However, having such a large range means that when it comes to buying Sonos, it’s easy to get stuck in the paradox of choice:
- What speakers do I need for my home?
- Do I want sound in every room?
- What’s the difference between a Sonos One and Sonos One SL?
These are just a few of many questions you might be asking yourself.
To help you find the best fit for any scenario, we’ve put together the Ultimate Buyers Guide to Sonos - walking you through the key features of each speaker, where each speaker excels, how to best set-up your system, and anything else you'd need to consider before making your purchase.
CONTENTS:
- What Is Sonos?:
- The Key Sonos Concepts:
- What Is Sonos Multi-Room Audio?:
- Choosing The Right Sonos Speaker:
- Sonos One (Gen 2)
- Sonos One SL
- Sonos Five (Gen 3)
- Sonos Arc Smart Soundbar
- Sonos Beam
- Sonos Sub (Gen 3)
- Sonos Move
- Sonos Port
- Sonos Amp
- Sonos In-Ceiling Speakers
- Sonos In-Wall Speakers
- Sonos Outdoor Speakers
- Sonos Speaker Packs / Bundles:
- Sonos General FAQ:
What Is Sonos?:
Established in 2002, Sonos was launched with one simple aim: to fill every room of your home with pure, immersive sound. Since then, they've gone from strength to strength, becoming one of the world leaders in wireless audio technology.
Their speakers and apps are designed to provide seamless sound throughout your home, and the functionality and flexibility of its products have made the brand a household name.
As you'd expect from multi-room audio superstars, Sonos speakers easily connect to one another through your WiFi network via a simple app (available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.). The flexibility of the Sonos network means that you can start out with a single speaker and add more as your budget allows, or needs change. Adding a new speaker takes a matter of seconds via the Sonos app, allowing you to easily create a powerful and intuitive multi-room audio system.
Speaking of...
The Key Sonos Concepts:
Building on its mission statement to fill every home with quality and connected sound, Sonos operates around 3 core concepts:
1.) Great Sound:
As a software-driven audio company, Sonos creates technology that celebrates sound, continuously refines the listening experience, and connects listeners and creators.
2.) Easy To Use:
Download the app for Android or iOS, plug in your Sonos product and follow the instructions. It's honestly as simple as that. The Sonos listening experience is effortless, whether you're setting up your first speaker or custom-tuning your fifth.
3.) Listen Your Way:
Everything works together, and Sonos works with all your favourite services so you can listen to what you want, where you want, how you want. Stream Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, Deezer, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Google Play Music, YouTube Music, and many more.
What Is Sonos Multi-Room Audio?:
The concept of multi-room audio is basically as it sounds - having your audio distributed across multiple rooms!
Sonos is well considered as one of the industry leaders in multi-room audio, known for creating a seamless and immersive sound experience throughout all rooms of your house.
Creating a multi-room experience with Sonos is simple. Using the free app (both Android & Apple) with your Wifi network allows you to easily group two (or more) speakers and play music simultaneously through all connected speakers.
If your local WiFi is weak or constrained, you can plug a Sonos product into your router via ethernet for improved performance (use any Sonos player, or Boost). This connection creates an independent Sonos WiFi network called SonosNet.
Furthermore, the mesh network is proprietary to Sonos and provides an experience that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Choosing The Right Sonos Speaker:
When it comes to figuring out what Sonos gear you might need, you'll need to consider what kind of system you'd like (e.g. home theatre, multi-room sound etc.), the size of the rooms you’re putting the speakers in and finally, how much you're looking to spend.
Although Sonos is incredibly flexible and easy to add to down the line, you'll save considerable time and money if you have a good idea of what you want from your system from the beginning.
Below we take you through the full range from top to bottom, showcasing their speakers, sub, soundbars, streamers and package setups. We outline the costs, features and specifications along with some typical scenarios they’re suitable for to help you build your perfect Sonos system!
Sonos One (Gen 2)
A more refined and feature-rich version of the original Sonos Play 1, the Sonos One is compact, versatile, affordable and usually a great option for any multi-room setup.
The compact design of the One allows it to fit into almost any space, and the fact that it's humidity resistant means that you can have networked sound in areas like the bathroom and undercover pool area where you'd normally be hesitant to put a speaker.
Coined by Sonos as a 'smart speaker', the One is integrated with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing it to be voice-controlled. With a simple voice command, you can play music, find out about the weather, find a recipe or search for anything else you can think of.
Given its size, the sound from the One is very impressive. Packing in two Class-D digital amplifiers, one mid-woofer and one tweeter - it delivers a rich, full and complete sound for almost any room it's in.
The size, impressive sound quality and a long list of features really make the One the 'bread and butter' of the Sonos range.
If you live in an apartment or have limited space, the Sonos One is an ideal choice.
Key Features of the Sonos One (Gen 2):
- Smart speaker | built-in microphone allows complete voice control and integrations with Alexa & Google Assistant.
