Ultimate Rear Speakers: Era 300 and Sonos Home Theater

[@BradMiller-j2b]

I’m really glad you covered the stands. I just ordered my 300’s from Sonos and ordered the sanus stands to save money but then watched your video and saw the height difference and immediately ordered the Sonos stands and will be returning the sanus stands.

[@beardfm]

Glad I could help! The Sonos stands are really the best.

[@augustusx82]

I recently upgraded my rears to 2 300s and added a second sub. The second subwoofer makes a huge difference in the overall theatrical presentation of the entire system, it’s mind-boggling actually. The base is so smooth, it’s like creamy peanut butter, smooth, I don’t really know how to describe it. I thought that by adding a second subwoofer, it would knock the house off of the foundation, but that’s not what happened, they work in tandem with each other, not like having two individual Lions, but having those lions all come together and form Voltron, of course we know Voltron is completely different than 5 individual lions.. you could have all five of them individually, and the bad guy will still beat them up, but for whatever reason to take those same five and put them together to form Voltron, and the bad guy always gets vanquished immediately… the entire Sonos system works like that when adding a second sub. I have a room where I have four walls that are evenly spaced out from each other, allowing the 300s and the Sonos arc to bounce sound evenly across the room. I put the system through the call of duty online multiplayer test. I play call of duty competitively with Dolby Atmos capable headphones, I’ve never been able to use a surroundsound system and stay competitive because there are typically gaps in the surround bubble field where I can’t hear enemies running, that’s normally where they kill me from. With the 300s and a second subwoofer I played a competitive game last night and it was almost like a cheat code. I could hear every enemy from every angle and it was even better than headphones because the dynamic range of a home theater system is wider than headphones.. meaning if you pump up the volume, you can hear very my new quiet details, but also very loud gunfire, it was incredible, I didn’t think that was possible in a home theater system, without having physical speakers on the ceiling and sides. The system is insane and whoever created it should be drug tested for awesomeness. The system stopped me from spending 4000 on the Nakamichi dragon.

[@beardfm]

So basically…I need that second sub 😏

[@augustusx82]

@@beardfm correct. It goes from home theater… to movie theater… real quick. And judging by the size of your room in this video you def need another sub. the first thing I noticed was that the base is also surroundsound now that there’s multiple subwoofers, meaning that a jet flying by in top gun will trigger the subwoofer at the front of the room, fly overhead triggering the Atmos speakers, and then head to the back of the room activating the second subwoofer making the back of the room rumble, so basically, the bass moves with the objects on screen , you can’t do that with just one sub. Other wireless sound bar systems can compete with your current set up, however adding the second subwoofer easily eliminates all competition leaving only the dragon in your way.

[@MO-tp8lh]

Great video. I returned the 300s I purchased exclusively for rear speakers with Arc and two sub gens. Not having the front channel produce any sound is pretty crazy to me. At almost 1k, the speakers are better for folks wanting to listen to Atmos music. While the Height effects did improve, it came no where near the price I paid for the upgrade.

[@beardfm]

Agreed, Atmos music is the primary use case for these I think!

[@vishalgupta5211]

Same here !! These 300 is powerful speakers and sounds great with stereo setup but for rear speakers its an overkill because you are not using big front speakers. Also if you listen to songs you get sound via arc only which is frustrating.

[@kerkiraz]

@@vishalgupta5211are you saying to play music the music come from the sound bar and nothing from the rears?

[@kerkiraz]

Do we really need the sound bar? If the set up would permit 2 separate fronts this would eliminate it this looks like marketing over substance that the customer should have the option.

[@jebber56]

Same sold mine and bought 2 sets of Era 100s for surround plus another room

[@johnnydo22]

I’ve got the dual sub setup and I’m in a 20x20 room with 8 ft ceilings, with the couch in the middle so front and back speakers equidistant to listening position. Wow it’s pretty amazing! I’m loving atmos content so much! The second sub really adds a level bass at both of my couches (as well as the era atmos channels now) so the whole room feels great. I wish the front left and right were more pronounced but part of the ease and sound bar.

[@beardfm]

Man it’s tempting to get that second sub 😅

[@johnnydo22]

Tempting 🤣

[@RottenMechGaming]

I would also like Sonos to offer an option of putting a pair on either side of the bar to widen the field beyond the dialogue in the centre. I am sure they have tested it, perhaps it results in various issues with

[@tommygilberti2204]

I have this system and running 2 subs. I absolutely love it and would highly recommend if it's in your budget. Happy listening.

[@beardfm]

Good to know! Tempted by that second sub 🤔

[@Kaniac47]

I have two 300s paired with a Beam 2 and a Sub Mini, which are fantastic. I mounted the 300s using the Sanus 300 mounts (and yes, as you said, definitely recommend finding a stud). I also have two 100s that I have as a stereo pair and I use the Sanus 100 stands for those. Depending on what I'm watching or listening to, sometimes I'll group the 100's in with the rest of the speakers. I went with the Sanus because both the Sonos brand 300 mounts and 100 stands were on a long backorder and I didn't have the patience to wait, and I also have a Sanus adjustable arm mount for my tv which has proven to be a very good mount. The 300 mounts have been fine and they have a wide range of motion. The color matches also. Regarding the stands, Sanus makes height-adjustable ones which I went with, so I have them adjusted at the same height that the Sonos stands are set at. They cost a bit more than the fixed height stands but that extra cost is worth having an adjustable height. If the Sonos mounts/stands were available immediately I would have gone with them. But overall I am happy with the Sanus mounts and stands; I think they are a great secondary option to Sonos.

