Sonos ZonePlayer S5 all-in-one wireless speaker lowers cost of entry (video!)
By Thomas Ricker 
posted Oct 13th 2009 6:00AM
posted Oct 13th 2009 6:00AM
If you already have an iPhone or iPod touch and the ability to easily network the S5 back into your router (via fixed Ethernet or close proximity), then $399 / €399 is what it now takes to get started with Sonos. Otherwise, you'll need to add a $99 / €99 ZoneBridge to link the S5 to your router over Sonos' proprietary SonosNet 2.0 (think 802.11n but optimized for distributed mesh audio) and another $349 / €349 for the dedicated CR200 controller if the free PC / Mac software controllers don't serve your need. We'll be getting our hands-on with a unit soon and will update you with our subjective listening experience. Until then, you can ponder the "end of October" and November 10th ship dates for the US and Europe, respectively. Video demonstration after the break.
SONOS INTRODUCES THE SONOS ZONEPLAYER S5: THE ALL-IN-ONE WIRELESS MUSIC SYSTEM CONTROLLED WITH AN IPHONE
- Wirelessly play music in any or every room of the house for $399 per room
- Enjoy room-filling, high-performance sound with all digital architecture
- Access your iTunes® library, plus thousands of radio stations and millions of songs from the Internet
- Control your music experience with free Sonos Controller for iPhone™ app or any other Sonos Controller
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – October 13, 2009 – Sonos®, Inc., the leading developer of wireless multi-room music systems for the home, today introduced the Sonos ZonePlayer S5, an all-in-one wireless music system that can be controlled with an iPhone, iPod® touch or any Sonos Controller. The S5 delivers crystal-clear, room-filling sound that rivals much larger, more complicated audio equipment. Plus, the S5 provides instant access to unlimited music with control from the palm of your hand. Now music lovers can find and play any song from an iTunes library, plus, a world of music and radio on the Internet, in any room of the house. The S5 will be available for $399 in late October. To see the S5 in action, please visit: www.sonos.com/S5demo. "Our customers tell us they listen to twice as much music after bringing Sonos into their homes," said John MacFarlane, CEO of Sonos. "The new S5 is our latest effort to simplify the Sonos experience so more people can enjoy more music than ever before."
The S5 features a 5-driver speaker system that packs a big sound – filling an entire room with music. Sonos uniquely designed the S5 with an all-digital sound architecture for precise sound reproduction. The S5 includes two tweeters, two mid-range drivers and a built-in single subwoofer – each individually powered by a dedicated digital amplifier and optimized to deliver room-filling sound with smooth tonal balance and deep bass. All filter settings, bass and treble controls, active equalization, and time-alignment are done in the digital domain through state-of-the-art DSP circuitry, so there's absolutely no loss of audio quality or energy. With the Internet-connected S5, you can listen to way more music than you can with a dock that only plays the songs that fit on your iPod. The S5 gives you instant access to a world of music, including 25,000 Internet radio stations, shows and podcasts -all free of charge and pre-loaded on Sonos. Sonos works seamlessly with the most popular music services to provide computer-free access to millions of songs and stations from the likes of Last.fm, Napster, Rhapsody, Pandora, SIRIUS Internet Radio, and Deezer. The S5 also gives you instant access to any iTunes library stored on any computer or Network Attached storage, such as an Apple Time Capsule. The S5's analog audio input lets you connect to an external audio source (such as an iPod, CD player, TV, DVD, VCR, or radio) and play music or audio on all ZonePlayers in the system.
When it comes to controlling your S5, you simply reach into your pocket for your iPhone or iPod touch. With the free Sonos Controller for iPhone app (available on the iTunes App Store), you can search for songs and stations, choose the music and control the volume in as many rooms as you like. And because the iPhone is controlling the music, and not the source of it, when a text comes in or you need to make a phone call, the music doesn't stop. That also means you can keep your iPhone in your pocket, not stuck in a dock. The S5 also includes free Sonos Controller software for your Mac or PC. Or you can let everyone in the house share the control with the dedicated Sonos Controller 200 (sold separately). As with all Sonos ZonePlayers, the S5 is simple to set up, easy to expand and 100% compatible with all other Sonos products. Just plug in the S5 wherever you want music. One ZonePlayer or Sonos ZoneBridge™ (sold separately) must be connected to your router and all the rest will work wirelessly. When you're ready to play more music in more rooms, simply add S5s or other ZonePlayers without adding wires. Now you can play the same song in every room with perfect synchronicity or mix it up by playing different songs in different rooms. The S5 will be available for purchase in the United States beginning in late October. To learn more or to locate an authorized Sonos dealer, please visit www.sonos.com or call 877.80.SONOS.
Seriously, enough with these iPod/iPhone speaker and dock stuff.