- Works with all of your favourite music-streaming services (Apple Music, Spotify, Audible, Deezer etc.)
- Automatic software updates allowing the speaker to actually improve over time
- Humidity resistant making it a great choice for bathrooms, kitchens etc.
- Easy touch controls and simple to pair with other Sonos products - overall, very user-friendly.
Sonos One (Gen 2) FAQ:
Is The Sonos One Worth It?:
In my opinion - absolutely. I’d easily put it as one of the best sounding smart speakers on the market for its size, and very affordable for what you get.
How is Sonos One Gen 2 Different From The Original Gen 1?:
There is no feature difference between the Gen 1 & Gen 2, however, the Gen 2 has an updated processor, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and increased memory. Sonos state that ‘ this may allow us to bring new product experiences to the Gen 2 version that the original will not be able to support.’
How Can I Tell Which Version I Have?:
Sonos One Gen 2 is marked as “Gen 2” on the product label underneath the speaker. while the original Sonos One only has “One” on the product label.
Check out the full list of Sonos One (Gen 2) specifications, features and our best price by clicking here -> Sonos One
Sonos One SL
We will keep this one short and sweet as the Sonos One SL is identical to the One in every way, except that it doesn't have a microphone onboard and therefore doesn't have voice control built-in.
Every other feature, accessory and function is the same, and you can still control it by voice if needed by connecting it to another voice control enabled Sonos product (e.g. Sonos Beam).
The One SL is best suited for people who want all of the brilliant features of the Sonos One but don't want or need the functionality of a built-in microphone (e.g. when using as surround speakers for a Sonos home theatre)
Key Features of the Sonos One SL:
- Exactly the same as the Sonos One above, minus the built-in microphone.
Sonos One SL FAQ:
What Is The Difference Between Sonos One and Sonos One SL?
One SL does not include microphones and therefore does not have built-in voice control. Otherwise, the two speakers share the same features.
Can Sonos One Connect To Sonos One SL?
Yep! Much like pairing two Sonos One speakers, you can pair a Sonos One and One SL in the same room to use as a stereo pair or as a rear pair in a home cinema set-up, with an Arc or Beam.
What Does ‘SL’ Stand For?:
A good question, with no official answer. Many people speculate that the SL in Sonos One SL stands for ‘speechless’, referring to having no onboard microphone.
Check out the full list of Sonos One SL specifications, features and our best price by clicking here -> Sonos One SL
Sonos Five (Gen 3)
The Sonos Five represents the third generation of the largest Sonos speaker in the range - the Play:5.
The Sonos Five carries forward all of the power and versatility of its predecessor and adds in increased memory with a more powerful CPU, as well as a new monochromatic finish.
Using a phased speaker array to create an impressively wide soundstage, the Sonos Five sports 6 Class-D digital amplifiers with 3 mid-woofers and 3 tweeters. This combines powerful, crisp & detailed sound with plenty of bass that won't distort at higher volumes.
One of the most celebrated features of the Sonos Five is its ability to easily play as a single unit or as a stereo pair. Pair two Five’s in the upright position and each speaker individually adjusts to left and right channel for a perfect stereo sound like a pair of traditional speakers would. Alternatively, place a single Sonos Five horizontally and it automatically plays in full stereo.
To add to this brilliant versatility, the Five also houses an auto-detecting 3.5mm jack, making it the perfect candidate for your turntable as well!
Expertly tuned by renowned producer Giles Martin, the Sonos Five is the largest and most powerful standalone speaker in the Sonos lineup. If you’re looking for powerful room-filling sound and an impressively wide soundstage - the Sonos Five is definitely your ticket.
Key Features of the Sonos Five:
- The largest and most powerful speaker from Sonos
- Easily paired and positioned for stereo sound in a single unit, or in a left and right pair with smart recognition technology
- An auto-detecting 3.5mm line-in for connecting turntables, smartphones etc.
Sonos Five FAQ:
What is the difference between Five (Gen 3) and Play:5 (Gen 2)?
The Sonos Five features updated internal technology, including increased memory and a more powerful CPU, as well as a new monochromatic finish.
Can I stereo pair Five and Play:5?
Five will only stereo pair with another Five.
Is The Sonos Five Worth It?:
If you’re looking for a room-filling speaker with excellent clarity, detail and bass response - then absolutely. The Sonos Five is the biggest speaker in the Sonos range and the best option for your larger rooms.
Can I Connect Sonos Five to My TV?:
In short - no. The line-in isn't designed for use with a TV and will result in some latency or lip-sync issues whilst the audio is converted from analogue to digital.
Can I Put Sonos Five Outside On My Patio Or In My Garden?:
While it is ‘humidity-resistant’, this refers to general indoor humidity and it is not recommended to operate outdoors as the Sonos Five is not weather rated.
