Sonos Five with Sub? Does it make a difference?

Sonos Five with sub. Sounds like a perfect combination. Does adding the Sonos Sub to the Sonos Fives make a big difference? Is the difference worth $700? Let's find out today with a frequency response and a listening test.
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[@devchr4325]

Thank you so much for this fantastic review. All your tests are amazingly good and extremely helpful. By very far the best I ever saw regarding audio tests. You clearly know what you are talking about and explain it very clear to everyone. Kudos and keep up the good work !

[@PeterPee]

Thank you very much!

[@johnbreur6217]

Everytime again Mr. Pee brings out a fantastic good comparison. This is the video is was waiting for... love this so much...!!! I recommend your channel to all my friends... and they are very happy with it... thanks Peter...

[@PeterPee]

Thank you John! I really appreciate that!

[@nycetume2605]

Clear, methodical, logical, and helpful for first time consumers like myself trying to make a decision. Thank you!!!

[@77bjornw77]

One thing you’re not mentioning in the video is how the addition of the sub makes the low-end bass non-directional. Some people prefer the in-your-face bass, but I personally really like the feeling that the bass surrounds me when adding the sub. And that is even when placing the sub in the listening direction, between the Fives (although at floor level).

[@PeterPee]

Oh yes, that's a good point. But I find that the Sonos Sub cuts over the frequency crossover at a relatively high 92-115Hz so it might actually be easily localised. But that said, I agree that it will in general sound more even throughout the entire room. And given that it goes lower, with lower bass frequencies being even less directional, your comment makes perfect sense!

[@seisbye]

hahahaha at 2:22 you can hear a neighbor having a good time 🙂

[@mygeorgyboy]

Wow super use full video, with facts not just opinions. Thank you

[@PeterPee]

Thank you for supporting!

[@miguelcortes7132]

The video i was waiting for, may thanks Peter.

[@filenotfound1000]

I have been running 2x Sonos ones in stereo pair with a sub and think they sound great - I have now just bought two sons fives and set them in the same position - I cant hardly tell the difference to be honest - the 5s seem to sound a little richer but the different seems very very small

[@mattstangle7897]

Excellent information, thank you!

[@sarahneedham]

It will be interesting to do this test with the (possible) mini sub. I have 2 stereo fives and love them so will be very interested in whether a mini sub is worth adding. I have the normal sub already but it's connected to my Beam gen 2 and 2 x One SLs in my home theatre set up.

[@PeterPee]

I’m releasing a video very soon on why I think the sub mini is… inevitable.

[@heping07]

Thank you. I am 63 and probably won't hear the subtle differences. You just saved my $700. I have two Sonos 5 (2nd Gen)🙏🙏🙏

[@PeterPee]

Age reduces the high end hearing but not the lower end of the bass spectrum. Cos bass you can feel it through the air movement and the energy transmit through the skin and in physical medium. But that said, save the $700. It's not worth the improvement for the FIVEs. The Fives are really THAT good.

[@fvandeventer]

Fantastic level of detail!

[@csvbc]

What a fantastic review, the only thing that i can add after been a 10 years salesmen & manager in a Hi-`Fi store followed with my own custom audio-video installer shop for 30 years is that a Sonos Sub with the Sonos Play 5 is an incredible improvement .

[@PeterPee]

Wow. Thanks for the compliment, from a veteran in the music industry no less!

[@mauricelamain1978]

Hi Peter, appreciate your reviews towards the Sonos community, great content! I have been reading most of the comments on this tpoic, the fives and the sub gen 3. I just got my sub to connect it with the fives and i was kind of worried the upgrade, but to be honest for me personal it gives much more drive behind the setup, it also depends on where you place the sub, i changed a few times and it makes a huge difference in terms of receiving drive and strength. I am not a audiophile but, it is absolutely more noticeable than i expected. Once i turn back to the fives by itself i can really sense the difference. I am happy with it! there is no need to put the sub even more than plus 1. i got a good black friday deal and i want return it again, my next step will be an additional pair of sonos 1 on the other end of my room. I will true play after this setup and let´s see what it will bring!

