Sonos PLAY:5 User manual

QUICKSTART GUIDE

SET IT UP
To add a SONOS PLAY:5™ to an existing SONOS
system just plug it in and select Add a SONOS
component from the Settings Menu.

CONNECT…
THE SONOS PLAY:5 TO A ROUTER WITH AN ETHERNET CABLE, OR
A SONOS BRIDGE IF YOU PREFER TO USE THE SONOS PLAY:5 WIRELESSLY
ROUTER PLAY:5 BRIDGEROUTER
OR
PLAY:5
ADD SONOS TO OTHER ROOMS OPTIONAL 
SIMPLY PLACE AND APPLY POWER

INSTALL THE SOFTWARE ON YOUR COMPUTER
Insert enclosed CD or go to
www.sonos.com/install to download.
Register to receive updates.
BRIDGE
PLAY:5
Connect Button
Mute and Volume
Up Buttons
When prompted, press and
release to add components
to your SONOS Wireless HiFi
System.
Note: FIRST add the SONOS
component that’s connected
to your router. If you have
more SONOS components, you
can add them one at a time in
any order.
Download the SONOS CONTROL APP
MOBILE/TABLETSONOS CONTROL
CHOOSE A CONTROLLER
OR

CONNECT TO YOUR HOME
NETWORK
Be sure you have the ideal home
network requirements.
A high-speed DSL/cable modem, or a fiber-optic
connection will guarantee optimal playback.
With Satellite Internet access you may experience
issues due to fluctuating download rates.
Install a router in your home if you
don’t have one.
A router allows you to stream from web services
and Internet radios, and to receive SONOS’
automatic soware updates.
A wireless router is needed if you use a smartphone
or a tablet with your system.
EN
PLAY MUSIC
Go to the Music Menu on your SONOS
CONTROL and choose.
Music Folders
Play tunes from your computer or any network-attached
storage (NAS) device.
If you want to add a new folder to the index, select
Music Library Management - Music Library Setup -
Add New Share.
If you add new tunes to a shared folder, you need to
update the index. Go to the Settings menu and select
Music Library Management - Update Music Index Now.
Radio
Use the SONOS Radio Guide to access more than
100,000 Internet stations from all over the world,
free of charge.
Music Services
SONOS is compatible with most music services, check
the latest list to discover which ones are available
in your country at www.sonos.com/music/partners.
To add a music service you are subscribed to, select
More Music from the Music Menu and select the music
service you would like to add. Add your music service
account credentials. Once your credentials are verified
the music service will appear on the Music Menu.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Website
www.sonos.com/support
Email
[email protected]
Product User Guides
www.sonos.com/guides
www.sonos.com
©2004-2011 Sonos Inc. All rights reserved. SONOS, THE WIRELESS HI-FI SYSTEM,
PLAY:5 and all other Sonos product names and slogans are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Sonos, Inc. SONOS Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off.

SONOS PLAY:5
(Formerly S5)
Product Guide

THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION THAT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including but not limited to
photocopying, recording, information retrieval systems, or computer network without the written permission of Sonos, Inc.
SONOS and all other Sonos product names and slogans are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sonos, Inc. SONOS Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off.
Sonos products may be protected by one or more patents. Our patent-to-product information can be found here:
sonos.com/legal/patents
iPhone®, iPod®, iPad® and iTunes® are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
Android® is a trademark of Google, Inc.
MPEG Layer-3 audio decoding technology licensed from Fraunhofer IIS and Thomson.
Sonos uses MSNTP software, which was developed by N.M. Maclaren at the University of Cambridge.
© Copyright, N.M. Maclaren, 1996, 1997, 2000; © Copyright, University of Cambridge, 1996, 1997, 2000.
All other products and services mentioned may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.
©2004-2012 by Sonos, Inc. All rights reserved.