Check out the full list of Sonos Five specifications, features and our best price by clicking here -> Sonos Five
Sonos Arc Smart Soundbar
A premium soundbar is a great way to achieve high-quality T.V. sound without spending the money that a complete home theatre system demands.
The Sonos Arc replaces both the Sonos Playbar and Sonos Playbase as the standard full-size soundbar option in the Sonos range, and is a notable upgrade. Aside from being Dolby Atmos compatible, the Arc also showcases more and improved drivers and speakers, as well as a sleek and sophisticated new design.
It offers a stack of class-leading features and smart technologies such as Dolby Atmos, Trueplay, AirPlay 2, speech enhancement and phased speaker arrays to deliver crisp cinematic dialogue, dynamic midranges and impressive bass.
This all comes from 11 digital amplifiers, 8 elliptical woofers and 3 angled silk-dome tweeters - all expertly tuned by Oscar-winning sound engineers to emphasise the sound of the human voice and deliver breathtaking sound effects. For those looking really expand their home cinema experience, you can easily add Sub and rears such as Sonos One SLs for truly epic surround sound.
Setup for the Sonos Arc couldn't be easier with only 2 cables to connect. It easily syncs with your T.V.’s remote and offers simple touch controls for flawless operation.
Sonos Trueplay tuning software allows users with an iOS device to tune Arc perfectly to the listening space using the Sonos app. It's simple and quick and allows the speaker to adjust its sound to the shape and size of the room. More on Trueplay later...
The Sonos Arc is the perfect option if you’re looking to add cinematic sound to all your TV shows, games, sports, and movies, or start your journey into Sonos Home Theatre. And let's not forget that when the TV is off, Arc becomes a premium listening experience for all your favourite music in big, bold HiFi sound. Of course, like all Sonos products, you can group Arc with other rooms to keep the party going.
Key Features of the Sonos Arc:
- 'Set & Forget' - Uses Trueplay for the best possible sound, Auto-detects your TV's remote and automatically updates software.
- Dolby Atmos compatible
- 'Speech Enhancement' function for crystal clear speech and dialogue
- Super simple setup - only 2 cables to connect.
- Adjustable bass, treble and loudness controls
- Music streaming, AirPlay 2 and voice assistant support
Sonos Arc FAQ:
How is Arc different from Playbar, Playbase, and Beam?
Beam, Playbar, Playbase and Amp all support Dolby 5.1 while Arc takes it up a level and supports Dolby Atmos as well.
What is Dolby Atmos?
Dolby Atmos is an object-based format for surround sound that designates different sounds to specific places in the room rather than channels, creating a more realistic experience by dynamically incorporating height, surround, and front channels.
How does Dolby Atmos work with Arc?
Arc supports increased bandwidth for the higher quality audio of Dolby Atmos. It also includes upwards-firing speaker drivers that act as height channels, reflecting sound off your ceiling for additional dimension.
Do I need a TV that supports HDMI eARC?
Sonos Arc can connect to TVs with eARC, ARC, or optical outputs. For greatest compatibility, eARC is recommended.
If you connect to a TV with eARC, the Dolby audio formats supported include Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, MAT, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Digital.
Check out the full list of Sonos Arc specifications, features and our best by clicking here -> Sonos Arc
Sonos Beam
The smallest and most compact option of the Sonos soundbar range, the Sonos Beam is the perfect option for your small to medium-sized TV room.
Being the smallest in the range makes it a super easy one to find room for, nestling comfortably into the smallest of spaces. As you'd expect, the drawback with being a bit smaller is fewer speakers on-board, meaning a narrower soundstage with less depth and bass than the Sonos Arc.
Containing all of the smart features Sonos first introduced with the Playbar and Playbase (speech enhancement, night sound mode, automatic tuning & software updates etc.), the Beam goes one further with HDMI connectivity and Amazon Alexa built-in.
With a simple voice command, Alexa allows you to use the Beam to control any compatible TV (e.g. - "turn on the TV", "turn it up", "mute"), Alexa-enabled video streaming device such as Fire TV (e.g. - "switch to ESPN" or "play Game Of Thrones") or sync with smart home systems like Wink or Lutron (e.g. - "set temperature to 20" or "turn living room lights on").
Offering the excellent ‘smart functionality’ in an impressively small package, the Beam will fill your small to mid-sized rooms with crisp sound and give you total control over your entire Sonos setup and other smart home systems.
Key Features of the Sonos Beam:
- The most compact Sonos soundbar available
- Feature-rich HDMI connectivity, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay 2, Speech Enhancement, Night Sound etc.
- Expertly tuned by Oscar-winning sound engineers
Sonos Beam FAQ:
How does Sonos Beam differ from Sonos Arc?
Sonos Beam is a more compact soundbar and can fit almost anywhere, and unlike the Arc, is not Dolby Atmos-enabled. As you’d expect, the compromise for a smaller footprint is also a smaller sound, making the Beam is perfect for a smaller room.
Can I turn off the far-field microphones?
