Like so many things these days- there is such variety in new technology, you really need to do your homework to find out what is the best fit for you and what is "worth" it.
This is my experience, YMMV.
caveat: I had a relative who worked for Sonos for several years who turned me on to Sonos and I got all my speakers at a discount- I would have eventually put aside other things to save up for the Sonos because once I had one speaker, it wasn't enough- I wanted it in the whole house. Everyone in the house can listen to whatever music they want in whatever room they are in (I have 2 teens). I started with one single speaker and then kept expanding with more speakers, sound bar, and finally the sub.
We had a nice "stereo" system that was slowly falling apart - and it could only hook up 2 sets of speakers and were wired. I was ready to go wireless- and add speakers to any room or spot in my house/yard.
I love the fact that I now have sound in virtually every room and can move any speaker(s) anywhere or outside for entertaining.
Do you own an existsing system? (esp a high end one with lots of speakers?) If you have already made an investment, you might want to look into either the Sonos Connect or a different system to give you the access to streaming.
Sonos is pricey- but so isn't Bose or HEOS and a many others - what seems to differentiate Sonos is not just their hardware, but their Software. Software interface -on the PC, any smartphone or tablet is intuitive and easy to use. For me, this really sets them apart. To easily create/update playlists from your phone/tablet or computer. The first year I used Sonos- it was nice and a big step up from the Roku music player I tried and hated, but I still didn't have the desire to expand until I started noticing changes to the Software and the features that were updated and added. This system is more than just the speakers- but that you will always get the latest updates to the software and new features.
Are you technical or do you want something close to plug and play? I am technical- but when it comes to music and ability to just turn it on an listen was what mattered to me. I don't want to fiddle with it or deal with updates or technical issues. I already spend enough time on the computer updating/fixing things, when I want to listen to music, I don't want to have to work for it. The early years of Sonos had some glitches here and there, speakers dropping out of the network, etc. but it appears they have done a great job with their software updates and the system has worked flawlessly the last couple years.
If you do need help- they have pretty darn good support.
We have a friend who works for Bose says the bose wireless speakers are good and got one cheap as an employee- but it still does not compare to the Sonos on many levels- the abililty to connect to certain streaming sources and their software.
If you can get to a store (Best Buy?) that might be able to demo the sonos (not just listen, but use the app - what they call the controller) - it's worth checking out - using the app and how I can connect to various streaming sources, or play music from my PC, tablet, phone.... are a huge bonus. (you can create playlists that mix music from your PC and google play, or amazon...etc) You can search for a song or artist- and it will search ALL of your sources that are searchable. You can use any smartphone- apple or adroid... my teens have friends who come over and can download the app and play the music on their phones...
CONS: (these don't matter to me, but I've heard these criticisms)
-you can't stream from your "Computer" - this is not a set of computer speakers- you import your Digital music library (itunes or other) into your Sonos library. You don't play youtube videos, etc.
-You need wifi. These are not bluetooth speakers you can take out to the park. You can use it outside your house as long as it is in range of your wifi. We did take a pair when we rented a vacation home with wifi. We didn't have access to our music library on our computer, but could stream online music sources and play music from our phones/tablets.
-They are "wireless" but they need power- so an outlet or extension cord is needed. I find this to be a bonus- Battery life- even high end lithium ion have a shelf life. I have found not all the devices allow you to replace the battery easily.
So overall, these speakers are not "audiofile" quality, but darn good sound and the ability to search new music through different sources and customize playlists, mix and match which speakers I want to play at any given moment or adjust the volume on all or any individual speakers- all with a few taps on my phone/device - that is something I have not had anyone tell me they can do with their system. You have to decide which features would be worth it for you.
Also, with the Sound bar on the TV, - that itself is another speaker that can be used just to play music, like any other speaker not just from the TV. Or, share what soundbar is playing on the TV to any (or all) of the other speakers.
the individual aspects of Sonos may not be a big deal in and of themselves, but collectively, we all use all the features -there are plenty of things I'd give up before the Sonos.
If you just want to get your feet wet- then get a Play1 - and use all the services - importing your library- etc. The Play5 is nice, but not worth it if you really don't use the music services or the features of the app...
