**Big WOW Factor** The Gold Standard with a Few Handcuffs

I've absolutely no idea what this has to do with the thread subject of corporations catering to customers' expectations.  But hey, you do you.

@Raguu, you hit the nail on the head. With my previous systems, I could turn on my phone or laptop, connect via Bluetooth, and play any content from any app or website instantly. Now, despite owning a much more expensive system, that simple task has become a difficult bottleneck.
 

@melvimbe, while we can debate the technical definition of an open standard, the practical reality for me as a consumer is about freedom of choice. I want to play the content I choose through the media I choose. When a system forces everything through a specific software gate, it feels inherently unfair to the person who actually paid for the hardware.
 

@jgatie, I appreciate your perspective on corporate ROI, but my point remains that a company should not shove specific services or restrictions down a customer's throat. If they offer a premium service, it should be a choice, not a requirement to make the basic hardware function as expected.

 

On a different note, I am still very curious about the Sub 4. Has anyone here actually compared the Sub Gen 3 with the Sub 4 in a real world setting? I am tempted because the Gen 3 is appearing quite cheaply on Facebook Marketplace at the moment, and I want to know if the Sub 4 offers a sublime enough difference to justify the extra cost. Also, if anyone has experience placing a sub directly under the settee, I would love to hear how it affected the Atmos experience.
 

Finally, I am still debating whether to add a Sonos Five to my bedroom or look for an alternative. I love the Arc Ultra and Era 300 setup for my movies, but I want to ensure my bedroom music experience is just as impressive without being further locked into a restrictive ecosystem.

My advice to you, based on your entrenched views regarding what you refer to as the “restrictive Sonos ecosystem”, is that you should not get the Five. Nor should you add to your system with any other Sonos devices. I can’t see the ecosystem changing much in the coming years.
 

You have expressed considerable  concerns over the ecosystem. Buying more Sonos kit is indefensible unless you change your views. 

@nik9669a
 

That is a very interesting piece of advice. May I ask, is this your general advice to everyone who dares to critique a brand’s software, or is it specifically for me?
 

It seems a bit extreme to suggest that a consumer is "indefensible" for buying hardware they enjoy while simultaneously advocating for better software rights. If everyone followed your logic and simply stopped buying or stayed silent when they noticed a flaw, products would never improve. I can love the sound of the Arc Ultra and still believe that the "walled garden" approach is a disservice to the customer. My views aren't entrenched; they are simply based on the reality of the consumer experience in 2026. I am curious why you find the desire for freedom so problematic that you would advise against a purchase of hardware that I have already stated sounds excellent.

It’s advice that seems appropriate to the circumstances, given your views and concerns expressed to date. 
 

As you’ve already said several times, you like the hardware but not your perception of the infrastructure. That infrastructure is unlikely to change. Hence my advice today. Several days ago my advice was for you to give serious consideration before making any future purchases. Your entrenched views expressed since then have prompted my reply as I have done today in response to your specific question regarding a further purchase.
 

For other users, in different circumstances, I have encouraged additional purchases and shall continue to do so when appropriate. 

Thanks for your advice, but it doesn’t really address the wider issue that many Sonos users are facing. I actually checked a discussion on Facebook earlier (couple of hours ago), and people were talking about the same problems and sharing alternative options between themselves.

If I can find a suitable alternative, I’ll certainly consider your suggestion. Otherwise, I’ve already stepped back from the idea of trying to play music through the Sonos Arc Ultra. I’ve never had a Fiver in my life, and I’d rather rely on the opinions of people with genuine, hands‑on experience.

I would agree, if those software gates were not there when you bought the hardware, and added later on.    Since Google casting has never been a feature of Sonos, I don’t see how you can claim this is unfair.  Again, if lack of Google casting is a deal breaker for you,  then it should have kept you from buying the product to begin with.  If it’s just a ‘con’ for you, in comparison to competing products, then sure.  That makes sense.  Claiming that it is somehow unfair to consumers is taking is a bit of an exaggeration.

