and thought of returning to it, but I realized it is not a smart speaker. It lacks voice input and will not function like the HomePods. It is simply a very good speaker with strong sound, and since I am not heavily invested in a home theatre or a dedicated TV setup, I move my HomePods between private music listening in my bedroom and movie sessions, placing the pair near the TV when needed where it does Dolby Atmos Sound effect for the movies which has it.

So While listening to music on the HomePods ,I noticed that lack of slight small bass which I wanted more of, especially since I listen to stations like Ibiza Global Radio that play dance music almost 24 x 7, so now I am in a dilemma.At the moment I prefer not to choose a dedicated TV speaker such as a soundbar or similar setup. If I want to switch between private music listening and movies, which option suits me? The Five lacks Dolby Atmos, Voice Input and is not a smart speaker but since I need that format, the 300 seems more fitting; however, it lacks the bass the Five provides. Adding a subwoofer to the Era 300 perhaps a Sub-mini or a Gen 4 might make up for the missing low end.

So Would pairing the 300 with a sub compensate for the bass difference which the Five have and create a balanced choice for both music and film?I have listened to both setups but remain undecided. The 300 feels slightly open in sound, while the Five sounds punchy; the openness of the 300 is missing there, which confuses me.

I would value your thoughts.

Show previous replies

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nik9669a

Senior Virtuoso

It does indeed look like there’s no return option in India.

Looking at your profile, @augustya, you’ve been considering buying Sonos for many years. Maybe it’s time to simply take the plunge and purchase?

A

augustyaAuthor

Contributor III

Yes, but taking the correct decision matters a lot, do not want to end up buying a product which I may not be able to fully order. There is some feature which I am very badly

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nik9669a

Senior Virtuoso

I’m not sure that voice control is an option in India. If this was your key reason for considering Era over Five, it would seem the Five is the better option for you.

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augustyaAuthor

Contributor III

How ? How is Five a better option over Era 300 please explain ? I am curious ? I am coming from a first generation HomePod and for the size it has, it offers exceptional BASS enough to fill a mid size to small room if you have 2 of them paired in stereo !

Smilja

It’s impossible to explain. Good sound is deeply subjective (psychoacoustics) and also comes down to room acoustics.

»And the world is like an apple whirling silently in space, Like the circles that you find in the windmills of your mind.« (›Windmills Of Your Mind‹ [1967]. Music by Michel Legrand ; English lyrics written by Alan & Marilyn Bergman)

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nik9669a

Senior Virtuoso

It seems to me that every time you’re offered advice you reject it. I shall not say more on this topic.

Good luck in your search for your ideal speaker. Perhaps when you’ve decided you could post an update, and explain why you chose whatever you go for.

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augustyaAuthor

Contributor III

It seems to me that every time you’re offered advice you reject it. I shall not say more on this topic

Now that is like putting words in my mouth !! How long have you known me? Do you know me at all in the first place ?

So just because I ask you genuinely to explain how do you think on what do you think is the right way. You get offended ? your ego gets hurt ? Cmon Man ! We are all matured enough to go pass these kiddish tantrums !!

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nik9669a

Senior Virtuoso

It seems to me that every time you’re offered advice you reject it. I shall not say more on this topic

Now that is like putting words in my mouth !! How long have you known me? Do you know me at all in the first place ?

So just because I ask you genuinely to explain how do you think on what do you think is the right way. You get offended ? your ego gets hurt ? Cmon Man ! We are all matured enough to go pass these kiddish tantrums !!

I express my views and offer advice (several times), and get a response like this? Have you read the many replies and comparisons given to you by various contributors in all the responses above?

How long have I known you? Too long, I think, so: goodbye.

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sjw

Local Superstar

Reading this for novelty value, it's great.

Having said that, if it's true that “Also since I am looking for a smart speaker which i can talk directly into the speaker and also one which should have Dolby Atmos in it, the choice and making decision becomes difficult actually seriously cannot decide !”, how can the question still be even valid still? Five satisfies neither criteria.

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augustyaAuthor

Contributor III

Yes, But the BASS on the Five is something that is driving me crazy about it. could think of change in plans temporarily till budget issue is resolved. Plan is stick to Homepods for Virtual Dolby Atmos and the tiny BASS i am missing add sonos 5 to the mix and every time add it from the available air play list from the phone. It is a Work around !

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sjw

Local Superstar

The suggestion and workflow of combining Homepods and Fives sounds horrible from any way I think about it. I wonder when this will be a supported Sonos setup.. 😂

This would be for movies too yes?

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augustyaAuthor

Contributor III

nope for Movies it would only be the Apple HomePods !

Smilja

@augustya, The larger HomePod is the only model that supports Dolby Atmos on Apple TV and through an Apple Music subscription. You should make up your mind, mixing products from different brands isn't a good idea.

»And the world is like an apple whirling silently in space, Like the circles that you find in the windmills of your mind.« (›Windmills Of Your Mind‹ [1967]. Music by Michel Legrand ; English lyrics written by Alan & Marilyn Bergman)

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