Very large room setup

When using Sonos in a commercial setting I would go for a wired set up. Lots of people packed in a room and a WiFi dependant set up do not mix well. A range of Era 100 Pro’s could work. Since they work off POe there would be less cable clutter too.

I have multiple bars and businesses setup using wireless speakers with no problems.  The wifi is solid because I used business class access points and I know what I am doing in that aspect.  Hardwiring is not an option…  I agree when possible its best, but in this case in particular its not an option.  So back to my original question….  would it be better to use Fives or ERA 300’s?  

I’d prefer FIVE’s. And, in order to reduce “hot spots” I’d use more speakers. 

Thanks for the information.  My only worry with the Fives is that they seem like they are older and could be phased out for the 300’s?…I have some other locations that use the Fives, but also with a lot of 100’s so the sound meshes as you walk through the building.  More speakers is honestly not a problem.  The fun thing with this client is that they are not really worried about the cost.  I told them originally it was like $9,000 for speakers and they didn’t bat an eye.  They want an immersive environment.  Speakers are NOT my specialty, but once one client heard what I did, now they all want it. 
My concern with the 300’s is the ceiling is very high and slopes down.  The idea of Atmos creating the surround is great, but not being an audio expert maybe that experience would be lost in such a large room and the Fives would be better, but again I am worried about them being an “older” speaker.

300’s include up-firing speakers so if you’re mounting close to the ceiling may need mounting inverted. 
 

In such a large space, with multiple speakers, I’m not sure how “immersive” the sound will be - if you mean people hearing immersive Atmos? 

Have you taken the client to listen to your other installs? 
 

I’d consider a lot of 100’s. But I’m still concerned about wifi rather than wired connections. 

I could lower the speakers on one end of the room, but not so much on the other.  The client has been in locations that have the 100’s.  The most recent one I installed was 7 of the 100’s.  They love the sound and the ability to walk through and never lose the audio.  The challenge for me is this being such a large open area.  I love the idea of Atmos, but not sure its even going to be noticed honestly.   When I say immersive, I mean that they want people to hear music but not be so loud they cant talk, but also loud enough that the next table really cant hear the other tables conversation…..   Its mystical unicorn wishes honestly in my opinion.  I originally said to use the Fives, but the atmos ability on the 300’s just has me questioning if the Fives are better or worse in this case.

You probably won’t get an even dispersion of sound across a large area in stereo, never mind Atmos. Stick to lots of 100’s to give as even a volume level as possible throughout the space. 

Dolby ATMOS is a video theater experience. If you are worried about obsolescence, use passive speakers and central amplification. In a space this large, I’d want many more speakers. Consider suspended passive speakers. This will give more even coverage on the central area.

Be sure to document each SONOS speaker’s PIN number before mounting in hard to access locations.