Part 2: Arc, Era 100, Era 300, Five, HomePods (Home Theater Performance)

In the second part of this video series, I provide an in-depth analysis of the sound performance of five popular smart speakers: the Sonos Arc, Sonos Era 100, Sonos Era 300, Sonos Five, and Apple HomePod Gen 2. While the first part of the series focused on music and features, this video takes a closer look at how these speakers perform for home theater use, and includes my personal sound impressions. If you missed the first part of the series, you can watch it here ( • Part 1: Era 100, Era 3... ).
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Affiliate Links
Sonos Era 100: amzn.to/3UXMFtb
Sonos Five: amzn.to/3H6V9bE
Sons Arc: amzn.to/42cnC8A
Sonos Speaker Stand: amzn.to/3J7c52N
Chapter:
0:00 Intro
1:58 Homepod G2 HT Stereo Sound Quality
5:00 Era TV Connection Options
7:22 Era 100 HT Stereo Sound Quality
10:17 Era 300 HT Stereo Sound Quality
13:04 Fives HT Stereo Sound Quality
14:41 Era 100 as Rear Speaker to the Arc
15:41 Era 300 as Rear Speaker to the Arc
19:10 Five as Rear Speaker to the Arc
20:13 Conclusions

[@MAXMUSTERMANN-kg1th]

I have the ARC with a Sub Gen 3 and 2 ERA 300 surround speakers. I am more than satisfied with the Era 300. Where there were still lateral sound gaps in surround operation with the One SL, with the Era 300 this is now a closed 360 degree sound around you. For me, the best decision was to exchange the One SLs for the Era 300. In music mode, I hope that SONOS will unlock the front speaker on the Era's, then it should sound even better. But even so, I am very satisfied with my system and the Era's. And as you mentioned, calibration with Trueplay is a must.

[@JoshuaLinn]

Whew, I just read this after I bought the Arc and 100s, and was seriously considering the 300s, thank goodness! Thanks again!

[@carlb64]

Thanks for the video. Help me decide which one to try for sounds speakers.

[@christophermblanton]

Comprehensive and informative. Great stuff.

[@andronicustorres9153]

Hi, I love your videos. I enjoy the tongue-in-cheek comments you sprinkle throughout your videos. Lol About the 2 sec delay: You can change it in settings when an external input is detected. Settings > System > Sonos Product > (Scroll down) Line-In > Audio Delay > (change it to 75 ms). If the external input disconnects, the Line-In greys out and becomes unusable.

[@JoshuaLinn]

I love your review style! Totally vibing with it and your perspectives!

[@neverenoughtech]

Appreciate the feedback!

[@musicvideos4536]

I so look forward to your vids. Anytime see it comes up, I immediately click on it. Can’t wait for the next line of comparison between Sonos, Samsung and Sony home theater setups. Cheers.

[@andreaturbolz3542]

The video I was waiting 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@Sweetswede15]

Love my Sonos arc sub and era 300s they create an amazing sound bubble as rears now. Extremely happy even if they are pricey

[@gromenteal2133]

Always enjoy your videos.

[@vikram.SumerSingh]

Great review, love your clear objective PoV. I tried all of these speakers and for me 2 Era 100's with a Sub mini did it for me,

[@neverenoughtech]

The 100s and sub mini are especially if you’re seeking a heightened experience … not necessarily roller coaster ride

[@SadeeqSimmons]

Thank you so much for your thorough review. I think it's gonna be the 100s for my rears with the Arc.

[@markdraycott3974]

If you can stretch your budget I would 100% recommend getting the 300’s 👍🏻

[@ZacJ6]

Great video as always! I know you said to look out for the video soon, but would you recommend the Q990B or the Arc with 300s as rears?

[@markla7151]

Insightful substantive content once again. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to the potential of the 300 path. Any thoughts of if and when sonos will upgrade to the next gen soundbar?

[@neverenoughtech]

I don’t but it seems hard to imagine they would go over 5 years without some kind of refresh (given the competition) so hopefully not too much after mid 2025

[@markshawntorey]

gotta love the Vulf

[@34JohannesHeinz34]

Thanks for a great video! I have a question. Can you only set HomePods and HomePod Minis as default speakers for the Apple TV, or can you do that with a stereo pair of other AirPlay 2 speakers like the ones from Sonos for example?

