We’ve just had a play with the new S5 Zoneplayer (now re-named the Play:5), thanks to Sonos’ UK distributor.  watch the video below as well as checked out on for the new social networking features coming in the new software application version next week.

The Bose-like style of the S5 is matched by Bose-like acoustics.  It benefits from a warm noise that conceals its size, thanks to its ported subwoofer.  While not as powerful as a ZP120, we reckon most S5’s will online in bedrooms, kitchens as well as conservatories, rather than be bought in location of its bigger brother.

As well as selling for extra zones for existing Sonos owners we can see the S5 opening up a whole new market.  even though Sonos has been designed with simplicity as well as simplicity of utilize as core values, the believed of a box with wires as well as speakers is still as well much for many people.  The ‘all-in-one’ nature of the S5 makes it extremely attractive to people looking for very little fuss.

On the top the system has the usual ZP controls – an up/down volume, plus a mute button.  round the back are mini-jacks for headphones and, just like every other ZonePlayer from Sonos, an analogue input.  You can utilize this socket to feed in one more source (say a DAB radio for example), enabling you to listen to it with the S5 in addition to streaming it to all the other Sonos Zones around the home.

As always the very first zone in your Sonos configuration must be difficult wired to your network, so if you are planning on starting a system with the S5 then you’ll requirement an Ethernet socket where you want to site it.  additionally you can plug a ZoneBridge into your router as well as utilize the built-in wireless of the S5 instead.  As usual, Sonos have thoughtfully fitted 2 Ethernet sockets, so if you are going for the hardwired choice you won’t be a socket down in that room.

A 30 second look round the Sonos S5 ZonePlayer

Social software application – We hear the next version of the Sonos software application (V3.1) is likewise due for release on the exact same day the S5 becomes offered – 11th November.  The update will provide the CR200 as well as iPod Touch / iphone app a new look with a screen of icons to select your music service.

The bigger surprise is that the new software application will include some ‘Social Networking’ features.  You’ll be able utilize your Twitter account (facebook to comply with no doubt?) right from a Sonos system to send out a quick message from the CR200 / iphone app.  With a couple clicks you’ll be able to terminate off a tweet that will immediately include your artist as well as zone place information.  For example you may get – Listening to COLDPLAY in the kitchen area – then be able to add some free text on the end perhaps providing something like – “Listening to COLDPLAY in the KITCHEN, can’t wait to see them online on Monday”.  These tweets may well be tagged with a link to Sonos to hep them offer more systems of course.

With Sonos refreshing the routine ZonePlayer variety last year, then satisfying the requirement for a new touchscreen controller with the CR200 as well as and now a ‘boom box’ zoneplayer with the S5 it’s perhaps unlikely we’ll see more new hardware from them anytime soon.  nevertheless we do expect to see more features added to the system as Sonos concentrates its resources on the software.  We question if we’ll see any type of increase in the 65,000 track limit in the new version coming?

We hear as many as 60-70% of UK Sonos individuals sign up for a paid streaming service.  With Napster just recently dropping its cost to £5 per month for unlimited gain access to to its 8 million tracks, it may not be long up until storing music locally truly does ended up being a minority interest.

The £349 / $399 S5 (now Play:5) is due for its world wide release on 11th November, although we’re told pre-orders have already taken up a great deal of the very first allocation.  let us understand what you believe of yours in the comments below.

Sonos at Amazon   :   Sonos.com   :   Our Sonos Review

148 Reviews

SONOS PLAY: 5 wise Wireless Speaker, Black/White
Fills a big space with pure as well as immersive sound
With deep bass that packs a punch
Streams music services, your music library, Web radio as well as podcasts

buy on Amazon

Share this:
Facebook
Twitter
Reddit
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Email
More

WhatsApp
Print

Skype
Tumblr

Telegram
Pocket

Last update on 2021-10-04 / affiliate links / pictures from Amazon product marketing API