Using Sonos with KEF LS50 W

Not familiar with the KEF speakers, is there a base station that you'll be connecting to the Connect to get the music over to them? Ah, I see there's a RCA input on the back of one of the pair.

In answer to the other question, as long as the storage device is on your local network, and accessible from any device on it, then yes, you'll be able to use the controller on the iPad to point to that source, and control the music.

It would need to support SMB1 (a hot topic in these boards) for discovery by the Sonos controller, I think.

I've been considering purchasing these speakers, but problems reported by users with software have held me back. However, I'm curious why you would want to use them as part of a Sonos system. The audio reproduction limits of Sonos won't allow you to take full advantage of the apparently excellent audio quality of these speakers. You'll be depriving the builtin DAC/amp of an opportunity to really shine. They already have remote playback and control, although some users aren't happy with it. Why not use the previous generation of these speakers, the ones without wifi and builtin amp\DAC instead? You'd save some money. Plus, these aren't really wireless. They require a wired connection between the two speakers. It seems that these speakers are likely to work with Roon in the future, which would be a better bet than Sonos.

Why not use the previous generation of these speakers, the ones without wifi and builtin amp\DAC instead? You'd save some money.
He would save money, but I believe that the wired version is just that, and not a previous generation. It is the obvious choice for Sonos, because Sonos wireless will not talk to KEF wireless, so one of them is wasted.
The passive version are excellent speakers, but bass isn't their strength so I assume you have listened and passed the speakers on sound quality required. The passive ones are also reputed to need a lot more power than what the correct Sonos solution for them, a Connect Amp will deliver with its 55wpc. A 150wpc stereo amp is better suited, with a Connect front end.

Why not use the previous generation of these speakers, the ones without wifi and builtin amp\DAC instead? You'd save some money.
He would save money, but I believe that the wired version is just that, and not a previous generation. It is the obvious choice for Sonos, because Sonos wireless will not talk to KEF wireless, so one of them is wasted.
The passive version are excellent speakers, but bass isn't their strength so I assume you have listened and passed the speakers on sound quality required. The passive ones are also reputed to need a lot more power than what the correct Sonos solution for them, a Connect Amp will deliver with its 55wpc. A 150wpc stereo amp is better suited, with a Connect front end.
Or, just pick up a new 5 pair from Sonos.

[quote=Kumar]Why not use the previous generation of these speakers, the ones without wifi and builtin amp\DAC instead? You'd save some money.
He would save money, but I believe that the wired version is just that, and not a previous generation. It is the obvious choice for Sonos, because Sonos wireless will not talk to KEF wireless, so one of them is wasted.
The passive version are excellent speakers, but bass isn't their strength so I assume you have listened and passed the speakers on sound quality required. The passive ones are also reputed to need a lot more power than what the correct Sonos solution for them, a Connect Amp will deliver with its 55wpc. A 150wpc stereo amp is better suited, with a Connect front end.
Or, just pick up a new 5 pair from Sonos.
I was assuming he was talking about a Connect, not a Connect amp. My suggestion was based on the supposition that he would use a Connect paired with an amp or receiver. I could be wrong, but there was no mention of a Connect amp.
The passive KEFs are excellent speakers but highly dependent on the proper amp pairing. They aren't for bassheads, but not everybody requires a sub with these. I owned a pair briefly. I have auditioned the active versions and the sound is wonderful. Some would want a sub with these, but IMHO the bass is more prevalent than with the passive version.
The Play 5s aren't even in the same league. The active KEFs are a game changer for the price, but the software is flawed. If they end up working with Roon, I'm in. Until then, I'm wary.

The Play 5s aren't even in the same league.
That is a subjective assessment, not universally acknowledged. There are some here that will disagree, in comparison to actives from other makes better known for actives than KEF. And with a Sonos Sub added, they might say that it is even more obvious which is the better sound maker.
And the KEF, afaik, don't do Trueplay.

Of course it is subjective. Almost everything in audio is. Having said that, I own Play 5s and I like them. But they don't compare with the new KEFs. Have you heard the LS50 actives?

No, they are just one of many excellent speakers out there, some of which I have listened to and compared with Sonos kit. I am therefore not making subjective claims against them.
The OP is best served by listening to speakers with music of his choice, at home. Always the best way to buy audio kit. In the case of Sonos, after running Trueplay.
Sonos makes this easy to do, as do some other makers. There is no need to rely on other opinions then.

You'll get no argument from me. Everyone should audition before buying. I'm usually in Brasil, but have been in Canada for the past two weeks. A good friend and neighbour has the KEFs and I've spent a few hours with them. I'm sticking with my assessment. You've probably noticed they've created quite a buzz in the audio community, and the consensus seems to be that they are excellent for the price (no external DAC or amp required, which must be factored in). I agree. I think they're fantastic. You can't opine on the KEFs, because you haven't heard them. But the controller apps, in a word, suck. In their current state, they would drive me crazy.

Presumably you are comparing them to a 5 pair/5 pair + Sub after Trueplay in the same room, with the same source so that every other variable that will influence perceived sound quality has been eliminated.
I mention the Sub anchored set up because that is available at a lower price than the KEF + Connect set up and is therefore a comparable set up on that front as well. In the OP seat, I would take a very good look at that first before going down the KEF route.