There’s the Sonos One, the One SL, and the Five. The Arc and the Beam. Yes, the Sonos product line is flexible and diverse, and just about anyone can find a solution for their needs. But with plenty of options also comes the paradox of choice — Where do you start? What Sonos speakers are best for you? What’s the difference?
If you’re asking yourself those questions, you’ve come to the right place. We put this guide together to demystify and simplify Sonos, and bring you closer to delivering beautiful, wireless music in every room in your home.
Before we dive in, let’s take a quick look at Sonos and wireless multi-room audio.
What is Sonos?
Sonos is a multi-room wireless streaming system. Let’s take that one step at a time. A Sonos “system” consists of a streaming device, amplifier, and speaker, all contained within one unit, like the Sonos One speaker or Arc soundbar. You plug the speaker into a wall power outlet, download the free Sonos app onto your smartphone, iPad, or computer, and Sonos will walk you through setup, step-by-step so that you’re off and running in no time. Every Sonos product connects to your home’s Wi-Fi, so you can play your music wirelessly from a music streaming service like Spotify or TIDAL, or from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
When you add more than one Sonos speaker to your home, you can play a different song in each room or listen to the same one throughout the house, which is where “multi-room” comes in. From small and compact for a kitchen or bathroom to larger and versatile speakers for a home theater surround sound, all are designed to deliver big, room-filling audio anywhere you put them. (Sonos speakers will even optimize it based on your room’s acoustics, thanks to the easy to use, built-in audio calibration technology called TruePlay.)
What is music streaming?
Instead of buying music song by song, wireless streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, Qobuz, or TIDAL give you instant access to almost any song or album recorded, ever, via a monthly or annual subscription of about $15 (or roughly the price of one CD). You don’t own the music; you are listening to it, continuously streaming over your Wi-Fi and into a pair of Sonos speakers. This is very different from Bluetooth, where you are transmitting the music from your phone (and as a result, every alert and sound your phone makes, too). With Sonos, the music continues (even if you get a phone call) and does not drain your phone’s battery.
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Home Theater System Buying Guide
So, to recap, a complete all-in-one system designed for home theaters will combine an amplifier and speakers in the same package.
A few years ago, an all-in-one system was a different beast than it is today.
Previously, a system would often include an amplifier, a DVD player and surround speakers. All in a single package. This was often called home-theater-in-a-box.
However, times change, and this type of system isn’t very common now. You may still see some budget home theater models around. But I wouldn’t recommend these for great home theater sound.
I think you should spend your hard-earned money on something better.
At present the main choice is between two types of system:
- All-in-one home theater systems: these come with some form of an amplifier and a complete set of surround sound speakers and subwoofer.
- Soundbar systems: all the speakers are built into a single, stylish, and compact unit that you install under (or over) your TV. Some of these have separate surround speakers and a subwoofer to install around your room. Most have all the speakers contained in one box.
So, the first choice you need to make is, do you want a more traditional all-in-one system – or a soundbar system?
So, what are some of the points to look out for?
Do I Need to Buy an Amplifier or Speakers?
Every complete system will include these.
The main advantage of an all-in-one system is that you will be getting an amplifier and speakers designed to work well together.
You don’t need to worry about matching the speakers with the amplifier. And, you don’t need to be concerned with many of the technical details which confuse many people.
A complete package will usually include all the extras required to get it all up and running. Like speaker wire, for example. However, you may want to double-check this, as some may not.
Obviously, if you are buying a wireless system, then speaker wire won’t be an issue!
Also, be careful when you are searching for these systems. You will find all types of products under this category – including complete surround sound speaker packages – with no amplifier included.
Many people get confused about this. They can end up buying a speaker package without realizing that they will need an amplifier to make it all work.
All the systems I mention on this page are complete systems with speakers and amplifiers.
How Do I Choose a Home Theater System?
Before buying a home theater package, think about these issues:
- Type: do you want a more traditional all-in-one surround system – which comes with an amplifier and home theater speakers – or a more modern soundbar system? Also, don’t forget that you could also buy an AV receiver and a separate surround sound speaker package.
- Price: your budget will quickly narrow down your choices. The cheapest home theater system is a simple stereo soundbar. Surround sound is better for movies, but you don’t have to have this. For systems with a bigger price tag, then you will generally get more features, better build quality and improved sound quality. You just need to decide what price bracket will buy the best home theater system for your home.
- Speakers: how many speakers do you want? Do you just want stereo sound? Or a stereo 2.1 system with a subwoofer? From here you can get 3.1, 5.1 surround sound… or more. Dolby Atmos systems have elevated channels for immersive 3D sound. These might be 5.1.2 or 7.1.4.
- Center Speaker: Do you want a system with a dedicated center? This should help speech to be clearer. Or is stereo enough? Most all-in-one systems will have dedicated centers. Some soundbars have a center speaker built into the unit along with the front left and right speakers. Some don’t and are stereo only.
- Surround Sound: do you want a system with dedicated surrounds that you need to install around your living room? Most all-in-one 5.1 systems will have this. Most soundbars will have all the speakers contained in the actual soundbar itself. But some soundbar systems do allow for rear-mounting surround speakers.
- Connections: what external devices do you want to connect to your system? Or, do you just want to hear the sound from your TV? Do you want to connect a Blu-ray player? Or your mobile device via Bluetooth? Also, check how the system connects to your TV. Many soundbars use HDMI ARC – so your TV needs to support this.
- Features: which other options do you need? Bluetooth? Music streaming capabilities? Video streaming services like Netflix or Spotify?
- Wireless: do you want wireless speakers? Some soundbars have a wireless subwoofer and options to add wireless surrounds. Many all-in-one surround sound systems will use wires to connect the speakers. Some don’t.
Conclusion
Sonos has a wide range of quality products that vary in shape, size, and of course, price. Sonos speakers provide the best sounding system with optimum performance. Whether you want a speaker that you can take with you on the go, to connect to a turntable to listen or one for listening to podcasts in the kitchen, there’s a Sonos speaker for you. They can connect with other speakers and are also easy to set up.
Looking for the best Sonos speaker deals? We have covered here in this list the top best Sonos speakers available in the market. We hope you find the best fit for your needs.
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