[@carseverything2307]

At wich loudness did you do the meassuring. My opinion is that two Play 5s Play till 80% of volume good and higher they lose bass. Paired with sub the System Play till 100% of volume very clean and good and the bass gets louder if you volume up

[@NcFireWire]

Great videos what is your opinion on using an arc with a pair 5's as the surronds and no sub vs. the arc with the gen 3 sub and pair one sl's? i dont listen to music just for home theater . I only have the arc at this time Thank in advance

[@PeterPee]

If you’re all about movies, definitely go for the gen 3 sub with one SL as surrounds. Much better bang for the buck. And that sub....

[@clembiass]

Hi Peter, thanks a lot for this video. What do you think of adding a sub mini to a pair of Sonos five ? I’m feeling this won’t change a lot the output sound quality? Thanks from France. Clement.

[@PeterPee]

Not worth it Clement. The Fives already output great bass and it is very balanced.

[@jamesrose298]

Got the Samsung q90t 75 inch with Sonos arc.. 2 sub gen 3s and one sls as surrounds and the sound is crazy at half volume LOVE IT!!!

[@srenmller3638]

Excellent content, thanks Peter! I just bought the Sub and paired with my two Fives. I'll be returning it, unfortunately. It's definitely underwhelming and not worth the cost when simply listening to music, I think. With the Sub I feel the sound widen a bit, sure, but the added bass is not that obvious compared to just the paired Fives for the most part, and then when it hits it's kind of too much to the point that it makes the Fives sound less worthy than when alone. The Sub do add something extra, but way too expensive when it only feels like a small change, that I'm not sure I need or truly enjoy. Am so glad for your video and all the comments from others, cause I wasn't sure if it was just me that didn't get the awesomeness from the Sub. But it's all good - I now feel extra happy about the two Fives I own. They are really great just the two paired! :-)

[@PeterPee]

Yes. The fives on their own are already great. The sub does very little more. Unless you have a great great space to cover.

[@rayluc25]

@@PeterPee Do you think a sub mini would add anything to a pair of 5s?

[@luisvillanueva35]

​@@rayluc25On the fence here...did you get the sub mini with the fives? Please let me know.

[@Zil-can]

Excellent video. Since the results are so marginal with and without the sub, would the 5’s vertically make any notable difference? Your other video said that either orientation difference is marginal without a sub and only one 5.

[@jerryscohen]

Thanks for these awesome videos and definitely informed my direction. Currently, I'm testing a pair of sonos fives in my living room and did the trueplay tuning. I accept that nothing will sound great in my open floor plan, vaulted ceiling, hard surface floor living room. I'm not an audio expert but I'm a decent bass player. I listen to A LOT of genres of music jazz, classical, all genres of rock, etc. I want to hear everything happening in a piece of music. So far I'm impressed with the mid range. My biggest complaint (common in rock) is when the electric bass and kick drum hit at the same time I'm finding the electric bass notes get muddy. Said another way, the mid and low bass actually sound fine to me except when they are tasked to work at the same time. Have you noticed this and is this something that pairing a sub could help with? Other suggestions? (I'm still within my return period so could go a completely different route like sonos ones + sub, different brand, etc.)

[@jerryscohen]

I went ahead and bought the sub to test with the Sonos fives. Noticeable difference. Definitely addresses the issue I mentioned about bass and drums lacking clarity. I also notice the general improvement in the mid range. That being said is it worth the 70% increase in cost? I’d say it’s a 25-50% improvement and only if you want more precise instrumental music. Honestly much less noticeable for electronic and pop music.

[@PeterPee]

Oops... sorry I only get time to respond during the weekends. Yes, the difference is there. Not worth the full price difference but for a lot of enthusiast and audiophile, the incremental 5%-10% is worth double the price of admission so it's really hard to place a quantum on the value.

[@neildesperandum6114]

Yes, if you’re a bass player (I was) you’ll want the sub! As I say in my comment in the main section, try raising the sub level and reducing the bass on the EQ.

[@Hashiriya92]

How about the Sonos sub Mini with a pair of Fives? Does it also have this weird cross-over dip in the frequency response. There is no way in changing the cross-over frequency, right?

