As 2013 comes to an end, it proved to be a stellar year for Sonos. Throughout this year the company has been several 3 new treats for consumers like their 1st home theater audio solution w/ the Playbar, added Android support, and the newest, smallest speaker – the Play:1. Sonos’ newest wireless Hi-Fi speaker seeks out to continue offering big sound w/ their custom mid-woofer + tweeter system. The Play: 1 is their lowest price speaker coming in at $199 under the Play:3 for $299 and the Play:5 for $399.
Can Sonos maintain its audio excellence w/ a smaller speaker as they step into the lower-priced arena w/ many competitors?
Sonos retains the same way to setup your speakers as the previous ones. You can either plug your speakers directly into the your router or use the Bridge accessory (shown on the right), to connect multiple devices to create its own music network. Gaining access to control your Sonos speakers require you to sync your device/computer to it by hitting the Play/Pause button + Bridge button. Then you’re in!
On the software side if things, things are also the same. You can setup different zones (i.e. Living Room , Bedroom, etc.) if you have multiple speakers, adjust the EQ, stream music from your device or streaming services, and even set your alarms to ring off through them as well. The overall UI of the software is starting to show its age and could use a cleaner look + simpler navigation too. While Sonos supports a large variety of music streaming services, a few fan-favorites like Google Music, SoundCloud, iTunes Radio, Xbox Music are still MIA.
Sonos stepped away from its traditional design of a horizontal rectangle shape and went for a more smaller, vertical one. Standing at just under 6 and a half inches tall and weighing in at just over 4lbs, the smaller speaker still retains a premium look + style to it. The Play:1 is a single speaker (henceforth the name) equipped w/ a 3.5inch mid-woofer, one tweeter, and two digital amplifiers. And like other Sonos Play speakers, they are wall-mountable.
“Audiophiles on a budget can rejoice as the Play:1 pumps out quality sound despite the lack of a subwoofer.”
You can truly enjoy the full crisp + sound when you turn up the volume close to the halfway mark. The mid-woofer does a great job kicking up bass for your tunes. The Play: 1 was crafted to work as a single audio solution or to be expanded w/ other Sonos products. I rocked out to Beyonce’s latest along w/ some Rick Ross, Michael Jackson, 2 Chainz, and Justin Timberlake to get a good feel on its power. Having
tested the Play: 3 previously, the Play:1 works just as well if not better when combined as a stereo pair.
“If Sonos hasn’t won you over yet as a customer, the quality + price tag of the Play:1 will make you a believer.”
So to answer the question: is the Play:1 adequate enough to pump enough sound despite its smaller size? Yes and it does it well. Audiophiles on a budget can rejoice as the Play:1 pumps out quality sound despite not having an actual subwoofer inside. While Sonos doesn’t support MY streaming option of choice: Google Play Music. There is a solution for Android users w/ the
Macronos for Sonos app in the Google Play Store for $2.99 as a workaround of sorts until official support arrives. If Sonos hasn’t won you over yet as a customer, the quality + price tag of the Play:1 will make you a believer.
This is an easy buy. Whether you buy only one or pair them up, they are well worth the $200 price tag. I would recommend picking up two Play:1s if you can. That way you can get full sound for smaller house parties and can work separately in different rooms for individual usage.
