Playbar + Era 300

No, the Era 300 is not compatible with the Playbar when used as surrounds.

Sonos talks about sustainability but is not able (or not willing to put effort) to combine with previously released products. It could also choose to support a lower level of surround sound when combining with non atmos speakers. This would still be a significant upgrade and let customers upgrade gradually.

Very disappointing and not what I expected from sonos. 

Regards, 

Noppies 

I’m equally disappointed that my ‘386 can’t run the current version of windows, my iPhone 1 won’t run the latest version of iOS.

There is a point at which the CPU (and other electronics built in) in older devices, such as the PLAYBAR, just isn’t capable in managing the amount of data necessary to support newer devices. It’s unfortunate, but when the PLAYBAR was initially designed, back in 2011 or 2012, there just wasn’t a knowledge of a potential need for that much processing power. Not to mention the cost associated with such a CPU at the time, if they had included it, would have likely doubled the cost of the PLAYBAR itself. 

The expectation that every computer can be infinitely expanded seems to me to be a false hope. 

If this news makes you very disappointed, you must live in a constant state of utter despair.

Actually, I think it’s the rather sustainable approach to be honest.  It would  actually be irresponsible of Sonos to allow the era 100 or 300 to act as surround speakers for the playbar, encouraging people to buy new speakers, when the existing play:1, play:3, play:5, Sonos One, Sonos One SL, Five, or amp + speakers will perform just as well or better in the surround duty role.  Not to mention that many customers would be confused in thinking that using Era 300s would somehow turn their setup into atmos capable.

I will say that Sonos, as a system, is going from rather simple to rather complex, in terms of what goes with what, and what features are available under certain scenarios...nothing to do with sustainability.  However, that’s to be expected for any system where the current line up interacts and builds off previous generations.  I’m not aware of any such setup where that isn’t the case.  The only solution is to scrap the previous generation and completely start over, and no body likes that either.

SONOS players sold in 2005, although they cannot support the latest features that everyone is demanding, are still viable and playing. Is a 2005 phone still viable? I had to recycle a perfectly functional cellphone because the cell towers dropped support for its ‘ancient’ protocols.

Apple will change some of their API’s and demand that APP’s use the new API version or the APP will be dropped from the App Store. Leading edge APP’s will likely be forced to use the new API. Unfortunately, older phone/pad/computers cannot support the new API. This leaves the developer two choices, update their APP, potentially stranding some users, or terminate their business. Very simple APP’s that don’t need the updated API’s will still function.

I just got off the phone with a Sales Customer Service agent.  I asked about integrating the Era 100s or 300s with my Playbar and was told “Yes” they will work. That’s counter to everything I’ve seen in here and on the YouTube review videos. Confusing to say the least. I was told that as long as I’m using the S2 App, it will work. Again, contrary to what’s being posted by Sonos and knowledgable Community Members.

“Because Era 300 is a multichannel rear speaker, it requires a Sonos soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos, i.e. Arc or Beam (Gen 2). For this reason, Era 300 is not compatible with Playbar, Playbase, or Beam (Gen 1).”

Does this mean that the Era 100 “is” compatible?  At this point, I’m considering overkill and using my Upgrade path to buy two Gen 2 Fives.

Any further light that can be shed on this would be appreciated. That you.

Brad in Alaska

If I had to guess, the Sales Customer Service agent is wrong. The Sonos website clearly states the Era 100 and 300 are NOT compatible with the Playbar when being used as surrounds.

FYI… I am currently using two Play:5 (Gen 2)s as surrounds with my Arc and they sound great. It’s not overkill at all.

Why would you ever buy a pair of speakers for $853 which offer no benefits over a pair that goes for $438? 

jgatie… By $853 I’m assuming you’re referring to the Era 300s? I’d like to have a pair of Era 300s instead but, that doesn’t appear to be a possibility unless of shell out close to $900 for an Arc or buy a Beam Gen 2.  I’m uncertain if the Era 100s will work with my Playbar; I’m currently doubtful.