SONOS Amp Review

[@dkny02138]

Interesting idea, but sonos amp also works seamlessly with apple airplay which is how I most often use it. I rarely if ever use the sonos software. I’ve been using two sonos amps to power 8 in ceiling speakers and they have worked perfectly for 5+ years now with daily use. Works perfectly and I didn’t have a single glitch setting either one up. I literally set it up once 5 years ago and it’s been on and working ever since. Bc of the airplay feature I’m not so worried about it becoming a brick. I agree it’s not like a high end receiver that you can expect to increase in value over time. But the cost is a fraction of those kinds of amps. Sonos was never high end in terms of sound quality (not even close) but in terms of convenience, being able to just leave it on 24/7 forget it’s even there, and have great sounding music controlled from your phone all the time - nothing beats it.

[@MaiTaiMike]

Banana plugs connected to the speaker wire makes for easier install in tight cabinets. I prefer that way than if it was physically attached to the amp.

[@jimw5165]

I had no idea my Sonos amp was haunted by a diabolical packaging sleeve that would ultimately lead to self destruction of the universe! Upon reading this review, I immediately disconnected my amp, put 5 minute epoxy where the power cord needs to go and then called my broker and shorted Sonos stock. You would think this reviewer would have gotten the point of the speaker plugs after connecting numerous different speakers during trial. And thanks to the very useful information in this review, I now wash my hands at least 30 times a day before moving my amp in its new dedicated position as a door stop. Y the way, you can set the amp to automatically select the input when it detects a signal (eg when it “hears” the surface noise from the play in groove of a record.

[@scientificaudiophile]

Yes, using the software you can set it. Once the software is obsolete, so is the amp. Thanks for watching, and good luck in your short position.

[@fullalbums5675]

@@scientificaudiophile sonos is a bigger company than any audiophile one, don't judge them by those low standards

[@richardcollis5576]

@@scientificaudiophilewhat a bizarre comment that u could apply to dozens of high end manufacturers of hifi

[@juandoe7802]

I just bought one because I own a Sonos ARC, Dual Sonos Subs, and Dual Era 300s as a home theater and love the sound. I connected the amp to a pair of SVS Ultra tower speakers and a RSL 12" speedwoofer, and continue to love the sound. I was looking for a low level listening type sound with heavy bass, and found it with this amp. I'm a noob, so I've not tested any other amp beside my home theater Onyko RZ50, which I couldn't get to sound as nice as the Sonos amp in low level listening. I didn't consider what you mentioned here about the software bricking at some point, but at least for me, I like upgrading regularly so I might not even care if at some point it stops working, but hopefully that's 10-15 years from now.

[@norhloudspeaker]

The most important message is that the Sonos amplifier sounds pretty good. I have two of the amps. I bought a Vava projector which is an Ultra Short Throw projector. Because it is a UST, I needed to replace my existing stereo cabinet because the projector needed a shorter stand. I bought a new stand for more than the cost of the Sonos Amp. My wife insisted on getting one she approved of. I have a pair of vintage EPI 201s. I rewired my Yamaha AV receiver, I placed the center channel in front of the Vava. The receiver wouldn't fit under the glass support so I put it on top, next to the Vava projector. My wife came home and saw the projector, the center speaker, and the receiver plus wires on the top of the new cabinet and said there was no way she was going to let that be in our living room. I decided to get a second Sonos amp. Now I needed to get rear speakers. I went to Ikea and got their low cost Sonos compatible speakers for about $125 each and a set of stands -- $25.00 each. The Sonos amp fit under the glass. The Ikea speaker connected right away. I plugged the HDMI cable from the Vava into the Sonos Amp and everything worked. The remote for the Vava controlled the sound. Switching source on the Vava switches the Audio to the amp. I can use my phone to stream audio from any source. I use Plex audio and a server as well as Tidal. I have a Sonos Move in the Kitchen. I can route sound to the kitchen and the living room at the same time. If I turn on the Vava projector, the stream stops and it automatically switches to the HDMI input. I had a Play 5 that was no longer supported. I owned it for seven years. I got a major discount on a new Sonos product when the Play 5's support was stopped. I used that discount to buy the first Sonos amp. I used it in another A/V system. Before that, I used it as a power amp connected to the preamp outs of my A/V receiver with another AV system. The Sonos Amp is a great choice for A/V. It will always default to HDMI. The phone controls all local functions. You don't need Sonos to be able to switch between BlueTooth, HDMI, or Audio Input. The Sonos is the easiest way to have 2 channel and A/V integrated as I have ever used. It has more power and better sound than even some of the most expensive A/V receivers. I don't miss the center channel and I don't miss Atmos.

