Playbar + Era 300

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Thanks very much, Danny.  We use that Playbar, Sub and Play 1s as much for music as TV so, I was wanting to punch up the sonics/power with something similar to what the Play 3s were. It sounds as if in order for me to get the performance out of the Era speakers that they were intended to deliver, I’d need to upgrade to an Arc or Beam Gen 2.  Or, I can upgrade to a pair of Fives and blow the windows out of my Family Room.  😀

Yes. People make incorrect assumptions all the time, particularly when they don’t have a concept of how something works.  That is not meant to be a knock on anyone, as things can get complicated and it’s not that interesting to many people.  They just want the system to work well. I don’t think Sonos should put a lot of effort into enabling a system that few people will use and many will find disappointing.

Your statement above is not accurate, and there is no such thing as a partially atmos capable setup .  To get Atmos content you essentially need 3 things.  One source content delivered in atmos audio.  Two, you need to have a device (speaker/amp) capable of processing atmos content.  This is what the Arc and Beam provide, but the playbar does not.  Era 300 can provide this for streaming music in atmos, but not for TV audio, and only as single speaker or pair (no rear speakers).  Three, you need to have speakers that can deliver audio in the correct locations, whether directly or indirectly.

So back to your statement...saying Sonos One is not atmos capable isn’t really accurate. It’s obviously not a source, and it cannot process atmos content, but it certainly can play the role of a rear speaker in an atmos setup as rear audio channels.  And that’s exactly what people did before the Era 300 came out, and many people still do.

Because that’s not partial atmos, it’s an overpriced 5.1 surround system, and not a very good upgrade path to an atmos setup.  Replace the playbar with Arc or Beam first to get atmos audio right away, and add Sonos One (if you don’t have them already), or Era 300, or whatever compatible speakers you want,  surrounds when budget allows.  

Yes, but Sonos also would need to upgrade the firmware for the playbar and era 300 to operate together in addition to trueplay tuning, testing, and whatever else is involved.   It’s not like they would just flip a switch to turn it on. That’s money and effort for a configuration not many people are going to want to setup, and yes, may be disappointed to find out doesn’t make their setup play atmos content.

Being modular (Sonos never claimed that, they are a multiroom audio system)  doesn’t mean Sonos needs to support any configuration of speakers that customers could dream up. 

OK…I’m back to play “Devils Advocate” regarding this thread.

Not to fault the author but to speak on how the comments in this thread about making the Playbar compatible with the Era 300’s; or vise versa, have (unsupportively) crossed into areas that accuse Sonos of being a “profiteer” and reneging on its pledge of “product sustainability”. Not So. You can call me a Sonos “Fanboy” if you like...that’s your prerogative.

Let’s talk about “Profit” and “Sustainability”.  First, here’s a really simplistic statement/example of “profit” that anyone should understand:

“Profit is a term that often describes the financial gain a business receives when revenue surpasses costs and expenses. For example, a child at a lemonade stand spends one quarter to create one cup of lemonade. She then sells the drink for $2. Her profit on the cup of lemonade amounts to $1.75”.

Companies have to show a profit on the goods and services they provide in order to stay in business. Profits pay salaries and fund R&D for future products. Do you really think Sonos could survive in the market had it settled on the Playbar as its premiere product achievement? BTW…that’s a rhetorical question.  

Here's a definition of sustainability; or more aptly stated as Economic Sustainability:  

“In the context of business, it refers to the efficient use of assets to maintain company profitability over time”.

Wow…is there a link between Economic Sustainability and Profit? Again, that’s a rhetorical question.

When the Playbar was developed it was reviewed by engadget as follows (click here for the full review):

“Sonos has found a sweet spot in the audio world. Its wireless technology and ability to stream music from almost any source -- be it from the cloud or local storage -- have given it considerable geek cred, yet its simple setup still offers mass appeal. Of course, none of that would matter if its systems didn't sound good, but fortunately, Sonos' Play:3, Play:5 and its Sub have all impressed with the quality of audio they produce. The $699 Playbar is the newest member of the family, and with this product, Sonos is setting its sights squarely on the home theater market”.

 The Playbar went on to support the Sonos One (when used as surrounds) which replaced the Play 1. An example of “sustainability”; If you will given how the term has been used in this thread.

What seems to be lost (in the comments) is the understanding that all of the products mentioned in conjunction with the Playbar were developed using similar (if not the same) internal components such as:

• Chipset
• CPU
• Logic Board
• Network Interface Card (NIC)
• Memory type/allotment 

The last of the above is probably the most critical and often times the most expensive. There is a certain amount of memory required to make each speaker that Sonos designs function in concert with other components and accept updates. 

You can’t open any Sonos product and add more memory. It is finite. Designing more memory into a product than is required is expensive. Doing so can price a product out the market. Thus the product may never see the light of day. So yes…in that scenario “profit” out-ways “sustainability” as some in this thread have chosen to use the term.  

That doesn’t label Sonos as a company only concerned with profits at the expense of its customers. By the same token it doesn’t say that Sonos when designing the Era 300 was aiming to force customers to moth-ball their Playbars to purchase an Arc or Beam 2; in order to use them as surrounds. Never, mind that the Era 300 is a Dolby Atmos speaker that compliments the Arc and Beam 2 sound bars; also designed for Dolby Atmos. I could also, sarcastically say that the Ray doesn't fit as a “sustainable” product since the Era 300 isn’t compatible with it either.  

Besides the technology of the Era 300 being light years ahead of the Sonos One/SL and the Playbar; the amount of memory required for the Playbar to communicate with the Era 300 (I’d hazard to say) just isn’t there. That not withstanding such components as, Chipset, CPU and Logic Board.

One final point regarding profit and economic sustainability. Sonos continues to support products such as the original Play 5. If not with feature updates then through the S1 controller app. Many companies abandon products (reference new features and use-ability) that are no longer sold. Advancements in technologies make it unprofitable for some companies to maintain parts and/or technical support/service for products that are no longer sold.

One would be hard pressed to find a mechanic that can properly service a 1957 Chevy; yet alone find parts. Let’s not forget the pocket transistor radio, Sony Walkman, or any number of electronic devices that still work; but are no longer supported by the manufacturer. I realize that I have a lot of history I can relate to and have followed the progression of technologies. I dare say 90% of you have probably only read about the Vietnam War in history books. But, I digress.

The bottom-line here…let’s not loosely throw references to “profit” and “sustainability” as negatives toward Sonos. Before making such accusations know the meaning and proper context in which the term(s) should be used.

Below is a graphic on sustainability. Click here for more information:

Well, this thread got interesting to put it mildly. The Atmos sound isn’t something I’m particularly interested in. I’m still reading reviews that portray the Era 100s as NOT  being “compatible” with the Playbar. As was noted early on in this thread, what exactly is meant by compatible?  The 100s don’t have the upward firing tweeters thus diminishing the Atmos experience but… if a Playbar owner were to buy a pair of 100s to replace Play 1s, will  the 100s operate at all or, will they operate in a diminished capacity? I understand why the 300s aren’t an option for a Playbar owner. I’m leaning closer to buying 2 Fives and take a pause from researching.

Thanks, Schlumpf. I think that just about seals my decision. I’m sure the Era series sounds great with compatible delivery systems.