I'm a newbie here and feel out of my depth, but welcome some advice from anyone about smart speakers

[robin tomlinson]

I am in the market for a smart speaker but am unclear about how to approach selection. For a few years I have used a sonos 1. with an amazon alexa voice recognition. Sonos sound was really good, but I had problems with connectivity of the alexa device. I finished having to control sonos via a phone app.
Now I would like to star afresh with a new smart speaker with sound quality as good as sonos and with voice activation.
I listen to music (jazz, big band , and older classics stevie wonder, earth wind and fire, sinatra ) but also need to be able to listen to radio, (bbc 2,4,6 music, virgin, classic fm).
If anyone could give advice particularly about ability to access radio progs. with a smart speaker that would be really helpful.

 

[nopiano]

Welcome, Robin!

Does this article help? Most of these can be ordered to try and return, though you might be able to audition a couple if you go to a John Lewis store. That is if you’re in the UK.

https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/best-alexa-speakers-the-best-alexa-enabled-smart-speakers

 

[Gray]

stevie wonder, earth wind and fire

Great music like that deserves to be heard properly Robin.
I'm not saying smart speakers are bad - I might even buy one myself - when hell freezes over.

Seriously, you've got a decent hi-fi to play your music on right?

 

[bigboss]

I am in the market for a smart speaker but am unclear about how to approach selection. For a few years I have used a sonos 1. with an amazon alexa voice recognition. Sonos sound was really good, but I had problems with connectivity of the alexa device. I finished having to control sonos via a phone app.
Now I would like to star afresh with a new smart speaker with sound quality as good as sonos and with voice activation.
I listen to music (jazz, big band , and older classics stevie wonder, earth wind and fire, sinatra ) but also need to be able to listen to radio, (bbc 2,4,6 music, virgin, classic fm).
If anyone could give advice particularly about ability to access radio progs. with a smart speaker that would be really helpful.

You can choose Google Assistant on Sonos One. You don't need to buy anything else.

 

[twinkletoes]

What big boss said. If have money burning a hole, add a second speaker for proper stereo play back.

if you fancy some extra thump add one of the Sonos subs.

other than that as said above.

 

[robin tomlinson]

My thanks to you all. Great response and I will look around to follow your advice.

 

[SteveR750]

A pair of Play5s in stereo pair, and a sub is much better than it has any right to be!

 

[jjbomber]

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