[@78Mrpacman]

So which product would you then recommend if you want to use KZbin Music, have all your various room speaker cables terminating in one cupboard? I do not want to use Bluetooth.

[@vinylcabasse]

it doesn't have GR research's tube connectors so therefore it is inadequate

[@scientificaudiophile]

Very true!

[@ianjapal5377]

Exactly, I’m still suffering ptsd from their R nightmare of bricking 1st gen products. I still use my original sonos 1 + sonos 5 running on S1 software, let me tell that is a criminal experience and it has gotten worse over the years. (As I’m sure Sonos has much incentive to move everyone to S2 or beyond and break the old hardware). As a legacy sonos customer i have 30% credit but i don’t think that even justifies how the handled the situation. I mean the actual mechanics of these older sonos speakers are excellent. Too bad they don’t have an open platform. I looked this review simply because I’m considering a streaming amp but will probably go with a WIIM before adding more sonos, although it’s tempting.

[@scientificaudiophile]

Exactly.

[@SgtMajorRULOX]

What amp do you recommend instead of this one? I just bought a pair of 8” Sonance 150 watts each

[@scientificaudiophile]

To be clear, this is a very good amp and I would recommend it, if I was positive the company won’t brick it in five years. You lose power and streaming options, but the Yamaha WXA-50 would be my recommendation for a single unit replacement. However, a WiiM Pro Plus with two Aiyima MAX (each in mono mode), retail for $430 and would be a better solution (but the WiiM doesn’t have Apple Airplay or Apple Music streaming (neither does the Yamaha).

[@slvjam]

This video is too obnoxious to finish.

[@scientificaudiophile]

Thanks for the view!

[@ZachPetersen]

I have not purchased anything from sonos and I agree. This video is extremely annoying.

[@johnwright8814]

Software has no moving parts. It will last forever. Yeah, right. Perfectly good hardware ends up in landfill because of software. That isn't how I envisioned the future, 60 odd years ago.

[@dansullivan9152]

You are correct, that is 1000% bullshit.

[@chefenriqueavargas3326]

I have to say, this was an amazing review. Very honest and very detailed. This is my first time watching one of your videos and i can say that i am a fan. Your honest review made me give this a hard pass, nothing worse than buying something that may be completely obsolete within months. I was looking for something simple to use with my Rega P25 and Sonus Faber Concertos without having a large stereo any longer. Could you give any recommendations on a similar amp to where i don't have to worry about it being completely obsolete down the road? Keep up the great reviews. Oh, and thay orange jacket is amazing, love that color. What brand is it?

[@scientificaudiophile]

Thanks for the comment. The jacket has a bit of history, as I explain in this 45 second short (kzbin.info/www/bejne/imbblqGYdt9gj9E) - the brand is Jack Zeo. If you want a great streaming product that won't be obsolete, I'd recommend the Yamaha WXA-50. It's 50 watts per channel and comes with a remote. When / if, it's life as a Spotify, Tidal streamer is outdated, you can still use it as a DAC/Amp Network streamer - as it has ethernet, optical and rca inputs.

