The Sonos “ZonePlayer S5” Lays Claim to Revolutionizing Home Audio


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Sonos has just announced the upcoming release of the Sonos “ZonePlayer S5,” an all-in-one wireless music system that functions with the iPhone via a free “Sonos Controller” App. Could this revolutionize the way we listen to music?

The “S5,” due out in late October, transcends the idea of the traditional iPod (or iPhone) “dock” as you don’t have to leave your iPhone “docked” into the device in order to enjoy one’s rockin’ tunes! Once the sister App is downloaded to an iPhone, then the entire iTunes catalog of the owner transfers wirelessly to the “S5.”

With the use of Internet music programs, like “Pandora,” “Rhapsody” and “Napster” the vast resources of the songs they provide can be brought to the “ZonePlayer S5,” and then streamed in the home, like radio, with the addition of a “ZoneBridge” sold separately (for full networking capability).

This Internet radio feature can be done with some iPhone docks already on the market, but the “S5” differs from the “norm” by allowing one to keep their iPhone in their pocket and traverse the property, while still blasting uninterrupted musical goodness.

The “S5” promises to be simple and intuitive to use, as well as versatile. The multi-room ability is an option that could make the “S5” a near necessity in one’s home audio setup, especially for the iPod generation, many of which own more digital music than hard copied compact discs, or records.

The entire digital music library can be selected to run on separate “S5” players in different rooms in the house from one iPhone (or iPod Touch). Put jazz on for the hipsters in the living room, put the football game on for your Dad in the den and put Barbra Streisand on in the kitchen for your Mom (preferably on the other side of the house).

The Sonos “ZonePlayer S5” boasts of having five independently powered speakers, including a subwoofer, in each unit, and it appears to make a case for becoming the must-have next generation home audio system. The word is out, but also on hold.

I am currently awaiting a sample “S5” from Sonos, for reviewing purposes. The weight of this ZonePlayer’s revolution will depend largely on how simple the actual devices are to set up, and especially on just how good the sound quality really is. Still, the announcement from Sonos of the “ZonePlayer S5” release is an exciting one! Is there a revolution on the horizon?

Stay tuned for an upcoming IMPULSIVE REVIEW of the “S5” where the truth will not be held back!


RJ Huneke

3 Comments

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  1. “The weight of this ZonePlayer’s revolution will depend largely on how simple the actual devices are to set up, and especially on just how good the sound quality really is. Still, the announcement from Sonos of the “ZonePlayer S5” release is an exciting one! Is there a revolution on the horizon?”

    Quite simply, no way, no how- not at least if Sonos maintains their absurd pricing levels. Last I looked, it was cheaper to put Mac Minis with speaker sets around the house than implement one of their schemes- and I’d get video out of the former deal too.

    A premium is to be expected for a well crafted, well built product, But as a solution for a deep desire my family has, Sonos systems currently remain beguiling but expensive toys..

  2. Hmm… I read blogs on a similar topic, but i never visited your blog. I added it to favorites and i’ll be your constant reader.