RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
The £68 asking price for this used Sonos ZonePlayer S5 is slightly ambitious, sitting just above the 75th percentile of £64 from our ground truth data, though it remains close to the median of £53. While not a bargain, the price reflects the unit’s legacy status as a first-generation streaming hub that paved the way for modern Sonos systems. Given its age and the fact that it has been replaced by more advanced models, buyers should expect this to be a niche purchase rather than a mainstream deal.
This ZonePlayer S5 remains worthwhile for its robust all-in-one design, capable of streaming from Rhapsody, Pandora, and local collections without iTunes DRM restrictions. Its enduring appeal lies in its original-owner condition and the rarity of finding a working early-gen hub with included accessories. For enthusiasts valuing historical audio tech or seeking a reliable, self-contained streaming box, this listing offers a solid buying opportunity despite the modestly elevated price.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Sonos emerged from Santa Barbara, California, in 2002 as Rincon Audio, Inc., founded by John MacFarlane, Craig Shelburne, Tom Cullen, and Trung Mai. MacFarlane's success with Software.com provided crucial seed funding for their audacious goal: a wireless multi-room music system free from the wires and complexity plaguing home audio at the time. Renamed Sonos in 2004, the company debuted its pioneering ZonePlayer and controller in 2005, cementing its roots in innovative, user-centric sound technology.
The brand specializes in wireless speakers, soundbars, and home theater systems designed for seamless multi-room playback and integration with streaming services. Sonos offers everything from portable Bluetooth options like the Roam to high-fidelity architectural speakers and subwoofers, alongside recent forays into headphones and whole-home audio solutions. Amplifiers, turntables, DACs, and cables fall outside their core focus, which prioritizes app-controlled ecosystems over traditional hi-fi components.
Sonos holds a commanding mid-to-premium position in the consumer audio market, renowned for inventing wireless HiFi and setting the standard for effortless, high-quality sound. Trusted by audiophiles and casual listeners alike, it blends accessibility with sonic excellence, dominating the smart speaker segment while appealing to discerning buyers seeking scalable, future-proof systems.
See all Sonos listings on RADAR.