[@tonyaudiotest]

Which is better Sonos five X2 or Sonos One X2 + Sonos Sub? 🙏🏼

[@con2601]

What do you suggest if i want to spend around a 1000$ in another product.I have a pair a play 3 in stereo(5 meter in distance) but its missing the warm tone and room filling music feeling. Its getting loud enough but not voluminous. I am in between the sub or substitute the play 3 with a pair of new fives? I enjoy really all kind of music especially rock, edm and oldies! I am not interested in movie cinema setup. Thank you for your help and keep on doing tests , they are great!! Greetings from Switzerland

[@z3german]

Fantastic video yet again! Sonos engineers should team up with you, your approach is very logical. Saved me $800 and makes me feel having the S2 app having a group pre-sets to be less of a desired feature.

[@PeterPee]

Yes. One of the rare times I actually help viewers save money. :)

[@mojoth3monkey]

The idea that Sonos doesn't have 10x the personnel and equipment not just for testing, but developing in the first place, is so ridiculous. Any discrepancy here can be explained by the fact that they are going for subjective listener enjoyment over flat response on digital readings.

[@toobalicious]

Very good information - thanks for the video! You exactly answered the question I had about my incoming dual Sonos Five speaker configuration. One thing I would be interested in seeing - if you applied TruePlay correction to both configurations, what would the resultant frequency reponse graph then look like?

[@PeterPee]

The thing about trueplay is that it will try to morph the sound into the same curve. In theory. So that will mean both will sound similar. Which is why I don't do Frequency Response comparison after trueplay.

[@SuperJESSE327]

Hi Mr. Pee. I currently have a fairly square room that is 25 feet x 22.5 feet (so fairly good size). At this time I am using my Sonos Arc, the Sonos Subwoofer And two SL surrounds. I am considering switching out the SLs for the new Sonos Fives. In your opinion, will I get more bass, louder sound, and much more full sound compared to what I am using now? Look forward to hearing from you. Cheers!!

[@PeterPee]

You will definitely get much louder and bigger sound. In a room of those dimensions, you will do well with the Sonos Fives for surround.

[@SuperJESSE327]

@@PeterPee Great! Glad to hear. I was able to get a 15 percent off through Sonos themselves, so just ordered the pair!!! Looking forward to hearing them. Thanks again.

[@saksham.malhotra]

Is it worth connecting sub mini with one sonos five?

[@MurkelnDe]

Thanks for the test! Can you try to make also a test with B&W formation wedge and bass to compare to this Sonos setup?

[@PeterPee]

I'd love to! But I simply can't afford another system right now at the moment! And the Formation is oh so expensive....

[@PeterPee]

Although... the wedge... might be... possible?

[@spenceradamson6084]

I have just ordered the Sub Gen 3 and am excited to test it. I have 2 Play 5 Gen 2s in a stereo pair in the living room supplemented by 2 One SLs, 1 of them on each floor above and below the living room in the stairwells to fill out the sound throughout the house. I’m interested to see if/how adding the sub to either pair adds to whole-house music listening, and where I would need to place the sub to complement the 2 One SLs in the stairwells. Just found your channel and subscribed. Really enjoy the content.

[@PeterPee]

Thank you for your kind compliments. Your setup is interesting! I have not thought about mounting these speakers in the stairwell before and have not actually tried that before. But based on what I am reading, may I suggest that you try 3 things. First, if you have a powerpoint at the stairwell, place the sub there. Second, pair the sub gen 3 together with the Play:5s. See with one you'd like and prefer. Honestly, a sub does little for a pair of play:5s. The bass is already great. So, the third and last thing I want you to try, is to put the ones in your living room, paired with the sub. And the Fives, put them up and down the stairwell. In that way, I think you will get superb impact throughout the house.

[@webvamsi555]

Hi @Spencer did you managed to test it and how do you feel about adding Sub? any difference! thanks

[@souldreamer9056]

Does Sonos allow you to manually alter the sub crossover frequency?

[@BrettBrett1299]

Thanks for this!

