Sonos ZonePlayer S5 Expert Reviews

Sonos delivers a good-sounding all-in-one wireless audio player.

Good-sounding all-in-one unit; lots of volume; easy to set up and use; audio input port; headphone jack

Very little stereo separation; requires either a ZoneBridge, other ZonePlayer, or a direct connection to a router

The S5 carries five speakers—a 3.5-inch woofer, two 3-inch midrange drivers, and two tweeters. Each speaker is driven by its own Class-D digital amplifier. On the back of the S5 you'll find a 3.5mm headphone port; a 3.5mm audio-input port for ...

With a minimum outlay of $1,000 for the necessary hardware, entering the realm of the Sonos home-audio system isn't an option for everyone. Enter the $399 (direct) Sonos ZonePlayer S5, a standalone speaker, which lets you stream music from your PC, ...

Full access to Sonos wireless music streaming—for far less than any Sonos starter bundle. Fills a large room easily with no distortion. Clarity throughout entire frequency range. Controlled by free app for iPhone and iPod touch, as well as any Sonos ...

Needs to be connected via Ethernet (unless you have another Sonos ZonePlayer). No charging dock for iPod. No power switch

The ZonePlayer S5 overcomes some of its deficiencies—like the lack of an iPod dock—and shines as a relatively affordable entry into the excellent, but expensive, Sonos wireless music streaming system.

Entry into the world of Sonos wireless music just got cheaper and easier.

The Sonos Zoneplayer S5 is the multi-room audio juggler's first foray into an all-in-one base station, with speakers built in to cut the price of set-up. But at £349, cheap is still a relative term here. Can Sonos handle sound like it does streaming? ...

Fantastic looks and sound, easy to set up

Some limitations for first time buyers still

The best way to expand your Sonos system, but newcomers had better budget for the extra kit you'll still need

Sonos makes multiroom network music streaming components that are elegant and reliable and great-sounding, but rarely inexpensive. At $699, however, the company's new Sonos ZonePlayer S5 is quite affordable, though it won't be the right option for ...

Can expand into a multiroom system, glorious sound, accesses many online music sources

When used alone it must be connected to your router

For some people, however, the Sonos ZonePlayer S5 isn't a great deal. If you want a stand-alone music player that you can operate in a room that doesn't house your router, the S5's value proposition gets iffy, since you'll have to buy a Sonos ...

Sonos makes multiroom network music streaming components that are elegant and reliable and great-sounding, but rarely inexpensive. At £349, however, the company's new Sonos ZonePlayer S5 is quite affordable, though it won't be the right option for ...

But if you aren't deterred by the Sonos ZonePlayer S5's unique setup requirements, you'll be hard-pressed to find an all-in-one system that sounds better or is more versatile.