[@ethanmoore7833]

It looks like the connect amp (and other older products) can still be controlled by the s1 controller app. Thus, not “bricked”… yet, at least. KEF did the same thing with their older LSX line

[@scottlowell493]

"We put it on trial" XD "This amp has been accused of questionable performance"

[@JK-xp7vm]

Just curious what units are considered bricked and unusable. I have three connect amps, several connects and a play 1, from days gone by. Everything works fine and has always done so. There must be some older units that are no longer working such as the original Sonos Player which only one unit was ever made and it was hidden in the forest.

[@fullalbums5675]

he's just pushing the false idea because he decided to, zero facts, typical audiophool

[@whyme2075]

Searching for the pin is a true audiophile sign. Next step is some expensive cables

[@noosamike]

I had the same concerns about buying my Bluesound Powernode but like the Sonos both will operate the HDMI ARC if they receive a signal so at worst I can stream via my TV assuming all software support ends. I live near the coast so no TV or Amp survives longer than 5 to 7 years due to the salt airs corrosive effects which makes these plastic and partially sealed units last longer than the pressed metal and open ventilation style Amps. Also the planned obsolescence is my biggest concern about getting an electric car. Who knows how long their software and hardware might last.

[@saxon4065]

Trial yes. I think its about time to set up audiophile police and special investigation unit that have freedom to operate internationally and arrest these perpetrators.

[@dutchpublisher1178]

Again a very helpful review; thanks! By the way: I'm searching for the famous recording of Diana Bish, playing on a real Yamaha organ, installed in one of the largest churches of America. No other recording has such an enormous sound stage. Can you help me?

[@scientificaudiophile]

Unfortunately I can not. Her sound engineer was a big fan of Andrew Robinson and trashed the originals and copies when he thought he heard that Yamaha sound.

[@johannesterl9083]

Very good Video, i got mine mid 2021 and i had luck not to have your set up Problems. Honestly i didnot thing the amp can go to a Brick mode when Sonos decides to drop it. Had before an Pretty Cheap Class AB Pioneer Reciver who the Streaming sucked and didnot have HDMI. That was the only reason i dropped my Pioneer because he was very nice build and had more power with less watt then the Sonos Amp.

[@jedwardoo]

Will you be reviewing that new Sonos Era 300 that’s been all over KZbin?

[@scientificaudiophile]

Not currently in my plans. Sorry.

[@a.j9645]

I am right there with you man. This amp is just great!

[@scientificaudiophile]

It’s a great amp. Just wish it would be useful in 20 years.

[@a.j9645]

@@scientificaudiophile Yeah, I was kidding a little bit🙂 I watched your whole video and this can (will?) be a problem in a couple of years if they decide to brick it. Its not "just" great, but it sounds really good for now and I hope it will stay alive for a long time. Have a nice day🙂🇸🇪

[@robinkleinsteuber5217]

Long live the audio trials. Some of these guys have some explainin' to do! 😮 Loving it. 😅 You're a fantastic judge!! 😊😊

[@-KIMISAFOX]

I've had a great experience with Sonos.Ive tried denon who is the closest Competitor of these wireless systems & Sonos is easily the best modular multi room system.

[@scientificaudiophile]

WiiM has a better interface. MusicCast better sounding products. Heos has got to be the worst.

[@AndyBHome]

Once again, The Scientific Audiophile propels the state of the art forward. The audio review is dead. Long live the audio trial! Frankly it's what we've needed for a long time in this field. It's this attitude that will bring back respect to high quality audio, and of course many humble devotees. My personal slogan has always been: Precision, Rejection, Judgement!

[@Zuudloarn]

I’d advice you to also get rid of your smartphone and return to your 70’s house phone. It will never be updated but will always work 👍🏻

[@scientificaudiophile]

So true!