The SONOS PLAY:5
The SONOS PLAY:5 is a wireless music system that lets you use any Sonos controller (see "Sonos Controllers" on page 2) to
control and enjoy all the music you want all over your house.
• Creates room-filling, high-performance sound using a five-way speaker system driven by five digital amplifiers.
• Travels easily— compact size and molded handle make it easy to place the PLAY:5 on the kitchen counter or take it
out to the patio with you.
• Works seamlessly with the complete range of Sonos products.
New to Sonos?
It takes just a few steps to get your Sonos system up and running. See "Your Home Network" on page 2 to make sure your
home network is ready for Sonos, and then turn to the Quick Start Guide packaged with your PLAY:5 (formerly S5). Once
you’ve set up your music system, you can add additional Sonos components any time.
Adding to an existing Sonos system?
The Sonos system can be easily expanded room by room. If you are adding this PLAY:5 to an existing Sonos system, you can
turn directly to "Adding to an Existing Sonos System" on page 5.
Note: If you don’t plan to listen to music in the room where your broadband router is
located, you can connect a SONOS BRIDGE™ (purchased separately) to your router to activate
the SonosNet™ wireless mesh network, and place the PLAY:5 wherever you want to listen to
music.

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2
Your Home Network
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:
Network requirements
• High-speed DSL/Cable modem, or fiber-to-the-home broadband connection for proper playback of Internet-based
music services. (If your Internet 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. Please visit our Web site at http://faq.sonos.com/apps for
more information.
• Connect at least one Sonos component to your home network router using an Ethernet cable, and then you can add
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.
Compatible operating systems
• Windows® XP SP3 and higher
• Macintosh® OS X 10.6 and higher
Sonos Controllers
You can use any Sonos controller with the SONOS PLAY:5, including:
• The Sonos Controller for Android — Tap the Market button on your Android smartphone or tablet to download the free
Sonos controller application.
• The Sonos Controller for iPhone or Sonos Controller for iPad — Tap 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.)
•The Sonos Controller for Mac or PC. Download from our Website at: www.sonos.com/support/downloads.
• The SONOS CONTROL (CR200) or CR100
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.
Note: Please visit our Web site at http://faq.sonos.com/specs for the latest system
requirements, including supported operating system versions.

SONOS PLAY:5 3
SONOS PLAY:5 Front
Note: The SONOS PLAY:5’s front grille is not removable. Tampering with the grille may result
in damage to your PLAY:5.
On/Off
• Using a Sonos controller, select Pause All from the
ROOMS pane (the Rooms menu on the CONTROL).
Your Sonos system is designed to be always on; the system uses minimal electricity
whenever it is not playing music. To quickly stop streaming music in all rooms, you can
use the Pause All feature to stop the music everywhere.
Status indicator
• Flashes white when powering up or connecting to
your Sonos system.
• Solid white when powered up and connected to
your Sonos system (normal operation).
Indicates the current status of that Sonos component. When the Sonos component is in
normal operation, you can turn the white status indicator light on and off. For additional
information, see the online help system included with your Sonos Controller for Mac or
PC.
For a complete list of status indications, please go to http://faq.sonos.com/led.
Mute button
• Lights solid green when sound is muted.
• Flashes green rapidly when household mute or
unmute is about to take place.
• Flashes green slowly when Sonos component is
connecting to your music system.
To mute/unmute this Sonos component: Press the Mute button to mute or unmute this
Sonos component.
To mute/unmute all Sonos components: Press and hold the Mute button for 3 seconds to
mute all Sonos components in your household. Press and hold for 3 seconds to unmute
all Sonos components.
Volume up (+)
Volume down (-)
Press these buttons to adjust the volume up and down.