[@jb7753]

Hi mate, so you've wall mounted a pair of 300's. You upgraded from a pair of ones as rear speakers? Is it worth the upgrade? How much space do you have above and to the sides of the 300s? I'm considering upgrading from the ones as rears, but I'm not sure if the placement will work... also, the whole room is only 4m x 4m, so the ones are doing the job as is.

[@Kaniac47]

@@jb7753 I didn’t upgrade as I never owned a pair of ones. The 300s are the Sonos first rears that I have owned. Regardless, I would highly recommend the 300s. Period. And from other reviews that I have seen, people that have upgraded recommend the 300s as an upgrade for the ones, but not to do it if your upgrading from the ones to the 100s because the there isn’t enough of a difference to justify the cost of two new 100s. I have about 2.5 feet of space from the ceiling to the top of the speakers, and the sides are essentially completely open. I am considering flipping them upside down. Sonos recommends to flip them upside down if you have less than two feet between the speaker and the ceiling, and recommends at least 8 inches of space on the sides. My room is 11ft x 11ft, so slightly smaller than yours. The 300s are awesome in that space but they are also more than enough. You can adjust the overall volume of rears in the app and the height channel if they ever get too loud.

[@jb7753]

@@Kaniac47 Legend. Thanks for the reply, mate. I'd be keen to hear what you find when flipping them as I was contemplating doing that too. I would be borderline in clearance on the outside as I'm mounting in the corners, I have maybe 10in clearance to the sides. Height wise, I wouldn't get 2ft clearance, hence flipping them. I could if I lowered the mounts, but I'm not sure the wife would like the aesthetics. I'm pleased to hear the room size is no issue. For me the ones do a crackin job as is, but likewise, I've seen many comments that the 300s are top-notch!.... If you flip them, let me know your thoughts. If you're after a good audio disc, get on to Hans Zimmer live in Prague. It's a Blu-ray but has atmos sound and is phenomenal!°

[@Carlos2400]

I just order the era 300s and it’s for my bedroom. I will have the whole 7.1.4 setup and when I move I bring it to my studio or apt.

[@beardfm]

Nice!

[@garretts431]

as per usual the subs is where soundbars need work on. some are better than others i agree (i have dual gen 3 subs) but soundbar companies need to start making pb1000 like subs at some point. maybe not so much the SIZE but for sure providing MORE power at lower frequencies. i wouldnt mind if the gen 4 sub was 3-5 inches bigger on all sides just to give more room for bigger/better components to offer better frequencies. if gen 4 sub could provide even 85 DB at 20hz id be satisfied cuz that will mean 25hz would be a stellar DB

[@beardfm]

It's been a while, I'm hoping Gen 4 comes soon!

[@mohamedahmed1023]

If we could have the Era 3 as proper L&R, I think I swap over from my HT receiver setup to Sonos. My #1 issue with Sonos is the limited stereo separation of the soundbar.

[@beardfm]

Same, wish that was possible.

[@sergey4162]

What model do you mean, could you please specify? Beam or Arc?

[@mohamedahmed1023]

@@sergey4162 all soundbars have limited stereo separation. I mean every model. But I have the beam.

[@ramirocasillas1394]

So I have the immersive set with the arc ultra sub GEN four and two era 300s and I was thinking of getting two more error 300s for the front so having left and right channel and the arc ultra as a center what do you think? Would I give him more immersive experience?

[@touchdowntech326]

I just purchased and installed the Arc, 2 Era 300s and 1 Subwoofer and it Sounds Great but I could def see myself adding a 2nd because I like the extra bass.

[@beardfm]

Yeah, I’m still considering that too 🤔

[@bakelitsuisse7707]

Great video Stephen! My setup is the ARC, a mini sub and two ERA 300! It sounds great!

[@beardfm]

That’s a sweet setup!

[@VeediyaDissanayake]

Why I can’t my era 300 as a surround? When I pair msg always come Bluetooth and line-in will be unavailable your era 300s. Waste hours and dates to fixing the problem. But still the same.can you advise me how to use my eras as a surround. Thank you

[@Pcar_dad6733]

Thinking about Arc with 2 300s. Is the sub nyeserry?

[@beardfm]

Honestly, I would go with a sub and 2 era 100s before no sub. It makes a big difference, even just the sub mini

[@MrZACATECANO100]

I agree I got rid of my 7.2 HT yrs ago and love Sonos more . Cleaner setup (cables all over floor) now I can hear sounds I wouldn’t. Even tho I had atmos receiver by Yamaha.

[@beardfm]

It's wild how good it is.

[@MrZACATECANO100]

@@beardfm 👍🏽

[@Vintageneowatch]

Thanks. I was hoping to just use 1 or 2 era 300s as a home theater. I was trying to keep it minimal and hang some with my Samsung frame tv. Very helpful and may have to get ceiling mount speakers.

[@beardfm]

I would recommend a Sonos Beam + sub mini for a Sonos some theater as the 300s can only be used with a sound bar for a home theater setup.

