Sonos PLAY:3 User manual

SONOS®PLAY:3
Product Guide

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April 2014
©2004-2014 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 controller to control and enjoy all the
music you want all over your home (see "Sonos Controllers" on page 2 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?
To access Internet music services, Internet radio, and any digital music stored on your computer or Network-Attached
Storage (NAS) device, your home network must meet the following requirements:
Home network requirements
Note: Your network must have a high-speed Internet connection, as the Sonos system is
designed to provide you with online software updates. Your Sonos system must be registered
to receive these updates, so be sure to register during the setup process. We do not share
your e-mail address with other companies.
• High-speed DSL/cable modem, or fiber-to-the-home broadband connection for proper playback of Internet-based
music services. (If your service provider only offers satellite Internet access, you may experience playback issues due
to fluctuating download rates.)
• If your modem is not a modem/router combination and you want to take advantage of Sonos' automatic online
updates, or stream music from an Internet-based music service, you must install a router in your home network. If you
do not have a router, purchase and install one before proceeding.
• If you are going to use a Sonos application on an Android™ smartphone, iPhone®, iPod Touch®, iPad® or other tablet,
you may need a wireless router in your home network. For more information, please visit our Web site at 
http://faq.sonos.com/apps.
• Connect at least one Sonos component to your home network router using an Ethernet cable, and then you can add all
other Sonos components wirelessly.
• For best results, you should connect the computer or NAS drive that contains your personal music library collection to
your home network router using an Ethernet cable.

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2
System requirements
• Windows® XP SP3 and higher
• Macintosh® OS X 10.6 and higher
• Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad devices running iOS 6.0 or later, certain features require higher versions
of iOS
• Android: 2.1 and higher, certain features require higher versions of Android
Note: For the latest system requirements, including supported operating system versions,
please visit our Web site at http://faq.sonos.com/specs.
Sonos Controllers
You can use any Sonos controller with the SONOS PLAY:3, including:
•Sonos Controller for Android—Touch the Play Store or Market button on your Android device to download the free
Sonos application from Google Play.
•Sonos Controller for iPhone or Sonos Controller for iPad—Touch the App Store button on your iPhone, iPod touch
or iPad to download the free Sonos controller application, or download the application from iTunes®. (If you download
from iTunes, you will need to sync before you see the Sonos logo display on your device.)
•Sonos Controller for Mac or PC—Download from our Website at: www.sonos.com/support/downloads.
•SONOS CONTROL (CR200) or CR100

SONOS PLAY:3 3
PLAY:3 Front
Note: The SONOS PLAY:3’s front grille is not removable. Tampering with the grille may result
in damage to your PLAY:3.
On/Off Your Sonos system is designed to be always on; the system uses minimal electricity
whenever it is not playing music. To quickly stop streaming audio in all rooms, select
Pause All from the Rooms menu. To stop streaming audio in one room, press the 
Play/Pause button on the player.
Status indicator Indicates the current status of the PLAY:3. When the PLAY:3 is in normal operation, you
can turn the white status indicator light on and off.
For a complete list of status indications, please go to http://faq.sonos.com/led.
Play/Pause Toggles between playing and pausing the audio in this room (defaults to restarting the
same music source when pressed unless a different source is selected).
• Press once to start or stop streaming audio
• Press twice to skip to the next track (if applicable to the selected music source)
Volume up (+) 
Volume down (-)
Press these buttons to adjust the volume up and down.

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PLAY:3 Back
Threaded mounting hole
1/4 inch 
20-thread
The SONOS PLAY:3 has an integrated mounting hole on the back of the unit so it can be wall-
mounted if desired (mounting bracket not included.) See "Wall Mounting the PLAY:3" on page 5
for more information.
Ethernet switch connector Use Category 5 Ethernet cable to connect to a router, computer, or additional network device
such as a network-attached storage (NAS) device.
LED indicators:
• Flashing Yellow (network activity)
• Green (link connection)
AC power (mains) input 
(~100-240 V, 50-60 Hz)
Use the supplied power cord to connect to a power outlet. 
Be sure to insert the power cord firmly into the back of the PLAY:3 until it is flush with the
back of the unit.

