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Answered

Sub Gen 4 vs Sub Gen 1

  • December 18, 2024
  • 4 replies
  • 4290 views
E

Hi gang,

I currently have Arc Ultra, 2 x Era 300 and Sub Gen 1.

I’m trying to decide if its worth upgrading to the Sub Gen 4? Having spoken to some retailers, they have said that it wont really make too much difference from a sound perspective.

If theres not a tangible difference, I’m going to stick with Sub Gen 1 but wanted to hear the thoughts of the community.

Thanks 

ER86

Best answer by Mr. T

I don’t have a Sub 4 but own all 3 of the previous generations. I have zero intention to currently replace an older Sub with a Sub 4.

I hear no difference between the previous generations and as Sonos allow a Sub (Gen3) and Sub 4 to be used in a dual Sub setup, I doubt there is any tangible sound difference between them. I’ve not seen any review either that recommends replacing an older Sub with Sub 4.

As ​@buzz mentions, with the Arc Ultra you cannot dual Sub the first Sub gen with Sub 4, so it would be a direct replacement. I cannot see any compelling reason why someone would do that, if they didn’t then use redundant Sub in another Sonos room, so the reason for purchase is really to have a Sub in another room, rather than improve the sound on the home theatre setup.

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4 replies

Stanley_4
  • Stanley_4
  • Lead Maestro
  • December 18, 2024

I have had a Sub 4 and Sub gen 2 in the same room, hooked to different Rooms and I couldn’t hear a difference, my ears aren’t great but that is mostly at higher frequencies.

:-) Get the new Sub, tell yourself it was necessary, then put the old one in another Room that lacks one. I convinced myself, the spouse isn’t buying my tale though.

    buzz
    • buzz
    • December 19, 2024

    If you want to add a second SUB to a surround room, note that ARC ULTRA does not support SUB V1 as a second subwoofer.

    Mr. T
    • Mr. T
    • Answer
    • December 19, 2024

    I don’t have a Sub 4 but own all 3 of the previous generations. I have zero intention to currently replace an older Sub with a Sub 4.

    I hear no difference between the previous generations and as Sonos allow a Sub (Gen3) and Sub 4 to be used in a dual Sub setup, I doubt there is any tangible sound difference between them. I’ve not seen any review either that recommends replacing an older Sub with Sub 4.

    As ​@buzz mentions, with the Arc Ultra you cannot dual Sub the first Sub gen with Sub 4, so it would be a direct replacement. I cannot see any compelling reason why someone would do that, if they didn’t then use redundant Sub in another Sonos room, so the reason for purchase is really to have a Sub in another room, rather than improve the sound on the home theatre setup.

      Stanley_4
      • Stanley_4
      • Lead Maestro
      • December 19, 2024

      1. I wanted another Sub (that wasn't really justified) to hook to my Era-300 pair.

      2. I had a discount that worked for any single item. The soundbar sets count as one item.

      3. The spouse said as long as it fits in YOUR room.

       

      I wouldn't recommend updating, makes no Sonos.

      But you can never have too many (well 32) Sonos.

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