I don’t really think there is a lot of audio differences between the Sub Gen’s.  What you get with the newer Gen’s is better hardware, better wireless card, etc.  I don’t think I would replace my current subs with the latest Gen for that reason, unless there was a known issue, or compatibility issue.  My hesitation in buy used though is just that, it’s used. Likely out of warranty, perhaps damaged, etc  Saving some money may be worth it though.

I would opt for a pair of 300s over Fives for a bedroom personally. Unless your room your bedroom is the size of an aparment, it’s more than you need.  The 300s also give you atmos music capabilities.  However, it’s obviously still part of the Sonos ecosystem, so if that really is a dealbreaker for you, which you seem indecisive about, than you shouldn’t be getting Sonos at all.

I appreciate the candid advice, Danny. (@melvimbe) To your point on the hardware, I agree that a used Gen 3 is a very sensible way to expand without "breaking the bank," provided the unit is in good condition.

Regarding the Arc Ultra, I have a couple of technical curiosities for the group. First, am I correct in assuming that by adding a second sub, the Arc Ultra’s "Sound Motion" woofer will be able to offload even more of the heavy lifting? My expectation is that by passing those taxing low frequencies to a dual-sub setup, the Arc Ultra can further refine its performance in the mid and high ranges, leading to even greater clarity in dialogue and Atmos effects. Has anyone experienced this specific "offloading" benefit after moving from one sub to two on the Ultra?

Secondly, I am still very tempted to try placing a sub directly under my settee. Since the Arc Ultra won't allow a third sub (which is a shame, as I’d certainly consider it!), I want to ensure the two I have are working at their absolute peak. If anyone has experimented with "tactile" placement under furniture, I’d love to know if it enhanced the "rumble" of your Atmos tracks.

As for the bedroom, the Era 300s are tempting for their Atmos capabilities, but my hesitation remains the "bottleneck" we discussed. Unlike the older Fives, however, I understand the Era 300s do support Bluetooth. This might actually be the compromise I need, using Bluetooth to play from any source on my Samsung tablet when I want freedom, and using the Sonos ecosystem when I want the full spatial audio experience. It seems I’m not as "indecisive" as it appears; I’m simply looking for a system that works for me, rather than me working for the system!

It is my understand that add a sub will always divert the lower frequencies to the sub, freeing up the sound bar (or other speakers) that would otherwise play those low notes.  The same does apply for the Arc Ultra and the sound motion woofer.  Adding a 2nd sub doesn’t really change that as both subs are playing the same frequency range for the setup.  I wouldn’t expect more clarity with a 2nd sub, only more bass.

I believe others have placed the sub under the sofa and been happy with the results.  I can’t say that it give you the full rumble effect that custom solutions, or custom made furniture can provide.  I have my sub placed behind the couch (wall behind it) and am not disappointed.  I can say it’s a rumble, but I can ‘feel’ it at times.  YMMV.

I’ve been happy with Era 300s and sub in my bedroom?  Is the sub needed?  I already had the sub when I upgrade from a pair of Ones+ sub, so it wasn’t really a decision for me.  I have used buetooth occasionally(for the rarely used TV in the room), but am not pretty satisfied with the streaming options in the Sonos app (I use Plex for local library stuff). 

@melvimbe - 
 

That is a very fair point regarding the crossover, Danny. I suppose my expectation for "refinement" is more about the psychological effect of a perfectly balanced room, but I take your point that the frequency shift itself stays the same.

I’ve decided I’m definitely going to experiment with the "Sub under the sofa" placement. I’m quite lucky as I have a good amount of space behind the sofa too, where I’ve already placed my Era 300s on stands. Adding a second sub there, or directly underneath, should add a wonderful tactile vibration, a bit of a "4D effect" to go along with the Atmos height channels. I might have to raise the sofa slightly to give it that necessary inch of breathing room, but it sounds like a project well worth the effort.

As for the bedroom, the Era 300s are looking like the winner over the Fives. Knowing I can use the Bluetooth 5.0 connection for my "unsupported" sources while still having the option for full Atmos streaming through the app is exactly the kind of flexibility I’ve been looking for. It seems I can have my "freedom" and my high-end audio too.

I’ll be keeping a keen eye out for a deal on a second sub over the next couple of weeks. Thanks to everyone for the technical steer!