Sonos PLAY:3 User manual

THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION THAT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
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Sonos products may be protected by one or more patents. Our patent-to-product information can be found here:
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All other products and services mentioned may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.
June 2018
©2004-2018 by Sonos, Inc. All rights reserved.

Sonos Play:3
The Play:3 is the most versatile Sonos wireless speaker that lets you use any Sonos app to control and enjoy
all the music you want all over your home (see Explore Play:3 for more information).
• Three custom-designed drivers (two mid-range and one tweeter), each with a dedicated amplifier.
• Position vertically or horizontally—software automatically adjusts the sound to ensure best performance.
• Works seamlessly with the complete range of Sonos products.
New to Sonos?
Download the app from the app store on your mobile device. Open the app and we’ll guide you through
setup. If you’re using a computer, get the app at www.sonos.com/support/downloads.
For the latest system requirements and compatible audio formats, go to http://faq.sonos.com/specs.
Already have Sonos?
You can easily add new speakers anytime (up to 32).
Just plug in the speaker, open the app and tap > Settings >Add a Player or Sub.
If you’re using a computer, go to Manage > Add a Player or Sub.

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Select a location
You can put your speaker just about anywhere. For maximum enjoyment, we have a few guidelines:
• The Play:3 can be positioned either horizontally or vertically to accommodate the desired space—the EQ
(audio equalization) will automatically adjust to create the best possible sound when the orientation is
changed.
• The Play:3 is designed to work well even when placed next to a wall or other surface. For optimum
performance, maintaining more than 1” (2.5 cm) clearance around the back of the unit is recommended.
• Care should be taken if placing the Sonos Play:3 close to an older CRT (cathode ray tube) television. If
you notice any discoloration or distortion of your picture quality, simply move the Play:3 further from the
television.
• The Play:3 is not water-resistant so don’t position it near water or leave it outside during a rain storm.
Explore Play:3
Play and control your music using the Sonos app or the controls.
Play/Pause
Volume up
Volume down
Status light
Note: The front grille is not removable. Tampering with the grille may result in damage to your Play:3.

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Controls
Volume Up (+)
Volume Down (-)
Press to adjust the volume.
Play/Pause • Press once to play or pause music.
• Press twice to skip to the next track (if applicable to
the selected music source.
• Press three times to skip to the previous track.
• Press and hold to add the music playing in another
room.
Status light
Speaker status For more information, see http://faq.sonos.com/led.
Note: You can also use the app.
Note: You can’t skip or go to the previous track when
listening to radio stations.

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Connector panel
Ethernet port
AC power (Mains) input
Threaded mounting hole
Threaded mounting hole
1/4 inch / 20-thread
The Play:3 has an integrated mounting hole so it can be
wall-mounted (mounting bracket not included.) See Wall
mount for more information.
Ethernet port Use the supplied Ethernet cable if you want to connect
to a router, computer, or network-attached storage
(NAS) device (optional).
AC power (mains) input Use only the supplied power cord (using a third-party
power cord will void your warranty). Insert the power
cord firmly until it is flush with the speaker.
Play music
Open the Sonos app and tap to play your music.
•Radio by TuneIn. Select from more than 100,000 free internet radio stations, podcasts, and shows.
•Music services. Explore and manage your music services—add your own or try something new.
•Music stored on your mobile device. Play music you’ve downloaded to your phone or tablet.
•Music library. Play music stored on your computer or any Network-Attached Storage (NAS) device.
For a full list of the music choices available in your country, go to www.sonos.com/music. For more
information about playing music, check out our mobile app product guide at www.sonos.com/guides.

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Tune your room with Trueplay™
Every room is different. With Trueplay tuning, you can put your speakers wherever you want. Trueplay
analyzes room size, layout, décor, speaker placement, and any other acoustic factors that can impact sound
quality. Then it adjusts how each woofer and tweeter produces sound in that room (works on mobile devices
running iOS 8 or later).
Tap > Settings > Room Settings. Pick a room and tap Trueplay Tuning to get started.
Note: Trueplay tuning isn’t available if VoiceOver is enabled on your iOS device. If you want to tune your
speakers, first turn VoiceOver off in your device settings.
Equalization settings
Sonos speakers ship with the equalization settings preset to provide the optimal playback experience. You
can change the sound settings (bass, treble, balance, or loudness) to suit your personal preferences.
1. On a mobile device, tap > Settings > Room Settings.
2. Select a room.
3. Select EQ, and then drag your finger across the sliders to make adjustments.
4. To change the Loudness setting, touch On or Off. (The loudness setting boosts certain frequencies,
including bass, to improve the sound at low volume.)
Stereo pairs
You can pair two Sonos speakers in the same room to create a wider stereo experience. One speaker serves
as the left channel and one serves as the right channel.
Note: The Sonos speakers in a stereo pair must be the same type.
Placement information
• Place the speakers 8 to 10 feet apart.