I see them everywhere! Are people really that stupid in thinking that the iPod is that superior?
it has nothing to do with "superior", this product its targeting iphone/ipod users
Yeah but companies see the audiences who have the mentality of the product being 'superior', which is what drives these companies to shoot out all this crap.
and if this crowd is purchasing these products can you really blame the companies that continue to target them?
Yeah you are right, we are not all iPhone/iPod fan. why can they just make other product targeting other users like us. Enough of this iCrap thing!
This is NOT an iPhone/iPod speaker dock. This is a whole house wireless audio system.
You can use your iStuff to control it via the Sonos app or plug the iThing into an aux jack on the Zoneplayers and distribute the misic throughout your house. However, it will not charge or allow you to control the music like the other "docks" allow you to.
Btw, This is going on my Christmas wishlist.
If you think Sonos is all about the Apple mp3 player experience, you've missed a lot. While this video focuses on expanding the Sonos market to Apple users, the product works with the rest of the Sonos system. Which, by the way, just works great.
If you don't know what the hell you're talking about, keep your mouth shut.
If you don't know who Sonos is, you have no business spouting your opinion about in-home digital audio anyway.
I can see how housewives or hotel lobbies would like this!
Not very Hi-Fi, tho...
the ipod already comes with built in speakers...
no thank you
Great for casual listening while entertaining.
Still steep for what it does.
The squeezebox seems to to do the same for a fraction of the cost.
That said, I yet need to hear both devices side-by-side.
I have to say this looks a bit more aesthetically pleasing than the Boom. Also the hardware controllers are a lot better. (This coming from a huge squeezebox fan, who would have bought sonos if he could afford it!)
What about 149USD Creative Wireless.... ;)
This is rather different, runs straight from NAS, has full colour controller, is good for non-techies.
I'm much happier with my airtunes/appletv/iphone-as-remote setup. If I want to add another room, that's £60 for a new airport express and a few quid for some cheap active speakers.
Yeah yeah, I know, itunes only, but it works beautifully, seamlessly, discreetly, and my phone is a great remote for browsing 20,000+ songs.
How can you be much happier when you've never tried the Sonos speaker?
um... because it's more flexible for less money. and the sound quality is more dependent on my amp and speakers than on the digital source. There is nothing in this that remotely justifies the considerable additional expense for me.
So, I'm much happier. Clearer? If you like, I could say 'I can't see myself as being as happy with this as I am with my...', but I'm sure that's not your point, because that would just be pedantic and a bit silly.
There is no easier and cheaper way than SoundBlaster Wireless for iTunes:
http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=844&product=18749&WT.cg_n=Campaigns&WT.mc_id=23176
I have four receivers playing from my mac. Real plug and play.
What if someone wants something else playing in their zone? Or don't want to be able to roam and control without being at the pc?
Isn't having a headphone jack a little redundant? Why not just hook up to the iPhone/iPod?
consider nettop that can playback 1080p is only $199, wireless A/V cannot be that expensive.
After trying a series of home audio distribution setups, I switched to Sonos last month and love it. It's easy, user friendly, offers good quality audio components, runs of a NAS, offers tons of useful online services and it's dedicated to music rather than trying a be-it-all. I like Squeezebox too and it's especially great if you love to tinker, but it can't beat Sonos for usability, variety in controllers, looks and it-just-works robustness. Plus Sonos is the first system my girlfriend actually uses.
Also I tried Airport Express/Itunes/Iphone but you can't get an Airport Express with integrated amplifier, it only plays the same song across the different zones and it doesn't come with all the radio and music service options that Sonos has. Also, the main reason for not pursuing it further is that it forced me to keep iTunes running. If you love iTunes, it's a different story, but I'm partial to J River Media Center so I find it bad enough that I have to use iTunes because it's the only way I can sync an Iphone, let alone keeping the PC on at all times just for iTunes' sake.
About the S5: what I hope is that it is somewhat waterproof (as is ther CR100 controller). That way it's an ideal device for a bathroom, kitchen or the poolside. I'd buy one or two S5's instantly if they can stand a bit of moist. The ZP90 is great in a dedicated stereo/HT environment, the ZP120 in places that don't have other audio sources (study, bedroom). The S5 seems intended for spaces that are used less regularly or for shorter periods, or for environments with acoustics that make them less ideal for standard stereo speaker setups.
Sonos confirmed (within 10 minutes via Twitter, kudos for that!) that it's suitable for the bathroom, so I'll be getting one of these...
Squeezebox Radio is a smaller, better priced option. The Squeezebox line is getting a revamp from Logitech with the Touch coming soon.
* People need to reread the story before commenting. This has nothing to do with an ipod*
I have Sonos and it is the best audio purchase I have ever made. I can have any type of music, from anywhere in the world, at anytime. Plus I can use Napster/Rhapsody/Last.FM/Pandora/my own music library all through a touchscreen remote. For the people that say you can do it cheaper elsewhere...run down to your local Best Buy and play with it for a minute. There is no doubt you will be walking out the store with this unit in hand. It's like goign from dial-up to broadband. Once you have broadband you'll never go back. Same with Sonos.
