If I had to choose only one of my Sonos products, the Sonos Five would be my absolute choice. Although I own the second-generation Play:5, the sound quality is virtually identical to the current Sonos Five. With a standard price tag of $549, the Sonos Five is marketed as Sonos’s premium option for audiophiles and vinyl enthusiasts, featuring an aux input that allows the connection of external audio sources like record players. This Cyber Monday, the speaker is available at a rare 20% discount, making it more affordable at $439, a price not seen since 2020, as noted by price tracking services like CamelCamelCamel.
While some critics claim that Sonos products prioritize convenience over audio performance, the Sonos Five stands as a notable exception. Unlike many other offerings that incorporate spatial audio features, the Five focuses purely on delivering exceptional sound. It offers a clean and tight bass response, along with sufficient audio separation for a single-unit speaker. In its horizontal position, the Five outputs a stereo signal, while standing it vertically changes the output to a mono signal. For everyday use, one unit has always sufficed for my needs. However, many users report that pairing two Sonos Fives significantly enhances the audio experience, and a discounted two-pack is also available.
The Sonos Five clearly surpasses all other music speakers in Sonos’s product range, asserting its place as a standout performer based on sound quality. I acknowledge the ongoing issues Sonos is facing, particularly surrounding the rushed release of its new app. If others have encountered frustrating experiences with the software, I wouldn’t blame them for passing on the current deal. Personally, I’ve found the app to be functioning adequately in recent times, which makes this discount even more appealing.
The situation with Sonos isn’t without its complications, as my previous Play:5 is no longer compatible with the new Arc Ultra for surround sound setups. This serves as a stark reminder of the planned obsolescence that companies often implement, nudging customers towards upgrades. While this isn’t ideal, I take solace in the fact that the Sonos Five seamlessly integrates with the new soundbar, ensuring I can enjoy high-quality audio without needing to overhaul my system entirely.
Anticipation for future Sonos products, such as the rumored Era 500 speaker, won’t diminish the remarkable sound experience offered by the Sonos Five. Even if new speakers become available, they won’t change the fact that the Five delivers a phenomenal audio performance. The enduring quality of its sound is a testament to its design and engineering, making it a wise investment for anyone serious about their listening experience.
In summary, whether using it alone or as part of a larger setup, the Sonos Five remains an outstanding speaker choice for both casual listeners and dedicated audiophiles alike. Its discounted pricing during events like Cyber Monday presents an excellent opportunity for those contemplating entry into the Sonos ecosystem or looking to upgrade their existing systems. The selectable configurations and overall sound performance position the Sonos Five as a valuable addition to any audio setup, making it hard to overlook.
