For the first time ever, you can get all the bones of a single-room Sonos setup for under $200. Now we're getting somewhere. October 14, 2013 6:47 AM PDT Despite its lower price and smaller size, the new Sonos Play:1 is a winner. (Credit: Sonos) I never thought I'd see the day when a Sonos product made the pages of The Cheapskate. Though I've long been a fan of the company's speaker systems, I'd never consider buying one. They're crazy-overpriced. That said, you have to admire Sonos for sticking to its guns as a higher-end home-audio maker. Obviously there are lots of buyers willing to pay a premium for their gear, as evidenced by the fact that they're still around after all these years. I still think Sonos stuff is overpriced. But a deal's a deal, and this is a rare one: For a limited time, you can get a free Sonos Bridge when you buy the new Sonos Play:1 speaker (or, in fact, any Sonos speaker). It would normally run you $50. The Play:1 is news itself: It's priced at $199.99, making it the least-expensive Sonos speaker ever, and the first that seems truly competitive with the current crop of AirPlay and Bluetooth speakers. Finally, you don't have to pay extra for a Sonos Bridge when you buy a Sonos speaker. (Credit: Sonos) Of course, to really make the most of it (and, indeed, the entire Play lineup), you need that wireless-connectivity bridge, which plugs into your router so you can distribute one or more Play speakers throughout you home. Otherwise you'd need wired Ethernet connections. That's long been a sticking point with me: Not only do I have to pay a premium for the speakers, now I have to tack on another $50 for an extra box? Not this time. To get the deal, just add the bridge and your choice of speaker(s) to your cart; the discount on the former will appear at checkout. So with the Play:1, Sonos has engineered a smaller, less-expensive speaker designed for wider appeal. That must mean smaller sound and fewer features, right? Not according to CNET's Matthew Moskovciak, who just reviewed the Play:1 and awarded it an Editors' Choice. Indeed, if you're looking to start building a multi-room sound system, here's your chance to do it for less than ever before. I'm still not sure the hardware is worth the high price, but I'm definitely glad to see the bridge bundled with it. Your thoughts? Bonus deal: Just for comparison's sake, World Wide Stereo has the Boston Acoustics MC200 Air wireless AirPlay speaker for $139.99 shipped when you apply coupon code DNEWSAIR at checkout. Much larger (and more powerful) than the Sonos, it lists for $199.99 and normally sells for around $150. Check the mostly positive user reviews at Amazon. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Curious about what exactly The Cheapskate does and how it works? Read our FAQ. Read the full CNET Review Sonos Play:1 (white) The bottom line: The Sonos Play:1 finally brings the company's wireless audio magic to the masses, in a fantastically designed compact speaker that's just $199. Read Full Review
For the first time ever, you can get all the bones of a single-room Sonos setup for under $200. Now we're getting somewhere.
Despite its lower price and smaller size, the new Sonos Play:1 is a winner.
(Credit: Sonos)
I never thought I'd see the day when a Sonos product made the pages of The Cheapskate. Though I've long been a fan of the company's speaker systems, I'd never consider buying one. They're crazy-overpriced.
That said, you have to admire Sonos for sticking to its guns as a higher-end home-audio maker. Obviously there are lots of buyers willing to pay a premium for their gear, as evidenced by the fact that they're still around after all these years.
I still think Sonos stuff is overpriced. But a deal's a deal, and this is a rare one: For a limited time, you can get a free Sonos Bridge when you buy the new Sonos Play:1 speaker (or, in fact, any Sonos speaker). It would normally run you $50.
The Play:1 is news itself: It's priced at $199.99, making it the least-expensive Sonos speaker ever, and the first that seems truly competitive with the current crop of AirPlay and Bluetooth speakers.
Finally, you don't have to pay extra for a Sonos Bridge when you buy a Sonos speaker.
(Credit: Sonos)
Of course, to really make the most of it (and, indeed, the entire Play lineup), you need that wireless-connectivity bridge, which plugs into your router so you can distribute one or more Play speakers throughout you home. Otherwise you'd need wired Ethernet connections. That's long been a sticking point with me: Not only do I have to pay a premium for the speakers, now I have to tack on another $50 for an extra box?
Not this time. To get the deal, just add the bridge and your choice of speaker(s) to your cart; the discount on the former will appear at checkout.
So with the Play:1, Sonos has engineered a smaller, less-expensive speaker designed for wider appeal. That must mean smaller sound and fewer features, right? Not according to CNET's Matthew Moskovciak, who just reviewed the Play:1 and awarded it an Editors' Choice.
Indeed, if you're looking to start building a multi-room sound system, here's your chance to do it for less than ever before. I'm still not sure the hardware is worth the high price, but I'm definitely glad to see the bridge bundled with it. Your thoughts?
Bonus deal: Just for comparison's sake, World Wide Stereo has the Boston Acoustics MC200 Air wireless AirPlay speaker for $139.99 shipped when you apply coupon code DNEWSAIR at checkout. Much larger (and more powerful) than the Sonos, it lists for $199.99 and normally sells for around $150. Check the mostly positive user reviews at Amazon.
Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.
Curious about what exactly The Cheapskate does and how it works? Read our FAQ.
Sonos Play:1 (white)
The bottom line: The Sonos Play:1 finally brings the company's wireless audio magic to the masses, in a fantastically designed compact speaker that's just $199. Read Full Review
