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
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, ceiling height, etc can and will, of course, have an effect on room acoustics, too. But much less.
Anyways...