Sonos Play One, acoustic package££££
In terms of audio, the Play primarily features three speakers: a woofer handling bass and midrange, accompanied by two side tweeters (no further details available at the time of writing) designed to widen the soundstage. This technical choice compensates for the natural directivity of the treble and provides more even sound distribution throughout the room, especially when using multiple speakers configured as a stereo pair or in a multiroom setup.
The low frequencies benefit from two passive radiators to enhance the presence of the lower end of the spectrum. The software integration remains true to Sonos' DNA, with a comprehensive equalizer in the app and, of course, the inclusion of Trueplay. This is none other than the high-performance automatic calibration system that adapts the sound output to the acoustics of the room. The integrated far-field microphones use beamforming to pick up voices even at a distance, and can be deactivated for those who want a speaker without a voice assistant (Sonos Voice or Alexa). The Sonos Play One also emphasizes portability with a built-in (replaceable) battery boasting a claimed 24-hour battery life, easy charging via a magnetic base, and a USB-C port that can be used as a power bank for a smartphone. It also accommodates various adapters, such as a 3.5 mm mini-jack auxiliary (Aux) input, a rare and welcome addition in this category for connecting a wired source, or an Ethernet port for a wired setup (the Wi-Fi module is disabled in this configuration). The speaker is compatible with Spotify Connect, Wi-Fi 6, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth 5.3, and can be integrated into a multiroom system with up to 32 speakers (according to published information). With its compact size, robustness, comfortable battery life, touch controls on top, and complete integration into the Sonos ecosystem, the Play seems to combine the best of the Move 2 and the Roam 2. A versatile hybrid speaker designed to accompany the user everywhere without sacrificing audio quality. Availability announced for March 31st. Suggested retail price: €349. Key features of the Sonos Play: • Type: 1.0 • Tweeters: 2 • Midrange - Woofer: 1 • Passive radiators: 2 • Power: Not specified • Sensitivity: Not specified • Connectivity: 1 USB-C port (accepts line-in adapter) or Ethernet port • Certifications: Hi-Res Audio, IP67 • AirPlay 2 compatibility • Spotify Connect compatibility • Wi-Fi 6 compatibility • Bluetooth 5.3 compatibility • 192 kHz/24-bit DAC • Battery: Yes, replaceable: 4800 mAh for 24 hours of battery life • Multiroom: Yes • Function(s): TruePlay Calibration • Dimensions (W x D x H): 1125 x 1923 x 767 mm • Weight: 1.3 kg
