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spydrwebb
spydrwebb
Prodigy I
March 11, 2019

Play:3 adequate for TSF, or Play:5?

Already have Play:3 within the space in question, just curious if Play:5 would be justifiable. In short, TSF is about 450 for the room, which is more a rectangle than a square. Dilemma (if you want to call it that) is I'd like to own the flagship Play:5 if for no other reason than to have the best technology available from Sonos, but not sure the room will be sufficient enough space for it. It's a lower level Michigan basement, where a Play:3 is presently on its own "room" assignment as a stand alone option. Currently, the sound is quite awesome but it does take the 3 being a little bit on the louder side to fill the space acoustically. I know a 5 would do that at low volume, but feel it's unlikely the 5 would ever be used in this space at anything beyond 1/3 its maximum output. As such, does it even make sense to entertain the 5? Does the lowest 1/3 of its capacity produce a different enough image than the 3 at moderate to mid-range? Would it make more sense to leave well enough alone, or potentially add a second 3 for a stereo pair?

A lot to discuss here, in terms of all available options. Please leave your opinion when time permits. Thanks, folks!
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36 replies

melvimbe
melvimbe
March 11, 2019
TSF = Total Square Feet?

Assuming that's the case, yes, I think upgrading to a play:5 is justifiable. Peronally, I'm a fan of stereo over a single mono speaker, so I'd probably look to get a used play:3 to pair with my current play:3 to fill the space.
Danny
    spydrwebb
    spydrwebbAuthor
    Prodigy I
    March 11, 2019
    Yes, Total Square Feet. Sorry if that led to any confusion. I'm in a builder arena and sometimes forget others may not use the same vernacular.
    Beam, Sub, 2 x P:1 -- 5.1 (video) / 2 x P:3 (music) / 2 x gen1 One (music) ----> ever evolving setup, as they say...
    AjTrek1
    AjTrek1
    March 11, 2019
    Hi spydrwebb

    The Play 5 IMO will definitely fill the space however, you would get better stereo separation if you can locate another Play 3 (as suggested by melvimbe) and set them as a stereo pair. Of course two Play 5's would be the ultimate.

    Another reason to consider upgrading to a single or dual Play 5's is that they are Airplay2 compatible. They are also moisture resistant. Having lived in Michigan myself I know how basements can get a bit humid in the summer unless properly ventilated. The Play 5 also has a Line-in to accommodate other stand-alone sources.

    Feel free to post back with additional questions. Cheers!
    Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
    spydrwebb
    spydrwebbAuthor
    Prodigy I
    March 11, 2019
    I fear two 5's would overtake that space, and I'm not sure I can justify the cost. That is, of course, unless there's a significant difference in sound at the lower volume register of a 5 versus the mid-volume of a 3 (or 3 stereo pair).

    To be honest, I'm probably just salivating over the 5 because they sound great in a much bigger space. It's one of those "not sure I need it, but it sure would be nice to have" scenarios in which we often find ourselves, you know. 🆒

    Been leaning toward the 3 stereo pair, and I'm sure I can find one reasonably priced online. But it's still not a final conclusion at this point. Anyone else have an opinion?

    Thanks for the feedback, guys!
    Beam, Sub, 2 x P:1 -- 5.1 (video) / 2 x P:3 (music) / 2 x gen1 One (music) ----> ever evolving setup, as they say...
    Airgetlam
    Airgetlam
    March 11, 2019
    Well, if the choice was between a single PLAY:5, and a pair of PLAY:3s, I'd do the PLAY:3s for sure....if you could get a second PLAY:3. I much prefer separation on the stereo. I've got both speakers, and I do like the extra bass provided by the PLAY:5, but the PLAY:3s as a stereo pair in my bedroom get daily use, and I've got no complaints.

    It really breaks down as to what's important to you. If you prefer more bass, then the PLAY:5 will give you that. If you prefer more separation in your stereo field, then the pair of PLAY:3s gives you that.

    And of course, as several of us have mentioned, it's not as easy to get a second PLAY:3 these days, so that may ultimately be the deciding factor.
    Bruce
    spydrwebb
    spydrwebbAuthor
    Prodigy I
    March 11, 2019
    Makes sense, would likely check the used local marketplace if I opted for another 3. Not one for extremely low end, so if that's the selling point (mainly) of the 5, acquiring another 3 for a stereo pair might have more merit.
    Beam, Sub, 2 x P:1 -- 5.1 (video) / 2 x P:3 (music) / 2 x gen1 One (music) ----> ever evolving setup, as they say...
    airforceteacher
    airforceteacher
    Headliner I
    March 11, 2019

    And of course, as several of us have mentioned, it's not as easy to get a second PLAY:3 these days, so that may ultimately be the deciding factor.

    If you have access to the military exchanges, I still see them in the store and online at aafes.com, priced at $229
      Airgetlam
      Airgetlam
      March 11, 2019
      Unfortunately, it's been 40 or so years since I had access... and we never lived on base, as my father was a contractor.

      That's an impressive price, though. I wonder how many they have in stock. I bet I could sell them at higher prices on ebay 🙂
      Bruce
      spydrwebb
      spydrwebbAuthor
      Prodigy I
      March 12, 2019
      Was medically discharged from basic in '96, so no AAFES privileges for me. That's a great price, though. There's no shortage of used listings online since the discontinuation notice, so maybe I'll be fortunate enough in that marketplace.

      Play:3 stereo pair seems to be the route I'll most likely go here.
      Beam, Sub, 2 x P:1 -- 5.1 (video) / 2 x P:3 (music) / 2 x gen1 One (music) ----> ever evolving setup, as they say...
      spydrwebb
      spydrwebbAuthor
      Prodigy I
      March 20, 2019
      Wanted to circle back with an update. Found a 3 in the used/like-new marketplace, should be delivered later this week.

      Prior to its arrival, looking for additional clarification on possible configuration. As you may recall, the original contemplation involved a stereo pair of 3's versus a single 5. Believe (at least for now) I've simmered down on the 5, if for no other reason than the prohibitive cost.

      So, I'm definitely looking to a stereo pairing of the 3s. What I'm wondering is whether or not those same 3s can be used as my stereo paired surrounds in the 5 channel (not true, of course because the Beam is only a simulated center) HT setup I have with the Beam, Sub, and stereo paired play 1s.

      In other words, could I replace the current play 1s I'm using as surround with the paired 3s? Additionally, could a different group be created whereby the 3s could either by used by themselves for music or as the surround pair in the HT group?

      Hopefully this isn't as clear as mud, not thinking very well this morning.

      Cheers!
      Beam, Sub, 2 x P:1 -- 5.1 (video) / 2 x P:3 (music) / 2 x gen1 One (music) ----> ever evolving setup, as they say...
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