Sound quality: Sonos' Play:3 (S3) had very good overall sound quality when used as a single stereo unit. Bass has good impact, but lacks the very lowest bass. Midrange is smooth and even, but a little soft and can sound over-rich with some program material. Treble doesn't sound extended in single-speaker mode. The speaker generally recovers room ambience well, but lacks some fine detail. The treble lacks a sense of air and treble sounds that should be off to the side in a stereo mix get pulled to the center. When two of these units are used as a stereo (left/right) pair, the sound quality improves to excellent: Though it still lacks the very lowest bass, midrange is smooth and even and becomes very neutral--though a hint of constriction becomes evident--and treble becomes very even and extended. The stereo pair has very good room ambience recovery and treble air, fine detail improves, and treble sounds that are off to the side stay in their proper position. The system can provide satisfying volume in a medium sized room when used as a single unit or as a stereo pair.
Ease of use: We found the system's ease of use to be very good overall. Connecting to a WiFi network was fairly straight forward - download the free Sonos program on your computer, or free Sonos app on your Apple or Android mobile device and follow the step by step directions. The Sonos software provides a comprehensive, easy-to-use control panel on the computer; the volume and mute controls located on the speaker are well marked and easy to use, and the Sonos app for Apple or Android smartphones, or tablets, or the iPod Touch allows these devices to function as full featured remote controls that are easy to use.