[@markg7963]

I don’t think your review was very thorough or accurate. The one thing I agree with is that number is super hard to read. I had to use a light and a magnifying glass. And the font is horrible. How is the software issue any different than any other product? The fact is that the last thing I want to do to is hunt down a box and a button when I am trying to listen to music. The controller that I always have in my hand already (my phone or iPad) is a far better and more accurate interface than the face of any audio component. I’m using Sonos now to run an 11 zone system. Some of those zones are audio only, and some have TVs. The system is great for managing music all over my house, barn, pool, front courtyard, garage, and rooms inside. I can add another zone at will. All zones are either Sonos AMP or Sonos Port (where a receiver is in place in 3 surround sound systems in the house). The system is super easy to use and setup for music. But what isn’t talked about is the use of the “line in”. Which can be set up to auto detect an inbound signal and switch to that automatically. How does this work…. Say my wife is listening to music through Sonos amp in our study, but she now decides she wants to watch jeopardy on the tv. She selects roomie remote on her phone. Selects the study, and presses the TIVO button. When she does this, the roomie remote sends commands to setup the tv, matrix switch, and TIVo. When the signal becomes visible to the Sonos amp from the HDMI switch (my switch extracts the audio in any format I select. Stereo line level, spdif, or HDMI) the Sonos now becomes the amp for that new signal. Roomie remote is now used to control both the TiVo for content, and the Sonos amp for volume control. This all happens flawlessly. When she is done watching TiVo, and presses off, the matrix switch is assigned a null input and the signal ceases to the Sonos AMP. Essentially shutting down that zone. Which then becomes available again for the Sonos controller to use for music, or remain in an “off” state. The Sonos isn’t ever really turned OFF. So, I am using roomie remote to control everything automatically when a video is involved (sources are 2 TIVOs, Apple TV, ROKU, and a Blue Ray player), all to the matrix, and then audio signals are split in various ways to the zones. If it’s a simple 2 channel zone, then straight to that zones Sonos. If it’s a multi channel zone, there is a HT receiver there (with a Sonos port also connected for streaming duty). As the user, it’s super simple. Music, either use the Sonos software to Apple Air play (which is even easier than the Sonos software). If a visitor is on my network, their Apple phone can do exactly what mine can with Apple play. Play music through Sonos in any zone and any zone combination. If the user wants to watch a video source, then roomie remote becomes the controller, but the Sonos is still handling the audio in all my 2 channel zones. At the end of the day, at 2 am, roomie remote controller sends a series of shutdown commands to every device and every zone, I. Case somebody inadvertently left a zone running. (Like I forgot to turn the music off in my barn). I was using a far more complicated multi channel distribution system, that took me literally days to program rs232 commands into roomie remote, and then meticulously program each zone instructions. I eventually fried that amp, and was forced to switch to different architecture. Sonos in 11 zones was literally a 1 day job. And it works flawlessly. If you just use it for music, no programming required. But the real power of the Sonos is multiplied exponentially by the ease of using its audio in capability to integrate it with your video system. If you are gonna pick on a product and dump on it, I’d suggest you do a lot further research on it. No, this isn’t a tube amp mounted on a gold chassis with a power plug and a power button, it’s much better! And much more capable! Now, the one thing that has changed since Sonos reinvented the wheel…. The WIIM system. Basically a straight competitor to the Sonos, they have an AMP version, and 3 levels of non amplified streamers (with probably better DACs built in). The Amp version is an aluminum case with a volume knob. So that outta make you happy. These products are all less than half the price of Sonos. And the software looks almost identical. I can’t confirm the integration process of the inputs, but if I were doing all this again, I’d consider the WIIM products very highly. The reason I did not go with WIIM was my roomie remote was already verified with Sonos architecture, and the Sonos Ethernet ports can be daisy chained together for a much cleaner installation. A hardwired Ethernet is highly preferred to just Wi-Fi because of any lag issues associated with Wi-Fi. One more thing. When I fried my multizone distribution amp, I lost 8 zones of audio, and maybe even more so I lost 8 zones of hard work programming and setup in terms of time and effort. If one of my songs blows up, I can just replace that zone. 15 minutes. In short, Sonos is not the cheapest option, and it probably could have better DACs, a better built in equalizer (again, look at the WIIM products). But the usability and wife acceptance factor of the Sonos is priceless. And it works with my Roomie Remote

[@scientificaudiophile]

My preference is still for Yamaha’s MusicCast, because it can operate without software, so it can’t be fully bricked.