[@theauthenticpilatesstudiom5284]

The line in delay can be easily corrected in the sonos app and you can get much louder volume than with Airplay. The era 300 as a stereo pair are amazing for music and for dolby atmos music just mind blowing . For movies I prefer sonos beam gen 2 with era 100 as rear speakers and sub mini for a smaller room or if you live in an apartment. For a big space or if you live in a separate house sonos arc and era 300 as rears with sub gen 3. Also consider Sony ht a9.

[@neverenoughtech]

I was getting huge delays beyond what could be corrected in the app

[@otherminds13]

Quality review and funny as shit. Well done. Keep it up.

[@CharlesC122]

Great watch! I recently updated to 300’s as rears and these observations are dead on. With the 2 second delay, whether a tech limitation or on purpose, Sonos is certainly not interested in the 100’s and 300’s being used as stand alone home theatre speakers… not really an option. Although I really enjoyed this being the first video that I’ve seen that explored the possibility. Maybe Sonos doesn’t want their 300’s cannibalizing their home theatre strategy. Great stuff!

[@neverenoughtech]

Thanks, I think the BT and Airplay wireless options are unorthodox but valid for stereo. The line in is a non-starter. I’ve really been enjoying them while watching sports and shows in my office - lot of promise in terms of a stand-alone soundbar replacement

[@acbc3543]

Does Sonos 300 work with Spotify?

[@gabriellockwood7315]

Thanks for this long-awaited video! It was worth the wait. I chuckled with self awareness when you called out your audience as those who watch soundbar reviews for fun. 😬 I was left wanting to know what a sub adds to the rear speakers setups. Specifically if have Era 300s as rears and would like to know whether I need a Sub Gen 3 or Sub Mini and what I would gain In a cinema experience with one. Perhaps you could give me your thoughts here… Thanks in advance!

[@neverenoughtech]

Yeah, good point. I don’t think subs are optional on full surround sound setups … you’re just leaving so much of the range on the table … so much of the sound that really sells the scene. I think you can start with just the 300s … and have a really good experience but the ‘great’ in the professional theater vibe is really only unlocked when you have a sub

[@gabriellockwood7315]

Thanks so much for your fast response and sharing your take on adding a sub! I’m gonna try it out both ways and use the Sonos trial period to make up my mind, but now I’m definitely leaning more Sub than not. Thanks again!

[@mrgold3591]

I purchased the Arc, dual Gen 3 subs, and Fives right after X-mas before I knew the release date for the Era 100/300. I'm extremely happy and there is a noticeable improvement with the sound quality compared to my old Nakamichi 7.2.4 system. So far, only about 30% of the content I watch is in Atmos (0% from my Xfinity cable TV provider). I'm willing to wait to see if Sonos comes out with an Era 500, software updates to add additional Sonos speakers as Atmos (up to a 11.6.4 config), and/or improvements to the Arc with a version 2.

[@michael-4k4000]

just get the Dragon and live life to the fullest. the dragon is a powerhouse....

[@mrgold3591]

@@michael-4k4000 Too late. I've already went down the Sonos rabbit hole and now have 18 Sonos speakers (1 Arc, 3 Beams, 2 Fives, 2 One SLs, 1 Era 100, 4 Symfonisk, 3 Gen 3 subs, & 2 Roams) for several TV surround sound systems and whole house audio.

[@jeremiekey7379]

You should play around with grouping a set of era 300 beside the arc, it sounds great!

[@TheStarsInHisHead]

I fucking love this channel.

[@neverenoughtech]

Appreciate the support!

[@LennartBartelt]

Great video and thanks for all the efforts! Any perspective on Arc + Sub + era 300 as rears vs the Sony HT-A9?

[@neverenoughtech]

Working on a video that will touch in this … unfortunately I don’t have the answer quite yet

[@LennartBartelt]

@@neverenoughtech Awesome, thanks - waiting for it! ❤

[@marcharrison1]

I’m waiting for this video!

[@Icipher4]

Great video. So, can the Arc and 2 Era 300s compete with the Samsung 990B when it comes to room-filling Atmos immersion in movies?