[@etsubyilma5297]

Thank you Peter for making all these informative videos. It was thanks to your videos that I made the jump to go all in with Sonos (although I had a Sony Play 3 from 2012 until it died on me few months ago). I have the following setup: Sonos Arc+ Sonos Sub (Gen 3) and a stereo paired Sonos Fives. Say I want to watch a movie I can use the movie room setup and enjoy full surround sound but if I want to listen only to music on the Sonos Fives can I add a Sonos Sub in the music room setup? Also and do I have to retune the Arc everytime I re-add the sub again? Sorry the long question. Keep up the great work

[@PeterPee]

I am sure you are enjoying this setup very much! The problem you are raising is an issue I have with Sonos for a long time. No, there is no easy way to switch setup for music/movies and the trueplay cannot be remembered if you tear the setup up and regroup again. It’s a major annoyance. I can suggest that you set the surround to full sounds when playing music and bump up the surround level to +15 for music and lower it for movies. In that way, when you are playing music, you can still get most of the sounds coming out of the Fives.

[@etsubyilma5297]

@@PeterPee thank you for the reply. I will take your advice and try to play around with the settings. Keep those videos coming my friends and i are big fans of yours.

[@PeterPee]

Thank you for your support! And your friends too!

[@krnvirsingh]

Very Informative video, I am planning to get into Sonos product, just need one recommendation please. If I buy play 5 for now and in future I am planning to buy Arc with sub eventually. Would that be a great setup for living room 1 play5 + Arc+ sub? You reply would be greatly appreciated I am music lover

[@PeterPee]

That is my current setup which I use for my movies. For music, you kind of have to set the surrounds to full bandwidth and then increase the volume so that the fives will take over the volume for music instead of music coming out through the sounder.

[@Speccy48k]

Nice video, thanks! Can you set frequency crossover from application?

[@PeterPee]

No, you can't do that for most Sonos product. Only the amp can set for third party subs.

[@tonyaudiotest]

Can I Connect Sonos Connect:Amp with the Sonos Sub Gen3? 🙏🏼

[@georgevillalvazo9154]

Hello, I own the Sonos five and I install it to my home theater when I shut down my home theater. The little green light on the certifies are still lit. Are there always supposed to be lit or can I unplug them without losing the settings to my Sonos five?😊

[@PeterPee]

You can unplug them without losing settings no problem. By the way you can also turn off the led indicator light through the s2 app under settings.

[@77bjornw77]

Hi Peter, I am eagerly awaiting your Trueplay tuning test with the Fives. It would be very interesting to find out which iPhone model that produces the best tuning for music. I have myself tried with a 7, 11 pro and an ipad 2019. Without looking at any frequency response charts, I prefer the tuning with the iPad 2019, although I decrease the treble by 2 marks afterwards.

[@PeterPee]

Actually, most of the issues are with the treble. I suspect you like the treble a little hot. Can you get your hands on the iPhone 6? That should give you a smoother sound. Let me get to the Sonos Five Trueplay in a bit. Trying to clear my video backlog.

[@kjohntv808]

Great information, thank you

[@MarleyMarlz1234]

Would love to see the same test done with the Sub Mini.

[@PeterPee]

Coming soon! Please be patient! Sorry to keep you waiting!

[@diegotriches2067]

Great test, thank you very much to sheare this usefull test!!! you give me the perfect feedback and explanation of my perception. I have a question... When first connect my sub, which I bought to pair with my two play 5, the sound seems to me less full and consistent... not really.. but when I Power on the sub seems that the sound is divided or split, and lose its integrity that the play 5 use to give me. Than I start to test the system at higher volume and I notice lot of more details and power in the mid and high range, something amazing! So, I think it depends what you are looking for.... If you are listen the music at low volumes and leave the sub setting at 0 than is better power off the sub and use play 5 alone. If you want to play music at mid or (better) high volume, the sub give the opportunity to the plays 5 of doing a better job with mid and high frequency and you feel a great and detailed sound full in every frequency. My question is: what is the response of the system using the two play 5 and sub leaving the play five in a separate virtual room in order to not modify their profile? Something like add your RED line response (two play 5 alone) to the BLUE one (sub alone). Can you test it?

[@PeterPee]

You can't play the sub on its own. The sub needs to be paired with at least another Sonos speaker to play back anything.

[@Logan_5]

A really good song to show the difference the Sub makes to a pair of Five’s is “Turn Me On” by Norah Jones. You can really feel the thump of the kick drum!

