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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AjTrek1

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.

@spydrwebb

Now that’s funny...I have 3 Sonos systems setup for DD5.1. However, when I want to listen to music l go to my Play 5 x 2 in stereo pair. I also have a pair of Sonos One’s in my office.

This is a prime example of what I meant about opinions. There’s probably no right or wrong way to listen to music. I’m just more inclined to enjoy it in a traditional setting with just two speakers upfront vs in surround when played through a Sonos HT setup :)

By the same token I can’t definitively tell you that you’d enjoy the Play 3’s over the Play I’s or Sonos One’s. If I picked the Play 3 logic would dictate that the latter two are somewhat inferior which IMO they are not.

Furtmore if I were to pick the Play 3 then I’d be lamenting their discontinue (which I am not) as they are no longer available. Maybe it’s because I have my Play 5’s thus making the other Sonos speakers for music irrelevant.

I hope you are satisfied long term with whichever’ direction (speaker) you choose .

Cheers!

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

spydrwebbAuthor

Prodigy I

To afford Play:5 x 2 would mean we wouldn't be having this conversation. :D

In light of the budget restriction, I've considered music on the paired 3's. I understand your points, though.
Doesn't change the fact that dialogue can be helpful. Danny might have perfectly good reasons (in his mind) for feeling like separate groups for music and HT are not warranted. My point, I respect each of your opinions and value the discourse.

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...

melvimbe

It's all good. If Sonos ever adoptos a setup where you can have separate L+R+C channels in the front with Sonos speakers (excluding the Amp), then I imagine we'd all agree that it will be the best setup for TV and music in a single room.

Danny

AjTrek1

It's all good. If Sonos ever adoptos a setup where you can have separate L+R+C channels in the front with Sonos speakers (excluding the Amp), then I imagine we'd all agree that it will be the best setup for TV and music in a single room.

Yeah...that would be nice. Reminds me of the old days with wires running everywhere and thinking of unique ways to hide them 😉

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

airforceteacher

Headliner I

Ditto on this - really wish you could have a beam and 4 Ones - BAM, instant true surround with stereo separation

melvimbe

Ditto on this - really wish you could have a beam and 4 Ones - BAM, instant true surround with stereo separation

I don't think it will happen like this. If it does, I imagine we'll see a new center channel speaker plus a box that takes in HDMI-ARC and communicates to 5 or more other speakers. This could also increase sales as it makes it a good solution for projector setups.

Danny

spydrwebbAuthor

Prodigy I

OK, folks... 2nd P:3 arrived today. Stereo paired 3s sound is likely going to do this specific room more justice than the single P:5. That much was likely obvious, but what I didn't expect is the richness from the 2 x P:3 that I'm hearing. The 2nd P:3 still has a bit of a break-in period, as its counterpart has been in my arsenal for awhile and already sounds far more mature. I suspect once the former catches up to the latter, we'll have a winner.

Now, to consider Flexson floor stands instead of the bookshelves where they currently reside... perhaps simply aesthetic, any thoughts?

Does the madness ever end?! 😳

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

Now, to consider Flexson floor stands instead of the bookshelves where they currently reside... perhaps simply aesthetic, any thoughts?

Is there nothing else on the shelves? Would you move shelves if you didn't use them for speakers? If yes, than replacing the shelves with stands does improve the look in my opinion. I can't say that they will change the sound much, unless it also means a change in speaker location.

I use the sanus stands for a pair of play:1s located on either side of a couch. The side tables are a little small to hold the speakers and typical side table stuff, so the stands made sense. Also hides the power cord well.

Does the madness ever end?! :$

Not unless you want it to! But with that in mind, it may be best to spread out your purchase a little bit more. to enjoy the 'shopping experience' a little longer? I'm at a point where I really can't buy much more...and it's a little sad.

Danny

spydrwebbAuthor

Prodigy I

Hey, Danny... I can't come up with any good reason the 3's HAVE to be on stands, just that I agree they look better.

It would bring them a bit lower, and that might make a difference. But otherwise, to answer your questions... there isn't anything else on the shelves besides some decorative bookends, and those can be placed just about anywhere. If the shelves were not hosting the 3s, they would most definitely be moved.

I hear you on spacing things out over time, which is more or less what I've done. The 2nd 3 was my last purchase and prior to that was the Sub, the latter of which was my "major" addition for the year. At this point, I can see taking an interest in the proposed Symfonisk to see what's into them. But that will be obviously a far more agreeable fiscal decision if it happens.

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

Lowing speakers to ear level when seated can make a difference. However if all you are concerned about is filling the room with sound then no worries.

If the speakers when on shelves are recessed with objects to left and right (or enclosed in a pocket) placing them on stands may open things up a bit. However having the speakers on shelves with a closed back can improve the low end. I’d make sure to bring them forward as much as possible with out fear of them vibrating off.

You’d really have to experiment with positioning to make an informed Decision. True play is a value tool.

Cheers!

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

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