[@neverenoughtech]

Gotta wait for videos on that …

[@kevindewilde7970]

Do u have a video where to place era300 and the angle speaker for surround setup with era300 arc sub

[@billmulvihill8452]

Very informative “feel” type video. Could you please tell me the name and model number of the Era 100 speaker stands shown in your video? They have a minimalistic look, which is what I need to keep the peace, if you know what I mean..🤣

[@neverenoughtech]

amzn.to/3J7c52N - peace be with you

[@augustusx82]

What happened to the full Sonos setup with 300s as rears vs the sony A9s?

[@originalmagneto]

Just bought the HT-A9s, don’t ruin my happiness man 😬 Anyways, looking forward to your next video 😅

[@Dr.Rohithkumar]

How is it brother? Is it worth the Sonos? How good is the subwoofer?

[@originalmagneto]

@@Dr.Rohithkumar never had any Solos system, so I can’t compare. I have a small apartment, can’t do the sub…yet. But the bass is good enough and the spatial effects are incredible

[@juanvalera7272]

@@Dr.Rohithkumarbeen to sonos since 2020,im a boss acoustimass addicted then.I owned 6 different subs b&w yamaha,jbl,infinity the last one a 10 inch klipsch sub,and i can tell and asure you the sonos sub is the best you turn it to fullest volume and no distortion sound at all zero.Mine is ARC,DUAL SUBS and two sonos one sl.The sound is amazing and now im planning to buy the era 300s.

[@macintoshblogs]

Can u share your settings with the arc and era 300 and sub ? i have the same setup - you mentioned how you spent another 10 minutes to get the good levels.. what levels did u choose ? i know might be different for different rooms. just wish to get an idea. thanks

[@tarheelfan004]

Superb review 👏🏼. I have the Arc and 2 Fives as surrounds for my Home Theater setup. I am trying to decide on two options. One - is to add a Sub Gen 3 to my current Home Theater setup. Two - is to replace my 2 Fives with 2 Era 300s as surrounds in my Home Theater setup (without the Sub Gen 3). Which would you suggest?

[@fran-xz5vq]

You should add the sub gen 3

[@jeremiekey7379]

Go all in and get 2 subs and a set of era 300 that you can group into the HT beside the arc, I promise you it won't disappoint and sounds great!

[@BorisBerger]

Thank you for the great review! I’m complete newcomer to Sonos considering buying in for the first time and there’s something I can’t find a definitive answer for. Could I use two Era 300 as front speakers and two Era 100 as rear speakers?

[@neverenoughtech]

Nakamichi Dragon vs ILLEGAL Sonos Arc System kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHyrk6xoi7yjepo Sonos does not support speaker pairs both up front and back … if you wanted to add speakers up front you would need to make a separate stereo pair and group them with the Arc system - my video link talks about a video where I did what I just described

[@michaelreavis-fr6eq]

OK I need some help. I have decided to go with the arc in the gen three sub from Sonos but to get the most realistic movie theater experience, for the rear speakers would you go with the era 100 or the era 300? Please advise.

[@neverenoughtech]

I think you gotta go with the 300 for the closest Sonos movie theater experience … 100s for really competent sound bar home cinema

How the 300 sound with the Beam??

[@JayPatrol]

The only thing is that the era 300s takes on alittle bit of the arcs speaker freeing up. Because it still sounds good with the era 300s paired to it along with the subwoofer. Maybe thats just me

[@ShankerPaarey]

On the fence about going the expensive Sonos route (Arc + Mini Sub) for a start and then slowly adding on rears or get the much lower priced recently released Samsung Q990C with everything included. My living room is also small so I don't know if I need to go the Sonos route. Happy for any suggestions or other brands.

[@Jerryman1980]

I have the Arc, Play:1’s as rears and the sub mini and I am very happy. I also live in an apartment and have not had any complaints yet.

[@ShankerPaarey]

@@Jerryman1980 Thanks for the reply. Put in my deposit for the Arc and Sub Mini last week. Looking forward to it!