[@markg7963]

That’s a good point. When I was looking at Music Cast about 5 years back. I generally like it but found finding music on it difficult (the interface of searching). But with airplay that might be one to look at. I have a few Yamaha receivers that perform very well, and they are very musical. Would love to demo that dedicated amp version they have.

[@angelscomputers]

I should knew that a guy holding a fake cat wont be a good video to watch but I did anyways, time wasted

[@scientificaudiophile]

Cat's not fake.

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Its $600. If they go under buy another. This seems silly. The Sonos amp is great in a hidden enclosure especially in a shop or outside.

[@scientificaudiophile]

For you and I, no problem, as our Daddy's have our back. But I know some people who have a hard time spending $100. Now fill your house with seven of these, and you're in for $4,200. That's a bit much for someone to just brick them.

[@marcinswitaj8232]

Look at what Sonos did to their devices after the app update. You kind of predicted the future. Sonos Amp, however, remains an exceptionally good amplifier.

[@scientificaudiophile]

They took away a ton of functionality. Maybe it will be back by year’s end.

[@dansullivan9152]

Can't be used without software = Automatic Fail.

[@scottskillman]

I knew it! You are a lawyer.

[@roybatty-]

You can't keep using the old software to run it?

[@scientificaudiophile]

Unfortunately the older “bricked” units allow you to use the old software but the new units won’t run on the old software, so you can’t continue to add to your system. Also they stopped updating the software, so eventually it won’t be available on newer phones.

[@roybatty-]

@@scientificaudiophile What is a good alternative that will make as much power, be as compact and have all the same functionality and connections.

[@scientificaudiophile]

@@roybatty-I prefer Yamaha's MusicCast products. They do the same thing, but can also be controlled manually to be used without software.

[@mford9029]

What’s a figure eight?

[@scientificaudiophile]

it’s just the type of power cord. Not as commonly used as standard power cords, but easy enough to find.

[@georgeweah9717]

They don't know where they put the pin. Who made this amp, Sonos? 😂🤣😂

[@MrShortanswer]

I always knew SONOS meant SONOS

[@JordanPhegley]

You say you "listened" to this amp and yet you admit you only played 600 hours of music through it. You haven't even let it open up and bring that signature Sonos sound. This is an excellent amp if you use the right audiophile network bridge, interconnects, and power cable!

[@scientificaudiophile]

Once again I’ve been called out for my lazy review of a product. I’ll listen even longer next time! My mistake.

[@polarbear3427]

You are right

[@PR-ne7ve]

I actually owned all the sonos for some years now. They did brick all my older speakers which sucks. Expensive products that require a stupid app to use them. I actually think all the speakers old and new are ugly.. My son is a computer engineer, and he always said, never buy speakers that require a app to use them. I always thought the old and new speakers are ugly. I will never buy any more sonos products.

[@dashuroj1]

Can’t you just play music through hdmi arc without the app?

[@scientificaudiophile]

I don't believe so, as it defaults input to the streaming input. If you set it to HDMI and forget it, that should stick forever.

[@JosephThomas-gi8ow]

They are better than Apple..

[@Sharur1]

nice camera work

[@lsaideOK]

Is built in obsolescence really a flaw in today's throw away world? The amp will outlive the phone I am viewing this on. Costs about the same. I wouldn't buy it because it's plasticky Chinese crap and it would look awful in my living room.

[@scientificaudiophile]

True, so many things are made to go in the trash. It's nice to find an old receiver in a yard sale and know you can plug it in.

[@lsaideOK]

@@scientificaudiophile I don't need to go to yard sale to find old stuff. I still have and use a Yamaha receiver and Denon turntable I bought in 1981. Only reason I sold my ADS speakers from that time was one introduced a distortion I could not fix. But replaced them with 19-year-old Bowers and Wilkins 705s!

[@lehsu]

Get the WIIM Pro plus instead.