Yes, simply touch the microphone icon and the light will turn off/on. When the microphone light is on, Alexa or Google Assistant is ready for a voice command. When the light is off, the microphone is off. This ensures privacy when you want it.
Check out the full list of Sonos Beam specifications, features and our best price by clicking here -> Sonos Beam
Sonos Sub (Gen 3)
For all of you home cinema lovers needing more bass in your life meet the Sonos Sub - Generation 3.
Building on the award-winning platform built by the Sonos Gen 1 and Gen2 subwoofers, the Sonos Sub Gen 3 features increased memory, a more powerful CPU, smooth new finishes and a new join button.
Wireless and elegantly slimline, the Sonos Sub pairs seamlessly with all other Sonos products over your WiFi network to add rich, deep bass to all of your music and movies. Sub can also be bonded with amplified Sonos products (excluding S1-only compatible products).
Expertly designed and tuned, the Sub features two Class-D digital amplifiers and two ‘force-cancelling’ speaker drivers, allowing it play down to 25 Hz with zero distortion. The ‘force-cancelling’ effect comes from placing the speaker drivers in the centre of the Sub facing-inward, allowing them to completely cancel out any rattles or vibrations that can pollute the sound.
The slim and symmetrical box design with nothing but a power cable to plug in means you can position it almost anywhere you like - from standing upright in a corner or cabinet, to on its side under a couch or table. Setup is as simple as tapping a button in the app and with its auto EQ functionality, it will adjust to perfectly balance Sub and the paired Sonos speakers to optimise sound quality.
The Sonos Sub is a key member of the Sonos family, adding the “.1” to your 5.1 surround system and filling out all of your favourite tracks with smooth and immersive bass.
Key Features of the Sonos Sub:
- Inward-facing speaker drivers to completely eliminate rattles and vibrations
- Symmetrical slimline box design for easy placement and positioning
- Wireless connectivity with one-button setup
- Frequency response down as low as 25 Hz
- Easily bonds with all other Sonos speakers in the same zone for a full home theatre experience
Sonos Sub FAQ:
How is Sub (Gen 3) different from the previous generations?
Sub (Gen 3) features updated internal technology, including increased memory and a more powerful CPU, and finishes, including a new join button.
What is a wireless subwoofer?
A wireless subwoofer connects to other speakers over your WiFi network. Sub does not have a battery and therefore requires AC power.
Do I need Sub to create a 5.1 surround sound?
Yes. Sub is the “.1” element of the 5.1 system that takes over all low-frequency sound.
Can I connect Sub to a third-party soundbar?
No. Sub will only connect to Sonos home cinema.
Does laying Sub on its side affect the sound quality?
Lower frequencies are omnidirectional, so Sub's orientation does not affect or alter the sound. This means the direction or orientation of the speaker does not significantly affect the sound. However, if the Sub is placed in a too-confined space it could affect the dispersion of the sound. Trial and error is always an option.
Check out the full list of Sonos Sub specifications, features and our best price by clicking here -> Sonos Sub
Sonos Move
One of the most exciting additions to the Sonos lineup has to be the Sonos Move.
I’d describe the Move as the ‘jack of all trades’ - offering both WiFi & Bluetooth connectivity, complete battery-powered portability, high-level weather resistance, voice control and much more. It’s the ultimate Sonos all-rounder.
The Move is basically the Sonos answer to the exploding ‘Bluetooth speaker’ market, and it’s delivered in spades. Being the one and only battery-powered portable speaker in their range - Sonos have over-engineered the Move to exceed expectations.
The crisp and polished signature Sonos sound comes from 2x D-Class digital amplifiers driving one mid-woofer at the back of the box and one downward-facing tweeter. This all combines to deliver powerful mid-range vocals, deep bass and a clear high-end over an impressively wide soundstage.
The durability of the Sonos Move is like no other portable speaker available. Every component of the Move has been extensively put through its paces with a team of mechanical engineers dropping, freezing, heating and shocking it over many months. The result is a unit that is IP56 rated (resistant to humidity, rain, snow, dust, salt spray, UV rays, and extreme heat and cold), shock-resistant and definitely up for a trip to the beach!
From a functionality perspective, the Move has an answer for almost anything you’d ask of it. Aside from Bluetooth-pairing when you’re out and about, you can sync it with your Sonos system like any other Sonos speaker over WiFi.
The built-in microphone allows for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant functions and also works with the Sonos ‘Trueplay’ feature - meaning that the Move automatically measures its surroundings and constantly adjusts the EQ settings to optimise and adapt!
Battery life is 10 hours of continuous playback, and recharging is as easy as placing the Move back in its wireless charging base.
Grab and go on your way out the door then bring it back to sync up with the Sonos family at home - the Sonos Move ticks all the boxes.