[@JeremyMcconnell]

Can you create a stereo pair with your sub mini, and then air play the audio to the pair ? I just upgraded my One SL surrounds in the living room with Era 300s. I also have 2 gen 3 subs, and Arc, and high end OLED display. It’s a great experience for sure! In contrast I have a Gen 2 Beam, sub mini, and One SLs in my bedroom on an OLED display and it’s impressive too, but definitely not as cool as the living room setup.

[@beardfm]

You can! But you can’t use as a pair + sub AND part of a home theater setup.

[@5cent27]

Wife got me a 2nd sub this past Christmas. It’s worth it to me 🤷‍♂️. Now I just need to replace my one sl surrounds with these! Yeah I think I need a pair of these.

[@beardfm]

I’ve been hearing the double sub is a noticeable improvement 🤔

[@5cent27]

@@beardfm just got a set of 300s for rears. Pretty excited to see how it all sounds.

[@IamWhiteTurtle]

@@5cent27how does it sound compared to the one sl

[@5cent27]

@@IamWhiteTurtle sounds RAD haha! Definitely more immersive. It’s definitely not a cheap upgrade but for me it was worth it. I have daydreams most days about a more robust Arc as the 300’s seem to outclass the Arc. But if the rumors are true then Sonos should be coming out with a new Arc this year. Maybe I dreamt that tho haha!!

[@albertpinter9015]

What settings do you do for the app when using them as surround sound watching tv? It feels like the arc is doing all the work and the eras are barely doing anything

[@davidfeldt2796]

Changing out my 12 year old Bose lifestyle v35 that sounds great but is outdated and wanted atmos in the movie room. Did a test run with the Arc with era 300’s, great clarity but my 2 gen 3 subs are in the mail. So it was lacking the bass. I do notice a small delay from the movie screen to the speakers with the audio. Not sure how to sync this up better. Getting excited to get the full system running , Arc, era 300s rear, and 2 subs. Great edit on your video! You answered some questions I couldn’t find elsewhere.

[@beardfm]

Thanks! And that'll be a great setup. I would run the TruPlay tuning when you get the full system installed and it should help that delay.

[@No_cap_yo]

There is a “tv sync” section in the app.

[@arcaneftwtv]

Get the 2nd sub. I have the full setup with arc, 2x sub gen 3 and 2x era 300. And its amazing!

[@beardfm]

Phew…I may have to do it!

[@lancelot222]

Era 300 vs the 5's for rear speakers?

[@beardfm]

Era 300s for sure

[@lancelot222]

@@beardfm ok awesome, i currently have the 5's for rears and so ordered the Era 300's for rears and will move the 5's into a bedroom (w/ a sub) for music listening. Thanks for great information and reply, really appreciate it!

[@N.I.C.K.]

Can you measure the dimensions of the base of the Eras 300 stands? And the dimensions of how high off the ground the speaker is when using the stands? I think I’m going to get them, just want to make sure the stands fit where I need them!

[@speedrepublic5270]

Great video. Interesting comments RE this potentially rivaling your 7.1 system. I’m in the middle of a full house renovation. I’ve installed wires in my walls ready in one of the living rooms for an in wall 7.1 system using KEF Ci4100’s. But you’ve really got me thinking.. scrap the idea and use an Arc, two era 300’s and two subs and be done with it instead! Is there any other power options for these speakers, I.e can I get a power cable into my walls ready so these can be wall hung with no cables on show, or is my only option to run that cable down my wall and into a plug socket?

[@beardfm]

I would have an outlet installed on the wall where you plan to mount the Era 300s. And my 7.1 system is powered mainly by in-ceiling and in-wall speakers that range in cost from $150-$300. If you're going with higher end individual speakers, the 7.1 that you've already run wires for may be the way to go. Just depends on your investment cost of 7 speakers + dedicated sub vs. the Sonos $2,500 immersive set.

[@speedrepublic5270]

@@beardfm thanks for the reply Stephen. I didn’t really want any outlets on show hence trying to figure a way of concealing these power wires. Tricky really as there isn’t a solution for new builds or concealed installations. The 7.1 system in mind would be circa £4,200 in the UK, that’s x5 KEF 4100’s, T1 Sub, Denon amp and x2 lithe pro wifi cieling speakers for atmos. The sonus immersive system, I.e arc, x2 era 300’s and a Gen 3 sun is £2,210. Saving of £2,210 (circa $2800). The ease of use and the fact I don’t need an amp/processor makes the sonus a lot more attractive to be honest.

[@QJHKI]

@@speedrepublic5270 2 months later and what did you choose? Did you go sonos or keep your custom setup?

[@nsarunlant]

For a room size of 5m X 5m and a ceiling height of 2.5m.... sitting position more towards the wall....which one woud u suggest as rear speakers for Beam gen 2... Era 100 or Era 300 ? i dont have a sub yet...

[@brianblair2906]

Helpful review! Thank you! Can’t wait to install mine

[@beardfm]

Appreciate it 🙏🏻

[@ejazpk123]

Hello I have one question please I have medium bedroom with the projector so how do I set up a Dolby Atmos to rear and front speaker? With Sonos system I have two SL one stereo speaker. Do I need ARA 300 to make this?

[@beardfm]

You'll need a sound bar of some kind to get the Sonos theater audio to work. Either a Sonos Ray, Beam or Arc. I would suggest a Beam for a medium size room.

[@prtbone78]

Make sure projector has arc/earc is doesn't you need a box to make an arc/earc connection

[@BostonTerrierDad623]

I’ve got these with an arc & mini-sub in a great room that’s 26 by 26ish & the FIRST thing I did was listen to maverick. Lol. I know that sound (even tho I LOATHED that “movie”. I could’ve just watched the first one again😂). I currently have 2 oleds mounted side by side with plans for more. This is NOT due to a gambling problem, first and foremost! I don’t game either. But I do eye more than one thing at a time. I can’t help it. But I do have an ADHD issue. I also do not listen to both. I just hang a sound bar off the other TVs. Only one is my crown jewel. I say that jokingly - it was just the first one to get the sound hooked up. 😂 It’s fun to watch synced things on them at the same times to see which one out performs for what: sports, movies, etc. They will absolutely do that. I have new theatre seating with the heating & massage including which is nice here in the cold mountains. But after 2 back surgeries, the massage feels like deep tissue X10 & the heat has 1 level: pizza oven. I don’t even bother. Thank you - I didn’t even know you did these, SR! I found these very fortuitously! You are the best, pal! Keep on rockin’ Stuart D

[@JohnHosty]

If I have arc, sub 3 and two 300's set up as you recommend, for movies. Can I then use the system for Apple Music off my iPhone?

[@beardfm]

You can! Just airplay to that room and will through all the Sonos

[@adder1221l]

Great review! Current setup- Arc, Gen2 sub, Amp using ceiling speakers as surrounds. I just ordered my era300’s today so I’ll be replacing the amp for surrounds. Is there any way I can somehow include the amp in my new setup? Thanks in advance!

[@beardfm]

Thanks! I’m not sure you’ll be able to add the amp speakers as Sonos doesn’t support a 7.1 setup as far as I know.

[@QJHKI]

What's your verdict? Did you prefer the era 300 as surrounds or the in ceiling is better? I'm torn between a clean living room or sound quality lol.

[@jeremiekey7379]

I know this comment is old, but I hope you figured out that you could include them in your setup.

[@adder1221l]

I did. Just keep forgetting to add it when watching tv

[@jeremiekey7379]

@@adder1221l Awesome. Did you position Era300s beside the arc or in the rear?

[@koobeetshuva1757]

I have 2 era 300 and arc. my setup is that the era'S are left and right to the arc. when i here music the arc is disabled..while in movies, the effect is poor. since I don't have power in the back of my living room.

[@soryngas8259]

Hello, thanks for the information, I have a question, can't I put the era 300 speakers into the Sonos app together with the Sonos arc? why when I turn the volume up or down from the Tv remote Sonos era 300 does not change its volume only Sonos arc changes the volume,thank you

[@beardfm]

It depends whether you have them setup as a legit Home Theater experience or just grouped together. Make sure the Era 300s are listed as "rear" speakers, and even then remember dialogue mainly comes out of the center channel, which will be the Arc, not Era 300s

[@soryngas8259]

@@beardfm I understand, thank you very much for the answer!

[@Trilobitumen]

If your couch is at the back wall, would it be better to flank the couch pointing the era 300s directly toward your ears, or rather point them to the front of the room, even though you are perpendicular to the speakers?

[@beardfm]

I would angle then slightly toward you, but not directly.

[@MichaelCartyIreland]

Great video . Can the arc be added to a chromecast group ?

[@beardfm]

Thanks! I don’t think so. You can use a Chromecast via eARC and it will go through a Sonos sound system connected to the same TV, but not through a wireless connection

[@jhsalmeida]

Great video! Can we place the Era 300 ceiling mounted instead of floor mounted?

[@beardfm]

Thanks! And you can, Sonos actually has instruction for that (you mount them upside-down).

[@oldsnwbrdr]

I don’t doubt this sounds great. But the glaring issue with this system is its lack of support for uncompressed DTS. I understand this will handle lossy DTS now but you’d better pray your TV passes it. For this reason I went Sony HTA9. With a 4K player plugged into it, my best sounding disc is Master and Commander in 1080p and DTS-MA. It blows away any Atmos disc I have, including TG Maverick.

[@beardfm]

I’ve had a lot of questions about that Sony…may have to try it out 🤔

[@erockii]

Please help me? So I bought the arc, sub woofer and 2 era 300s. They were out of the color I wanted for one of 300s so they had to order it. I hooked up the 3 that I had (arc, woofer and one era 300). Everything sounded amazing but in the Sonos app it split the arc and the sub in family room and the era 300 into family room 2 for some reason. Anyway I was able to control both and turn one on, one off and vice versa or have both on. Once I added the second era 300 it merged everything into family room (there was no more 2), which was fine. Problem is now only the arc is working. I don’t know how to get the sub and the 300s to work. Please help!

[@beardfm]

Sorry for the trouble, the connections can be a challenge. I would recommend factory resetting the sub and 300s and re-adding them to the group

[@darkchado5012]

Have now the Beam set up: Beam Gen2 with Mini Sub and two Era 300 as rears. Films are great. It seamlessly covers your back area with sound effects and reaches over your head. Like Sennheiser Ambeo. But the front is lacking the atmos covering. Maybe updating to ARC next year. Atmos music is not as good as normal when I'm listening over Tidal TV-App with setup. Not tried Amazon Unlimited now. Unfortunately, the ERA 300 have almost nothing to do in this surround setup. Better disable Rear setup and using them as Stereo pair in group mode for music.

[@beardfm]

Yeah, I think for larger rooms the Arc vs. Beam makes a big difference. I'd wait to see if any new versions of Sonos gear launch this year though!

[@iamthatiam1]

Great review, thanks!! I've been looking at the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc for an immersive sound (music) experience in a 30x30 indoor space. Would this Sonos set sound great in a room that size? And have you ever used an iPad or laptop to stream music (wav files) or do you have to use Apple Server to play music? Thank you!

[@beardfm]

You're welcome! And the immersive set would sound great in a 30x30 room. When I play music I typically use the Sonos app, or just AirPlay like you would to a HomePod!

[@iamthatiam1]

@@beardfm thank you!!

[@garrysharma9644]

I’ve arc with sub3, and sl each at both rear side as surrounding speaker . Can I still at Era 300 as extra surround speaker ?

[@beardfm]

Unfortunately you can’t add additional speakers outside the 5.1 setup

[@sorsiva]

Awesome video… Just wondering if HomePods ever get extended so that you can use 4 for Dolby atoms in your opinion would that be worth holding onto or would you switch to the Sonos 300 setup?

[@beardfm]

Thanks! Unfortunately I don’t think Apple is going to expand that capability, so if you want the best home theater experience, a Sonos Beam, sub mini and era 300s are a great option. Just remember you can’t use the 300s for home theater on their own.

[@noahchristian6150]

You mentioned that you can’t use the Era 300’s as both front and rears on a surround system. Is there a substitute to recommended for the fronts (along side the sound bar)?. I realize that might be overkill, but curious.

[@beardfm]

Unfortunately Sonos doesn’t allow any kind of front left/right speaker addition. If you want the best experience, a Sonos Arc does great with left/center/right sound separation, but some people really prefer 3 separate speakers and for that you’ll need to go with a custom receiver setup.

[@noahchristian6150]

@@beardfm ok, that makes sense. Thanks Stephen.

[@Lun602]

I can’t decide between Sonos arc with 300 era or Bose ultra with 700 rear speakers. I need a full theater experience and will need it to play music. Please help!

[@beardfm]

I haven’t tried the Bose Ultra unfortunately, but the Sonos ecosystem is so good and plays nice with Apple 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@giacintorenta7579]

I owned a Sonos Arc + Sub Gen 3 and 2 Play:3 as rears. I am considering upgrading the Play:3 to Era 300 to get extra height channels but don’t know whether it is worth it for so much extra money (I only watch Atmos movies, while music is non-Atmos and PS5 also non-Atmos). I did have also a second Sub for a few weeks but it was overkill / too much in my living room.

[@beardfm]

Hm, the Play 3 I don't have personal experience with as I believe that's been discontinued. If you buy the 300s from a Best Buy and don't find the upgrade worth it you can always return them. No restocking fee!

[@seajlim]

Currently have the Arc, sub, and 5s for the rears. Do you think these era 300s would be an upgrade for the rears, especially for Atmos?

[@ZacJ6]

hold off for the era 500s imo, unless you plan to play lots of atmos movies and music, then it could be worth it

[@seajlim]

@@ZacJ6 yes, that's the other option. I only use my Sonos system for tv/movies. I have a separate system for music.

[@prtbone78]

I got an arc dual sub gen 3 and a pair of era 100s gonna grab the 300s.. then use 100s paired and grouped with my living room along with 300s arc and subs as a stereo pair.... if sounds good gonna grab me another pair of 300s

[@mrgold3591]

I had an v1 Arc (just upgraded to Arc Ultra), dual gen 3 subs, and Fives as rears. I had a pair of Symfonisk bookshelf and added them to the Arc in a stereo pair. It provided instant center channel punch. I added the Symfonisk in like you would for whole house audio; but, the speakers are in the same room. I couldn't Trueplay the Symfonisk with the Arc group for perfectly sync'd 5.1/Atmos content. I also needed to tweak the Symfonisk volume in the app to try and match with Arc med-large volume changes. I also heard some echoing effect at certain times because the audio wasn't sync 100% (Symfonisk in stereo pair, not Trueplay with Arc, and sound bouncing off wall/ceilings differently from Arc). Ended up removing the Symfonisk.

[@prtbone78]

@mrgold3591 gotcha thanks for the comment I guess maybe grab some 300s and keep 100s for around the house for music then

[@willykyu]

I wonder how it would be with both apple care and Samsung protection plan. Replacing a display at apple covered by AC + is around 30£. Idk for Samsung. Could be another protection plan but these ones are convenient I must say. Of course if nothing happens to your phone for years it’s a little frustrating.

[@tdubpinoy13]

Would u recommend era 300s surrounds at ear level or 12 inches over ear level

[@beardfm]

Ear level. It actually disables the front-firing tweeter when in home theater mode so it's only sending audio upwards and to the side anyway

[@photogus]

What would be the suggested placement for a second sub? L and R front, L and R rear, or one front and one rear?

[@beardfm]

Left and Right front is what I'd do

[@benschroeder1161]

I have an arc, sub gen 3, and two fives as rears. Do you think it’s worth it to buy two 300’s to replace the fives?

[@beardfm]

Really depends on room size I think. In a larger room the 300s may do a better job filling it and firing audio upward for better Atmos effects. If the room is small to medium size, I’m not sure it would be significantly noticeable.

[@Peeblejd]

Love the video, thanks for the detail. I purchased the Arc w/ Atmos, Gen 3 sub and Era 300 for my rear channels. Because I have no room behind the seating location and side to side I am planning on mounting them on the wall above the sofa at about 8'. The Sonos directions call to wall mount them inverted so you can utilize the atmos properly. Have you tested this or know of any issues?

[@beardfm]

I haven’t tested but it’s what I would do (hang them upside down).

[@Peeblejd]

@@beardfm thank you!

[@MichaelWitt-ig4zq]

i have the beam gen 2 sub gen 3 and two ones. i was thinking about upgrading to the 300s for Atmos. are they worth it for movie watching home theater set up?

[@beardfm]

That’s a pretty great setup already, and you have Dolby Atmos right now with your current speakers. Honestly I don’t think you’ll have a significant difference just upgrading the era 100s

[@MichaelWitt-ig4zq]

@@beardfm well i was asking about upgrading to the era 300s

[@kanishkpatel2403]

Hi Which one is better This setup or Sony ht a9 with sw5? Thanks

[@beardfm]

Unfortunately I don’t have any experience with the Sony sound products!

[@lampingromeo]

Dual subs is the best thing you can add to the arc, def worth it!

[@beardfm]

Rumors are now a new sub is coming soon...so may wait for that 😅

[@dosomestuff1949]

How loud can one sub gen 3 get? Can it give u that movie thester level chest pounding bass?

[@morells09]

5:02 nope, can’t use the Era 300s with the Ray lol soundbar also needs to support Dolby Atmos in order for these to work

[@beardfm]

Shoot, you’re right. The Ray is the one I don’t have and assumed. Thanks for letting me know 🙏🏻

[@morells09]

@@beardfm anytime brother 🙏 also needs to be a beam gen 2, not 1

[@testieeklees584]

great review! You mentioning the sound difference between the ONE SL's was my biggest worry, thank you for clarifying that! Question, my current TV only supports ARC, do you think that will that will hurt real world performance? Im going to be upgrading the TV at some point, but I was wanted the ERA300's first but if ARC is holding it back i may do the TV first then. Thanks again!

[@beardfm]

Thanks! And all you need is Arc. eARC is only needed when you’re sending audio from one device (like a PlayStation) to a second hdmi connect device (Apple TV). Sonos only require Arc

[@redcapote4760]

How does the larger Homepod compare to the Sonos Era 300?

[@beardfm]

Great question 😏 kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4CycpmIq8yppbs

[@gregbartley2475]

Sonos is an incredible ecosystem although it does hamstring you in some ways that you mentioned. For a living room system where aesthetics matter it’s a great choice. That being said, if you have a dedicated space and are able to conceal wiring, a well planned and implemented traditional component system is the way to go imo.

[@beardfm]

Yup, I enjoy my Dolby Atmos 7.1.2 system with in wall, in ceiling speaker too!

[@Clapicus]

Can the Sonos Era 300 connect to my Projector? I bought Yaber - 1080P Projector with Dual Speakers powered by JBL, Dolby supported

[@beardfm]

In order to be used for home theater situations, they require a Sonos Beam or Arc as the home theater "hub" unfortunately.

[@sayamjain8523]

I was planning for Bose ultrasoundbar with bose 700 bass module and 700 surround speakers and i saw this video, what would be your opinion Bose or Sonos, 400 sq feet room

[@mrgold3591]

Sonos is overdue and might come out with an Arc Gen 2 soon. Might be worth waiting if you are not in a rush to purchase. Another big advantage with Sonos is you can mix/match pieces depending on your listening environment and budget. You could purchase the Arc/Beam, sub, and Era 300 now, upgrade later to Arc Gen 2 months later, and move the older Arc/Beam to another room for a second TV.

[@dredogg76]

I think it absolutely needs dual sub (addition of a 2nd sub). However please note that I have a discrete system like yourself with two "SVS PB2000 Pro Subs" which are 12inch subs so even with dual Sub Gen 3's there are a tad anemic in my opinion. I too would like the option to add era 300's upfront to get Left (era 300) , Center (arc) Right (era 300). I find that imaging between left and right side of the arc is meh

[@beardfm]

Totally agreed on the left and right as Era 300s. And may need to bite the bullet on that second Gen 3 🤔

[@dredogg76]

@@beardfm yesss do it 🚀🚀🚀

[@dredogg76]

@@beardfm I forgot to mention another fellow Sonos enthusiast tested the left center right with era 300's, too much reverb at times and it's fiddly is the summary. Will only make real sense if Sonos implements natively - kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3-0pHuCa9FrhLs

[@morells09]

@@beardfmI have dual subs with my arc setup and while I definitely don’t regret the purchase, I would say it’s only worth it if you watch a lot of action movies at high volumes all the time

[@dredogg76]

@@beardfm ps I actually wish they would allow 4 subs. I find 2 isn’t enough lol 😩🤣

[@One_Mile_Up]

Great rundown, really appreciate you taking the time to spell this all out for someone like me who's just looking for a "quick-n-dirty" system that I'm not going to want to upgrade in a year. LoL! 🤘🏻😎

[@beardfm]

Thanks, appreciate that!

[@theGer-Ver]

I paired a couple of Sonos ones and can use them through airplay with my Apple TV as my tv speakers. Is that not possible with the 100’s and 300’s?

[@beardfm]

I cover that in this video. You can use them through airplay, but it won’t communicate Dolby Atmos audio: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4CycpmIq8yppbs

[@theGer-Ver]

@@beardfm your videos are awesome btw! So super informative! Keep doing what you’re doing!

[@seekingthetruth7047]

Any rear sound effect , significant or insignificant, from homepod 2 stereo with apple tv in atmos content?( I have original gen homepod stereo pair but getting zero rear sound effect in reality)

[@beardfm]

Testing in my small studio (9’ x 8’) and a slightly larger family room (12x12) I do get some rear effect when they’re turned up pretty loud. No uncomfortably loud, but more than I would typically have them. Not as much surround affect as an Arc in the same room though

[@buya_pr]

I recently purchased a Sonos Arc with a Gen 3 Sub, and the next day, I went back to the store and bought a second sub while they were still on sale at $589. I plan to get the Era 300 in the future. I was told at the store that I could also buy two Sonos 5 for the front and use them as left and right. Do you know if this is true??

[@beardfm]

That’s not true. No speakers in a Sonos home theater can be added as front left/right

[@DeIaynomore]

When and where did the gen 3 go onsale? Would like to buy one. I have health provider discount for 15% and this is my first home theater set up. I’m low key lost. Got arc + 300s+ stands+ sub gen3. It’s a bit tense on my wallet lol

[@SoDopeSoill]

Do you think Sonos will eventually add the ability to have the Sonos ear 300’s as front facing speakers in conjunction with them in the rear in a surround sound system?

[@beardfm]

I doubt it, unfortunately. I think they are the Arc and Beam suffice for their “front speaker” setups

[@ChiefCubby]

You can use them as front speakers by using AirPlay 2 on an enabled TV.

[@DeIaynomore]

So can I listen to music with the era 300s separately without turning on my TV?

[@beardfm]

If you have them setup as rear theater speakers, you can airplay music to the whole system (Beam, 300s), but not just the 300s alone.

[@DeIaynomore]

@@beardfm thx a lot. You the goat

[@davidferros4655]

Hi Sound cool I just sold my 9.2.1 system after 8 yrs of use I’m thinking of getting a new system But can’t make up my mine Am a full blown Gamer and Dolby Atoms movie watcher I have a dedicated MovieRoom My question for you is Do I spend $3k for the full sonos Or do I spend 4k For the Nak- Dragon Please review the dragon And let me know what system you would go for I don’t really listen to music in home I have a 2000 watts JL Audio set up in my BMW with 1000 watts just to the 13” JL subwoofer

[@beardfm]

If you're not a big music listener on the system and have a dedicated room just for movies, I would consider the full dolby atmos setup with receiver. And that's the first I hear about the Nak Dragon 😅

[@IamWhiteTurtle]

Awesome thank you! 🎉

[@buya_pr]

Does anyone know if the problem of not being able to use Era 300's on the front as L&R could be fixed by a firmware update from Sonos?

[@beardfm]

Technically they could, but Sonos seems to think a Beam or Arc is more than sufficient for front speakers

[@gavdaddy2874]

Great video thanks for the upload. Super intelligent information here I appreciate it and I’ll be back to watch more. Thanks again.

[@beardfm]

Appreciate that! 🙏🏼

[@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

[@beardfm]

That's a great setup! And thanks for posting those deals!

[@loganboyd]

Why can't you use the Era 300 for FRONT L&R for a 3.1 setup?

[@beardfm]

Sonos doesn't allow it through their app, and the line-in won't transfer Dolby audio

[@loganboyd]

@@beardfm Thanks for answer. I dug around some this weekend and found that as well. I knew the Arc was essentially being all 3 front speakers but didn't realize you couldn't add specific ones to be dedicated FR and FL as well. Looks like they rock for Rear Surround/Side Surround though.

[@michaelbakhtiar9256]

How was lip sync ? I’m also in the wired vs wireless debate. Cheers!

[@beardfm]

Looked good to me! I don’t see any sync issues across multiple setups.

[@darkchado5012]

No issues. Just once when using Paramount+. After restarting the TV it was solved. There even is a setting point for lip sync in Sonos App.

[@JayPatrol]

What i would suggest is to go to peter pee's youtube channel and get the best settings and arrangements for the sonos speakers and subs before taking them back to the stores or giving up on the sound of the speakers and soundbar. He is a master with sound.

[@macdogge]

I’m sold. Thanks

[@beardfm]

You won’t be disappointed!

[@soyelmismo17]

Can someone tell me why they have a front firing tweeter speaker that you can’t use???

[@beardfm]

It’s active when it’s single or paired together for music. Just disabled for home theater rear configuration

[@soyelmismo17]

Thanks

[@sydive130]

I have arc, sub gen 3, and 2x300’S. all Sonos need to do now is give us the facility to add front left and right, say 2x100’s and I would be a happy bunny as I still thinking I’m missing a true Atmosphere 7ch system

[@beardfm]

Would LOVE the ability to add front L and R

[@jb7753]

Does anyone have the 300's wall mounted as rear's?

[@justingutwein7439]

I have a large room with a TV / Arc on one end and a turntable setup on the other. I was thinking of getting a pair of 300s for the turntable/music, and also use them as rears. Is it easy to group/ungroup them when watching a movie vs not?

[@dredogg76]

No it isn't once part of the "home theater group, you have to ungroup them, before you can then use as a stereo pair again.

[@beardfm]

It’s *simple* but that would get tiring after a short time. Removing them and re-adding to a theater system takes a couple minutes, and then you have to make it seem like they’re in another “room” in the Sonos app so they’re distinct from other Sonos speakers in AirPlay.

[@beardfm]

And to be clear, you would *have to* ungroup them to play music out of the 300s themselves without pumping audio through the entire Arc system.

[@justingutwein7439]

@@beardfm That makes sense. It sort of is another room, just a really wide open one. I'd probably only use them during 'movie night' and not during regular TV watching. The big follow-up is would I need to redo Trueplay every time? They wouldn't physically move, so no?

[@axebeard7677]

It’s definitely not better than your 7.1. I have both to and although it sound good, I mean really good, it can’t hold a candle to my home theater. I think the ARC is holding the setup back because the 300’s and the sub sound great but the ARC is just okay.

[@beardfm]

I do agree the Arc needs an upgrade. The Era 300s and sub outshine it at this point.

[@JTStokes-tv5dk]

How does the arc hold it back?

[@axebeard7677]

@@JTStokes-tv5dk it doesn’t sound as good as the other speakers.

[@JayPatrol]

You don't really need any front speakers set up on each side of the arc because you can hear the arcs center, left and right speakers alot with the era 300s paired to the arc. Along with the subwoofer you get enough sound coming out of all those audio devices. 🎉🎉🎉🎉 Because the gen 3 subwoofer and era 300s as rears take off some of the arcs pressure points in it speaker drive

[@beardfm]

Sub and rears make a huge difference with Arc, for sure

[@George-ps5]

Is this for games too? (GTA 6 for next year ps5)

[@beardfm]

If PS5 supports Dolby Atmos (which I believe it does), then yes! The HDMI eARC will carry that through to the Sonos system.

[@George-ps5]

@@beardfm thank you!!! 💙💙💙👊

[@TheTechnicalRecruiter]

I agree, their great!

[@beardfm]

Thanks for watching!

[@Rigue2021]

Is it worth getting a 2nd sub.

[@beardfm]

I haven't tried it yet but several people say it makes a big difference!

[@saileshj2065]

Do you have video for 7.1 setup? I just bought a home and looking to install

[@beardfm]

I do! Check out the “Building a Smart Home” playlist, and especially this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5-rmGOpnbR9g5osi=Kls33cQIs-rww8d_

[@RottenMechGaming]

You sold me! God dang it! :)

[@beardfm]

They’re pretty great!

[@davidb9531]

Sony A9 with sw5 would give a better spatial affect imho

[@beardfm]

I’ll have to give that one a try!

[@llcooldon1]

Had Sony arc, 2 subs and era 300 blow away sony

[@Harshers]

This or Samsung Q990C?

[@beardfm]

Haven't tried the Samsung

[@venaktasaitej2442]

Hi recently I added era 300 to my sonons arc n sub gen 3 after that I added to my home theater did tuning after that I wasn’t able to use manual tuning of my terrible n base n height even if I do it’s getting to 0 position. N speech enhancement also not coming why

[@George-ps5]

Subbed

[@beardfm]

Appreciate it!

[@timothyjannsen9275]

Nah dude these are good but whoever set up your 7.1 system didn’t tune it well or used low quality speakers because if done properly it’s hard to beat a dedicated 7.1

[@beardfm]

I’ll admit I didn’t get super high end speakers (Polk audio), and after some time I do enjoy my dedicated 7.1 more for the separation. But the 300s do an incredible job at simulating surround.

[@timothyjannsen9275]

@@beardfm I’m a home theater installer for about 6 years now it’s hard to beat Sonos for the price! If doing dedicated 7.4.2 I’d recommend triad it’s a huge step up from Polk in terms of quality and a decent price. Now the best home theater would be focal and an xr9s using balanced outputs to dedicate amps.

[@DjBlaaack]

How is 7.1 a Dolby atmos system dude

[@beardfm]

5.1.2, that what you mean?

[@o.c.g.m9426]

Soundbars do not beat full home theater speakers. No virtual sound is ever better than a physical speaker never will be.

[@beardfm]

I have both, and still prefer physical surrounds. But if you try the full Sonos immersive (which includes two 300s behind you), it’s a pretty incredible experience.

[@ScottyR951]

I’m confused you can put two speakers upfront also at least that’s what I’ve seen on their videos you can put two 300s behind you and two 300s in front of you or am I incorrect from what I saw

[@beardfm]

You cannot put two 300s in front for left/right. Only a Sonos Arc or Beam can be used in a home theater setup with rear speakers

[@darkchado5012]

@@beardfm You can do it. There are videos where some guys were using second pair of the era 300 as stereo pair and grouped it with the surround set up. It's not official, and you need to tweak / try and error with the volume and group settings a lot. Didn't try it myself. 4 eras are just too expensive.