What better way to kick off our first review of the new year than with something from Sonos. Under our microscope is the Sonos Play: 3 wireless Hi-Fi speaker. Sonos prides themselves on providing a high-quality audio experience as the Play:3 is their second and smaller speaker behind the Play:5 (formerly the ZonePlayer 5).
Not only is the company focusing on superior audio but the availability of it in multiple rooms via Wi-Fi using multiple Sonos speakers. Sonos has apps to support Android, iOS, Mac, and PC to cover most consumers. We were provided with the Play:3 and the Bridge for a wireless audio setup. The Bridge is necessary for you to stream music to multiple Sonos speakers that connect to your router or modem via Ethernet. The Play:3 can connect to your router/modem as well. The Play:3 launched back in July 2011 and I spent a good two weeks with the portable speaker. I will answer the question: does Sonos deserve your $$$ for home audio?
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| Easy set-up for your Sonos product through the app |
It comes with a simple setup to get you blasting your favorite tunes right away. To use for your Mac or PC just install the Setup CD to get started. For Android and iOS users, just download the Sonos app. To connect your Sonos system, your just press down on the Mute + Volume Up buttons on the speaker and Connect button on the Bridge. After that, you are ready to begin playing some tunes.
From this point, you can begin playing music from many options. The Sonos Controller app already comes with the Tune In Radio app built-in to listen to your favorite radio stations along with whatever music you have stored natively on your device. Sonos plays friendly with damn-near every music service out there, from Spotify to iHeartRadio to Rdio to Sirius XM Radio and more. The software allows you to create a Queue to stock pile all of your favorite tunes as well as create alarms. The software works with more than one device (smartphone or tablet) to share the same Queue with the same Wi-Fi network. Loved using it.
“Lightweight and super-portable, the Play:3 weighs just under 6 lbs.”
The Play:3 is equipped with 3 speakers powered by 3 class-D amplifiers, 2 mid-range drivers, 1 tweeter, and a rear-bass radiator inside of a small, portable package. Lightweight and super-portable, the Play:3 weighs just under 6 lbs. Rubber feet to be placed on any surface without scratching as well as being crafted to play laying flat or standing up. And lastly, it is equipped with a wall-mounting socket in case you need to set yours up out of the way.
“You won’t even notice it doesn’t have a sub-woofer inside.”
The Play:3 is an awesome piece of equipment for audio lovers. At the volume being half-way, it easily filled my apartment but not overwhelming it. The rear-bass radiator listed in the specs may cause some concern for those who love to hear the thumping boom-bap but have no fear. You won’t even notice it doesn’t have a sub-woofer inside. The Play:3 is ideal for smaller rooms but can be combined with two Play:3 speakers for a more powerful sound. I tested it bumping the sounds of Diddy Dirty Money, Kanye West, Coldplay, Sade, Maxwell, The Weeknd, and some Kendrick Lamar. I ended up with extremely pleasant results.
“My ears fell in love with the Sonos sound instantly.”
The current climate of technology has the world growing with various Bluetooth & Wi-Fi speakers, Sonos arises through the crowd as a young Bose 2.0. The Play:3 is a quality sound solution with zero setbacks. I easily gave this a perfect score and is definitely a must-have, home audio solution. My ears fell in love with the Sonos sound instantly. My wife and I were truly sad to see it go but I’m sure my neighbors won’t miss it.
The Play:3 is competitively priced at $299, the same as Bose’s Bluetooth-powered Sound Link II speaker and is definitely worth your $$$. The only way this speaker wouldn’t work for you, is if you have spotty Wi-Fi/internet service at home. For consumers who entertain guests at home often or just an audiophile, please do not hesitate invest in the Sonos Play:3.