Key Features of the Sonos Move:
- The only battery-powered WiFi & Bluetooth speaker from Sonos
- Ultra-durable and weather resistant (IP56 rated)
- 10 hours battery continuous playback with a wireless charging base
- Both WiFi & Bluetooth connectivity
- Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant-enabled
- ‘Trueplay’ to auto-adjust EQ depending on where it’s placed
- Automatic software updates
Sonos Move FAQ:
How do I use Sonos Move with Bluetooth?
Once you have set up Move on your WiFi network, press the Bluetooth/WiFi mode button on the back of the speaker to switch to Bluetooth mode. The LED on top of the speaker will illuminate blue. To pair, select Move from the list of available devices on your phone. If it does not appear, press and hold the button.
Can I stereo pair Move?
Yes. You can pair two Moves on WiFi for stereo sound.
Does Move pair with Sub?
No. Because Move is designed to move around your home, pairing with Sub would result in mid and high frequencies in one room and bass in another for imbalanced sound and an inferior listening experience. You can, however, group Move with a system that includes Sub, such as a 5.1 home cinema setup.
What does the IP56 rating mean?
An IP rating is an international standard that defines how effectively electrical enclosures resist intrusion from foreign elements, such as dust and liquids. The numbers that follow “IP” have specific meanings. The first ranges from 1-7 and defines the degree of protection from foreign elements, such as dust. The second ranges from 1-9 and defines the degree of protection from various forms of liquids, including sprays, drips, and submersion.
The Move is rated IP56, meaning it is protected from very fine particles, such as dust, and heavy liquid splashing, including heavy rain and snowfall.
Check out the full list of Sonos Move specifications, features and our best price by clicking here -> Sonos Move
Sonos Amp
Designed to bring the ‘Sonos experience’ to floor-standing, in-wall, in-ceiling, outdoor, and bookshelf speakers - the Sonos Amp allows you to create an impressive and super-versatile multi-room system for a variety of uses. Setup and operation is quick and easy meaning you can have yourself a dedicated outdoor zone, Sonos home theatre or fully integrated multi-room system setup all in an afternoons work!
The amp packs plenty of power, supporting 125 Watts per channel at 8-ohms, allowing you to connect up to 2x pairs of passive speakers. A very common pairing for the Sonos Amp is with the Sonos In-wall, In-ceiling and Outdoor speakers as they have been purpose-designed from the ground up to combine with the amp for excellent synergy.
As with the Port, the Sonos Amp is packed with connectivity and compatibility features for all of your top wireless and streaming services (Spotify, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa etc.) as well as CD’s, Vinyl and other traditional Hi-Fi components.
The Sonos Amp is the ‘beating heart’ of a powerful and truly versatile Sonos home entertainment system. If you’re looking to integrate some passive speakers and Hi-Fi components to go beyond a simple multi-room setup into dedicated stereo zones or home theatre, the Sonos Amp is a great option.
Key Features of the Sonos Amp:
- Integrate all of your favourite sources and power passive speakers
- 125W per channel at 8-ohms
- Custom-designed ‘heat sink for optimised airflow and heat management
- Simple touch control operation
- Adjustable EQ and auto software updates
- Compact design for when space is at a premium
Sonos Amp FAQ:
What is the difference between Amp and Connect:Amp?
Amp is more powerful than Connect:Amp, supporting 125 Watts per channel versus 55 Watts per channel. Amp also features an HDMI ARC input for TV integration, allows control with Apple AirPlay 2, and supports Trueplay when powering Sonos Architectural by Sonance. Both Amp and Connect:Amp have RCA line-in options.
Will a single Sonos Amp power more than two passive speakers?
Amp can power two pairs of 8-ohm nominal passive speakers when wired in parallel. Amp can power three pairs of Sonos Architectural by Sonance wired in parallel.
Will Amp power a pair of 6-ohm speakers and a pair of 8-ohm speakers?
No. All speakers must have the same impedance rating and be wired in parallel.
Can I connect my TV to Amp and wire four speakers, two front and two rear, if all are 8 ohms?
This setup requires two Amps, one to integrate the TV and power the front speakers and another to power the rear speakers.
Check out the full list of Sonos Amp specifications, features and our best price by clicking here -> Sonos Amp
Sonos Port
The highly-anticipated successor to the ground-breaking Sonos Connect, the Sonos Port is the perfect way to combine your traditional Hi-Fi and audio components to your multi-room Sonos system.
The Port is Sonos’ streaming solution, allowing you to wirelessly stream all of your favourite music, podcasts, audiobooks and internet radio through your amplified audio gear. Furthermore, you can also stream your vinyl, CDs, and stored audio files, giving you endless source and component options!
The Port comes with an onboard DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) and a 12V trigger that automatically activates your amplifier when it receives a signal from the Sonos app (if you own an amplifier with a 12v trigger input). It’s incredibly rich with options and features - allowing for the use of Apple AirPlay 2, Google Assistant & Amazon Alexa as well as offering a wireless output, a coaxial digital output and an analogue audio output.
