Wireless audio accessory maker Sonos has expanded its lineup of wireless, internet-connected streaming music speakers with the Play:3, a compact unit designed to be placed in any room where music is desired, to work in conjunction with the company’s existing Sonos players or Sonos Bridge device connected to the home router. Additional units can be added for other rooms, all controlled via a smartphone, tablet or computer.
The Play:3, a smaller sibling of the now rebranded Sonos S5 speaker we reviewed ealrier (now called the Play:5), is internet-connected, wirelessly letting users pick from their iTunes library as well as over 100,000 radio stations, shows and podcasts. The unit also works with existing music streaming services such as Rdio, Pandora, Last.fm, Rhapsody, SiriusXM internet radio, Spotify, Stitcher, Wolfgang’s Vault and other such offerings.
The speakers can be mounted or positioned in either horizontally or vertically, with internal sensors modifying the output depending on the orientation. Several Play:3 speakers positioned around the home create synchronized sound environments that are controllable from anywhere. The speakers can also be set to play Left or Right speaker roles when two are in the same room. Units can be managed via the included Sonos Controller software for Mac and Windows, or handled via iOS and Android devices.
Each Play:3 speaker contains three Class-D digital amplifiers as well as three drivers (one tweeter and two three-inch midrange) along with a passive, rear-firing bass radiator. Each speaker has its own physical volume and mute controls, and weighs only 5.7 pounds. It retails for $329.
The company has also updated the software of all Sonos equipment to version 3.5 to add compatibility with the Play:3 as well as improve the Sonos Controller for Android (now including the option to install the app to SD cards and many new language localizations). Sonos has also dropped the price of the Sonos bridge extender device to $49 from the previous $59.