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• Your favorite listening position should be 8 to 12 feet from the paired speakers—less distance increases
bass, more distance improves stereo imaging.
Create a stereo pair
On a mobile device:
1. Tap > Settings >Room Settings.
2. Choose a speaker and tap Create Stereo Pair.
After you pair your speakers, the room name includes (L + R).
On a computer:
1. Choose one of the following:
• On a PC, go to Manage >Settings.
• On a Mac, go to Sonos> Preferences > Room Settings.
2. Choose a speaker from the Room Settings drop-down list.
3. Click Create Stereo Pair.
Separate a stereo pair
On a mobile device:
1. Tap > Settings >Room Settings.
2. Choose the stereo pair (room name includes (L + R)) and tap Separate Stereo Pair.
On a computer:
1. Choose one of the following:
• On a PC, go to Manage >Settings.
• On a Mac, go to Sonos >Preferences >Room Settings.
2. From the Room Settings drop-down list, choose the stereo pair (room name includes (L + R)).

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3. On the Basic tab, click Separate Stereo Pair.
Surround speakers
Turn two Sonos speakers (same model) into separate right and left channels for your home theater.
Note: If you create a room group or stereo pair instead, you won’t have surround sound.
Add surrounds
On a mobile device:
1. Tap > Settings > Room Settings.
2. Choose the room with the home theater speaker and tap Add Surrounds.
On a computer:
1. Select Manage > Settings (PC) or Sonos > Preferences (Mac).
2. Select Room Settings.
3. Choose the room with the home theater speaker from the Room Settings drop-down list.
4. From the Basic tab, select Add Surround Speakers.
Change surround settings
When you add your speakers as surrounds, surround sound is optimized for your room. You can adjust these
settings:
Surrounds Turn surround sound On or Off.
TV Level Adjust surround volume for TV audio.
Music Level Adjust surround volume for music.
Music Playback Ambient (subtle) or Full (louder, full range). 
Doesn’t apply to TV audio.
Balance Surround
Speakers (iOS)
Manually balance your surround speakers.
On a mobile device:
1. Tap > Settings > Room Settings.
2. Choose the room with the surround speakers (name includes (+LS+RS)).
3. Select Advanced Audio > Surround Settings and change the settings.
On a computer:
1. Select Manage > Settings (PC) or Sonos > Preferences (Mac).
2. Select Room Settings.
3. Choose the room with the surrounds from the Room Settings drop-down list.

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4. Select the Surrounds tab and change the settings.
Remove surrounds
If the speakers were part of your Sonos system before you added them as surrounds, they’ll revert back to
their previous room names. Otherwise, they’ll appear as Unused in Rooms.
On a mobile device:
1. Tap > Settings > Room Settings.
2. Choose the room with the surround speakers (name includes (+LS+RS)) and tap Remove Surrounds.
On a computer:
1. Select Manage > Settings (PC) or Sonos > Preferences (Mac).
2. Select Room Settings.
3. Choose the room with the surrounds from the Room Settings drop-down list (name includes (+LS+RS)).
4. From the Basic tab, click Remove Surrounds.
Your home network
Your Sonos speakers and the mobile device with the Sonos app need to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
Wireless network
Setting up Sonos on your home Wi-Fi is the answer for most homes. You just need:
• High-speed internet connection such as DSL/cable modem or fiber-to-the-home broadband connection
• High-speed DSL/cable modem (or fiber-to-the-home broadband connection)
• 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n wireless home network
Note: Satellite internet access may cause playback issues.
Wired home network
Connect a Sonos Boost or speaker to your router with an Ethernet cable if:
• Your Wi-Fi is slow, temperamental, or doesn’t reach all the rooms where you want to use Sonos.
• Your network is already in high demand with streaming video and internet usage and you want a separate
wireless network just for your Sonos system.
• Your network is 5GHz only (not switchable to 2.4GHz).
• Your router supports only 802.11n (you can’t change the settings to support 802.11b/g/n).
Note: For uninterrupted playback, use and Ethernet cable to connect the computer or NAS drive that has
your music library files to your router.

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Got a new router?
If you purchase a new router or change your internet service provider (ISP), you’ll need to restart your Sonos
products after the router is installed.
Note: If you keep a Sonos product connected to your router and an ISP technician connects it to the new
router, then you’ll only need to restart your other Sonos products.
1. After the router is set up, disconnect the power cords from your Sonos products for at least 5 seconds.
2. Reconnect all the power cords—if you keep a Sonos product connected to your router, start with that one.
The speaker status light turns solid white on each product when the restart is complete.
If you don’t have a Sonos product connected to your router, you’ll need to change your network password
in the Sonos app.
Change your network password
If you change your network password (and you don’t have a Sonos product connected to your router), you’ll
need to update the password in the Sonos app.
1. Connect a Sonos speaker to your router with an Ethernet cable.
2. Choose an option:
• On a mobile device, go to > Settings > Advanced Settings > Wireless Setup.
• On a PC, go to Manage > Settings > Advanced. On the General tab, select Wireless Setup.
• On a Mac, go to Sonos> Preferences > Advanced. On the General tab, select Wireless Setup.
3. Enter the new network password.
Once the password is accepted you can unplug the speaker from the router and move it back to its original
location.
Wall mount
The Sonos Play:3 has a standard 1/4”-20 threaded mounting socket. If desired, you can easily wall mount
your Play:3 using a suitable mounting bracket (not included). Simply choose a location that’s close to an
electrical outlet (power cord length is 2m), taking care to avoid heat, steam, dripping water or hidden wiring,
and follow the instructions included with the mounting bracket.
Note: Be sure the wall mount bracket you purchase will support at least 10lbs. (4.5 kgs) and has a 1/4"-20
threaded post.
Turn the speaker on or off
Your Sonos speakers are designed to stay on; they use minimal electricity when not in use.
• To stop the music on a speaker: Touch (you can also use the app).
• To stop the music everywhere: In the app, tap >Pause All.