If you love audio in all it’s forms and have traditional Hi-Fi gear that’s just gathering dust, grab a Sonos Port and bring it all together through your Sonos system.
Key Features of the Sonos Port:
- Wireless streaming of all your favourite audio and traditional Hi-Fi
- Onboard DAC improves sound quality
- 12V trigger to auto-activate 12v trigger compatible amplifiers
- Adjustable EQ and auto software updates
Sonos Port FAQ:
How is Port different from Connect?
Port is the successor to Connect, delivering richer sound and extending Sonos’s sound platform to your traditional home audio equipment. Port includes an updated digital-to-analogue converter for clearly detailed sound. If you change Port's volume from 'variable' to 'fixed' (in Port's line-out settings) you get bit-perfect output, meaning your external DAC receives CD-quality audio from Tidal, Deezer Elite, or your stored loss-less files. Therefore you can 'upgrade' the signal path to your high-end HiFi by bypassing the onboard Sonos DAC if you wish.
What’s the difference between Port and Amp?
Whilst both Port and Amp offer streaming capabilities and allow you to bring your wired speakers into the Sonos system, the main difference between the products is amplification. Amp powers passive speakers, such as in-wall or in-ceiling speakers. Port cannot power audio equipment, which means it requires either a powered amplifier or powered speakers.
What do I need to use Port with a turntable?
You'll need a turntable with a phono preamp as well as speakers. Plug in a standard audio-in connection to the back of Port. Then, in the Sonos app, go to Browse and select Line-in to control the sound.
Does Port improve the sound quality of speakers?
Whilst overall sound quality factors in the internal components of your speakers, Port’s new digital-to-analogue converter ensures that streaming sound to traditional speakers is as clearly detailed as possible.
Check out the full list of Sonos Port specifications, features and our best price by clicking here -> Sonos Port
Sonos Boost
If you have a weak WiFi connection or a bunch of different network devices all competing for bandwidth - the Sonos Boost might just be your best friend
The Sonos Boost is the successor of the Sonos Bridge and is designed to create a separate wireless network exclusively for your Sonos products. It is not a ‘WiFi extender’ as such, but does have 3 internal antennas to broadcast 360° signals through walls and ceilings for excellent coverage.
Setup is simple - 1x cable for power and 1x cable to plug into your router to get it up and running. Furthermore, we’d be more than happy to help out with a full system setup for you if you’re within our serviceable area - don’t hesitate to reach out!
If you’re experiencing ‘dropouts’, interruptions or interference when using your Sonos products, the Boost is a great and inexpensive fix.
Key Features of the Sonos Boost:
- Creates a separate network for Sonos products to remove ‘dropouts’ and interference
- Easy to setup
- An inexpensive fix to a common and frustrating problem
Sonos Boost FAQ:
Do I need Boost to use Sonos?
In most cases, your standard home WiFi network will support a Sonos system. Boost is needed when you have a weak WiFi connection or increased interference.
Does Boost set up WiFi in my home?
No. Boost connects to your existing WiFi and creates a dedicated network for your Sonos system.
Is Boost a WiFi extender?
No. Boost is a device designed to help strengthen the connection between Sonos products in your home. It will not extend your home’s WiFi network or connect to other non-Sonos devices.
Does Boost set up WiFi in my home?
No. Boost connects to your existing WiFi and creates a dedicated network for your Sonos system.
Check out the full list of Sonos Boost specifications, features and our best price by clicking here -> Sonos Boost
Sonos Architectural Speakers:
The Sonos Architectural Range has been built in a close partnership with Sonance and consists of the In-Wall, In-Ceiling & Outdoor speakers. These are passive speakers designed to perfectly pair with the Sonos Amp and be installed for dedicated, discreet and powerful sound.
While you can use these speakers with most other amplifiers, they are specifically designed for excellent synergy with the Sonos Amp. All Sonos architectural speakers have been designed with an in-built speaker detection circuit. From the Amps audio settings, you tap 'detect architectural speakers' and Amp will recognize which of the 3 models are attached and deploy a custom EQ curve. On top of that, we can use the Sonos app on iOS to Trueplay tune the in-ceiling and in-wall models to further sculpt the sound to the space.
Sonos In-Ceiling Speakers
As the name suggests, the Sonos In-Ceiling speakers are designed to be installed overhead to create discreet and immersive and room-filling sound. They serve perfectly to fill out a multi-room sound system or can be precisely positioned for a powerful home cinema.
The speakers feature a 1-inch tweeter and 6-inch woofer and pair perfectly with the Sonos Amp. In fact, a single Sonos Amp can power up to three pairs of In-Ceiling speakers simultaneously!
With paintable grills and an easy to follow installation guide, the Sonos In-Ceiling’s are a great way to get an all-encompassing sound that saves on space and completely blends in with its environment.
Key Features of the Sonos In-Ceiling Speakers:
- 1-inch tweeter & 6-inch woofer
- ‘Trueplay’ enabled and optimised for the Sonos Amp
- Paintable grills and easy to install
- Run three pairs simultaneously from a single Sonos Amp
Sonos In-Ceiling Speakers FAQ:
What does it mean that these speakers are optimised for Sonos Amp?
When these speakers are connected to Sonos Amp, Amp will automatically detect them, and automatically adjust the sound to be best for that speaker. This is only possible because we designed the speakers from the ground up with Sonance.
Where should my in-ceiling speakers be installed in my ceiling?
We recommend placing your speakers in locations in the ceiling that will provide smooth and even balanced coverage in as many locations as possible in the room. If your room is large, we recommend a second pair of speakers to provide the room with the best coverage and the optimal listening experience.
I want to use in-ceiling speakers as rear surrounds for a 4.1 or 5.1 surround sound system. Where should I install them?
The speakers should be installed above and slightly behind the primary seating position.
Check out the full list of Sonos In-Ceiling speaker specifications, features and our best price by clicking here -> Sonos In-Ceiling Speakers.
As mentioned though, we recommend that you ideally run these with the Sonos Amp. To make it easy and save yourself some money, check out the Sonos In-Ceiling Pack by clicking here -> Sonos In-Ceiling Pack.
Sonos In-Wall Speakers
The Sonos In-Wall speakers are the perfect accompaniment to the In-Ceiling speakers, allowing you to create an all-encompassing audio environment that is perfect for home theatre and / or rich multi-room sound.
As far as specifications are concerned the In-Wall speakers mirror the In-Ceiling speakers in every way - possessing the same size tweeter & woofer, requiring the same power and also supporting the Sonos Trueplay functionality when connected to the Sonos Amp.
The only real difference between the Sonos In-Wall & In-Ceiling models is the grill shape and physical dimensions. The In-Wall’s require a slightly larger hole for installation and come standard with a rectangular grill so they can be fit flush either side of your TV for the best possible sound delivery and blend in perfectly with the room.
The grills are also paintable so you can customise them completely to fit your aesthetic!
Key Features of the Sonos In-Wall Speakers:
- 1-inch tweeter & 6-inch woofer
- ‘Trueplay’ enabled and optimised for the Sonos Amp
- Paintable grills and easy to install
- Run three pairs simultaneously from a single Sonos Amp
Sonos In-Wall Speakers FAQ:
Where should my in-wall speakers be installed?
If you are using the in-wall speakers to replicate sound from your TV, the speakers should be installed a few inches away from the right and left edges of the television, with the tweeter of the speaker installed as close to ear level (from the seating position) as possible. If you are using the in-wall speakers as distributed audio speakers and not flanking a television, we recommend placing them in a location that will provide the best coverage for the room.
How many pairs of speakers can be installed together on a single Sonos Amp?
The Sonos Amp has been designed to power up to three pairs of Sonos Architectural speakers on a single Sonos Amp.
Check out the full list of Sonos In-Wall speaker specifications, features and our best price by clicking here -> Sonos In-Wall Speakers
As mentioned though, we recommend that you ideally run these with the Sonos Amp. To make it easy and save yourself some money, check out the Sonos In-Wall Pack by clicking here -> Sonos In-Wall Pack
Sonos Outdoor Speakers
Rounding out the Sonos Architectural Range and providing you with powerful ‘al fresco’ audio are the Sonos Outdoor speakers.
Again in partnership with Sonance, these are the hardiest speakers on offer from Sonos - engineered to withstand humidity, water, salt spray, heat, UV rays, and freezing temperatures.
In most instances, installing these is simpler than the In-Ceiling or In-Wall speakers as they come with a mounting bracket attached, requiring only a few screws to fix them in place.
Unlike the In-Ceiling & In-Wall speakers, the Outdoor speakers do not support the Sonos Trueplay feature, however, the 'architectural speaker detection' and custom EQ functionality is available through the app. They also share many similar features such as a 6-inch woofer, 1-inch tweeter and 8-ohm impedance meaning that you can run 3 pairs at once from a single Sonos Amp.
These are the perfect option for extending your Sonos system and bringing quality audio to your verandah, garden and other outdoor areas.
Key Features of the Sonos Outdoor Speakers:
- Engineered to withstand humidity, water, salt spray, heat, UV rays, and freezing temperatures.
- Easy to install
- Run three pairs simultaneously from a single Sonos Amp
Sonos Outdoor Speakers FAQ:
Can Sonos Architectural speakers be installed outdoors?
Only the Sonos Outdoor by Sonance model is rated for outdoor use. The In-Wall and In-Celling models are not rated for outdoor use and should only be installed indoors.
Can I use these speakers with amplifiers other than Sonos Amp?
The Sonos Architectural speakers will work with most amplifiers. However, you will not be able to take advantage of the TruePlay room-tuning capabilities with any amplifier other than Sonos Amp.
