As you see, Sonos Five is basically an improved version of Sonos Play:5.
#Note: Find full Sonos review list at the bottom.
As you know, I love, LOVE Play:5; and have been recommending it in Soundton quite a bit.
In my experience, it has almost always been the go-to solo-speaker in the market, with few true competitors.
Well the good news is that Play:5 is still here - just with a different name. It's now called Five.
This is the angle I want you to look at when comparing Play:5 vs Five.
Yes, the Play:5 is discontinued, although you can find it on other retailers like Amazon.
I contacted the Sonos customer service about Sonos Play:5 vs Five and their differences.
Here's what I'm told about Sonos Play:5 vs Five
Basically, the Sonos Five features updated internal technology, including increased memory and a more powerful CPU, as well as a new monochromatic finish.
When it comes to power of the speaker, they are the same only for internal components the Sonos Five had been made some improvements.
As you see, Sonos Five is basically an improved version of Sonos Play:5.
Conclusion
There are no real sound quality differences between the Sonos Play:5 vs Five - although getting the latter is still recommended for obvious reasons like the updates.
Hope this is helpful!
A word on sound quality
Let me tell you something right off the bat.
Room acoustics, particularly room dimensions and speaker positioning, will have an immense effect on sound quality.
The impact of the combination of these two is actually so strong that in most cases, it doesn't even make sense to utter a single word on sound quality without speaking of them.
This is why I'd hiiiiiiighly recommend you to check out this simple, 2D, online speaker placement calculator.
It's GOOOOLLLDDDDD. I've had an Acoustics & Audio PhD build this tool specifically for this purpose:
Default values:
- Ceiling height: 106 inches or 8 feet 10 inches or 2.70 meters
- Most standard ceiling height
- Listener's height: 32 inches or 2 feet 8 inches or 0.80 meters
- Average height of a sitting person
Central heights of speakers (measured from the ground) and examples to them:
- Soundbars: 30 inches or 2 feet 6 inches or 0.75 meters
- 8", 10" or 12" Subwoofers: 8 inches or 0.20 meters
- 360 degree speakers: 32 inches or 2 feet 8 inches or 0.80 meters
- Horizontal speakers: 32 inches or 2 feet 8 inches or 0.80 meters
- Floor standing speakers: 20 inches or 1 feet 8 inches or 0.50 meters
- Bookshelf speakers: 32 inches or 2 feet 8 inches or 0.80 meters
- Center speakers: 32 inches or 2 feet 8 inches or 0.80 meters
Side note: This tool can and will return inaccurate results for small, portable Bluetooth speakers such as JBL's Go Series. It will, however, deliver just fine for more powerful, packed bluetooth speakers such as this one.
ASAP Science made a video on the loudest and quietest rooms in the world. A mind blowing example of the importance of acoustics (time adjusted video).
Other parameters such as the age/materials of the building, the furniture & carpets in place, etc can and will, of course, have an effect on room acoustics, too. But much less.
Also...
Did you know you could also virtually hear any speaker online?
Crutchfield had recently created a tool that virtually simulates the sounds of many different speakers; such as those of SVS, Klipsch, KEF and B&W. Nothing will, of course, beat hearing the speakers in reality. But I'd still recommend you to give it a shot.
While you're at it, blast my Hidden Electronic Gems list to test them:
Anyways...