[@sergios.2276]

That's great stuff, thank you!

[@Rhagius]

Thank you so much for the information, i want to buy a setup of sonos but i have a question, is better 2 fives or 1 five with sub?

[@PeterPee]

Two fives, no need sub.

[@Rhagius]

@@PeterPee Thank you!!!

[@ronellison1926]

i have an arc and sub.. sound isnt as full when lisitng to music... looking to add rearsto fill the room for surround and music. Will the sonos omes do the trick or do i go with the fives.? room is 24x18 with vaulted ceilings?

[@PeterPee]

Fives are really kind of an overkill and too expensive for what extra it gives.

[@PeterPee]

My recommendation is for you to go for the ones. But if you’re really concerned about volume, then source for a pair of used play:3s!

[@KM-wl1tp]

I have a pair of 5's in stereo mode. I got a sub, and was underwhelmed. Yes the bass went deeper and I appreciated the mors pronounced mid from the 5's. But I just preferred the 5s on their own. I think the bass is more tuneful and just sounds betted

[@PeterPee]

Yeah, I guess it's just not the incremental improvement one would hope for. And for music, sealed is always better for subs. And the Sonos Sub is ported.

[@KM-wl1tp]

I think your correct. I've used a Rel Q150 before with good results. I think the 5's in stereo configuration sound awesome. Thanks for the great videos.

[@germainzq5256]

Thanks for this, I Guess this is why I had experience the play 5 sounds lacking in surrounds as my sub is place in front while the 5 are in the rear and sitting closer to the rear, the sound coming from the 5 is not as great as a standalone pair.

[@Khoelhutchinson]

I would have the 5's upfront with the sub right inbetween them. And maybe two Sonos 3 or ones in the back

[@titin200]

I hope Sonos allow us to change the crossover frequency soon. I also have the Fives and the sub in the same config. If the sub isn't placed in the correct position, the Fives by themselves actually sound better. It would be nice if you could take the crossover to 60 or 80hz at-least

[@PeterPee]

Yeah. I noticed that the placement is key. And if I don’t do Trueplay, the sound is actually suboptimal.

[@titin200]

@@PeterPee I have noticed the same thing, in end I separated the sub from the Five's and have the Sub and the Arc together in a different room. I did also notice if you Trueplay the Five's just by themselves, they do sound quite a bit different compared to the Fives and the Sub together, then disabling the sub in the app.

[@PeterPee]

I find that trueplay tunes the overall bass presentation down as it got too boomy. So might as well not have the sub in the first place.

[@titin200]

@@PeterPee The only benefit for me using the sub with the Five's, is parties. It allows the Fives to go louder and the bass is still quite strong without the DSP pulling too much from the bottom end.

[@PeterPee]

Yes. That’s right. The overall volume will be louder. There is an uplift throughout the frequency range.

[@rs7quattro463]

Hi is it possible to connect x1 sub with x1 play 5?

[@chrisnewbury9071]

Great video!!! Nice work!

[@pmoncayo]

Thanks for the information!

[@PeterPee]

Any time!

[@tobiasbrask]

Hi Peter, Thanks for this video, was just about to buy this sub for my fives. I am a bit dissapointed with my fives that i bought for my livingroom which is 120 sq/m and 4 meters to roof. My problem is they dont provide enoigh 'omph' in the bass when listening to electronic music or dub. Do you have a recomendation of what to do to get a stronger and deeper bass?

[@PeterPee]

I don't want to judge it wrongly but you are saying 120 square meters? That's a big space and if you have a pair of fives, it might not readily fill up the space. And this is where the use case of the sub pairing with Fives come into play. For a space this big at 4m ceiling high, you will definitely need a sub.

[@tobiasbrask]

@@PeterPee thanks for your answer Peter! We definitely have a big livingroom, so I guess a sub is relevant after all? Or maybe another pair of fives?

[@newVRtechDE]

Excellent video! Very nice, thank you!

[@adventuremanintheclouds8968]

I was told by 5 people in the Sonos user group that the sub is worth it. Now this video along with the comments say otherwise. If only I could borrow one to try it.

