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Renowned Enthusiast I
November 21, 2018

Who pre-ordered the new Sonos AMP and what are your plans for it?

  • November 21, 2018
  • 113 replies
  • 5385 views
I'm a little surprised pre-orders opened up and nobody is taking about it 🙂 Delivery by Dec 3rd according to Sonos which is awesome.
I'm currently using a Beam and two Sonos Ones for rears and two stereo HomePods for music in the living room and bedroom as well as smart speakers for Homekit etc.
I was planning on buying a Sonos sub tomorrow since they will be on sale for $599. I'm not sure if I will do that now since I am getting the Amp so soon and can use any sub so there seems to be little advantage to the Sonos sub.
The Elacs are on sale right now so I could get tower speakers and sub from them for $669 from Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B4WFWZF/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DL7XWBZ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
I will continue to use the Sonos Ones as rears.
Any thoughts on any of that? Any advantage to buying a Sonos sub for the app? I can't think of one.
What are other peoples plans for the Amp?
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    113 replies

    melvimbe
    December 4, 2018

    Which brings to mind is anyone using it for TV and can comment on the "phantom center"?


    I plan on testing it out, but I have a lot of wiring to do in the attic before I can comment. This is going to be an outdoor tv (sort of) with the before mentioned outdoor speakers. Because I won't have the tv and speakers located even close to each other, a center channel will likely not work out too well. Hence part of the reason I'll try out mono.
    Danny
    Renowned Enthusiast I
    December 5, 2018
    CNET's review
    https://www.cnet.com/reviews/sonos-amp-review/
    melvimbe
    December 5, 2018
    Didn't care for that review very much. It seemed to be reviewed more from a audiophile, stand alone system point of view, rather then viewing it as a member of a multiroom audio system. The comparisons provided are against AV receivers, no comparison to similar devices in other multiroom systems. I'm more interested in seening how the Sonos Amp compares to Amazon's Link Amp than I am in the comparison to a Yamaha AV receiver. For example, the review mentions stereo outputs only as a flaw, with no mention of the fact that the Amp can be paired with other Sonos products for 5.1 audio (or 4.1).

    The author really seems to have issue with default EQ settings and claims a lack of calibration. This is not exactly true as Sonos has said that Trueplay will be available when Sonance speakers are used.

    One statement made that is entirely untrue was..
    The amp also offers control via Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Pandora , and if you pair it with the Sonos One ($179 at Amazon), for example, you can also control it with Amazon Alexa now, or via Google Assistant in 2019.

    Several apps where left out, including Amazon and iheart, and there was no mention of control through smart features, like IFTTT. And the second part of the statement implies that for Alexa/Google control, you must have a Sonos One or Beam, which is false. Any alexa enabled device will be just fine, as I'm sure will be the similar case for Google. In fact, since the Amazon music and Alexa apps are free, there is zero cost for control through Alexa.
    Danny
    Paper Tiger
    Lyricist III
    December 5, 2018
    Mine just arrived yesterday! It's replacing a NAD D7050 amplifier that was hooked up to the TV in my living room, driving a pair of KEF LS50 speakers. I'm pretty excited about it; I've been looking at replacing the NAD with something more powerful, and I've also wanted to integrate that setup with the rest of my Sonos stuff for a while (but I couldn't stomach the cost of a Connect). All my AV components live inside an old Telefunken hi-fi console, which limits my amplifier choices to very compact and efficient ones. Basically, the Amp perfectly fit my need for a small, two-channel, class-D streaming amplifier with plenty of power and an input for a TV.

    I haven't had much of an opportunity to really try it out after setting it up, but so far it seems to sound pretty good. The increased power output over the D7050 (50 wpc) is evident, although not quite as dramatic as I thought it would be. I'm definitely looking forward to giving it a thorough test when I have a bit more time!
    Lyricist I
    December 5, 2018
    So I’ve owned sonos for about a year now and completely love my system. I currently have a playbar, sub and 2 sonos 3 speakers in my living room creating a nice surround sound. I usually have to turn my sub down or my neighbors complain but when they aren’t around I blast that thing and it rocks my whole house. I just received the new sonos amp(came a day early too!), I plan on using it outdoors for my semi enclosed hot tub/bar pavilion. For now I will be using the Bose 151 outdoor speakers. I plan on upgrading to the 251 soon. I also have sonos in my kitchen, bedroom and garage all sonos one speakers, two are in the bedroom to make a nice stereo pair. Me and my wife like to turn it up a bit when we are getting ready to go out for the night.
    AjTrek1
    December 6, 2018
    Finally received my Sonos Amp and Pro-Ject Debut TT Sonos Edition. :$

    I can definitely say that the Sonos Amp is a winner. It drives my Definitive Technology BP 20's and matching 1500 Sub with aplomb (if you can say that about an inanimate object) :8 Since I'm able to fine tune the sub for frequency crossover point, phase shift and volume level the setup is subjectively perfect (without the aid of TruePlay). The cables I used are Sewell Silverback with Banana Plugs, 12 AWG, OFC, 259 Strand Count and Sewell Direct SW-30455-10 Silverback Subwoofer Cable. Although I don't have equipment to measure the power flow for consistency I expect the Sonos Amp to reach its full potential and operating efficiency after 20-30 hours of use.

    I can't comment on the Pro-Ject Debut TT at this time as there was a quality control issue with the Anti-Skating weight. Sonos has ordered a replacment from the manufacturer. I hope it doesen't take 3 -4 weeks or longer to get it. Other than that it is a beautiful looking TT that exudes quality and expert craftmanship.