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4
SONOS PLAY:5 Back
Acoustic port / handle The acoustic port doubles as a handle so you can easily lift and carry the PLAY:5 from
room to room. Please do not block or obstruct this port when the PLAY:5 is playing music.
Ethernet switch connectors (2) 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 power outlet.
3,5mm (1/8") stereo audio in
(2V)
Use the supplied 3,5mm to 3,5mm stereo audio cable to connect the audio outputs from
a portable music player to the PLAY:5’s analog audio input.
To connect a different audio component, such as a CD player, use a 3,5mm (1/8") mini-
stereo to RCA audio cable. Plug the mini-stereo end into the audio input on the S5 and
plug the RCA end into the audio outputs on the audio component.
3,5mm (1/8") headphone jack Headphone jack accepts any standard 3,5mm (1/8") headphone plug.

SONOS PLAY:5 5
Selecting a Location for Your PLAY:5
You can position the SONOS PLAY:5 wherever you find the sound most enjoyable. Its compact size and inset handle make it
easy to place the PLAY:5 on the kitchen counter, or carry it out to the patio with you. For maximum performance, we have a
few guidelines:
• The SONOS PLAY:5 is designed to sound best when placed 3 to 12 inches (8-30 cm) from a wall.
• Place the PLAY:5 across the room from where you will be listening.
• Don’t block the acoustic port when in use.
• Locate the PLAY:5 at least 12 inches (30 cm) from a television, computer, or other monitor to avoid the possibility of
picture quality interference.
• The PLAY:5 is not water-resistant. Don’t leave it outside during a rain storm or position it near water.
Adding to an Existing Sonos System
Once you’ve got your Sonos system set up, you can easily add more Sonos components to any room any time (up to 32
rooms).
If your house has structured (built-in) wiring, you can make a wired connection to the additional Sonos components. If you
don’t have structured wiring, our built-in wireless technology is ideal for you.
1. Select a location for your SONOS PLAY:5 (see "Selecting a Location for Your PLAY:5" for optimal placement guidelines.)
2. Attach the power cord to the PLAY:5, and apply power.
3. If you are making a wireless connection, skip this step and continue on to step 4. If you are making 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 one of the Ethernet switch connections on the back of the new Sonos component.
4. 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.
Creating a Stereo Pair
The Stereo Pair setting allows you to group two PLAY:3s or two 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 combine a
PLAY:3 and PLAY:5 unit—the Sonos components in the stereo pair must be the same.
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, angled
inward to form a triangle with your favorite listening position.

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6
• Your favorite listening position should be 8 to 12 feet from the PLAY:3 or PLAY:5 units. Less distance will increase bass,
more distance will improve stereo imaging.
Using a handheld Sonos controller
1. Select Settings -> Room Settings.
2. Select one of the Sonos components you wish to create a stereo pair with (PLAY:3 or PLAY:5 only).
3. Select Create Stereo Pair, and touch Next.
4. Select the other unit you wish to pair.
5. Press the Mute button on the Sonos component you wish to become the left channel.
The units automatically connect to form a stereo pair.
Note: The Stereo Pair setting is for use with PLAY:3 and PLAY:5 units only. Both Sonos
components in the stereo pair must be the same.

SONOS PLAY:5 7
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 one of the Sonos components (PLAY:3 or PLAY:5 only) you wish to pair from the Room Settings for drop-down list.
3. On the Basic tab, click Create Stereo Pair and then click Next.
4. Select the other unit you want to pair, and then click Next.
5. Press the Mute button on the Sonos component that will become the left channel.
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.
Playing Music
You can use any Sonos controller to make a music selection — simply touch to select from the Music menu on a handheld
controller, or click to select from the MUSIC pane within the Sonos Controller for Mac or PC.
Radio
Sonos includes a radio guide that provides immediate access to thousands of free Internet radio stations and broadcast
programs. You can easily find radio from all over the world—music, news, and variety programming, including archived
shows and podcasts.
To select an Internet radio station, simply select Radio and choose a station.
Music services
A music service is an online music store or online service that sells audio on a per-song, per audiobook, or subscription basis.
Sonos is compatible with several music services - you can visit our Website at www.sonos.com/howitworks/music/partners

