Saddened by no ethernet in new models

​@buzz I guess wires won’t disappear any soon from fields like production servers and so on, audio reproduction for me kind of overlaps with that world because I associate it with “professional” and “high fidelity”.

If e.g. I’d be developing a networked hifi system I’d think at least to give the option to the consumer (use the most robust connection if you want stability vs use the less robust if you need flexibility/comfort).

You’re right though that Sonos product are not meant for hardcore audiophiles anyway so wired freaks might not be their most dear customers.

Anyway, for now they are still wired (albeit with extra $ connectors) and I’m kind of ok with that especially for the small sized speakers, would be sad to see the next gen of subs/playbars/etc require the extra adapter too though, the savings in space+production costs would be negligible (zero?) and a (small, but still) chunk of user base would be asked to pay extra for something which has been built-in from day 1.

Many of the problems that are shown here will be solved wiring devices. But it’s also true that not everybody can easily wire all the speakers along a house. I’ve tried a medium term, wiring the main sources (TV and Arc) and let the Sub and Eras to connect with Arc through their own wireless network. 

Then the Move2, which is free as a bird, but sometimes make me suffer with AirPlay issues, perhaps coming from a bad signal reception.

The only “new-ish” Sonos hardware that has an Ethernet port is the Era 100 Pro, which supports PoE (power over Ethernet). The additional cost, combined with the convenience of powering it that way, is easily covered by the cost of the device. (And yes, the Pro’s cost isn’t obvious as it is a Dealer-only device, so if you have to ask, you can’t afford it, I’m guessing).

With a WiFi connection there is no need to give up any quality. Bluetooth may degrade quality, depending on the version used.

Wireless reliability can be an issue in congested areas. I’ve recently moved in an urban area. A quick WiFi scan can turn up about 100 access points. I haven’t yet run any wires to SONOS units and I may not. While surprised, I’m not noticing any issues. Wired or wireless my PC is showing the full 500Mbps delivered by my ISP.

Just a guess, but I think there is still a significant portion of users out there who see an ethernet port on a device and assume that ethernet is required, or that it won’t perform well without a wired connection.  Therefore, marketing may want the port removed to dispel that misconception.

Another reason is that many consumers will use the speakers as surrounds, and the back will be exposed. So for aesthetic reasons, leaving the ethernet port off means that the majority of users that will never use it will never have to see it.  Related, many uses will use floor stands, which are designed to hide a single power cable, not an additional ethernet wire.

The latter reasons are probably the bigger factor.  Indeed, the Arc Ultra would never have it’s back displayed or be on floor stands, and it does have a dedicated ethernet port.  The Port and Amp, though much older, also have ethernet ports and would not be placed on stands or openly display their backside.

Yes. The vocalists in a live music performance will have wireless microphones and instruments. The cameras and microphones in a live sports event for interview etc will be wireless. The satellite transmitting the 4k UHD live video stream of the music event or sports event will be wireless. The mobile phone, tablet, TV etc watching/listening to will probably not have any network cables.

There shouldn’t be an issue transmitting a relatively low bandwidth music source a final few meters in a house without wires?

If compatible equipment is being used and a clear enouugh channel for passing the data is available there isn't a problem.

The things mentioned above are carefully designed for compatibility and clear channels are available. 

 By the way, SONOS wired is 10/100.

I agree, there isn’t a problem with wireless technology (including WiFi) if it is correctly configured.