1. Introduction
The Sonos Play:5 (2009) is a wireless smart speaker designed to deliver high-quality audio for your home sound system. It integrates with the Sonos ecosystem, allowing for multi-room audio streaming and control via a dedicated application.
Key features include:
- Six amplifiers with six dedicated speaker drivers for room-filling sound.
- Ability to play different songs in different rooms or synchronize one song throughout your home.
- Three custom-designed woofers for rich bass and a sealed architecture to minimize reverb.
- Integrated touch sensors for volume and track control directly on the device.
2. Product Overview
The Sonos Play:5 (2009) features a robust design with intuitive controls. Below is an image illustrating the speaker's appearance.

Figure 1: Front view of the Sonos Play:5 (2009) wireless smart speaker in black, showcasing its minimalist design and speaker grille.
2.1 What's in the Box
- Sonos Play:5 Speaker
- AC Power Cord
- Ethernet Cable
- Quickstart Guide
3. Setup
Follow these steps to set up your Sonos Play:5 speaker:
- Unpack the Speaker: Carefully remove the Sonos Play:5 from its packaging.
- Power Connection: Connect the AC power cord to the speaker and then to a power outlet.
- Download the Sonos App: Download and install the Sonos app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. The app is essential for controlling and configuring your speaker.
- Initial Network Connection: For the initial setup of your first Sonos product, an Ethernet cable connection to your router may be required. Connect the provided Ethernet cable from the speaker to your network router. Once the initial setup is complete, the speaker can operate wirelessly.
- Follow In-App Instructions: Open the Sonos app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your Play:5 to your Wi-Fi network and integrate it into your Sonos system. This process includes naming your speaker and adding music services.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Controlling Playback
- Sonos App: The primary method of control is through the Sonos app. Use it to select music, adjust volume, create playlists, and manage your entire Sonos system.
- Touch Controls: The Play:5 features integrated touch sensors on the speaker itself for basic controls:
- Tap to play/pause.
- Swipe right to skip to the next track.
- Swipe left to go to the previous track.
- Tap the volume up/down areas to adjust volume.
4.2 Music Sources
The Sonos Play:5 supports various music sources:
- Streaming Services: Integrate popular music streaming services like Pandora directly through the Sonos app.
- Local Music Library: Play music stored on your computer or network-attached storage (NAS) device.
- Internet Radio: Access a wide range of internet radio stations.
4.3 Advanced Features
- Stereo Pairing: Combine two Play:5 speakers in the same room to create a dedicated left and right channel for a wider soundstage.
- Multi-Room Audio: Group multiple Sonos speakers together to play the same music in perfect sync across different rooms, or play different music in each room.
- Equalization (EQ): Adjust bass and treble settings via the Sonos app to customize the sound to your preference and room acoustics.
5. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Sonos Play:5 speaker, follow these general maintenance guidelines:
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the speaker's exterior. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, solvents, or sprays directly on the speaker.
- Placement: Place the speaker on a stable, flat surface. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in areas with high humidity.
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow around the speaker to prevent overheating. Do not block any vents.
- Software Updates: Regularly update the Sonos app and speaker firmware as prompted to benefit from new features, improvements, and security enhancements.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Sonos Play:5, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- No Sound:
- Check if the speaker is powered on and the power cord is securely connected.
- Verify the volume level in the Sonos app and on the speaker's touch controls.
- Ensure the correct music source is selected in the app.
- Connectivity Issues (Wi-Fi):
- Confirm your Wi-Fi network is operational.
- Restart your router and the Sonos Play:5 speaker.
- Ensure the speaker is within range of your Wi-Fi router.
- If issues persist, try connecting the speaker directly to your router with an Ethernet cable for diagnosis or re-setup.
- App Not Connecting to Speaker:
- Ensure your device running the Sonos app is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the speaker.
- Restart the Sonos app.
- Restart your smartphone/tablet/computer.
- Distorted Sound:
- Reduce the volume level.
- Check the EQ settings in the Sonos app and adjust if necessary.
- Ensure the audio source quality is adequate.
For more detailed troubleshooting and support, refer to the official Sonos user manual PDF or visit the Sonos support website.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Play:5 |
| Speaker Type | Smart Speaker |
| Special Feature | Wireless |
| Recommended Uses | Music |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop, Personal Computer, Smartphone, Tablet |
| Surround Sound Channel Configuration | 2.0 |
| Color | Black |
| Product Dimensions | 8"D x 14.3"W x 6"H |
| Item Weight | 14 Pounds |
| Is Waterproof | FALSE |
| Control Method | Voice |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Wi-Fi |
| Power Source | AC |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Supported Internet Services | Pandora |
| UPC | 878269001690 |
| Manufacturer | Sonos |
| Item model number | PL5G2US1BLK |
| Date First Available | September 28, 2015 |
| Speaker Maximum Output Power | 125 Watts |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi |
| Audio Output Mode | Mono, Stereo |
8. Warranty and Support
The Sonos Play:5 (2009) typically comes with a 12-month warranty from the date of purchase. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to your purchase documentation or the official Sonos website.
For further assistance, detailed instructions, or to download the complete user manual in PDF format, please visit the official Sonos support resources:
- Official User Manual (PDF): Download PDF
- Manufacturer: Sonos





