Pure Jongo S3 vs Sonos Play 1 vs ???

[Franklioni]

Hello!

I'm in a bit of a predicament in that I want to get a good sounding network player that I can move around the house (including the bathroom) and maybe out into the garden in the summer.

I have just bought the Sonos Play 1 and the sound quality was perfect for the price and requirements but unfortunately the portability was a little bit of a let down given that you have to have it plugged into the WiFi network via the bridge so, alas, it went back to the store today and now I'm looking for some help.

Finding good alternitves to demo here in Sweden is a little tough so maybe some of you can offer alternatives that I can try and check out on my visit to the UK next week? The only alternative I see right now is the Pure Jongo S3 and as I prefer Android I would like it to be bluetooth...however I do have an iPhone 5 or ipad I could use to stream via Airplay if there are any standout candidates.

Thanks,

F

 

[Andy Clough]

The new Bose SoundTouch speakers stream over wi-fi and have AirPlay, so might be worth considering. They're also planning some outdoor models apparently. We haven't had a chance to test them yet though:

http://www.whathifi.com/news/bose-soundtouch-wireless-systems-take-aim-at-sonos

 

[philipjohnwright]

I've just had all 4 Jongos at home to try them out / review them for a small publication. I have to say the S3 was the one that impressed me least. Sound wise it was OK but no more, operationally it was a bit of a faff given it has both Bluetooth and Pure's proprietary system. It does look good though. I haven't heard the Sonos 1 so can't compare them.

An alternative would be the Bluetooth version of Tivoli's PAL, which can be battery powered. I've had the non-Blutooth version since it first came out 13 years or so ago and it is still giving me good service and sounding very good - particularly if you like a midrange focussed sound. Only issue is the UK price, which at £239 is over the top a little.

Or for a left-field option look at the Yamaha PDX-B11, which can also be battery powered. It has marmite looks (I loved them but many don't), and is not the last word in build quality. The sound is also slightly ragged, or perhaps enthusiastic is a better phrase. It's great fun though - the bass is good, which means it has a very big sound (bettering the £200 Jongo T4 in scale). I rather fell for it, particularly as you can get it for £100 here in the UK. Oh and if the bass is a little over exuberant just plug the rear port with some tissue paper, works a treat.

 

[Franklioni]

Thank you very much for the feedback gents!

:cheers:

 

[Franklioni]

Thank you very much for the feedback gents!

:cheers:

 

[Tarxman]

I'm not exactly an advocate for Sonos, but I have been extremely impressed with the performance of the play 1.