Part 1: Era 100, Era 300, Five, HomePods (music performance)

In this Part 1 video I discuss the pros and cons of five popular smart speakers the Sonos Era 100, Sonos Era 300, Sonos Five, and Apple HomePod Gen 2. The emphasis is on music. The Part 2 video will review home theater performance
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Affiliate Links
Sonos Era 100: amzn.to/3UXMFtb
Sonos Five: amzn.to/3H6V9bE
Chapter
0:00 Intro
3:48 Features
17:00 Sound Quality
22:39 Wrap Up

[@loganlandonline]

First video from you that I watched. Great job. Subscribed.

[@TheTransitmtl]

Dude. Your reviews are amazing. A perfect mix of deep info and deadpan humor.

[@fredboland7034]

Great. At last a review and a reviewer that listens to classical music. Thank you

[@julioirizarry4262]

Great vid. You will be pleasantly surprised when you eventually try the era 300's as rear surrounds. In my opinion these speakers were made unintentionally for movie theater / living room type of course experience. I pair them with the arc (hopefully to be upgraded soon) and two subs for a 7.2.4 system and the sound is quite decent and impressive for surround movie watching.

[@drewh1956]

Interested in Part 2 - I'm wondering how immersive the new sonos kit is with the era 300 as rears.

[@ZacJ6]

this.

[@StevenvanderGraaf]

I was very surprised listening to the song “Boom” from DJ Tiësto on one single ERA 300. There’s a more quiet segment half way in this short song that made sounds go around my head. This coming from one speaker was surreal. I bought a stereo pair to compliment my Sonos Arc and Sonos sub Mini and it’s so amazing to listen music as wel watching movies. Apple Music’s Dolby Atmos tracks are amazing if playing the wright ones. Thanks for your vid. 👍

[@vikram.SumerSingh]

That was the best review and I have seen a bunch!

[@neverenoughtech]

Thanks - this one got a more humble reception than I was expecting so means a lot

[@bogdanem]

Thanks Daniel for the tremendous work! Like you I was also intrigued by the stereo pair use case, thanks for addressing it! Got your meaning and I subscribe, cannot dismiss the fives stereo pair, hope to test and enjoy soon as well the 300

[@Tim_in_Australia]

Best Sound analysis I've heard. Thanks!!

[@sphaera3809]

I really like your reviews! Keep up with the good work! Bought a pair of Era 100 and another of 300. Both are really good, but yes, the 300 is a step above in presence. I’m keeping the 300’s. Resolution is really good, better than anything 10 years or older IMO. Not quite Genelec Ones territory, but few speakers are…

[@carlb64]

Thanks for the review. Appreciate the hard work in reviewing.

[@atkinskyan98]

This video is much better in 1.25x or 1.5x speed!

[@weatherman2341]

Now I feel like he slowed the video down lmao

[@neilshirley]

Fantastically entertaining and informative video.

[@neverenoughtech]

Thanks!!!

[@doeltjieandgabana]

I was able to connect my Era 100's as surrounds to my Beam gen 1 soundbar

[@neverenoughtech]

The 300s are special to the beam2 and arc

[@Eagle-Striker]

I am considering getting stereo 100s or stereo 300s for my living room. I would never use it for cinema (already have 7.1) nor am I interested in spatial audio. Would the 100s be the way to go?

[@jp1583]

Great review, as always still waiting for nakamichi dragon

[@LoafRock]

Let’s go 🍻 I like my HomePods paired with the appletv 4K for the simulated atmos.

[@neverenoughtech]

Haven’t had a chance to really push it on that front yet but I will

[@LoafRock]

@Bernd Hofmann I use the HomePods as tv speakers for a guest room. Don’t use them much for music myself.

[@CodyPopejoy]

Great video. A lot of help-big thanks! 🙏

[@jadegamerz3662]

Which sounds better a pair of homepods or a single era 300?

[@redrich2000]

Looking forward to the HT review. I have a pair of Fives with a Gen 3 sub for music. While I agree the sub does improve that setup, I genrally don't love their sound. I find them thin and too bright, I have to have treble reduced to -10 and TruePlay makes it worse. I wish so badly they would give us 6 or 8 band graphic EQ option.

[@redaizo]

24:10 did you just say a pair of 300 beats the ARC? would love to get more info with that. :) Great vid

[@neverenoughtech]

For music? - without question

[@imonthat3520]

Can I use two era 300s as fronts as surround sound an 2 fives as rears set as stereo all grouped together with the beam or arc in the same room for an ultimate movie theater setup????????

[@neverenoughtech]

The front speakers will need to be grouped with the arc/beam system … meaning they will play in parallel (all the sounds the arc system is playing) both front and back - like multirooming in the same room.

[@hanamakoji]

I'm a new subscriber & i really enjoying you're reviews! I just can't wait for the next one & keep it coming!!! Review suggestion & Request, PLEASE! PLEASE DO IT! YOOOH CAN DOOH ET! DO IT! DO IT! DO IT: 🤣😂🤣😅 KEF LS50 Wireless II Wireless Speaker System & KEF KC92 Force Cancelling Subwoofer as a combo for a Home Theater System? PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE!

