PLAY:3by Sonos
PROS
- Setup of the PLAY:3 is dead simple. One reviewer noted that even inexperienced users can set it up in about five minutes.
- Sound quality is very good for a speaker this size and can get loud enough to fill a room without distortion.
- The free Sonos Controller app for Android and iOS is designed well and easy to use.
CONS
- Though it's $100 cheaper than the PLAY:5, the PLAY:3 is still pricey.
- Lacking a subwoofer and relying on a passive radiator, the bass on the PLAY:3 is weak and lacks detail.
- Unlike the PLAY:5, the PLAY:3 doesn't come with an auxiliary input or a headphone jack.
- LIST PRICE$299
$299.00Buy
$377.95Buy
 |  |  |  |  | |
| Name | PLAY:3 | PLAY:1 | W7 | Raumfeld One S | Soundstage S1 Wireless Speaker |
| Manufacturer | Sonos | Sonos | Definitive Technology | Raumfeld | Monster |
| Techwalla Score | |||||
| List Price | $299 | $199 | $399 | $250 | $250 |
Feed it lossless or uncompressed rips from a computer or network-attached storage device and it really shines.
Feed it lossless or uncompressed rips from a computer or network-attached storage device and it really shines.
Setting aside the sound and ease of setup, the real benefit of a Sonos system is the ability to stream an endless supply of music to any Son…
Setting aside the sound and ease of setup, the real benefit of a Sonos system is the ability to stream an endless supply of music to any Sonos unit you own—and, unlike with Apple’s AirPlay, stream different music to each unit you have.
Every control and playback feature was easy to find and understand, and navigating the apps couldn’t have been more intuitive.
Every control and playback feature was easy to find and understand, and navigating the apps couldn’t have been more intuitive.
...if a song's been digitally recorded, Sonos can stream it over the internet or off your hard disk.
...if a song's been digitally recorded, Sonos can stream it over the internet or off your hard disk.
The Sonos Play:3 performs well above the average here, supplying a genuinely surprisingly amount of well-controlled bass, even as the volume…
The Sonos Play:3 performs well above the average here, supplying a genuinely surprisingly amount of well-controlled bass, even as the volume is increased to levels that would start to cause distortion in rivals.
While the clarity of the sound was impressive at lower volumes, the bass does get a little muddy when the slider is pushed all the way to th…
While the clarity of the sound was impressive at lower volumes, the bass does get a little muddy when the slider is pushed all the way to the right.
It is also equipped with not only one, but two mid-range drivers and a bass radiator, giving you the experience of listening to powerful mid…
It is also equipped with not only one, but two mid-range drivers and a bass radiator, giving you the experience of listening to powerful mid and low-frequency notes.
...the Play:3 handles bass better than we'd expected with just a hint of fuzziness, but its trebles are occasionally a bit tinny, especially…
...the Play:3 handles bass better than we'd expected with just a hint of fuzziness, but its trebles are occasionally a bit tinny, especially at higher volumes.
...when it comes to the things Sonos is really known for — the trademark ease of setup and lush, room-filling sound — this smaller speaker d…
...when it comes to the things Sonos is really known for — the trademark ease of setup and lush, room-filling sound — this smaller speaker does not disappoint.
According to Sonos, an internal sensor detects which position the speaker is in and will switch from stereo mode (horizontal) to mono (verti…
According to Sonos, an internal sensor detects which position the speaker is in and will switch from stereo mode (horizontal) to mono (vertical).
The real issue arises when you’ve chosen to manually manage an iPhone, iPad, or iPod because you want to be able to pull music from multiple…
The real issue arises when you’ve chosen to manually manage an iPhone, iPad, or iPod because you want to be able to pull music from multiple libraries—like your home computer, your work computer, and, say, your spouse’s computer.
Set-up is easy peasy. Plug it in, create an account, and you're off.
Set-up is easy peasy. Plug it in, create an account, and you're off.
In my opinion, this is the compact music system for the next decade.
In my opinion, this is the compact music system for the next decade.
How does the Play:3 sound? In a word: clean. In a sentence: It's almost as powerful as the Play:5, but you probably won't notice the differe…
How does the Play:3 sound? In a word: clean. In a sentence: It's almost as powerful as the Play:5, but you probably won't notice the difference unless you compare them side-by-side.
REVIEW VIDEOS
by CalAudioVideo | 26458 views
by jon4lakers | 42714 views