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Important safety information
Warning: Do not open Sonos products as there is a risk of electric shock. Under no circumstances should Sonos
products be repaired by anyone other than an authorized Sonos repair center, as this will invalidate the
warranty. Please contact Sonos Customer Support for more information.
Read these instructions.1.
Keep these instructions.2.
Heed all warnings.3.
Follow all instructions.4.
Do not use this apparatus near water.5.
Clean only with dry soft cloth. Household cleaners or solvents can damage the finish on your Sonos
components.
6.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.7.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that
produce heat.
8.
Protect the power cable from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
9.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.10.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.11.
Refer all servicing to Sonos qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cable or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been dropped.
12.
The Mains plug should be readily available to disconnect the equipment.13.
Do not expose apparatus to dripping or splashing and do not place objects filled with liquids, such as
vases, on the apparatus.
15.
14. Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or
moisture.

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Specifications
Feature Description
Audio
Amplifier Three Class-D digital amplifiers
Speakers Three driver speaker system - two 3” mid-range drivers, and one tweeter.
Each driver of the product is individually powered by a dedicated amplifier.
Bass Radiator One rear firing bass radiator with a 60 sq. cm surface area
Stereo Pair setting Allows you to group two Play:3's in the same room with one Play:3 serving
as the left channel and the other as the right channel.
Music
Audio Formats Supported Support for compressed MP3, AAC (without DRM), WMA without DRM
(including purchased Windows Media downloads), AAC (MPEG4), AAC+,
Ogg Vorbis, Apple Lossless, Flac (lossless) music files, as well as
uncompressed WAV and AIFF files.
Native support for 44.1kHz sample rates. Additional support for 48kHz,
32kHz, 24kHz, 22kHz, 16kHz, 11kHz, and 8kHz sample rates. MP3 supports
all rates except 11kHz and 8kHz.
Note: Apple “FairPlay”, WMA DRM and WMA Lossless formats not
currently supported. Previously purchased Apple “FairPlay” DRM-protected
songs may be upgraded.
Music Services Supported Sonos works seamlessly with most music services, including Apple
Music™, Deezer, Google Play Music, Pandora, Spotify and Radio by
TuneIn, as well as downloads from any service offering DRM-free tracks.
Service availability varies by region. For a complete list, see 
http://www.sonos.com/music.
Internet Radio Supported Streaming MP3, HLS/AAC, WMA
Album Art Supported JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF
Playlists Supported Napster, iTunes, WinAmp, and Windows Media Player (.m3u, .pls, .wpl)
Networking*
Wireless Connectivity Connects to your home Wi-Fi network with any 802.11 b/g/n router.
802.11n only network configurations are not supported—you can either
change the router settings to 802.11 b/g/n or connect a Sonos product to
your router.
SonosNet™Extender Functions to extend and enhance the power of SonosNet, a secure AES
encrypted, peer-to-peer wireless mesh network dedicated exclusively for
Sonos to reduce Wi-Fi interference.

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12
* Specifications subject to change without notice.
Product guide feedback?
We’d love to hear from you! We’ll read your feedback carefully and use it to help us improve our product
guides. Write to us at: [e-mail]
If you’re having a problem with your Sonos system, please contact Customer Care so they can help. Email
them at http://www.sonos.com/emailsupport.
Need more help?
•Tap > Help & Tips to get some simple tips for getting the most out of your speakers.
• Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) pages at www.sonos.com/support.
• Ask us a question at http://www.sonos.com/emailsupport.
Network Bridging One 10/100Mbps Ethernet port allows a connection to your network or to
other Sonos speakers.
Internet connectivity Internet connection required for access to Internet radio stations, online
music services and software updates. (DSL, cable modem or LAN-based
high-speed Internet connection required.) Internet functionality may require
payment of separate fee to a service provider; local and/or long distance
telephone charges may apply.
General
Power Supply 100 - 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, auto-switchable
Front Panel Buttons Volume and Mute
Front Panel LED Indicators Status indicator and Mute status
Dimensions (H x W x D) 5.2 x 10.5 x 6.3 in. (132 x 268 x 160 mm)
Threaded mount Standard 1/4”-20 threaded mounting socket
Weight 5.7 lb (2.6 kg)
Operating Temperature 32º to 104º F (0º to 40º C)
Storage Temperature 4º to 158º F (-20º to 70º C)
Product Finish White with light metallic grille; black with graphite grille
Feature Description