    I've inculded a couple of photos of my Sonos Amp setup and speakers along with the end table size sub (lower right). 😉 The photo's also show the Beam and the pattern it transmits to the HDMI_ARC port. I'd love to see any photos you guys might be willing to share :8


    Cheers!

    Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
    Renowned Enthusiast I
    December 6, 2018
    Mine just arrived yesterday! It's replacing a NAD D7050 amplifier that was hooked up to the TV in my living room, driving a pair of KEF LS50 speakers. I'm pretty excited about it; I've been looking at replacing the NAD with something more powerful, and I've also wanted to integrate that setup with the rest of my Sonos stuff for a while (but I couldn't stomach the cost of a Connect). All my AV components live inside an old Telefunken hi-fi console, which limits my amplifier choices to very compact and efficient ones. Basically, the Amp perfectly fit my need for a small, two-channel, class-D streaming amplifier with plenty of power and an input for a TV.
    I haven't had much of an opportunity to really try it out after setting it up, but so far it seems to sound pretty good. The increased power output over the D7050 (50 wpc) is evident, although not quite as dramatic as I thought it would be. I'm definitely looking forward to giving it a thorough test when I have a bit more time!


    Very interested in your experience since I am thinking of using the same speakers.
    How is the phantom center channel?
    Music?
    Renowned Enthusiast I
    December 6, 2018
    Finally received my Sonos Amp and Pro-Ject Debut TT Sonos Edition. :$

    I can definitely say that the Sonos Amp is a winner. It drives my Definitive Technology BP 20's and matching 1500 Sub with aplomb (if you can say that about an inanimate object) :8 Since I'm able to fine tune the sub for frequency crossover point, phase shift and volume level the setup is subjectively perfect (without the aid of TruePlay). The cables I used are Sewell Silverback with Banana Plugs, 12 AWG, OFC, 259 Strand Count and Sewell Direct SW-30455-10 Silverback Subwoofer Cable. Although I don't have equipment to measure the power flow for consistency I expect the Sonos Amp to reach its full potential and operating efficiency after 20-30 hours of use.
    I can't comment on the Pro-Ject Debut TT at this time as there was a quality control issue with the Anti-Skating weight. Sonos has ordered a replacement from the manufacturer. I hope it doesn't take 3 -4 weeks or longer to get it. Other than that it is a beautiful looking TT that exudes quality and expert craftsmanship.
    I've included a couple of photos of my Sonos Amp setup and speakers along with the end table size sub (lower right). 😉 The photo's also show the Beam and the pattern it transmits to the HDMI_ARC port. I'd love to see any photos you guys might be willing to share :8
    Cheers!



    Interesting. Why do you still have the Beam?
    AjTrek1
    December 6, 2018
    Interesting. Why do you still have the Beam?

    The Beam is part of a Sonos HT setup that is not shown in the picture (Beam/Sub/Sonos One x 2). I wanted to try out the HDMI_ARC feature of the Beam. Also, the Sonos Amp at the time was not scheduled for release until February 2019. However, I doubt that I would have opted for the Sonos Amp to use as part of my HT setup.

    I prefer my music closer to what was intended with 2 speakers up front and sub. Therefore, the Sonos Amp was purchased for the tower speakers and large sub you see in the picture. I have a similar setup in my main media room using All Sonos for HT and Play 5 x 2 (up front) with sub for music. That is where the Pro-Ject Debut TT will be used via line in to a Play 5.

    Never could quite get with the program/idea of using surrounds set to Full for music with them being positioned behind the listening position. I'm just finicky about using a Sonos HT setup for my music. I might add that I'm blessed to be able to indulge that quirk :8

    Cheers!
    Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
    Shepdog
    December 7, 2018
    Interesting. Why do you still have the Beam?

    The Beam is part of a Sonos HT setup that is not shown in the picture (Beam/Sub/Sonos One x 2). I wanted to try out the HDMI_ARC feature of the Beam. Also, the Sonos Amp at the time was not scheduled for release until February 2019. However, I doubt that I would have opted for the Sonos Amp to use as part of my HT setup.

    I prefer my music closer to what was intended with 2 speakers up front and sub. Therefore, the Sonos Amp was purchased for the tower speakers and large sub you see in the picture. I have a similar setup in my main media room using All Sonos for HT and Play 5 x 2 (up front) with sub for music. That is where the Pro-Ject Debut TT will be used via line in to a Play 5.

    Never could quite get with the program/idea of using surrounds set to Full for music with them being positioned behind the listening position. I'm just finicky about using a Sonos HT setup for my music. I might add that I'm blessed to be able to indulge that quirk :8

    Cheers!



    Interesting.

    I just ordered mine. I plan on using it with a pair of Thiel 1.6s and a powersound sub. I’ve had a traditional home theater setup in this room for years anchored by a 120” screen and projector with the aforementioned speakers and a NHT center and surround speakers. It sounds great but I find myself rarely using it.

    I want the integration of the Sonos ecosystem.

    So I am going to sacrifice the center channel and NHT rear speakers and go to a 4.1 Sonos powered setup. I will keep my Thiel’s up front and the powersound sub and add a pair of play 1’s in the rear.

    I purchased a beam and considered using it with the play 1’s for a 5.1 surround and use the amp for a straight 2 channel setup. I changed my mind and decided to use the beam in the master bedroom with a sub and play 1’s for a nice bedroom theater.

    I most confess that the convience and ease of use of Sonos, not to mention the sound quality has led me to ditch my traditional setup. I’m not sure what I will do with my receiver or my 3 channel amp.

    I will try to remember to add pictures later