Introduction

The Sonos Five (FIVE1UK1BLK) arrived on my desk with a lot of hype. Promising high-fidelity sound in a sleek, wireless package, it’s a speaker that aims to elevate your listening experience. After several weeks of rigorous testing, encompassing various music genres and listening environments, I’m ready to share my detailed review. This review focuses on real-world usage and performance, aiming to give you a clear picture of what to expect from this premium speaker.

Features

The Sonos Five boasts a minimalist design, immediately establishing its premium feel. Its solid construction and subtle detailing make it a welcome addition to any room. But the real story lies in its features: AirPlay 2 compatibility ensures seamless integration with Apple devices, while the robust Sonos app provides effortless control and multi-room audio capabilities. Setting up the speaker was incredibly straightforward, thanks to the intuitive app interface. The absence of a display isn’t an issue given the ease of control via the app.

The speaker supports numerous audio formats, ensuring you can enjoy your favourite music without limitations. The ability to connect via WiFi eliminates the clutter of wires while providing a strong and stable connection. The overall design is clean and functional, with smart placement for the controls. While it lacks a built-in battery, its wired design prevents any unexpected power issues during critical moments.

Performance

The sound quality is where the Sonos Five truly shines. The bass is deep and resonant, without ever being overpowering. The mids are clear and detailed, allowing vocals to shine. The highs are crisp and bright, creating an overall well-balanced soundstage. I tested it with a wide range of genres – from classical orchestral pieces to heavy metal, and the speaker handled each with impressive ease and accuracy. Even at high volumes, the sound remained clean and distortion-free.

I particularly appreciated the speaker’s ability to fill a room with rich sound, even in larger spaces. The spatial audio capabilities, though not quite “surround sound,” provide a satisfyingly immersive listening experience. In comparison to other speakers in its price range, the Sonos Five delivers on the promise of superior sound quality. The robust construction ensures the speaker can handle even the most energetic music.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Excellent sound quality, easy setup, robust construction, seamless multi-room audio, AirPlay 2 compatibility, intuitive app
• Cons: Lacks a built-in battery, relatively expensive compared to other wireless speakers.

Final Verdict

The Sonos Five (FIVE1UK1BLK) is a premium speaker that delivers on its promises. The sound quality is exceptional, the setup is effortless, and the build quality is top-notch. While it’s pricier than some competitors, the superior audio performance justifies the cost for audiophiles and those who demand the best. If you’re looking for a high-fidelity wireless speaker with impressive multi-room capabilities, the Sonos Five is an excellent choice. I highly recommend it.