[@PeterPee]

It's truly subjective. If the money is not a concern then it's definitely "worth" it. But the sub ain't cheap and I can't in good conscience recommend it to go with the Fives which are already great for bass performance.

[@nedloh17]

I found that unless you crank the sub right up with the 5s there's not much difference to be heard. Compared to my sonos arc and sonos one set up where the sub makes the world of difference

[@Mike71712]

Pete! Sonos came out with a new firmware update 12.0.5 I just updated it. Did you update yours and do you know what this update does?

[@PeterPee]

I will be planning an upgrade before/after test today when I get some time but I’m not hopeful. So I’m not sure if I will make an update video to bring “no new update”.

[@Mike71712]

Peter Pee I appreciate the reply. I understand. Well after I updated it, I Trueplayed the system again. Didn’t hear much of a difference if even there is one. So I called Sonos, the rep told me they fixed some bugs with the app. Nothing really as far as sound or anything w/ the arc, sub or surrounds. But let me know if you notice any differences just in case when you are done testing. I would appreciate it.

[@PeterPee]

It’s a terrible week for me again. And I haven’t gotten round to it yet. Probably can’t release a video on this. I’ll try it out as soon as I can.

[@gabmor7779]

would do the 5.1 setup with two play 5s as rear set as FULLmode for music be the same sound for music as 2 stereo paired play 5 with a sub? thats the setup i have, but i wonder wether i should just have the 2 play 5 as stereo with the sub, and the 5.1 on its own

[@PeterPee]

In my opinion it is the same. Just that you have the arc playing in the background and it messes up the soundstage.

[@gabmor7779]

@@PeterPee I have placed both play 5s left and right of the tv. Dont have real surround , thinking its better for music.

[@PeterPee]

Oh then it sounds like it should be alright! At least they are sharing the sub! Smart.

[@gabmor7779]

@@PeterPee Yea thats thats the idea, i donfeel like the sub w stereo pair 5s adds something

[@adventuremanintheclouds8968]

After much deliberation and discussion with other Sonos users, I took advantage of Best Buys 14 day return policy and tried the Sub with my Fives in stereo pair. I LOVE how you can control the subwoofer level as well as turning it off. If you are a big music listener, I highly recommend adding the sub. It really brings out that deep bass from hiding. I only have the sub turned up to 4 out of 10. The bass hits are more than subtle to say the least. They really hit if you want them to, or you can tone it down. I personally have to say it was worth it for me.

[@PeterPee]

That's the kind of love I have for the sub even after all these years. And that I can pair it with any of the other sonos speakers that I want. And even now pair them in a dual sub setup!

[@adventuremanintheclouds8968]

@@PeterPee Woah, dual subs? Do I need to go spend another $800? 😆

[@clapon1907]

You are a mind reader!! So good!!’

[@aramendi]

Very interesting! But once you have already started... It would be curious to see the same test over Ones+/-sub... Although we "guess" the result

[@PeterPee]

Zero contest when it comes to the ones and sub.

[@adrianvele5041]

Very nice video

[@jarijansen9362]

This is not using Trueplay right?

[@PeterPee]

Yes, that’s right. I do all my testing with trueplay off. To make sure it’s as close to stock as possible.

[@bockersjv]

I added a sub and the only way I can describe the difference is that with the Sub it’s like 3d version of sound. It wasn’t just the deeper clearer bass. Also trueplay tuning made a big difference taking away the “boom”. I bought the sub on a 100 day return. Took one song to make me realise it wasn’t going to be returned.

[@PeterPee]

Hahaha... 1 song!? Haha. Yes, if you look around my videos, I love the sub.

[@bockersjv]

Peter Pee AC DC Back in Black. I was hooked😎

[@PeterPee]

I bought my first sub 30 seconds into the demo in store. Haha.

[@nickozamora2705]

Is taking away the “boom” good or bad? I actually like the feeling of the bass “ boom “ so I turn my truplay off most of the time adding more in the bass and sub lvl

[@PeterPee]

It is my belief that everyone has their preference and if that’s what you love, then it’s the right setting!

