Sonos Connect Amp and Ceiling Speaker Install or Play5?

[ChrisG C2S]

Folks,

I'm about to get a house built so have an opportunity to go with a ceiling speaker install. For the room in question, I had previously thought of going with a 2 zone Sonos Connect Amp and something like B&W CCM mid range speakers.

As I get closer to the build, I'm questioning my initial plan, asking myself if a Play5 would be better value/equal sound quality. For info, it's a large L-shaped family room/kitchen/dining room, each 'leg' of the L shape 10mx5m, if that makes sense.

Any opinions welcome.

[paralla]

I have Sonos Connect Amps and ceeling speakers in the kitchen and bathroom and I think it's a great option. Depending on how much you want to spend on speakers it can sound great. Mine are Monutor Audio CP series which have an enclosed back and I'd recommend them to anyone. I also have a cheap manual speaker switch to swap the kitchen speakers to the outdoor speakers on the roof terrace, instead of buying another expensive Sonos Connect Amp since I don't need the kitchen and roof terrace zones both on at the same time. I like how the ceeling speakers are practically invisible.

[VEX]

A Connect Amp and in-ceiling speakers will always sound better than a boombox. But at almost twice the price it really depends on what you want.

The sound coverage of in-ceilings will be better and the clean lines of something like the flat Monitor Audio CT165's works well in a contemporary room.

An alternative would be to think about a pair of Play:1's or Play:3 on stands as a left/right pair

V.

[NDA]

I have Play 5's throughout the house, they sound OK. I wouldn't describe it as high fidelity though.

But with ceiling speakers the choice is huge and the potential for a far better sound quality exists. It will depend on your appetite for spending!

[Salesy]

I agree with VEX on this, i use the Monitor CT165s with the connect amps and event had a complaint yet.
I would however in that size room consider a small sub to give some depth.

[talkssense]

If you are concerned about about sound quality, but happy with having PLAY:5 s in the room, look at the Sonos connect and some active speakers.

Potentially better sound quality again than in ceilings and a connect amp, and no need to be any bigger or less attractive than PLAY 5

[paralla]

For big spaces consider Monitor Audio CT180's rather than CT 165's, they are a bit bigger and have more bass for not much more money.

[anonymous-user]

I have a pair of Play 5's and also some ceiling speakers in different rooms.

I much prefer the ceiling speakers. I have paired my ceiling speakers with a Sonos Sub just to help provide a bit better depth to music and it works very well (albeit a bit expensive).

Even without using the sub, they are a nicer solution.

The Play 5's are nice looking, and you can pair them in stereo mode. However, the sound is a little too bass heavy, and not as pleasant to listen too. Even though you can adjust the bass via EQ, it still prefer the ceiling speaker solution.

[ChrisG C2S]

Thanks for the replies guys, sounds like it will be worth the investment.

[VEX]

[tuffer]

I have 1's, 5's and ceiling speakers, invest the extra, its worth it.