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Martin Pigott
Contributor I
August 26, 2019
Answered

sonos are suggesting i replace my bridge with Boost - why?

  • August 26, 2019
  • 39 replies
  • 6082 views
Just received email from Sonos suggesting I replace my bridge with a boost. The mail is non specific as to why? Just really says it’s old!

my bridge is used as a stand alone booster to extend range of my Sonos to the garden (which is well covered by a mesh Wi-Fi system).

What exactly is “wrong” with bridge (apart from the known dodgy psu) that warrants replacement? Or is this a warning for end of support?
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Best answer by ratty

I would have to wonder if there’s an upcoming change in the way the software/transmission works that makes SonosNet 1.0 no longer viable, and in order to mitigate issues, they’re attempting to get people to upgrade before that happens.Perhaps Sonos is being forced, by no-nothing magazine reviewers, to embrace "hi-rez" for no good technical reasons. It's mentioned in virtually every review as a "negative" of Sonos vs the competition. Would be sad, but marketing forces being what they are, who knows?
Possibly, but a more likely explanation is that Bridge is simply a growing support issue. Flaky PSUs can cause intermittent hard-to-trace problems. And as the linchpin of a SonosNet mode system Bridge has been outclassed for nigh on five years by Boost. Sat beside ever-more-powerful routers Bridge could well be feeling rather overwhelmed.

39 replies

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ratty
ratty
October 14, 2019
Everything uses SonosNet 2.0, except for the ancient ZP100, ZP80 ... and Bridge.
rwrgeo
Renowned Enthusiast II
October 14, 2019
Thanks both, that’s helpful so does sound like some merit in me purchasing a Boost, though as the discount code runs to 31 December I’ve got a little time still to decide on this.
Ken_Griffiths
Ken_Griffiths
October 14, 2019
Thanks both, that’s helpful so does sound like some merit in me purchasing a Boost, though as the discount code runs to 31 December I’ve got a little time still to decide on this.
In the time you have remaining to make your decision, it seems sensible to perhaps also try running your Sonos system on the routers WiFi signal, to see how well that performs. If it’s fine, then you may not need to buy the Boost at all... here is a useful Sonos Support article that details how to switch the Sonos System between the 'wired' (Boost) mode and the wireless (WiFi) Mode.

Switching Sonos Modes
    JEDIV
    Contributor I
    October 30, 2019

    I recently replaced my Bridge with the Boost.  No particular reason.  It does seem to improve connectivity and performance of my devices, but it could be my mind playing tricks to justify the modest upgrade expense.  Psycho-acoustics are what it’s all about, right?  8-)

    ratty
    ratty
    October 30, 2019

    There’s nothing psycho-acoustic about a network connection. It either works, and delivers the audio packets on time, or it doesn’t. In the latter case the audio drops out; there’s no gradual degradation.

      JEDIV
      Contributor I
      October 30, 2019

      There’s nothing psycho-acoustic about a network connection. It either works, and delivers the audio packets on time, or it doesn’t. In the latter case the audio drops out; there’s no gradual degradation.

      You did see my smiley face emoji, right?

       

      ratty
      ratty
      October 30, 2019

      There’s nothing psycho-acoustic about a network connection. It either works, and delivers the audio packets on time, or it doesn’t. In the latter case the audio drops out; there’s no gradual degradation.

      You did see my smiley face emoji, right?

       

      I missed that bit. But then this board has real emojis selectable in the post edit box. :wink:

      Galeran
      Avid Contributor I
      November 14, 2019

      Everything uses SonosNet 2.0, except for the ancient ZP100, ZP80 ... and Bridge.


      ...and that’s why I’m not interested. The core of my system is a trio of ZP100s. Plus a couple of Play 3s and a Play 5 which is maybe why they sent me the message. Never listening to more than two audio streams at a time.

      (Small house… don’t really need a bridge except the ZP100 I had connected via Ethernet to start things off is also hooked up to a subwoofer and even after I switched to a shielded cables for the subwoofer hookup and ethernet, I could hear a low pitched flutter when the network was active.)

      Arnaldo
      Contributor I
      November 15, 2019

      They are sending out an email with a discount code valid till 12/31/2019 for 30% off a Boost. Not sure if its public or not, don’t see why it wouldn’t be okay to post for the Sonos community. Guess they can take it down if not allowed. I just ordered mine as we are starting to get almost daily stops in play compared to almost never having an issue.

      Here is a portion of the email:

      Bridge was released more than ten years ago and is no longer able to support the demands of your system. To improve your listening experience with better connectivity and fewer dropouts, we recommend upgrading to Boost.

      We want you to have the best possible experience with your Sonos system, so we are offering a limited-time offer:
      Save 30% on Boost

       

      Use activation code:
      BRV30-X5MFFBBM3K
      Once you receive Boost, be sure to follow these instructions before removing Bridge.
        Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement