Sonos Amp vs Sonos Connect:Amp

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Over ten years ago, a new company by the name of Sonos won the “Best of Audio” award at CES with their Connect:Amp prototype. Fast forward to today - Sonos has a raving fan base still swearing by the award winning 10 year old Connect:Amp. After interviewing current customers and dealers who install them every day, Sonos developed the new and much improved Amp and we were fortunate enough to get our hands on an exclusive Sonos:Amp currently set to release in 2019.
Since our Amp is a pre-release demo, it came packaged in a discreet box with covert branding. After taking the Sonos:Amp out of the box, we immediately noticed the slimmer design and size compared to the current Sonos:Connect. The new size allows the amp to perfectly fit side-by-side in a rack and is much easier to stack.
A concern when stacking amps is heat output, which is why Sonos greatly improved the ventilation design of the new amp, allowing heat to seamlessly pass through each unit when stacked.
Another key design feature that we immediately noticed is the use of banana plugs, which differ largely from the spring loaded speaker connections of the Connect:Amp, making it a more user friendly experience when connecting speakers to the new amp.
In terms of power, the new Sonos amp produces 125-Watts per channel. Two speakers is the ideal setup for the amp, but with its increased wattage, the amp can power up to four passive speakers, depending on the speakers. This is a big step up from the current Connect:Amp at only 55-Watts per channel.
We can confirm the rumors of increased connectivity options on the new amp. The Sonos:Amp features an Analog RCA Input to connect a turntable with a phono stage, CD player, or any audio device with an RCA output. An HDMI ARC to connect TV audio, which opens up the ability to run a 4.1 Home Theater setup. There is also a Mono Sub-Out - for an external subwoofer and two banana plug ports for a set of passive speakers. Included with the amp is a set of binding post terminal banana plug adapters.
In addition to the wired inputs, the new Sonos amp features Wi-Fi streaming of all the major music streaming services.
Setup and amp control is done through the Sonos App. It was a breeze to set up the amp as we were ready to play sound within a few minutes.
With the new Sonos:Amp you can certainly get creative with your setup. You can run a two channel stereo setup, or to create an almost completely wireless 4.1 Home Theater setup, you can use 2 passive front channel speakers, 2 Sonos Play:1’s as rears and a Sonos SUB. The amp can also power up to 4 of your in-ceiling or outdoor speakers.
One feature of the Sonos:Amp that has us really excited is the improved API. Sonos has announced the Sonos Sound Platform, which includes new APIs, developer tools and documentation to make it easier for Sonos products to operate with third-party hardware and software. The most popular announced integration being “If-This-Then-That” which opens up the Sonos:Amp to a vast amount of home customization options.
When tested, the new Sonos:Amp greatly outperformed the current Connect:Amp. The new amp easily powered our large B &W floor speakers. Even when we cranked the volume, we still got a nice and clean sound. The Connect:Amp on the other hand could not push the same speakers like the Sonos:Amp could. Even when we tested two smaller bookshelf speakers, the Connect:Amp couldn’t match the overall sound quality and fullness of the new amp.
We then tested a 4.1 home theater setup using two front passive speakers, two Sonos Play 1’s as our rear channel and the Sonos SUB. The amp sounded great. It put out enough sound to be immersive and the simulated center channel produced clear dialogue.
We feel the Sonos Amp is a great addition to the Sonos product line. Sonos asked for and listened to feedback in order to develop what we believe is an impressive step up from the current Connect:Amp.
While it’s certainly designed with custom installers in mind, it’s still a great option for consumers looking for a versatile power amp capable of running a simple two channel setup to a fully integrated Sonos home system.
#Sonos #SonosAmp #SonosConnect
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[@DoroteoVilla]

Late to the party on Sonos amps. Purchased a used Connect amp 2. I hooked up two bookshelf speakers to it as well as a third-party subwoofer. In addition, I have a line into the amp from an old Hi-Fi stereo to play vynil on other Sonos Play 1s I have paired as well as the bookshelf speakers . So far, it’s a pretty decent setup…except for one thing. Apparently, there used to be a Sub Audio control on the S2 app that would control your third party subwoofer, independent of your 2 way speaker volume when using the Connect Amp 2. This is important if you are running speakers on the amp because you want to adjust the base of your speakers and subwoofer independently. This function mysteriously disappeared from the app and can only be used with the newer Sonos amp. You don’t have to be a tin foil conspiracy nut to surmise that Sonos just wants you to either force you to upgrade your amp or to buy a Sonos subwoofer. I’m calling shenanigans on Sonos. P.S. they’ve also removed the “what’s on your device” option too as a music source because again, “buy more product!” …and I used to think Apple was brazenly greedy!

[@AudioAdvice]

Sorry to hear about your experience. Thanks for sharing.

[@bit2964]

Sonos has become greedy nowadays

[@rbabusrisaisakthi2893]

We had a 1st gen Echo in our master bathroom for listening to music in the morning kzbin.infoUgkxABghAEkaIDGZfHRBH3D3rBrlraNmnC71 and while in the shower. I didn't realize how tinny and awful the sound output on the original Echo was until we replaced it with the Studio. It was a sonic upgrade far beyond what I was expecting. Just wow. I love it because it's like having speakers IN the shower. My friend likes it because the music is so loud that she can no longer hear me singing. So that's a win-win.

[@AudioAdvice]

They are a great value. Thanks for watching

[@adammachin]

I like the albums on the wall behind you.

[@gracieoliveira1365]

I have two Sonos outdoor speakers that are wired. If I buy the née amp and two Sonos wireless outdoor speakers, can I connect all four to the amp? or do all speakers have to be all wired or all wireless?

[@AudioAdvice]

Sonos speakers can be grouped together and play in sync even if some are wired and some are wireless. You can mix and match in any combination. The only catch is some older Sonos components can not be used with some of the newer ones.

[@MattMediaAU]

Audio Advice - how does the audio compare between the Connect and Port? is the "new DAC" better the the "old"? What chipset is used? Are the OP Amps etc improved? How does the sound compare side by side guven the new Port has an external PS?

[@AudioAdvice]

Hello Matthew Matthew, from our testing the new Port is a substantial improvement over the Connect in terms of sound quality. We have not torn apart a Port to see which chipset is being used and Sonos does not publish this information. The external PS is a nice touch from Sonos as our most popular upgrade to a Connect was it's power cord.

[@walterbkeen]

Have the sonos in almost every room in our house. However, they are seriously lacking with innovation. This is a great start, but they need flexibility and expandability. Still no hdmi support on a flagship $600 playbar? No 5.2 support, No 7.1. While an argument could be made that their products are targeted to a particular customer base, i feel that their price says otherwise. Denon now has a competing technology that surpasses sonos in sound quality while remaining similar in cost. Sonos software integration may be better, but for how long? Sonos needs to step up their game if they intend to stay relevant in such a highly competitive market.

[@Insaiyanrider]

They dont support 7.1 ? I thought you can connect any play speakers to it ?

[@BlackbeardedPirate]

Yeah, but Heos is far from perfect itself. The app UI and UX is horrible.

[@robertriggio1426]

I'm using a connect amp to power rear wired surrounds but the RCA jacks for turntable connection are disabled in this configuration. Is this true?

[@AudioAdvice]

Yes, that is correct. The RCA jack inputs and the subwoofer outputs are disabled in the surround configuration.

[@glockman9c]

I want to use the same set of in ceiling speakers for my two rears with my Sonos Beam as well as for music for whole house audio. Would I be able to do that with this amp? Thanks!

[@cs9181]

Can you use the output of the Amp as a line in to the Connect Amp?

[@cs9181]

so much for that useful idea. Both amps only have inputs.

[@LouB3rt]

perfect, so my takeaway: use the cheaper older Sonos connect amp for my inwall speakers because it is cheaper to set up separate rooms and use the new Sonos amp for my surround sound speakers.

[@AudioAdvice]

You got it. Thanks for watching!

[@chicagogirlsouthernmom]

@@AudioAdvice When she says "inwall " spaker, is she talking about spekers that are in the ceiling? BEcause we have speakers in the ceilings and just found out we need amps for them to work. I'd be happy if the older model will work just fine.

[@AudioAdvice]

@@chicagogirlsouthernmom What they referred to are speakers that need an amplifier. 99.9% of in ceiling and in wall speakers need an amplifier and the .01% that do not are ultra expensive. Please reach out to our team at www.audioadvice.com to determine the amplfier that would work best for your needs.

[@UBAYBE]

What do you guys recommend amp wise to control two outdoor speakers with Alexa?

[@nick18223]

That's perfect for Sonos Amp or Connect:Amp. Sonos integrates really well with Alexa.

[@bobmacdonald7545]

Try the Amazon Echo Link or Link Amp for half the cost.

[@johnd9272]

I had a similar situation and ditched the echo completely. Just using the connect amp and my phone to controller it. Running it through a switch to play 2 speakers at either the deck or firepit or all 4 at once.

[@brntorangeblood]

Good review. Quick question. Does the new amp allow you to change the balance between left and right channels in the Sonos app? I was thinking I could use one Amp to control 4 in ceiling speakers (2 in a bedroom and 2 in an adjacent room). If I can change the balance from the app, then I could have the two in one room wired on one channel and the other room on the other channel and either listen on all 4 (balanced) or isolate the music to one of the rooms when needed by moving the balance to only the left or right channel.

[@AudioAdvice]

You can, but then you would not have stereo. You would have all right channel in one room and all left in the other.

[@robmk87]

Just buy a speaker switch to go between the amp and speakers

[@kevinash7904]

Audio Advice - in this type of configuration he could set the amp output setting to mono instead of stereo. At least that way he won’t have one room getting all right chance and one room getting all left. It’s still a bit of a hanky workaround to getting 2 room audio from a single amp but it should work as he describes

[@nme6725]

What’s the difference besides maybe the sound and all. Can you hook up more stuff from the connect amp or this one?

[@troelsgudiksen9900]

I’ve run Sonos for 8 years. The new amp compared with the old does not match the sound quality. It’s louder more flat, less detail that really is a problem as most of my listening is dialog, radio, podcast etc. but after blind testing with my family members they all agreed that the sound was “boring” on the new Amp. I can’t find setting to adjust for that flatness and lacking details. (I use Dynaudio speakers).

[@Demoaccount-i2k]

Im going for harman kardon amp, which is basically same thing, it got eq equaliser

[@1duesy]

I have a number of old school components including turntable, cassette, FM tuner. How do I connect these to Sonos Amp and is there a switch to toggle among the various components?

[@AudioAdvice]

There is only one RCA input for an external component such as a turntable.

[@1duesy]

@@AudioAdvice To fully replace a traditional amp, one would expect a full array of I/O connections.

[@BrettBreeden]

Unfortunately, this is a weird in-between solution. It's not a pure amp, but it's also not a full A/V receiver. It's best used a simply an amp that can help provide multi-room streaming audio along with a single input for a legacy source. If you need multi-room audio from many sources, you could look at something like a Denon receiver with a few of their HEOS line speakers.

[@jharris947]

Was that a Sonus ad I just watched?

[@PizzaLov3r]

1976 as about 5.1 surround sound LMAO

[@szabb27]

First of all, great review and am enjoying consuming this type of content!!! Am looking into building a nice sounding home system (mostly focused on music) , but couldn't stop wondering how does something like the Sonos AMP compare to the likes of the Marantz 1510, Yamaha RX-V4A, Onkyo TX-SR393 - from a sound quality perspective alone?

[@AudioAdvice]

Thank you. The Sonos AMP is pretty good, please reach out to our team to discuss which option would be best.

[@szabb27]

@@AudioAdvice that’s just what i did 🙂…or at least i though so

[@will-r9v]

Does/will the Sonos Amp individually support control through Amazon Alexa?

[@sheepman1962]

I don’t believe this amp supports Alexa. You need another Sonos Play with Alexa to give the required commands and then group the speakers running from The Amp to enable. That said, Alexa is fairly restrictive & unreliable, so better using the App on your phone/IPad....

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

It would be great if you could show an A/B sound demo comparison of the two different amps running the same make & model of speakers.

[@eyewandersfoto]

So much for the "raving fan-base still swearing by the 10-year-old Connec:Amp"... They were hung out to dry.

[@OOpSjm]

How so? One can their trade-up program.

[@eyewandersfoto]

@@OOpSjm There's been 2 stages of reversals by Sonos since this video was posted and the sunset policy was first announced.

[@CalmLikeABomb76]

I dont get it. You said in the vid, that it is released in 2019, but you have it in stock on your website?

[@AudioAdvice]

It's widely available in 2019. Custom installers can deliver starting on Dec 1.

[@juandoe7802]

Seriously why didn't they just make a 5.2 amp man! Right now that I'm trying to give them my money I find out I can't use my awesome center channel with this...bummer!

[@sergey4162]

I believe this would hit the sales of their own soundbars. I also believe many would want to install , for example, Ray for center channel with Amp for the fronts instead of the Arc and this is not supported for the same reason

[@rsa2hi]

Can we connect it as 5.1: sound bar, passiv Stereo speakers, 2x Play One and subwoofer?

[@pnoisoldia]

I was wondering the same. That's my current setup now, but the floor speakers are only being used for music.

[@sheepman1962]

Rui Santinha I’m hoping to do the same. I’ve two options 1) Setup Playbar with 2x Sonos Ones for rears and group the passive speakers, using Arc HDMI on Playbar or 2) Setup the Amp with 2x Sonos Ones and run the Playbar (group) using Arc HDMI on Amp and Playbar on regular HDMI. Will have to experiment, but seriously hoping the new Amp will provide quality Music via my floorstanders...

[@rsa2hi]

@@sheepman1962 im waiting that amplifier is available in Germany to hear it first.

[@lukegarcia3238]

Could this amp handle jbl l100

[@AudioAdvice]

It could but would not extract their full potential.

[@Stringbean421]

He didn't tell you that the new amp is made of plastic!! Not aluminium like it's predecessor.

[@OOpSjm]

Chassis is cast aluminum is it not?

[@Stringbean421]

@@OOpSjm Chassis can be made from anything. A chassis is just a skeletal frame in which to support/house something.

[@OOpSjm]

@@Stringbean421 Chassis is a fundamental component and key in heat dissaption

[@Stringbean421]

@@OOpSjm Whatever mate,..I'm not really in the mood for discussing the mechanics of a chassis though. Later.

[@dodge2451]

I get a little irate when no one who reviews these mentions the surround support that SONOS offers, which is Just DD 5.1, SONOS Does not support DTS, so anyone trying to play a Blu-Ray in surround, needs to have a Blu-Ray player that can convert DTS to DD (Xbox One etc).

[@tcreed6641]

Nice I got the sonos 5.1 and I love it , looking forward getting this amp for my floor standing klipsch speakers...👍

[@ivy1926]

I've got a sonos connect amp zp100 but plug it in light came on but now light don't light come on.. Can anyone help for a fix👍

[@coolrosco1]

Look them up online and call their customer support, if you haven't already, they will always help you get your system connected and working.

[@surenmahabir6533]

How does it perform when connected to a Mixer with a built in preamp? Looking forward to using the new amp's RCA in from a mixer. With the Old Connect AMP there was a 70ms delay when playing records from a turn table connected to a mixer then the mixer connected to the AMP. Hopefully the delay is gone.

[@jonholden5265]

Would be interested if the delay is gone but I fear not!

[@surenmahabir6533]

@@jonholden5265 No Go, delay still there.

[@jonholden5265]

Suren Mahabir thought so... got my decks on their own monitors & also through Sonos connect. Only good through their own monitors as connect has the latency so no good for mixing. Also I am have lots of other issues with Sonos connect ☹️

[@myassingh]

The new Sonos amp is a lesser capable than the older Sonos connect amp. The new Sonos amp does not offer an Audio out output. It is only an amplifier.

[@Truevisionsolutions]

Molana Rumi that’s because no really uses the audio out on the amp they use with just the connect as you would use as a source to an amplifier as the connect amp is an amp why do need an output.

[@add_it_up]

Funny he sad it can power 4 ceiling speakers. I'm wondering if this opens up the capability to add it to a Sonos 5.1 setup in order to create a 5.1.4 Atmos setup. That would be a game changer.

[@mattheww2797]

No, the speakers would work as 2 stereo pairs only, ie 4 speakers in ceiling in the same room for stereo music

[@lllee5472]

I stopped watching when he said it only powers 2-4 speakers. I need 12 speakers powered.

[@j.lebowski2364]

Soonoos?

[@alfagerup]

It sounds just like a commercial for the product...

[@AudioAdvice]

Greetings Robin! We appreciate your point that this was a super positive comparison. A few points we should have made. First, these are all simply best of breed in terms of streaming devices for whole house music, so these are the ones that really stand out. The second point is that for every review we do, there are dozens of products we don't put out videos on. In other words, we simply don't waste people's time with reviews and comparisons on products that we don't believe in. The third point is that our individual reviews are where we dive deeper into any of the negatives if there are any to call out. www.audioadvice.com/videos-reviews/new-sonos-amp-vs-connectamp/ Thanks for watching!

[@allanallan5488]

I need sonos amp and mic

[@elvisnelson6478]

I have at least 16 components. I have had four long term problems with Sonos: 1. Since it is only old wi-fi, it has too few channels.. 2. Just when you get used to the controller format, they change it. 3. Whenever I open Sonos from whatever device is close to me, it says the controller cannot be found, even though I know it is on my network. 4. External input is too difficult. Bluetooth would be nice.

[@Xemerius7]

1 what do you mean with the wifi Chanels? 2 true 3 might wanna check your network config, I never had this issue in the last 4 years 4 it has airplay isn't that enough? plus bluetooth audio quality is just shit

[@marcelguarachi]

U look like you’re dancing

[@TheLDunn1]

“Well worth the wait”? .....I’m not sure many existing Connect amp owners were waiting for their devices to be made redundant.

[@DJCowboyGels]

BUYER BEWARE...I'VE NEVER HAD AS MUCH TROUBLE WITH ANY DEVICE IN MY LIFE AS I HAVE WITH THE SONOS SYSTEM...YOU'LL BE SORRY IF YOU INVEST IN PURCHASING ONE...DON'T SAY YOU WEREN'T WARNED!

[@ProffAndy]

There's a small chance that you might be sorry if you purchase one, but I`ve installed several multi-room Sonos systems for customers. No return visits to any of those customers so far (after 3 or 4 years). If I do visit a customer to do other work I sometimes ask how they're getting on with their Sonos system. The answer is always positive. Sonos amps seem reliable and the control app is solid. Maybe you had a faulty amp, or issues with your router/network.

[@sergey4162]

@@ProffAndy, no, his problem is definitely with the keyboard, the Caps Lock Britton, not Sonos.

[@PizzaLov3r]

Welcome to 1976 sound with Sonos lol there are far better systems that allow 7.1 Atmos and DTS .....next !!!

[@Spiel-Film]

U know the different between Stereo and Surround? Damn... Are u real so stupid? And every stereo system sounds better like just the TV!

[@PizzaLov3r]

@@Spiel-Film you need to sort out your grammar and spelling. Try some online courses to improve your English, then maybe you and I could have an adult conversation where I can understand what you are trying to say. Hopefully this time next year you'd be ready for a full on adult conversation 2019.

[@tristansprock2011]

you know your opponent has no arguments when he comments on grammar and spelling...@@PizzaLov3r

[@ThisManTriggeredMe]

You're a dumb fuk, hope you're aware

[@mattheww2797]

You obviously have no idea what the Amp is used for, its great for distributed music throughout a home

[@rmabtccom]

Stand still for F sake

[@AnarchoHumanism]

Sonos SUCKS! Was using them in my house and every time I set them all to play at once there were constant interruptions, several calls to support (Support was great) never fixed this problem. I have FIOS, and use ORBI for full house coverage, but to no avail. Got myself a Definitive technology PLay-Fi setup, problem is now gone. Conclusion: these SONOS WIFI speakers SUCK!

[@jet357]

Most overpriced, overhyped products out there.

[@eirvandelden]

I stopped watching, I can't stand the hopping he does while speaking. Talk, or go do your jumping exercises, but not both at the same time.

[@lucappelman8558]

This channel is so dumb... WOW you can connect 4 speakers. Meaning you would probably end up with 1 ohm or 0.5 ohms if you use 4 ohm speakers... which almost no amp can handle continuesly... Also this would have been possible with the connect amp but each speaker would just get less power, and thus less loud.