Check out the full list of Sonos Outdoor Speaker specifications, features and our best price by clicking here -> Sonos Outdoor Speakers
As mentioned though, we recommend that you ideally run these with the Sonos Amp. To make it easy and save yourself some money, check out the Sonos Outdoor Pack by clicking here -> Sonos Outdoor Pack
Sonos Speaker Packs / Bundles:
While you can operate most speakers from the Sonos range as ‘stand-alone’ units, you’ll get the best results from networking a number of speakers for a complete multi-room system or epic home theatre experience.
Speaker packs are a great way to get the most from Sonos and also save a few dollars at the same time.
Check out the best Sonos bundles available below:
- Sonos In-Ceiling Pack: 1x Sonos Amp and 2x In-Ceiling Speakers
- Sonos In-Wall Pack: 1x Sonos Amp and 2x In-Wall Speakers
- Sonos Outdoor Pack: 1x Sonos Amp and 2x Outdoor Speakers
- Sonos One Two Room Pack: 2x Sonos One Speakers
- Sonos One SL Two Room Pack: 2x Sonos One SL Speakers
- Sonos Indoor-Outdoor Pack: 1x Sonos One & 1x Sonos Move
- Sonos Five Two Room Pro Pack: 2x Sonos Five Speakers
- Sonos 5.0 Surround Set: 1x Sonos Beam and 2x Sonos One SL Speakers
- Sonos Beam Entertainment Set: 1x Sonos Beam & 1x Sonos Sub (Gen 3)
- Sonos Arc Entertainment Set: 1x Sonos Arc & 1x Sonos Sub (Gen 3)
- Sonos Beam Surround Set: 1x Sonos Beam, 1x Sonos Sub (Gen 3) & 2x Sonos One SL Speakers
- Sonos Arc Surround Set: 1x Sonos Arc, 1x Sonos Sub (Gen 3) & 2x Sonos One SL Speakers
Sonos General FAQ:
We get a number of questions and enquires here at LENC about specific Sonos products and the Sonos system as a whole. We’ve addressed some of the most common ones below for you, but if you find your question isn’t answered - don’t hesitate to get in touch and ask!
1.) How To Connect To Sonos:
Connecting and setting up your Sonos products is very straightforward and can be done in less than 10 minutes. The general process is as follows:
- Unbox your Sonos product and plug it into power
- Download the Sonos app on your iPhone or Android
- Open the app and click ‘Set up a new Sonos system’
- Follow the prompts to set up via Ethernet or WiFi
- Put your speakers into 'Join' mode (details shown in the app)
- Connect to the Wi-Fi network (if you need to, not all speakers require this)
To add further speakers to your setup, simply follow the same steps for your new product.
Any setup requirements specific to a certain product are detailed thoroughly in the product's instructions. The video below will also give you a great visual walkthrough of how to set up your speakers.
2.) How Does Sonos Work?:
Simply put, Sonos uses your WiFi network to connect and network all of it’s speakers with your sources and streaming devices. Sonos also creates and runs on a dedicated wireless ‘mesh’ network so it will not compete with the other wireless devices in your home.
3.) What is Trueplay?
We’ve mentioned Trueplay throughout this guide, but what exactly is its function?
Trueplay is a proprietary Sonos technology that tunes their speakers in real-time so that they sound best for the individual environment they are in. After you connect your speaker and go through the usual protocols, such as connecting it to your WiFi and giving it a name, the Sonos app will give you a prompt to tune it via Trueplay. What you’ll need to do is wave your smartphone upside down and then wave it around the rooms. The speaker will make some ‘test’ sounds and your mobile device will listen and analyse how the sound reflects in the surroundings.
Trueplay will then tune the speaker, which only takes a couple of minutes, to ensure it sounds the best it can for the room it’s in.
An important note - TruePlay is iOS only at this point. But if you are an Android owner, you only need to know someone with an iOS. Get them around for a quick coffee, download the Sonos app on their device, connect to the system and tune. Easy.
A more important note - Sonos speakers sound great out of the box. Trueplay is designed to improve the sound when the speaker is placed in less than ideal spaces.
4.) How to Play Spotify on Sonos?
The simplest way to play Spotify on Sonos is:
- Make sure your streaming device and Sonos are both connected to your WiFi network
- Open the Spotify app
- Click ‘Devices Available’ in the bottom left hand corner of the screen
- Select the Sonos speaker or zone you’d like to play Spotify on
Don't forget Spotify is natively supported by Sonos. You can seamlessly add Spotify to Sonos via the Sonos app. This way, you can combine music from Spotify and other music services in the Sonos queue, giving a more flexible music playback experience, and of course, multi-user control.
That’s A Wrap!:
Thanks for reading! Sonos are one of the fastest growing brands in audio with a range of different products to suit nearly any scenario.
I hope this article has given you a thorough rundown on each and every product in the Sonos family, as well as some solid guidance on which products are best for you!
As always - don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you.
