Sonos Five Black: Premium Wireless HiFi Speaker” style=”max-width: 100%; height: auto; max-height: 180px; object-fit: contain;”>
Introduction
In the world of wireless HiFi speakers, the Sonos Five in Black stands out as a premium contender, promising room-filling sound tuned by legendary producer Giles Martin. Priced at $580, it boasts a 4.3 out of 5-star rating from over 1,160 Amazon reviews, reflecting its appeal to audiophiles and casual listeners alike. But does this all-new iteration of the iconic Play:5 deliver on its hype? In this comprehensive Sonos Five review, we’ll dive deep into its features, performance, customer feedback, and value for money. Whether you’re building a multi-room audio system or seeking a standalone powerhouse, we’ll help you decide if the Sonos Five is the best wireless HiFi speaker for your home.
Product Overview
The Sonos Five is a wireless HiFi speaker designed for those who demand exceptional audio fidelity without the clutter of wires. Its sleek black finish and compact form factor (6.5 x 14 x 6.3 inches, weighing 14.1 lbs) make it a stylish addition to any living room, office, or bedroom shelf. At its core, the speaker features an unrivaled acoustic architecture: three high-excursion woofers in a sealed enclosure for deep, reverb-free bass; two precisely angled side tweeters for an ultra-wide soundstage; and a central tweeter for crystal-clear vocals.
Setup is straightforward via the Sonos app, with support for Apple AirPlay 2, and it integrates seamlessly into the Sonos ecosystem for multi-room playback. A standout feature is its smart stereo capability—use one horizontally for instant stereo sound, or pair two vertically for enhanced separation and width. Additionally, a 3.5mm line-in port allows direct connection to turntables, CD players, or other analog sources, bridging the gap between digital streaming and vinyl nostalgia.
While it lacks Bluetooth (relying on WiFi for superior stability), it streams high-resolution audio from services like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and more. Tuned by Giles Martin—son of Beatles producer George Martin—the Sonos Five aims to reproduce music with vivid clarity, making it ideal for everything from symphonies to bass-heavy tracks.
Pros
The Sonos Five excels in several key areas, earning rave reviews for its audio prowess and versatility. Here are the top advantages:
- Exceptional Sound Quality: Delivers vividly clear, room-filling audio with deep bass from three woofers. Customers describe it as “deep and warm,” complementing other high-end systems perfectly. The wide soundstage and precise vocals make it feel like a live performance.
- Ultra-Wide Soundstage: Two side tweeters and a center tweeter create immersive stereo imaging. Pairing two units upright enhances separation, turning your space into a concert hall.
- Versatile Connectivity: WiFi streaming via the intuitive Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, and a line-in port for analog devices. Group it with other Sonos speakers for whole-home audio.
- Smart Stereo Tuning: Automatically adjusts orientation—horizontal for single-speaker stereo or vertical pairing for detailed sound—eliminating the need for manual tweaks.
- Sleek, Premium Design: Minimalist black exterior blends into modern decor. Solid build quality ensures longevity, backed by Sonos’ warranty.
- High-Resolution Audio Support: Handles lossless formats, revealing nuances in tracks you’ve heard a thousand times, from sharp highs to room-shaking lows.
- App-Controlled Ecosystem: Trueplay room tuning optimizes sound for your space, with easy multi-room grouping and voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant integration.
Cons
No speaker is perfect, and the Sonos Five has drawbacks, particularly highlighted in early user experiences. Here’s a balanced look at the downsides:
- Past App Connectivity Issues: Many reviews cite frustrating setup problems, like speakers failing to register or connect, due to a buggy app update. While Sonos fixed this, it left some users scarred and wary of expansion.
- High Price Point: At $580, it’s a significant investment. Budget-conscious buyers might find alternatives like the Sonos Era 300 more affordable without matching the Five’s raw power.
- No Bluetooth Support: Relies solely on WiFi, which is great for stability but inconvenient for quick phone pairing or non-Sonos devices without AirPlay.
- Limited Customer Support: Reports of long hold times and unhelpful troubleshooting, especially during the app fiasco, frustrated users despite eventual resolutions.
- Single Color Option: Only available in black, limiting aesthetic choices for some interiors.
Customer Reviews Analysis
With a solid 4.3-star average from 1,160 reviews, the Sonos Five garners praise for its audio excellence but faces criticism over software hiccups. Positive feedback dominates on sound: one 5-star reviewer called it “exceptional,” noting its “deep and warm” bass that pairs beautifully with other systems like Logen Martin speakers. Spanish-speaking users echo this, with “Muy bueno y mucha calidad de Audio” (Very good and lots of audio quality) summing up the sentiment.
Audiophiles rave about its standalone performance—one user, a self-proclaimed Sonos fanboy, described a pair as “perfectly balanced” with “stunning” bass, hard to distinguish from complex wired setups. Detail retrieval shines, with symphonies revealing individual instruments and voices sounding “in the room.” Post-app-fix reviews confirm easy setup, with music streaming in minutes.
Negatives center on the 2024 app overhaul debacle. A detailed review (updated from 1-star to 5-star) details the ordeal: seamless first-unit setup led to buying more, only for subsequent ones to brick due to registration failures, factory resets, and phantom app entries. Support was “useless,” with 30-minute holds and forum hacks like account transfers. However, the update notes the fix worked, restoring faith in the “wonderful” app for music libraries.
Overall, 70-80% of reviews focus on sound superiority, with app complaints dropping post-2025 fixes under new leadership. Reliability has improved, but trust issues linger for ecosystem expanders. At 4.3 stars, it’s a strong buy for sound-focused users willing to overlook teething pains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sonos Five Bluetooth-enabled?
No, it uses WiFi for superior audio quality and multi-room sync. Apple AirPlay 2 provides wireless streaming from compatible devices.
Can I use the Sonos Five with a turntable?
Yes, the 3.5mm line-in port connects directly to turntables or CD players, converting analog to digital for app control and multi-room play.
Does the Sonos Five work alone or only in pairs?
It excels standalone in horizontal stereo mode. Pair two vertically for enhanced stereo separation and wider soundstage.
Has the app connectivity issue been resolved?
Yes, Sonos addressed the widespread setup problems from late 2024. Current users report smooth onboarding, though checking firmware updates is advised.
Is the Sonos Five worth the $580 price?
For audiophiles seeking wireless HiFi, yes—its bass depth and clarity rival wired systems. Casual listeners might prefer cheaper Sonos options.
Who Should Buy This Product
The Sonos Five is ideal for:
- Audiophiles and HiFi Enthusiasts: Craving deep bass, wide soundstaging, and detail without a traditional amp setup.
- Sonos Ecosystem Users: Expanding multi-room systems with a powerhouse speaker that syncs flawlessly.
- Vinyl Lovers: Line-in port revives turntables in a wireless world.
- Home Entertainers: Room-filling sound for parties, movies, or background music.
Avoid if you’re on a tight budget, need Bluetooth portability, or distrust software-dependent brands post-Sonos’ app saga.
Final Verdict
The Sonos Five Black wireless HiFi speaker earns its 4.3-star reputation as a sonic beast, blending Giles Martin’s tuning expertise with innovative acoustics for unparalleled clarity and bass. Pros like its immersive soundstage, versatile line-in, and ecosystem integration far outweigh cons such as past app woes (now fixed) and premium pricing. If superior audio trumps minor setup risks, this is among the best wireless HiFi speakers available—highly recommended for discerning listeners. Score: 4.4/5. Invest in the experience, and let the music envelop you.
