Prodigy I

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

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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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melvimbe

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.

The bolded statement is incorrect. The beam has a dedicated center channel, same as the playbar and playbase. It's the Sonos amp that has a simulated center channel.

To answer the question though, yes, two play:3s can be used for rear surrounds in place of your current play:1s. (I would not call it a stereo pair though)

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?

No, you cannot bond a pair of speakers as surrounds (whether play:1s, play:3s, play:5s, Sonos Ones, or powered by amp) and use them as a stand alone stereo pair room. You can configure them to full stereo, along with the beam/sub for music source, just not by themselves. Of course, you can reconfigure them as a separate room, then back as surrounds as you wish, but this is a 5 minute or so task to perform.

Danny

AjTrek1

Hi spydrwebb

Thanks for the update.

To your main question "yes" you can use Play 3's as surrounds. I use them as such in the vertical position on Flexson stands.

The Play 3's or any Sonos speakers when used as surrounds cannot be designated as a separate zone or grouped singularly to other Sonos speakers. In short they are Bonded to the Beam (or Playbar/Playbase or Sonos Amp).

The Beam is a full pledged soundbar with Left/Center/Right channels just in a smaller form factor. The center is not a phantom channel. The only Sonos product that produces a phantom center channel when used in a HT setup is the Sonos Amp. Therefore when using the Beam with sub and surrounds you have a DD5.1 capable system.

Here's a link to charts that compare Sonos speakers: https://en.community.sonos.com/what-to-get-228989/sonos-speaker-comparison-charts-6821929

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

spydrwebbAuthor

Prodigy I

That makes sense, Thank you for clarifying.

So, the new dilemma becomes whether or not I want to dedicate the paired 3s solely to music, or use those as my surrounds and run the paired play 1s for music.

Theoretically, the 3s are more powerful and should provide a better soundstage when paired for music. But I've heard others say not necessarily, in light of the fact they love their play 1s for the same purpose.

Thoughts?

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

Hi spydrwebb

Rather than rely on personal opinion regarding the sound of the Play 3's versus the Play 1's for music you have the unique opportunity to do an A/B test by setting both as a stereo pair. Do so in the room where you intend to listen to music. Setup both pairs as a separate room and play the same music on both (alternately) to determine which sound you prefer.

Note: Even though the Play 3's as a single speaker has a stereo (L/R) sound within a few feet that affect is negated when used in stereo pair or surround. In short each speaker becomes a dedicated Left and Right speaker to produce stereo and/or surround.

Cheers!

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

spydrwebbAuthor

Prodigy I

Sure, planned to do that. Was just curious to hear more from other trained ears. 😉

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

Sure, planned to do that. Was just curious to hear more from other trained ears. ;)

I do have an opinion but I've found that psychologically when one is subjected to opinions (about audio) one of two things occur with the person seeking the advice:

1. They are either more confused and can't tell what they are listening for

OR

2. Are steered toward a decision not based upon their own listening experience but by overwhelming outside influence in one direction or the other.

If this helps...Sonos did discontinue the Play 3 and has since introduced the Sonos One. To date there has been no indication that a replacement for the Play 3 will surface :8

Cheers!

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

melvimbe

My opinion is that the Beam + sub + play:3s will sound better than a pair of play:1s for music. Therefore, I'd move the pair of play:1s to another location in your home so you can enjoy it there. Using 2 different setups, one for TV and one for music, isn't usually worth the effort.

Danny

spydrwebbAuthor

Prodigy I

Thank you, Danny. Just to clarify, you would stick to Beam/Sub/3s (as stereo pair surrounds) and run them all the time in that configuration, whether listening to music or watching TV/Movies?

And then, the Play:1 set could be used in other rooms?

Is that what you're saying. If so, there's only one caveat -- I'd desire for the P:1s to be Ones instead because of the investment I already have in Google's ecosystem, and how eventually we'll have GA support.

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...

spydrwebbAuthor

Prodigy I

Sure, planned to do that. Was just curious to hear more from other trained ears. ;)

I do have an opinion but I've found that psychologically when one is subjected to opinions (about audio) one of two things occur with the person seeking the advice:

1. They are either more confused and can't tell what they are listening for

OR

2. Are steered toward a decision not based upon their own listening experience but by overwhelming outside influence in one direction or the other.

Cheers!

I hear what you're saying and know why you hesitate, but I'm one to take the information I receive from others and bank it. I rely initially on my own opinion, after which (if necessary) I consider the difference between my preference and that of others.

In other words, I don't make others a lion and defer myself to the lamb by default.

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...

melvimbe

Thank you, Danny. Just to clarify, you would stick to Beam/Sub/3s (as stereo pair surrounds) and run them all the time in that configuration, whether listening to music or watching TV/Movies?

yes

And then, the Play:1 set could be used in other rooms?

yes

Is that what you're saying. If so, there's only one caveat -- I'd desire for the P:1s to be Ones instead because of the investment I already have in Google's ecosystem, and how eventually we'll have GA support.

I would be very surprised if you won't be able to speak to a Google home (or other variety) and request music played in any Sonos zone/room. This is how it works with Alexa. Obviously, you can replace the play:1s with Sonos Ones, but that is the more expensive option.

Danny

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