The Multi-Room Audio Solution: Sonos S5
We’re always looking for good audio solutions- devices that make our lives simpler, and make listening to our music easier or better. Case in point- it’s really hard to take music from your computer and stream it wirelessly to multiple rooms at the same time, a constant problem for larger parties that end up getting out of sync.
The Sonos S5 is the first item from Sonos that we’ve had a chance to test out in depth. They’ve been making highish-end audio gear for quite a while, and with the S5 have managed to combine speakers and a wireless unit in one attractive box. A fair bit larger than the Squeebox Boom, it’s nonetheless fairly easy to find counter space for in a kitchen or shelving room on your bedside table. It lacks a built-in screen, but makes up for it with big sound- bass that is considerable, and party-worthy speakers. Most every piece of music or audio we tried on the S5 was reproduced in full and with satisfying highs and lows- not quite audiophile-level, but the best of any similar-sized unit we’ve heard.
The S5 contains 5 separate speakers each powered by their own amp, and a built-in wireless receiver. There’s a catch though- you’ll have to use their proprietary wireless transmitter, a ZonePlayer or ZoneBridge, which adds a fair bit to the cost (at least $100) and some hassle. It’s a straight forward process though, and we had no issues attaching the ZoneBridge to our router and setting up the software. Library support is exceptional, including MP3, iTunes Plus, WMA (including purchased Windows Media downloads), AAC (MPEG4), OGG, Audible (format 4), Apple Lossless, Flac, WAV and AIFF. And we always enjoy music services- Last.FM, Pandora, Rhapsody, Napster, and others are handled with ease. There is also an audio-in jack for use with your device, but no iPod dock or USB capability.
The best part of the Sonos setup is the multi-room capabilities, which we tried in a demo session but did not have the ability to test in-office. You can easily play a song through your Sonos player, simultaneously through multiple units, or set different songs for different units. There are minimal controls on the S5- volume, mute- which leaves controlling the music to a remote. Unlike the Squeezebox devices, there is no included remote. Instead, you can purchase the sexy Sonos controller for a steep $350… or you can use any iPod touch or iPhone. The free application is excellent- responsive, intuitive, and pretty much everything you would want from an app like this. You cannot, however, play music directly from your iPhone’s library. Also, there is no built-in FM/AM radio, not a deal-breaker for us thanks to internet radio stations, but perhaps annoying for some folks.
At $400 and available online, the Sonos S5 is certainly pricier than some of the other music streaming and internet radio devices that we’ve seen. It’s also classier looking and better-sounding than any, with some great extra multi-room features and simple, free iPhone and iPod touch controls. It lacks the screen and on-unit interface that some people may need though, but brings a great ecosystem of add-ons and regularly updated firmware and software.