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for the latest list. (Some music services may not be available in your country. Please check the individual music service’s Web
site for more information.)
If you are currently subscribed to a music service that’s compatible with Sonos, simply add your music service user name and
password information to Sonos and you’ll have instant access to the music service from your Sonos system.
1. To add a music service, touch More Music from the Music menu on your handheld controller.
2. Select the Sonos-compatible music service you would like to add.
3. Select I already have an account. Type your music service user name and password, and then touch OK. Your user
name and password will be verified with the music service.
Once your credentials have been verified, this music service will display on the Music menu so any time you want to listen to
this music service, simply touch Music menu, select the music service, and touch a selection.
Free music service trials are available in some countries. (Please check the individual music service’s Web site for more
information.) If there is a music service trial visible on your More Music menu, simply touch it to select. Touch I’m new to
[music service], and then follow the prompts to activate the music trial. After the trial period is up, you will need to
subscribe to the music service to keep the music playing.
Music folders
The Sonos system can play music from any computer or network-attached storage (NAS) device on your home network
where you have shared music folders. During the setup process, you are guided through the process of accessing your
shared music folders (such as your iTunes library). Over time, you may wish to add or remove folders from this list.
To make changes to your shared folders list, select the Settings menu from a handheld Sonos controller and then choose
one of the following options:
• To add a new music folder to Sonos, select Manage Music Library -> Music Library Setup -> Add New Share.
• To remove a music folder, select Manage Music Library -> Music Library Setup. Touch the share you wish to remove
and then select Remove Share.
The Sonos system indexes your music folders so you can view your music collection by categories (such as artists, albums,
composers, genres, or tracks.) If you add new music to a folder that is already indexed, simply update your music index to
add this music to your Sonos music library.
•Toupdateyourmusic index, select Manage Music Library -> Update Music Index Now. If you’d like your music index
to update automatically each day, select Schedule Music Index Updates and then select a music index update time.
Using Headphones
The SONOS PLAY:5 has a headphone jack you can utilize for private listening. The headphone jack is auto detecting—plug in
a pair of headphones and the PLAY:5’s built-in speakers automatically mute. When you unplug the headphones, the speakers
automatically come back on.
When headphones are plugged in, a headphone icon is visible on the Volume screen of a Sonos controller.
Note: If you don’t hear sound coming from your PLAY:5, check to make sure there are no
headphones plugged into the back of the unit.

SONOS PLAY:5 9
1. Plug a pair of headphones into the headphone jack. (Sonos will automatically drop the volume level down to 25%.)
2. Put on your headphones and increase the volume to a comfortable listening volume.
3. Remove the headphone jack from the back of the PLAY:5 when you are ready to resume listening through the built-in
speakers.
Using Line-In
You can connect an external source, such as a portable music player, to your SONOS PLAY:5. The device will be automatically
detected as soon as you plug it in.
• To connect a portable music player, use the supplied 1/8" (3,5mm) stereo audio cable to plug a music player into the
Audio In connection on the back of your S5.
• To connect another external source, such as a CD player, you can use a 1/8" (3,5mm) mini-stereo to RCA audio cable.
Plug the mini-stereo end into the S5, and plug the RCA end into the audio outputs on the external device.
Using a handheld Sonos controller:
• To play music from this line-in source, select Line-In from the Music menu, select the source, and select Play Now.
• To change the name of this device, select Room Settings from the Settings menu. Select the Sonos component this
source is connected to, and then touch Line-In Source Name. Select a new name from the list, or type a unique name.
• To change the line-in level, select Room Settings from the Settings menu. Select the Sonos component this source is
connected to, and then touch Line-In Source Level. Select a new level.
Using the Sonos Controller for Mac or PC:
• To play music from this source select Line-In from the MUSIC pane, click next to the music source, and select Play
Now.
• To change the settings for this device:
• Select Manage -> Settings (PC) or Sonos -> Preferences -> Room Settings (Mac).
• Select the Sonos component from the Room Settings for drop-down list.
•ClicktheLine-In tab and update the settings.
A default (typical) line-in level is automatically assigned when you select a source name, but if the volume sounds too low,
you can select a higher line level for this device. (You may experience sound distortion at higher volume levels if you set the
level too high.)
For additional information on connecting audio devices, you can go to our Web site at http://faq.sonos.com/cables.
Equalization Settings
You can easily change the sound settings (bass, treble, balance, or loudness) for a Sonos component.
1. Using a handheld controller, select Settings -> Room Settings.
2. Touch to select a room.
Note: Long term exposure to music played at high volume through headphones can cause
permanent hearing damage.