[@neverenoughtech]

Ok writing that down noting the extra pleases - appreciate the sub!

[@hanamakoji]

LMAO! 😂 THANKS! I APPRECIATE EVEN THE FACT THAT "YOU ARE CONSIDERING IT" = "WRITING IT DOWN" AS A "TO DO LIST." AWESOME! YOU JUST MADE MY DAY! 😁!

[@NovaDoll]

The reason I got my 300 and a sub mini is because I do have music listen sessions and my old music is being remastered to have atmos.

[@neverenoughtech]

The 300s are rad - hope the atmos remasters to the classics justice

[@mrgold3591]

I have the Arc, dual Gen 3 Subs, and Fives as rears. Mostly listen in home theater mode and not into spatial audio just yet. Seems like the Era 300 would have a few variables that might change the sound profile w/ or w/o Atmos/Spatial audio? Seems like the Era 300 might be affected by room size, open/closed floor plan, ceiling height, speaker placement (shelf, cubby, wall/ceiling/stand mount), speaker clearance, I.O.S. vs Android Trueplay, using bluetooth, optimal listening distance for Atmos envelop, furniture, or wall fixtures (curtains, doors, windows, pictures). Looks like the Fives beams non-Atmos/spatial audio sound directly to the optimal listening position without the same levels of variables as the Era 300? It would be a nice upgrade if Sonos updated app with a center channel EQ and the ability to add 2-4 Ones/Symfonisk/Era 100 in as extra Atmos/Spatial audio speakers with a +/- 45 degree tilt floor and wall mounts for actual or reflective Atmos.

[@mjtsai6735]

Without era300 you are losing the best part of amazing rear heights, you should at least order and try them out then decide whether it’s for you especially you mentioned so much variables that could impact the outcome. Whatever Sonos add/fix in the future will not impact the awesomeness right now that era300 could have achieved

[@mrgold3591]

@@mjtsai6735 My rear Fives sound fantastic in rear surround sound Atmos or 5.1 duties. It is an option to try for up to 45 days and send back the Era 300. Mostly watch Xfinity cable TV and that doesn't have Atmos yet. Most programs are 5.1 at best and sometimes in 2.0 stereo. Even then, the rear Fives are not fully utilized until an action scene or background music for cable shows. I'm thinking Sonos should be working on the Era 500 and/or an updated Arc version 2 in 2024/2025. I can wait until them and maybe Atmos content will be the norm for cable and streaming.

[@Mariscos420]

I legit thought you had rolls of toilet paper and paper towels in the thumbnail

[@neverenoughtech]

Yeesh, if so I paid way too much

[@asierfilms]

I just bought the Sonos five , BUT in my home is not possible to have wifi with internet, so I can’t do nothing… you can’t use the 3.5 mm Jac with out internet … how is it possible!!

[@pauljenkins6877]

A great video although I went in being undecided about whether I wanted the Era 300s or the Fives, and I’m still undecided.

[@neverenoughtech]

Yeah well I don’t think there is a clear winner … you’re gaining and giving up something in each case … for most of probably recommend the 300

[@ajaysingh-ju7lx]

​@@neverenoughtechbest for Punchy Bass??

[@rajivacharya768]

Hi, Great Video I want to buy only one speaker the five vs the era 300 can you advise which is better from these only in terms of sound quality. I do like the five, however is the era 300 better, in terms of audio clarity, base, mid and low frequency ? I would like to only hear music, thank you.

[@Im-sure]

Elitist channel lol ok, I bought my Sonos arc, 1’s and a gen 3 sub because of your channel and I love it and I have all Apple products otherwise.

[@gabriellockwood7315]

Thanks for the solid summary and review of the speakers I’ve been considering. In the end I bought Era 300s to accompany my Beam Gen 2 sound bar. I’m now debating on whether or not to add a sub and hesitating between the Sub Gen 3 and the Sub Mini. I’m leaning Mini due to the size of my living room (17.5 m2 w/ 3 m height). Would your advice about adding a sub apply to the Mini as well given the size of my living room? Will it add 499 € of sound improvement to my 300s as a stereo pair and to my home cinema setup with the Beam Gen 2? Thanks in advance for any guidance! I’m looking forward to Part 2 to your video. PS I would like to use my Era 300s as a stereo pair (w/ or w/o sub during the day) and as as rears to a home vide ma at night. Sonos does not make this easy. Keeping the surround setup during the day gives me a much less appealing music experience compared to the 300s in stereo pair mode - no center driver or Dolby Atmos music coming from the 300s (just “rear” parts of Atmos tracks) relying on the Beam for the rest. Not the music experience I bought the 300s for…

[@neverenoughtech]

I think the mini would directionally improve things as I mentioned but I should admit I haven’t heard it. Though I’m generally of the impression it’s gonna make pretty much anything sound better.

[@gabriellockwood7315]

Hey, thanks for your fast and clear reply! Looking forward to part 2 of your video. I’d be curious about your best settings for music while keeping the Era 300s in surround mode…

[@kevindewilde7970]

For surround setup with Sonos arc how to place it behind the couch like straight or angeld at the sitting position?