[@Jerryman1980]

@@ShankerPaarey I picked up two Era 300's as my rears to replace the Play:1's this morning and they all sound fantastic!! I can't wait to watch some Dolby Atmos stuff and piss off the neighbors. LOL

[@darren5161]

Hi, really enjoy your videos. Just wondering what the view is in the Era 300 not using the front firing driver when used with the Arc? It kind of annoys me that it’s like buying something that limits functionality but would you say that it’s the right thing for Sonos to do, would using the driver ruin the sound or something?

[@Cocker_Spaniel]

Is it possible to use the era 100 as front speakers and rear speakers in a surround sound system configuration? Or they are exclusively only used as rear speakers?

[@neverenoughtech]

You can pair them as surrounds (rears) only 2. You can group another stereo pair in the front.

[@Cocker_Spaniel]

@@neverenoughtech but they wont sync with the surround effect do they (the fronts)

[@atzedevries9563]

2 second delay on the line in is really frustrating. My shield tv only supports upto 1 sec. I think 2 sec is there for some buffering, but Bluetooth does not have this issue. BT has a lower bit rate though.

[@andronicustorres9153]

You can change the delay to 75 ms. Settings > System > Sonos Product > (scroll down to Line-In) Audio Delay > 75 ms.

[@atzedevries9563]

@@andronicustorres9153 thanks that is useful info. 75ms is well with 1s.

[@mattpoe9391]

The pair of era 100's that were discussed and used as a soundbar replacement...were they connected with bluetooth or line in?

[@neverenoughtech]

Airplay with Apple TV. BT without Apple TV

[@cuttyone70]

Where's your patreon page fantastic work.

[@neverenoughtech]

Don’t have one but I’ve been considering. I feel like I need to be able to make more content first. Appreciate the interest

[@TheTechnicalRecruiter]

Did you use the sub with the setup as well?

[@neverenoughtech]

I did - let’s just call that a given

[@michaelbakhtiar9256]

Hi!! Have the era 300 paired with arc and sun moved Sonos above other brands? Cheers

[@neverenoughtech]

Q990B, A9, and Sonos are kind of in the swirl … but no doubt the 300s take the Sonos sound to a new level … though like I said I need a little more time to settle in with the new sound to compare across soundbars. My sense is that Sonos would be the undisputed leader of they officially supported wide speaker support up front and released a bulkier bar. I don’t think it would be close

[@michaelbakhtiar9256]

@@neverenoughtech I’m so in agreement. I am using a pair of 300 for music only and have an older wired setup for movies. My hope is Sonos intro an”Era Arc” that has much bigger center channel drivers I would take that plunge even over wired.

[@chrizzy2664]

How big was the actual moviesound difference between the Q990B in comparison to the Arc? Was the Q990B slightly better or was there a big gap in the quality?

[@neverenoughtech]

Similar levels of intrigue when Sonos has the 300s - though for different reasons - Samsung excelling at a more traditional sound (more capable bar) while Sonos outperforms Samsung on the spatial front

[@Dr.Rohithkumar]

Hi i have a big living area I need a surround speaker five or era 300. And how about sony ht a9 with sw5 sub? Thanks.

[@mrgold3591]

I have the Arc, dual Gen 3 subs, and Fives are rears for my LG OLED 77C1. I purchased my system after X-mas to replace my Nakamichi 7.2.4 system. My main TV space is a 20 feet X 42 feet X 10 feet ceiling great room (family Rm, b-fast nook, & kitchen). My sofa is about 18 feet away from the Arc with the subs on either side and the Fives are 9-12 feet behind the sofa on stands. This really fills the space with sound and creates a very large "sweet spot" for Atmos or 5.1 movies/series. The ERA 300 would future proof you as more Atmos/spatial audio will become available down the road. My Xfinity cable TV provider only has 5.1 audio and about 30%-35% of internet streaming content is done in Atmos (hard to find Atmos in anything before 2020). I use the Sonos system for whole house audio only about 5% of the time compare to home theater mode (18 Sonos speakers total). The Era 300 might depend on a lot of factors like placement from primary listening position, ceiling height, furniture, wall decorations, doors/windows w/ or w/o curtains, Trueplay, adjusting EQ, etc... to get the optimal sound for your space. I'm not 100% convinced ERA 300 are an improvement over the Fives for non-Atmos content; which is about 70% of my home theater viewing. The The Era 100 and Fives are laser beams of sound that go directly to your primary listening space. I'm willing to wait to see if Sonos comes out with an Era 500 or improvements with the Arc with a version 2 down the road.