[@neildesperandum6114]

I currently have two second generation Play:5s and a sub. I’m really surprised at the results you found because for me the sub goes much lower than the Play:5s and makes a huge difference; I can feel it as well as hear it. It’s just so rewarding. I bought these items incrementally; first, one Play:5 (OK), then I added a second Play:5 (much better and louder but still something missing) then the sub (YES! Now I’m happy!). I mess around with the audio settings a bit from track to track but generally set the sub at around 60-70% and the bass on the EQ at around 30-40%. To my ear that makes the whole experience weighty and warm but less muddy. It’s totally subjective of course; I realise the Play:5s offload bass duties to the sub to enable them to handle mid-range better. Nevertheless, it works for me. I would never, ever dispense with my lovely sub.

[@PeterPee]

I believe you and of course I do! The sub isn't making it worse. It will only be better. Just that it may not be $700 better. :D But if you are going for the throat and all out performance, yes, get the sub!

[@neildesperandum6114]

@@PeterPee Going for the throat! 😂

[@NBADVEnduro]

@@PeterPee I just went all out.. .Dual gen3 subs, 2 play 5s and the arc... Lets just say my movie experience is quite good sonically.

[@vytautasvaicys8745]

Thank you Peter, this test is what I've asked you to do and the conclusion is roughly the same as what I had observed. With my sub being placed elsewhere in the room, my Sonos Five ended out sounding very tinny, unless you are in direct line of sight and level of the Sub. After your recommendation, I hooked up my Sub to the pair of Ones.

[@PeterPee]

That’s a much better allocation of the sub! Actually I got a pair of Bluesound Flex but I found that their sub doesn’t work with it. So .... sigh...

[@benwhittle7204]

So the real question is, Sonos Fives Vs Sonos Fives + Sonos Sub Vs Sonos One/SL + Sonos Sub all compare on a frequency response chart. The point being, if you're going to add a sub anyway, is it worth getting the Sonos Fives over the Sonos One/SL in the first place.

[@PeterPee]

I did that test too since I was at it. But I didn't present it. The fives with sub definitely did better than the ones with sub. Assuming you are getting the sub anyway or already have the sub, the margin in price is $600 between the ones and the fives. To me, the increment is probably not worth $600 but as with all things audiophile, chasing that extra bit of performance might be worth it to some. Not for me. And then you go back to the same original question that I posted. Is just the stereo pair of Fives good enough to outperform the Ones with sub? Which is the question I answered in this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6K4paGnr72ieJY. Again, all very subjective, since the delivery of bass is slightly different, Fives being smoother and deep with a pronounced midrange, the Ones with sub being punchier and in your face kind of bass with a slightly more recessed midrange.

[@benwhittle7204]

​@@PeterPee Hey Pete, I've actually found myself coming back to this vid because another question that has been coming up regularly is using Sonos Fives as rear surround speakers over Ones or even the Ikea Bookshelf (with a Sub), is there actually any point at all to use/upgrade to Sonos Fives as rear surrounds when the surround setup has a Sub. Is there going to be any difference at all considering that there's usually very little in surround sound audio tracks. I'm of the opinion that, if you have a Sub, you're not going to see any (or very little benefit) to using Sonos Fives as rear surrounds (with a Sub) vs using Ones or Ikea Bookshelves as Surrounds. Can you do a sweep on the rear surround channels with Fives + Sub vs Ikea/Ones + Sub. I think Rew can send specific surround channel audio into the Beam/Arc/Amp through HDMI for sweeps into the surround speakers.

[@evankapel4125]

I just added a sub to my set of 2 Sonos fives. I really notice a difference in the fullness of the sound. To me it was worth it.

[@kuanonimomexico3059]

Saludos desde México, excelente video

[@whitecrowuk575]

Well done - just what I was thinking after seeing your previous video about five vs 3s vs ones - fives won't make difference

[@johndanaway]

imho , you should explore other wireless speakers in the market such as denon, B & O, B & W that offer similar high end home wireless speaker.

[@PeterPee]

I couldn’t get myself to buy into the B&W. The software is really lacklustre. Devialet Phantom’s software is also crappy but I put up with it. I am not sure if I want another software that isn’t as advanced. To be honest, I went into Bluesound because their software is so mature...

