Home speakers have been in the market for many years. However, Sonos became a pioneer when it came to providing customers with solutions and innovations. Sonos speakers are known for bringing surround sound which allows listeners to listen to music in every direction and every room in your house.
Sonos speakers also work excellent with any music streaming subscription, unlike other similar speakers that are only compatible with their own streaming service. What makes Sonos stand out from its competitors is its ability to sync your music and play them on several speakers set up in different rooms without compromising the audio quality of your music. With Sonos, you can enjoy your favorite tunes wherever you are.
In this article, we’ll focus on one of the most popular Sonos models, the Play:5 and compare the Gen. 1 and Gen. 2 versions. If you’re thinking of buying the Play:5 but don’t know what the difference is between the two versions, then you’ve come to the right place.
Sonos Play:5 Gen. 1 vs. Gen. 2
Comparison Chart
| Feature | Play:5 Gen. 1 | Play:5 Gen. 2 |
| Wireless function | Yes | Yes |
| Buttons | Control button | Touchscreen button |
| Digital Amplifier and speakers | Five | Six |
| Smart Voice Assistant | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Built Sound Driver | Yes | Yes |
| Head Jack | Yes | No |
The Differences Between the Old and the New
Sonos Play:5 Gen. 1
The original Sonos Play:5 speaker provides state-of-the-art technology that delivers surround sound in any home. It offers a wireless feature which you can easily connect with via your home’s wi-fi network or access directly through your router. It allows you to create your own wireless network in case your Wi-Fi signal encounters a problem.
Sonos Play:5 Gen. 2
Sonos is marketing the second generation Play:5 as their most powerful speaker for hi-def sound. Listeners will not disagree because a lot of consumers rave about this model and recommend it as the best sounding speakers that Sonos has yet to offer. This second-generation speaker offers a completely wireless experience and can be accessed through the control app from your iOS or Android device.
It is also compatible with all music streaming services which makes it a plus for customers who want to get the most out of their speakers. The downside, however, is that the Play:5 Gen. 2 is quite expensive.
Sonos First All-in-One Speaker
When Sonos introduced a new set of technology to their current line up of speakers, the Play:5 became part of a major upgrade. However, for starters, let us not forget that the first generation Play:5 was Sonos’ first all-in-one unit. The release of the original Play:5 became a huge success that it wasn’t surprising how the brand trumped all its competitors.
However, after several years and the introduction of newer software, Sonos decided it was time to retire the Play:5 and hence, came up with a better and more improved version which led to the re-introduction of the Play:5.
Build Quality
The look and feel of both models feel a bit different. The second version may have similar height and width as its predecessor but the body is noticeably thicker. The original has a bass port to keep the exterior as slim as possible.
The downside, however, is that the features become more limited. The newer version got rid of the port which allowed the device to improve its bass and volume. It also replaced the physical control buttons with upgraded touch screen controls.
Sonos left only one physical button on the current model which is found at the back of the device. With the newer design, the Play:5 looks more stylish and up-to-date. However, it weighs approximately five pounds more than the older model.
The edges on the current model are rounder and Sonos added tiny feet on the bottom and side of the unit. This way, you can use the speakers horizontally or vertically depending on your choice.
Sound Quality
When you compare both models, it is very evident that the latest Play:5 has better and improved audio quality than the original version. The bass is much deeper and has more width. It gives you a closer experience of having stereo speakers.
The tone appears to be smoother with less noise. Plus, the second generation plays louder and crisper sounds as you test the volume to go higher. The first generation, however, tends to sound a bit rough once you crank up the volume too much.
The vocal sounds in the second generation also appear to be more distinct. Hence, users can enjoy listening to their favorite song with more gusto.
One of the noticeable differences between the two is that while the older version uses five drivers and amplifiers, Sonos added a sixth one to the current model. This also means that the second version has more power and improved sound quality.
Features
Sonos has improved its software since the release of the first Play:5. However, what remains the same is that it is still easy to use and set up for the multi-room function. On the other hand, Sonos introduced new software known as Trueplay.
Second generation users can enjoy this audio optimization software as it helps measure the speaker’s response and adjust the sound for the best performance. For example, if you are transferring from the living room to your bedroom, you can easily tweak the settings to suit your new environment. This allows you to have more control over your sound system.
The Verdict
The Play:5 Sonos speakers continues to be a cut above its competitors. Whether you are using the first or second version of this model, both features and quality for multi-room function are unparalleled. However, avid listeners cannot deny that the newer version has definitely more bells and whistles over the original model.
The redesigned Play:5 continues to be Sonos’ flagship speaker and the improvements are worth the effort. The overall design looks more elegant, modern, and user-friendly. The controls are easier to navigate and use while the sound quality proves to be better than its predecessor.