Sonos Era: new speaker with Bluetooth and line-in
The small Sonos Era 100 multi-room speaker follows in the footsteps of the Sonos One. The larger Era 300 focuses on three-dimensional sound. Both offer more connectivity options than previous Sonos speakers.
Sonos has two new multiroom speakers in the starting blocks. The smaller Era 100 is the successor to the popular Sonos One. It has two tweeters that radiate in different directions. Unlike its predecessor, it is therefore able to produce stereo sound on its own. Of course, it can also be used in a stereo system with another speaker - or as part of a home cinema system.
The Era 300 speaker is significantly larger and louder, but not as big as the Sonos Five. It also doesn't quite cover the same needs. That's why both models remain on sale.
Source: Sonos
The Sonos Era 300 is optimised for surround sound. It has six drivers, two subwoofers and four midrange/tweeters. All are positioned so that they distribute the sound as widely as possible in the room. One driver is even directed upwards to create the impression that the sound is coming from above by reflecting off the ceiling. The Sonos Era also supports Dolby Atmos.
The speaker's strengths lie primarily in home cinema and 3D audio. According to the manufacturer, music producers use the Sonos Era 300 as a reference for their 3D mixes. In a classic stereo setting, the previous Sonos Five is said to sound slightly better, which is why it will remain available.
More openness and longevity
Sonos has improved the connectivity of both new devices. They can be operated not only via home Wi-Fi, but also via Bluetooth. Line-in via an analogue cable is also possible - for example, an older record player can be operated on the speaker. However, this requires an optional adapter that is connected to the USB plug.
Source: Sonos
Trueplay also offers an extension. This is what Sonos calls the tuning of the speaker to the room acoustics. For a long time, the acoustics were measured with an iPhone app. My colleague Luca demonstrates this very nicely here.
With the Era speakers, Android users can also use Trueplay. However, measurements are not taken with the smartphone, but with the speaker's microphones. Don't worry, you don't have to fidget around the room with the speaker. The method is faster, more convenient and an advantage for anyone with creaky floors. However, it is less accurate, which is why the previous method still exists. And still only for the iPhone. I don't know the reason for this, but I suspect that such a measurement only works if the app knows which microphone it is using to measure. And that is of course difficult with the thousands of Android devices.
Sonos claims to have significantly reduced power consumption in idle mode. Inside, the Era models are said to be easier to repair - more screws and less glue have been used. The housing is also made from recycled plastic.
Both new speakers are expected to be available from 28 March in black and white. Sonos' recommended retail price is 279 francs and 499 francs or euros respectively. The adapters are also available in both colours, as are matching speaker stands for the Era 300.
Cover image: Sonos
My interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.