[@PeterPee]

That said, I have lusted over the Formation for a Long time. In fact, I was so prepared to replace the projector’s sound setup with the Formation Duo until I went to the store to try it out.

[@tommysrp7635]

The Sub actually triggers my Sonos 5 to play deeper bass than when its just the 5's. I think I will pass on the subs for now until I move into a bigger space and need the bass to reach me rather than a desk speaker. Edit: Many thanks for this detailed and useful video Peter :)

[@PeterPee]

Thanks for your support and encouragement Tommy! I was thinking that if you are using the Sonos 5 as desktop speakers, you’re getting quite a lot of sound! Over the top setup for desk! But enjoyable to no end I suppose.

[@Lyuke100]

Ok,i have now Lg Oled 55B6V with Sonos Playbase + Sub Gen 2 + 2 Sonos Play:1 for The sourround.After The videos of Peter,I'll change everything .......with Lg Oled 55CX with Sonos Arc + Sub Gen 3 and 2 Sonos Five for The sorround........Peter you cost me 5000 euros.......arghhhhhhhhh 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@PeterPee]

Oh dear. Haha. But your planned setup is like the ultimate setup you can get today.

[@stebesplace]

Well, my headphones picked up a TINY difference, but not worth the price of admission especially if you purchase one or two Fives.

[@anthonytempongko1291]

I will go for the ultimate experience of course!!!!

[@PeterPee]

Arc + 2 subs + 2 Fives... God.

[@anthonytempongko1291]

@@PeterPee as per your recommendation, I will aim for this set-up.... thanks again.

[@anthonytempongko1291]

$6,000 (CDN) of madness lol !!!

[@anthonytempongko1291]

@@PeterPee So, I finally got (2) Sonos Five, S-Arc and (1) Sonos Sub, (waiting on another S-sub to arrive). Thoughts: (With having 1 Sub at the moment) Amazing, I have again renewed my love for jazz and cocktail music. As a package (and per your suggestion) it's an essential Sonos setup, at least to consider. Simplicity, less wire/s pollution and non-aggressive aesthetic appearance is what i also appreciated after the speakers have been situated. And also, less we forget, Trueplay does remedy the tuning issues and cost associated, after I came to my senses that I (again) invested to a none essential component- BUT HAVING TRUEPLAY DID MAKE IT PRACTICAL (LMFAO).

[@crociati17]

His video's are ASMR

[@chrisnewbury9071]

I just don't understand why they make the crossover so high? It's such a waste of resources! I would even prefer an automated crossover the pulls higher as the volume increases.

[@PeterPee]

That’s a smart idea....

[@Cornwall1888]

It’s a shame you can’t use a pair of Sonos fives for tv like a pair of phantoms, I suppose Sonos want you to buy their soundbars too

[@PeterPee]

Yeah I guess so. That’s why I keep thinking about the Klipsch fives. Hdmi arc input!

[@Cornwall1888]

Peter Pee I must admit I do like a centre channel for dialogue but for someone who mainly uses them for music and wants better tv sound it would be a good option

[@PeterPee]

Yeah. The center channel is underrated. If only Sonos allowed for a 5 channel setup with 5 Sonos fives eh?

[@KRBY555]

Just get Sonos amo and BYO speakers

[@AdamsBrew78]

Do you want bass you can feel in your chest or just nice bass tones that sound good. The sub gives you the feels.

[@PeterPee]

I think you got the description down right.

[@fmfa4315]

I just put like then go .... NO SONOS PLAY FOR ME MAN lol

[@Infesteringmole]

Sub Text Main Comment Goes Here

[@PeterPee]

What a booboo... Ooops! Sorry about leaving that in!

[@Infesteringmole]

@@PeterPee great video as always!

[@PeterPee]

Even with the boo boo? Hahah.

[@PeterPee]

Thank you!

[@CharliewatII]

Your intro

[@PeterPee]

Ya man. Forgot to remove.

[@doctorj5351]

Peter. Hap hazard, but you didn't give your and straight away. Tut tut. Still great Channel but stick to your guns.

[@PeterPee]

Yes. I know but like I said in the video. I was filming my discovery process for the answer. I didn’t have that answer up front.