As for the unit on topic...I'm definitely getting one for the bedroom and maybe the kitchen.
It would be nice to see a roundup of these wireless audio devices and the associated pros and cons of each including specs (hint, hint). This thing might sound great but the cost of the extra gear needed to make it wireless borders on crazy. On the other hand, I haven't listened to a Squeezebox or Boom so maybe they both suck in quality and/or user interface. I'm sure there are many more devices that people would recommend.
@Jsjohnson
I did this research 4+ years ago when I bought my Sonos system and not much has changed since then. Prior to me buying Sonos, I researched all the solutions that were available at the time and there really hasn't been much movement in this space. In fact, the field has gotten a little smaller with companies like D-Link pulling out of the the Digital Receiver market.
Here is my opinion of the 2 best solutions out there.
Sonos - Since this is the post I'm replying to.
Pro's: Absolutely flawless execution. 4 years of ownership and I have yet to experience a single glitch. Countless firmware updates of the controller and Zoneplayers and never once did it disrupt the experience. Wireless mesh technology ensures you have a continuous wireless network throughout your house. This is very different than any other solution because the further you get from your wireless access point, the more problematic your installation becomes. The ZonePlayer's (ZP) even have wireless switches built in so if you are in an older house and don't have an ethernet connection in every room, you can plug your computer directly into the ZP.
Content Integration - You can use a standard NAS containing your music library to distribute music wherever you have a ZP. There is NO client/server software required to share your music collection. You do not have to leave a machine running in order to access your music library. If you don't have a music library, you can use just about any music service to find and play music over your ZP. Napster, Rhapsody, LastFM, Pandora, etc. I indexed my entire music catalog (approx 150GB at the time) in about 10 minutes. Syncing zones is flawless with no delays at all between any zones.
Set-up - You plug in a power cable, you connect speakers or amplifier (depending on ZP) and at least one ZP must be connected to the Internet or you can use the bridge. Set up time for me was less than 5 minutes.
Simplicity - So simple anyone can pick it up and use it. No joke, my 20 month old can turn on music by herself. Why my wife lets her play with my $400 Sonos controller is a better question.
Cons: Price, price, price and no functionality besides audio.
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Squeezebox Duet - This is the closest thing in my opinion to the Sonos.
Pros: Price, Open source with lots of community development and support.
Content Integration - again closest thing to Sonos with many music providers such as Pandora, Last.fm, Amazon, etc. Sharing your music library is trickier than Sonos. You cannot use a standalone NAS. If you want to use a standalone NAS, you must upgrade the firmware (limited supported NAS drives) to run "Squeeze Server." Otherwise, you need to install Squeeze Server on a PC/Mac in order to index your collection. Not sure if this is still a true statement, but syncing zones was previously very buggy with many delays and/or dropouts.
Set-up - You have to have some computing skills to set up the Squeeze Server software. While it is probably easy enough for most to do, it does require some basic computing knowledge. If you want to install Squeeze Server on a NAS device, you need to be very familiar with Linux operating systems.
Simplicity - with a 2 way wifi remote, it would be easy to navigate your music collection/subscriptions.
Cons: Must be somewhat to very technical to reap the full benefits of the system. No real amplified solution. While Boom and Radio are standalone units, you can't install a single device and integrate with in-wall/in-ceiling speakers like you can with the ZP120. No mesh network. Relies on your wireless access point to connect the various zones.
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Here are a few others worth mentioning but I will not get into the specifics of each one.
Roku Soundbridge
Olive Audio
Soundblaster Wireless Music
I will say that $399 is a lot more "affordable" than €399. Sorry, European peoples...
I got a sneak peak at this thing, and it is really cool. Overdue, but so glad it is here!
If Sonos is able to basically build a ZP120 into a speaker enclosure and sell it for $399, isn't it possible to sell the ZP90 for less than $349 considering it has neither speakers nor amplifiers? I love my Sonos system, but I'm two zones into a planned five and I'm having to rethink whether I can now afford another $1000 plus for the less often used rooms. Please, Sonos, have mercy on us all.
A bunch of audiophiles got together and fantasized about the future of home audio and came up with Sonos, they make excellent equipment and combine it with a seamless user experience - as one poster said - its the only system my girlfriend will use. Tech generalist companies like Logitech came at this from 'hey we need to get into this space too'. Sonos is not trying to put one over on you and sell you crap, as a result if you get Sonos you get a great product that is supported by endless free software refreshes that add features and functionality. Sure, tech savy men will always try and invent their own setup using x y and z, but unless you make minimum wage in the real world your sweat equity has pushed the cost of your much cheaper system sky high.
ps. I am not saying Logitech is putting one over on you and selling you crap - just saying Sonos is not doing that either.
I have 120 bundle but am thinking squeezbox will be cheaper alternative... now who wants to buy my bundle?