[@neverenoughtech]

So I prefer behind and off to the side … for the 300s keep them straight … other speakers you want to aim the front speaker straight at the listener - so the angle depends on how far rear you can get the speaker

[@Eric-lw4ih]

I'm this early to a NET video? 🎉

[@Kelvin-H.]

Thanks for your honest review, but I need serious help in selecting a really good blue tooth speaker for my office...THANKS !

[@neverenoughtech]

300 is a good BT speaker

[@Kelvin-H.]

@@neverenoughtech Thanks Sir !

[@TheTechnicalRecruiter]

Please do a video for us Home Theatre enthusiast? Need help deciding on what to get for Rears. Era 100's or 300's.

[@neverenoughtech]

Cooking 🧑‍🍳

[@SujaysPhotographyy]

So, does this mean! We can’t have any option for the older players base to have rear speakers, For surround??

[@neverenoughtech]

Era 300s are limited to beam gen 2 and arc

[@priteshshah3754]

I’m considering buying a beam gen2, sub mini and a pair of era 300s. Would you consider this a legit combo or recommend the arc and sub with the era 300 pair?

[@mjtsai6735]

If you have a relatively small room or small space, beam gen2 will serve just fine. However if you have a large space or large tv, you would definitely want to go with Sonos arc as it provides wider sound stage

[@akram.ibrahim]

Great video!

[@trashtrashisfree]

I upgraded my ones with beam sub to Era 100s, my living room sounds so much Fuller with better mid-range and bass. Pulled the plug for replacing the ones in my bedroom with the same setup few days later. After upgrade discounts and selling off the old ones I was at about $150 per pair, so worth it. Music only not that loud. Five fails at low volume.

[@lyndonramchatesingh105]

Should i upgrade from a sonos one gen 2 to a era 100

[@neverenoughtech]

If you can get a good price for your one … Yes. If you want another Sonos speaker yes.

[@jasonboyd3619]

Can the 300's do stereo pair in Bluetooth or just wifi? Thanks. Subbed!

[@neverenoughtech]

BT supports stereo

[@hasanalmuti8805]

Would you recommend Sonos arc with 2*3gen sub and 2* era 300 on Samsung q990b

[@dezanto]

Yes absolutely I have these setup

[@ehong671]

Do you not set up the fives in the mono mode (standing up vertically) when listening?

[@neverenoughtech]

I do … I don’t prefer the sound when vertical

[@ehong671]

@@neverenoughtech interesting - thanks, thought it’d create a better sound stage with dedicated left and right speakers

[@MarcRene]

Can you do a comparison between the q990c and a arc with sub + era 300s

[@neverenoughtech]

This is a possibility

[@algorithmbluepill]

👍

[@davidvaughan7935]

Have you tested the era 100 with a sub?

[@CrazyAboutVinylRecords]

I like speakers that don't wobble. Lol.

[@acbc3543]

Can I use Spotify?

[@neverenoughtech]

Yes

[@earlfenwick]

I'm endlessly annoyed by how Sonos prevents us from using the speakers delay-free with a tv under the pretense of "processing". I dislike surround sound and simply want the big fives or 300s up front as my do all, heavyweight speakers. I'd take a sub too, but I don't want a sound bar. I quit. I'm going with the Arylic system.

[@neverenoughtech]

Yeah if it’s happening to reduce competition with soundbars then it’s pretty detestable

[@NovaDoll]

I set up my 300s to AirPlay from my Apple TV and I’d love to have that choice.

[@peterledniczky2966]

still don't understand why Homepods are compared with these rear Sonos speakers, try to compare Homepods with JBL Extreme, HarmanKardon Go+Play etc so with regular BT speakers. also one approach what non of the reviewers are talking about is the portability. How about to carry your Era 300 when u travel? too big and heavy for that purpose, while the smaller homepods are a solid choice, and they are definitely better, than the ERA100, so Homepods are better and pointless comparison with these rear Sonos speakers.

[@neverenoughtech]

Because rear speakers are not their main purpose but rather something cool they can do in addition … this was not a home theater review.

[@meowmeow1733]

Who TF did apple use to test the homepods on? It seems like fan boys/girls and yes men/women. Basically,...people who wouldn't tell the team building them the truth that they could do better. 😔😔😔which is probably what Steve would have done. I bought homepods from ebay (wanting to believe the hype) 🤦‍♂ My harman kardon onyx studio 1s sound better and are more pleasant to listen to.....and that's a 10 year old speaker. Which brings me back to my first question...."Who TF did apple objectively test these things on?"

[@NovaDoll]

Elitist?😂

[@boomer11763]

Dude Apple Sucks so stop being sarcastic about Android users. How about treat your cauliflower ear.

[@neverenoughtech]

I apologize that you can’t distinguish between making fun of those that exclude android users and android users … I also might suggest you find a slightly more sanitized channel. This one might be a little too rough and tumble for you

[@leeantony]

You talk far too much. I can't make it past 1 minutes of this drab video.

[@neverenoughtech]

So I should talk less in my drab video? … I’m keeping my clothes on sorry

[@yanaxiao5107]

great! Can u check collab email?