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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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gary_poppins
Contributor I
May 5, 2018
Next question... (just asking for a friend *cough*) If you could choose between a pair of 5s or a pair of Ones with a sub, what would it be? I love the stereo but it really bothers me not having any bass behind the Ones.

Something that really influences my choice is not blowing out my neighbors below or to the side of me (keep in mind I'm in a studio with no separate rooms/etc.). Would a pair of 5s be more friendly to their glassware since it's a little more dispersed? 🙂
shoturtle
Prodigy III
May 6, 2018
Next question... (just asking for a friend *cough*) If you could choose between a pair of 5s or a pair of Ones with a sub, what would it be? I love the stereo but it really bothers me not having any bass behind the Ones.

Something that really influences my choice is not blowing out my neighbors below or to the side of me (keep in mind I'm in a studio with no separate rooms/etc.). Would a pair of 5s be more friendly to their glassware since it's a little more dispersed? :)

If you want good bass, that does not get noise complaints, go with 2 play5 over the 2 play 1 and sub. While the sub will give you more boom, it will also get more complaints. The play 5's might not have the same boom of the sub. It does have decent bass.
    shoturtle
    Prodigy III
    May 6, 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.

    The 2 ones has a stereo effect. That is why you might like it better. If you like the oomph of the 5, return the ones, and get another 5. It will have oomph, and it will give you the stereo and much better mid and highs vs 2 ones. And save you some money. The sub is nice, I have. But it is expensive.
      Eddie the Eagle
      Eddie the Eagle
      Collaborator II
      May 6, 2018
      For sure the 2 fives, more subtle sound in all ranges. The sub is ok for multichannel dolby movies but when it comes to music, it would not add any value for me.
      To say that his style is unorthodox would be something of an understatement, but it obviously works for him.
        wpoynton58
        wpoynton58
        Lyricist I
        December 30, 2018
        I have play 5 and one.
        Colorado
        Contributor I
        January 2, 2019
        I just bought my first Sonos- a Play 5. I love it! I am thinking already about getting a second Play 5. However, I'm first trying to figure out how to rip CDs into FLAC on my MacBook Pro. That CD drive probably sucks but I have no other way. Anyway, the Play 5 is fantastic. It sounds better than my $500 Yamaha receiver plus Sony sub and two floor standing Sony speakers. It is not as loud but I actually prefer the sound most of the time.
        Stanley_4
        Stanley_4
        Grand Maestro
        January 2, 2019
        The quality of the CD drive usually doesn't matter for ripping so I wouldn't worry unless it has been showing signs of failure.

        I can't advise on Mac ripping software or tagging software but it has been discussed here if you search for it.

        Formats: https://support.sonos.com/s/article/79?language=en_US

        Ripping posts: https://support.sonos.com/s/global-search/ripping?language=en_US
          AjTrek1
          AjTrek1
          January 4, 2019
          Hi Colorado

          IMHO...Unless you have a specific need for FLAC I think you'll find that AAC 256 kbps will sound great on the Play 5 and any other device. Here's a link on the subject of codecs: https://www.quora.com/Which-is-higher-quality-256kbps-AAC-or-320kbps-MP3

          Cheers!
          Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
          Colorado
          Contributor I
          January 4, 2019
          Interesting! I read the descriptions. Is it easier to convert from CD to AAC/M4A? I'll research that. I do not want to buy a CD player just yet so a conversion is the way to go.
          AjTrek1
          AjTrek1
          January 4, 2019
          @Colorado

          It's not so much about the ease...but more so about what your Mac will do natively just by importing CD into iTunes. You can always purchase an outboard CD drive/burner; as that's what I use. Also, you'll capture all the metadata. You'll still be able to export from iTunes to a CD (with or without metadata).

          Cheers!
          Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
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