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garypoppins
Contributor I
May 4, 2018

Pair of Ones vs. Playbase vs. Play 5

I currently live in a pretty small (540 sq ft) studio apartment and am going to make the leap into the Sonos world. I'm currently torn between getting a single Play 5, two Sonos Ones, or a Playbase.

It seems like the consensus is that two Ones in stereo will sound better than a Play 5, especially since I can't crank the bass too much with the neighbors. However, I am curious how two Ones in stereo stack up to a Playbase? I am about 90/10 as far as music listening vs. tv watching but I like the idea that I'd be able to improve both experiences with a Playbase. The only thing is that I don't want to sacrifice my music listening experience if the Sonos Ones are THAT much better sounding than a Playbase for music.

So what do you guys think for a single room apartment... 2 Ones or a Playbase (or a Play 5)? I'm sure I'll end up buying all of them and more at some point 🙂 but for the near term I just want to buy one thing. Also, the Alexa functionality doesn't really matter to me. Thanks!
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21 replies

Chris
Chris
Lead Maestro
May 4, 2018
If I were buying today ... I would still start out with a Single Play:5. To me its the best starter speaker as you get an audio input for flexibility and it is an overall killer speaker.

I would use that as building block and expand from there.

2 Play:1s give you better stereo separation but you won't be able to get TV sound or anything into them (where with Play:5 you can hook analog into it for if you want better TV sound at certain times with people over or something).

I wouldn't start with Playbar/playbase right now with a new one coming it sounds like by the fall. I would expand with one later this year with the new HDMI version rumored.

I would get a Play:5 and a Sonos One. Put the Sonos One in kitchen or bedroom and utilize the Play:5 in main room. The Sonos One can always give you a little extra grouped with the Play:5 if you ever need it (and will give you built in voice control).
Respect the Queue (2)Move (3)Beam (1) Era100 (2)ARC (1)SonosOne (1)Playbar (4)Play5 (4)Play1 (3)Play3 (1)Port (2)Connect (1) Roam (2) Ace (1)Connect:Amp (4)Sonos Amp (1)Sub + (9) Echo + Smartthings; (2)Play)
    Chris
    Chris
    Lead Maestro
    May 4, 2018
    And if you just get one of the speakers - - give it about 10 days and you'll be out buying a second. They become addictive real quick!
    Respect the Queue (2)Move (3)Beam (1) Era100 (2)ARC (1)SonosOne (1)Playbar (4)Play5 (4)Play1 (3)Play3 (1)Port (2)Connect (1) Roam (2) Ace (1)Connect:Amp (4)Sonos Amp (1)Sub + (9) Echo + Smartthings; (2)Play)
      reinier666
      Trending Lyricist I
      May 4, 2018
      If youre not into alexa, you could consider 2x play1’s
      They are much cheaper now and sound the same as 2x play one’s But are also missing apple airplay2 in near future.
        reinier666
        Trending Lyricist I
        May 4, 2018
        And if you just get one of the speakers - - give it about 10 days and you'll be out buying a second. They become addictive real quick!

        I did exactly this....lol
          Chris
          Chris
          Lead Maestro
          May 4, 2018
          Yea reinier666 - standard Sonos addiction 101. Happens every time.

          My addiction started with a Play:3 and moved quickly into a Play:5 .... then I hit rock bottom I think.
          Respect the Queue (2)Move (3)Beam (1) Era100 (2)ARC (1)SonosOne (1)Playbar (4)Play5 (4)Play1 (3)Play3 (1)Port (2)Connect (1) Roam (2) Ace (1)Connect:Amp (4)Sonos Amp (1)Sub + (9) Echo + Smartthings; (2)Play)
          shoturtle
          Prodigy III
          May 4, 2018
          Since music is 90, I would agree to hold off on the home theater speaker. With the play 5 v. 2 ones.

          It comes down to what you listen to. One play 5 has more bass then 2 ones. It also has a bit better mids and highs response. But you lose the stereo effect. So you need to decide which trade off is more important. For me stereo is my thing. So I would always go with a pair.

          Also price may be a factor. 2 play 5 will cost 900 vs 400 for 2 ones.

          airplay 2 not an issue both will support. Smart assistance, it is really not going to be a big issue. Both assistant will be supported. You just need to add a dot or google home mini. And you will have that ability. And you will get the full assistant functionality. Which the sonos alexa do not support.

          lastly, if you know you will get addicted. Just live without stereo for a few weeks or month then add a second play 5.
            Chris
            Chris
            Lead Maestro
            May 4, 2018
            shoturtle - we haven't heard any addiction from you .... come on lets hear what you got... its the first road to recovery.
            Respect the Queue (2)Move (3)Beam (1) Era100 (2)ARC (1)SonosOne (1)Playbar (4)Play5 (4)Play1 (3)Play3 (1)Port (2)Connect (1) Roam (2) Ace (1)Connect:Amp (4)Sonos Amp (1)Sub + (9) Echo + Smartthings; (2)Play)
            shoturtle
            Prodigy III
            May 4, 2018
            My addiction over 10 years

            First home, main entertainment room, sonos connect to a yamaha 200w dolby DTS receiver with the main tv running some canton main speaker, canton center channel and jbl surround and yamaha self power sub with a 75 inch uhd.

            bedroom 2 play 5 gen 1

            kitchen play 3


            Second home, onkyo 3.1 system with a 65 inch uhd. 2 sonos play 3 with sub for music

            bedroom 2 sonos one

            kitchen sonos one

            I have swap out some play 1 for play 3 over the years.
              garypoppinsAuthor
              Contributor I
              May 5, 2018
              Jeez, I just bought a pair of ones and a 5 (going to take one back) and talk about a tough choice! I like the sound of the ones better but they do seem to lack in the oomph that the 5 has... Flash forward to me buying the sub tomorrow.
              Eddie the Eagle
              Eddie the Eagle
              Collaborator II
              May 5, 2018
              I`m with Chris on this one; start with a Play 5 and decide from there on how to move on. It gives you a perfect basic start that will fill your room with great music. I love the delicate sound and basses of the Play 5 when not played too loud. For me that was the ultimate way to get introduced to Sonos. And then....compare it with marriage, you start with a wife and end up with a complete family, kids & pets. :D:D
              To say that his style is unorthodox would be something of an understatement, but it obviously works for him.
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