[@Dr.Rohithkumar]

@@mrgold3591 thanks for the reply

[@MrNickster12345]

How much better is this setup arc, 2 era 300’s and two gen 3 subs to the 990b/c?

[@neverenoughtech]

Gotta wait for a dedicated review

[@MrNickster12345]

@@neverenoughtech ok. I was looking into getting that full setup with the Sonos. Do you think it is worth it though… strictly for movies and shows on Netflix/ Disney + and others. I’m coming from just lg’s cx tv speakers. Thank you for the reply and I appreciate any advice you can give.

[@TemujinScott80]

I thought the eras were meant for stereo (100’s) & Dolby atmos/spatial (era 300’s) or rear speaker use only.

[@patrickvandiejie6128]

I do wonder if you gave 2x Five in the front and 2x 300s in the back.

[@mustafahussain3972]

This is what 8m planning on doing very soon

[@Prophezeier]

As I hear it out, I will buy Samsung Q990C 😀

[@Rigue2021]

Update: Sonos and retailers have reduced pricing on some Sonos products today 6/2/2023 Best Buy- Sub Gen 3 $687 New My setup as of today TV Sony 85” 950 ARC / Two ERA’s 100 / Two Sub Gen 2 & Just bought Gen 3 What you think

[@amitmaske2302]

where stand Sony HT A9 with SA-SW5 when you compare with Samsung Q 990c WHich system dieliver best dolby atmos and laudness ????????

[@neverenoughtech]

Haven’t heard the C but I thought the B had the best overall sound but A9 had the best 3D audio performance

[@jonesgeorge1990]

q990b vs arc, sub and era300. Which is better?

[@neverenoughtech]

Got a video coming … it’s close so given the price difference just talking sound the b has a kind of advantage … I’d say the B is more coordinated

[@glebsneg]

@@neverenoughtech Does it even make sense for me to look at another system for music and movies when the q990c costs $1000 in my country and I have a Samsung S95b TV. Sonos beam gen 2 + 2xEra300 + SubMini = ~2000$. Or maybe look at other manufacturers for me. Any answer would be much appreciated, been racking my brain for 2 weeks now.

[@LoafRock]

👍🍻

[@neverenoughtech]

🍻

[@WRX2001]

The fives cost more that the 300's in Australia

[@peterledniczky2966]

not sure why u are saying this, I really love my homepods, and the cinematic audio is definitely there, for music they are great too. Sponsored Sonos video? Anyway like I said before, compare Homepods with any kind of BT speakers such as JBL Boombox, Extreme etc. because those are the real compatitors, and not these Sonos rear speakers IMO.

[@neverenoughtech]

Uh no … Sonos has given me nor paid me nothing … I paid Sonos a lot though … I was surprised the HomePods didn’t live up to my expectations … I heard good things … is why I included them

[@ronnyeriksson6612]

🙏👍🇸🇪

[@meowmeow1733]

HA!!!! he keeps removing my comments. Sensitive we are.

[@neverenoughtech]

I get too many comments to remember what your comment was but I suspect I did to your comment what you should have done yourself

[@Slimecrazy234]

You ask compelling questions but then you don't answer them, it's a bit of a buzzkill.

[@neverenoughtech]

I don’t disagree. Let me know which question I failed … I have a followup video

[@Slimecrazy234]

@@neverenoughtech Do you prefer the two Era 100s to just the Arc and how the Arc+300s compares to the top soundbar choices. Don't get me wrong I otherwise enjoyed the video.

[@neverenoughtech]

No problem, if I had a clear answer on the 100s I would have said it straight out … I think you are giving up a heck of a lot going with two one hundreds in terms of tv integration and codec support, surround and height channels. Nonetheless 100s vs Arc with no plan to expand to rears I’d lean 100s. I really value that front separation … though long term I could see getting frustrated with the whims of a BT/AP connection … so the sound/practicality balance is a tough one when making a recommendation - for the average SB consumer (not me the explorer) the recommendation would be the Arc. The comparing to other systems … next video … I think it’s fair to say it reaches something like a top three maybe best depending on taste