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10
3. Select Music Equalization, and then drag your finger across the bass, treble, or balance sliders to make adjustments.
4. To change the Loudness setting, select On or Off. (The loudness setting boosts certain frequencies, including bass, to
improve the sound at low volume.)
Basic Troubleshooting
If a problem occurs, you can try the troubleshooting suggestions listed below. If one of these doesn’t remedy the problem, or
you are not sure how to proceed, please contact the Sonos Customer Support team and we’ll be happy to help.
Sonos component not detected during setup
A network or a firewall issue may be preventing the Sonos component from connecting to your Sonos system. If this is a
wireless Sonos component, try moving the Sonos components closer together, or wire the component temporarily to see if
the problem is related to wireless interference.
If you encounter this message when installing the first Sonos component (wired to your router), you can try the steps below
to resolve this issue. If you are still experiencing problems, please contact Sonos Customer Support.
1. Check the firewall
Firewall software installed on the computer may be blocking the ports that Sonos uses to operate. First, disable all your
firewalls and try to connect again. If this resolves the problem, you should configure your firewall to work with the Sonos
Controller for Mac or PC. Please go to our Web site at http://faq.sonos.com/firewall for additional information. If this does not
resolve the problem, you can try step 2 below.
2. Check the router
You can bypass your router’s switch to determine whether there are any router configuration issues by connecting Sonos as
depicted in the following illustration (note that the BRIDGE and the computer still have Internet access in this configuration):
Warning: Under no circumstances should the product 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. Do not open the system as there is a risk of electric
shock.

SONOS PLAY:5 11
• Be sure that your cable/DSL modem is connected to the router’s WAN (Internet) port.
• Temporarily remove any other components that are wired to your network.
• Connect an Ethernet cable from the computer directly to the back of the SONOS BRIDGE, and then connect another
Ethernet cable from the BRIDGE directly to one of the LAN ports on your router.
• When you make a change to your network configuration, you may need to power cycle the BRIDGE by unplugging the
power cord, and then plugging it back in.
• If you are not using a router, you can visit our Web site at http://faq.sonos.com/norouter for more information.
3. Check the wiring
Check the link/activity lights on both the router and the Sonos component. The link lights should be lit solid and the activity
lights should be blinking.
• If the link lights are not lit, try connecting to a different port on your router.
• If the link lights still do not light, try connecting a different Ethernet cable.
Not all rooms are visible
You are probably experiencing wireless interference. Change the wireless channel your Sonos system is operating on by
following the steps below.
• Using a handheld Sonos controller: From the Settings menu, touch Advanced Settings, and then Wireless Channel.
Choose another wireless channel from the list.
• Using the Sonos Controller for PC: Select Settings -> Advanced Settings from the Manage menu. On the General tab,
select another wireless channel from the list.
• Using the Sonos Controller for Mac: Select Preferences -> Advanced Settings from the Sonos menu. On the General
tab, select another wireless channel from the list.

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12
It may take several seconds for the switch to take effect. If you have music playing, a short music dropout may occur during
the wireless channel change.
Important Safety Information
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry soft cloth. Household cleaners or solvents can damage the finish on your Sonos components.
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. Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
14. Do not expose apparatus to dripping or splashing and do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the
apparatus.