[@JosephThomas-gi8ow]

Surround sound is better than apple

[@jerrypowers7671]

You mean their pin?

[@scientificaudiophile]

yup

[@QOTSAPT]

You look a little down. Hope it is just the sonos.

[@CammyFi]

I just love manatory connection internet of things devices, actual e waste

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Heard peeps were done w brand due to upgrade necessity. Much like Apple 🍎

[@scientificaudiophile]

I'm working on the SONOS Headphone review. This company has lost its way.

[@user-ve4mt3rb2h]

I am sorry, but your review is awful. This product is not owned by Apple. The Banana Plugs that are included are so you can connect each wire to them if you do not already have your wires connected to existing banana plugs (As I already have my wires to banana plugs). I bought my banana plugs, to attach to each speaker wire, when I first bought my first High End Yamaha 7.1 AV Receiver 22+ years ago (It was the Yamaha RX-V995). Instead of having to unscrew the terminal to find the hole to feed each speaker wire (+/-) and then tightening it and cutting/damaging individual strands of speaker wire. I bought cone shape wire Banana Plugs where every strand of wire is contacting the metal of the plug, absolute best connection and performance. No hole to thread the wire thru, so no cutting stands of wire. I have every one of my +/- existing speaker wires connected to these banana plugs (Front L/R, Center Speaker, Surrounds L/R and Outside L/R). Sonos is throwing this in as part of the cost of the product. 4 banana pugs (2 pair) cost about $15 - $25 for a good - high quality pair. Having them included in the price is fantastic. I never want to attach any of my speaker wire to a Clip system or thread it through a tiny whole and then tightening it where you may break some strands of the wire. For me, it is Banana Plug or bust only. Have you ever heard of firmware upgrade to keep up with technology. Yes, maybe the unit 10+ years ago did not have firmware upgrade capability. In today's world, everything has firmware upgrade capability through the internet. If you do not have internet, then you would never consider this setup in the first place. You need to get with the times. You seem like a grumpy old man that has not kept up with technology and the best way to connect speaker wire to an amplifier. It is not threading the speaker wire into a tiny hole and screwing it tight and clipping off threads of the wire. Some people, like me, already have my speaker wires connected to high quality banana plugs that I do not have to get rid of. I can guarantee you that my plugs are higher quality then what Sonos is offering, so I am glad that they did not attach these to the amplifier (it's my choice on the plugs that I want to use). This company is not going out of business. You need to get with the times. One more thing, there is a Sonos App for Android in their play store. I have not tested it out yet, as I am waiting to receive the Amp tomorrow or Wednesday to test out my new SVS 2000 Pro Subwoofer and new ARC Soundbar (in which I just received and haven't setup yet). As you said the sound quality is amazing, but I know where you disliked the Sonos Amp and I disagree with you from these points. I think you need to take these things into consideration and update your review and recommendation. Just my opinion.

[@TYGA909]

That's a fake cat! Egad!

[@scientificaudiophile]

The cat is real. I’ve had him for over 30 years old and going strong.

[@TW-iu9zy]

… 😂 … so don’t by a Tesla, because it drives only with Tesla‘s software? It’s also a brink on wheels. 🤣 Buy the way: Using Sonos since 10 years, own 14 devices, including 4 amps, never regret my decision. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@scientificaudiophile]

Sold all my original SONOS equipment on eBay as soon as I heard about the possibility of them bricking the equipment, including $250 SONOS remotes. Saved myself a lot of headaches and dollars. CEO is now talking about the life cycle of the new equipment, he's focusing on the stock that continues to go down.

[@Zuudloarn]

Yeahh well what if Tesla goes down 😂

[@garychios]

This is the worst review I have seen in a while. LOL

[@scientificaudiophile]

Thanks!

[@mc20117]

Are we still bashing Sonos? You need updated info - Sonos was so severely hammered in Jan 2020 that they changed course. Nothings worse than trial by the mob.

[@TheNamesMagoo]

okay boomer

[@matthewtomlinson2808]

Apple is shit lol stop comparing these companies