Play 1 vs 3 for 5.1 system

Ok so, 5.1 with play 1’s is perfect for surround sound but what would you rate it out of 10 for music with the surrounds on full, or would a separate play 5 be a vastly greater listening experience, or just not worth it. Or what is the optimum setup for tv and music in your opinion ?

Laugh. You really want me to commit, whereas I want you to listen with your ears and figure out what's best for you.

I don't have any significant issue with listening to my PLAYBAR and the surrounds set to "FULL". It's not quite the same as a regular stereo output in terms of a sound stage with an optimum seating position, but I rarely do critical listening in the same room as the TV. I've got a pair of PLAY:3s in my bedroom where I actually do critical listening, which are set up differently than the 5.1 system there. And a pair of PLAY:1s flanking my monitors in the computer room, which is another place I listen. And a pair of PLAY:1s in the kitchen, where I listen while cooking. But my musical tastes are probably not congruent with yours. I listen to a bunch of new age, jazz, symphonic, symphonic rock, and bagpipes. And most of the time that I'm listening, I'm doing something else, working with my hands, or typing on the computer. I'm not normally sitting on the couch, I just don't have time for that right now. So it boils down to your own vision.

I am truly sorry I can't tell you what you should do. It all depends on your ears, your music, your desires. Frankly, any setup of Sonos speakers is a good one, it's hard to go wrong. But one final word for you, which I think might hit home. I'd go the 5.1 route first, and then figure out if you need the extra speakers. Save some money up front, and make the decision to get the extra stuff once you hear the first part. The nice thing about Sonos is you can build up as necessary, and it all works together.

Laugh some more , so maybe I need to get another play one for the kitchen then. I’ve got a connect amp, boost thingy and a play one so far, like you say it’s good sounds so I think I will be more than happy with the 5.1 with play ones , cheers

Oh, that doesn't make me laugh, it makes me cry (ok, chuckle). It sounds like you've been bitten by the same bug as many of us, and are finding new places to put speakers in. I think at last count I had 15, or so. I keep meaning to get definitive on that, but it requires thought, since they're all over the house.

Just counted. Not including my BOOST, I've got 16 Sonos speakers of various types. It's an addiction. 🙂

i started with a connect and a play 1 to play vinyl records. I thought it was heaven until I went to get second play 1 and demo'd the play 3's in store. Bought 2 play 3s instead. Fast forward to my search to add on to my sonos collection by getting a 5.1 setup. I took this forums advice in the end and went with playbar, sub and 2 1's....which contradicted what my ears heard when comparing 1 to 3 as a stand alone speaker. I am super happy I went with the 1s as they work great as the 2 back channels in 5.1 setup. I have swapped them out with my 2 play 3s just to see and didnt notice a difference, which to my ears tells me the play 1s are more than enough and 3's would be a waste in that setup in a normal sized living / tv room. Good luck!

yes, i will probably end up with a pair of play 5's in the downstairs loo at this rate, just to say ive got some 😃

Lastly, i have the sonos play one in the kitchen next to the lounge, do i buy another 2 x play ones or will 2x play 1's be better for the rear speakers ? last question before i buy x

Oh, sure, you promise it's the last question.... :)

To be honest, since they're the same price (or essentially so), I'd got with Sonos Ones versus PLAY:1s. They'd be more "future proof" in the long run.

Thank you for your help , looking forward to getting it set up now