SONOS PLAY:3 5
Selecting a Location
You can locate the SONOS PLAY:3 just about anywhere. Its compact size makes it easy to place the PLAY:3 on the kitchen
counter, or take it out to the patio with you. 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 inch (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. Don’t leave it outside during a rain storm or position it near water.
Wall Mounting the PLAY:3
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, 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).

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Adding to an Existing Sonos System
Once you’ve got your Sonos music system set up, you can easily add more Sonos components any time (up to 32 rooms).
If your house has structured (built-in) network wiring, you can make a wired connection to the new Sonos component(s). If
you don’t have structured network wiring, our built-in wireless technology is ideal for you.
1. Select a location for your PLAY:3 (see "Selecting a Location" on page 5 for optimal placement guidelines.)
2. Attach the power cord to the PLAY:3, and apply power. Be sure to push the power cord firmly into the back of the PLAY:3
until it is flush with the back of the unit.
Note: If you want to make a wired connection, connect a standard Ethernet cable from your
router or another Sonos component (or a live network wall plate if you have built-in wiring) to
an Ethernet switch connection on the back of the new Sonos component.
3. Choose one of the following options:
• Using a handheld Sonos controller: Select Add a Sonos Component from the Settings menu and follow the on-screen
prompts to add this component to your Sonos system.
• Using the Sonos Controller for Mac or PC: Select Add a Sonos Component from the Manage menu and follow the
prompts to add this component to your Sonos system.

SONOS PLAY:3 7
Creating a Stereo Pair
The Stereo Pair setting allows you to group two PLAY:1s, PLAY:3s or PLAY:5s in the same room to create a wider stereo
experience. In this configuration, one unit serves as the left channel and the other serves as the right channel. You cannot
create a mixed stereo pair—the Sonos components in the stereo pair must be the same. 
If you would like to add surround speakers to a PLAYBAR configuration, see "Surround Speakers" on page 8 instead.
Optimum placement information
• When creating a stereo pair, it is best to place the two Sonos components 8 to 10 feet away from each other.
• Your favorite listening position should be 8 to 12 feet from the paired Sonos components. Less distance will increase
bass, more distance will improve stereo imaging.
Note: The Stereo Pair setting is for use with PLAY:1, PLAY:3 and PLAY:5 units only. You cannot
create a mixed stereo pair—both Sonos components in the stereo pair must be the same.
Using a handheld Sonos controller
1. Select Settings -> Room Settings.
2. Select a PLAY:3 to pair.
3. Select Create Stereo Pair, and touch Next.
4. Select the other PLAY:3 you wish to pair.

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5. Press the Volume Up button on the PLAY:3 you wish to use as the left channel.
The units automatically connect to form a stereo pair.
To separate a stereo pair:
1. Select Settings -> Room Settings.
2. Select the stereo pair you wish to separate (the stereo pair appears with L + R in the Room name.)
3. Select Separate Stereo Pair, and touch Separate to confirm.
Using the Sonos Controller for Mac or PC
1. Choose one of the following:
• Using the Sonos Controller for PC: Select Settings from the Manage menu.
• Using the Sonos Controller for Mac: Select Preferences -> Room Settings from the Sonos menu.
2. Select a PLAY:3 you want to pair from the Room Settings for drop-down list.
3. Click Create Stereo Pair and follow the prompts to set up the stereo pair.
To separate a stereo pair:
1. Choose one of the following:
• Using the Sonos Controller for PC: Select Settings from the Manage menu.
• Using the Sonos Controller for Mac: Select Preferences -> Room Settings from the Sonos menu.
2. Select the Sonos stereo pair you wish to separate from the Room Settings for drop-down (the stereo pair will appear
with L + R in the room name).
3. On the Basic tab, click Separate Stereo Pair.
4. Click Separate.
Surround Speakers
Adding surround speakers
You can easily pair two PLAY:1 or PLAY:3 speakers with a PLAYBAR to function as left and right surround channels in your
Sonos surround sound experience. You can either configure surround speakers during the setup process, or follow the steps
below to add them.
• Make sure the Sonos products are the same—you cannot combine a PLAY:1 and a PLAY:3 to function as surround
speakers.
• Be sure to follow these instructions to set up your surround speakers. Do not create a room group or stereo pair as
these will not achieve the left and right surround channel functionality.