If your idea to upgrade your home audio system has led you to many places, there is a probability that you have heard about Sonos Amp. This unique amplifier pairs Sonos’ amazing streaming capability with the ability to power traditional wired speakers together, thus creating a perfect solution for those who want a flawless setup for non-Sonos products in their Sonos environment. But is the Sonos Amp really a good choice for $649? Let’s take a comprehensive analysis of Sonos Amp to find out the features, compatibility, and overall performance.
Sonos Amp Review: A Gateway to Seamless Audio Integration
The Sonos Amp is a remarkable choice if you have already bought a Sonos system and would like to join some other devices that you already own with the help of the included power amplifier. It is a perfect solution for driving passive speakers and for easily integrating the stereo receiver into your Sonos platform.
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Pros:
- Can handle a broad spectrum of passive speakers and subwoofers
- Provides a means for audio streaming to the cabled speakers
- Can send wired gear signals and also stream audio to other Sonos speakers.
Cons:
- Expensive
- Niche – Sonos Amp is only for those who need it.
What is the Sonos Amp?
The Sonos Amp, a simple yet stylish device, allows you to connect your Sonos system to non-Sonos audio gear. At $649, you can use the product to power passive speakers, connect numerous wired devices, and transmit signals to other Sonos devices through a wireless network. The Sonos Amp setup process is very simple because of the Sonos app, and one can get everything running without much hassle.
Even though it comes with a price tag higher than a lot of other audio amplifiers, the Sonos Amp provides substantial benefits in specific configurations of home theater and multi-room audio. It is perfect for those with speaker systems or stereo equipment who want to connect to Sonos’ multi-room capabilities and intuitive streaming features.
Sonos Amp Features & Design: Sleek, Powerful, and Minimalist
The Sonos Amp comes with a subtle design, which is yet an elegant modern representation. Its small body, size 2.5 x 8.5 x 8.5 inches, makes sure that it can be embedded in almost all home setup scenarios, and yet it doesn’t take up so much space. The Sonos Amp is a space-saving piece of home equipment, and still, it is a strong one; it delivers 125 watts per channel.
Key Features:
- The 125-watt channel class-d amplifier comes first.
- Two banana plug jacks for passive stereo speakers
- HDMI input for ARC (the return of sound from TV) connections to a TV
- Supports AirPlay 2, which enables real-time streaming from iOS devices
- Ethernet ports for wired networking connections
- RCA input is used to connect other equipment.
- Touch-sensitive buttons on the front panel for easy use
- No remote control but it could be operated by the Sonos app or a universal remote
Although the Sonos Amp doesn’t support an optical connection, it gives you the flexibility of using multiple audio resources of your choice. Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility expands this device’s capabilities further with wireless streaming from Apple devices.
Sonos Amp Setup: Simple, But Powerful
Among the special features of the Sonos Amp, its user-friendliness is notable. Especially if you have been using Sonos before, you will find it extremely easy to set it up in just a few moments. Specify the steps in the Sonos app, and before you know it, it will be functional. Navigate through the app to complete the setup by pointing to the device and installing firmware upgrades if there are any.
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After the installation, the Sonos Amp provides you with a great user experience. It smoothly connects to your other Sonos products, and you get the luxury of listening to wired or wireless speakers or Sonos home theater devices via the app. This enables it to be the right fit for multi-room audio systems where one could stream music or even TV audio throughout one’s home.
Sonos Amp vs. Port: Which One Is Right for You?
The Sonos Amp is an outstanding device for powering passive speakers and connecting the wired parts of your system, but it is not the only option for adding non-Sonos devices to your system. Sonos Port, which costs $400, offers the same capabilities, such as streaming audio from non-Sonos devices to your Sonos speakers. Nevertheless, the Sonos Port cannot power the passive speakers as it lacks a dedicated subwoofer output.
If you only want to wirelessly play your music from the devices to your Sonos system, the Sonos Port will be enough. On the other hand, if you want to drive passive speakers, have a home theater arrangement, or need a more hi-fi system, the Sonos Amp is the more appropriate option.
Performance: Bringing Music, TV, and Gaming to Life
The real power of the Sonos Amp is the performance. It is a strongly evolving integration that brings your Sonos system to modern-era equipment and in turn, becomes a “Jack of all trades” for home entertainment bliss seekers while dealing with home theater or multi-room audio experiences. Be it music in the after-hours, being spellbound by TV, or getting a chill from the games, Sonos Amp always provides refined and trusted sound transmission.
One amusing exercise involved demonstrating electrostatic floor-standing systems to MartinLogan using the Sonos Amp. The systems sounded clear, with music sounding as true and coherent as if it were being played through a stereo receiver. The system was surprising in its time to utilize the Sonos app, and its touch-sensitive controls on the front panel were very user-friendly and easy to use.
How to Connect Sonos Amp to Your TV
Other subtle aspects of the Amp are sure to be a success; thus, the HDMI ARC connection feature enhances the home theater setup. You can connect the Sonos Amp directly to your TV using HDMI ARC, enabling your TV to send its audio to your speakers and create a surround sound experience. Use the cable that plugs directly into the amp to connect your TV’s HDMI ARC port, and you’re ready to go.
Final Thoughts: Is the Sonos Amp Worth the Price?
At $649, many consider the Sonos Amp to be a bit overpriced. Nevertheless, music lovers who possess high-quality passive speakers or even home theater systems can be the main beneficiaries because the Amp is the perfect commodity to link traditional audio gear to the cutting-edge Sonos multi-room audio ecosystem.
While it may not be the ideal choice for most individuals, the Sonos Amp offers a feature that surpasses basic functionality, allowing customers to stream music throughout their homes and simultaneously connect their existing equipment to the Sonos network. For audiophiles with hi-fi systems, home theater setups, and those looking to unite traditional equipment and Sonos’ intuitive controls, the Sonos Amp is the number one option.
The Bottom Line:
The Sonos Amp is amazingly specialized. It’s worth the money if it fills your needs if you want to change up what you have in the room for listening. If you want to extend the lifespan of your Sonos system, consider using passive speakers that are unrelated to Sonos.
Frequently Asked Questions
So, how does the Sonos Amp stack up against the competition?
It is also well-integrated into a Sonos system, with streaming and multi-room audio control. Other amplifiers may not integrate as well with Sonos speakers or power passive speakers.
Now, can I use the Sonos Amp for gaming?
In total, the Sonos Amp can amp up your gaming by connecting to your TV and then sending the sound through Sonos speakers, giving you awesome sound effects as well as dialogue.
So, what are the best Sonos Amp settings?
For the best sound, your speakers should also deliver the recommended power ratings of 125W for 8 ohms and 200W for 4 ohms, respectively. Then again, fine-tune the Sonos Amp volume within the app to fit the vibes of your room.
Can a Sonos Amp be used with a non-Sonos speaker? Totally?
It connects just perfectly with passive speakers and other gear that is not Sonos, so enjoy Sonos streaming all around your place without having to buy Sonos speakers.
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It is one of the best products available, specifically designed for those looking to connect their home theater system or hi-fi speakers to the Sonos setup. If you have been on the lookout for an amp that can drive passive speakers and play perfectly with your Sonos multi-room audio, the Sonos Amp is a fantastic buy.
