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controlav
controlav
Lead Maestro
February 7, 2023

Just wonder if these new speakers can be added to the home theatre system to make it more complete…

 

Yes they can.

Author of the leading independent Sonos apps for Android, MacOS, iOS, Windows and Xbox.
melvimbe
melvimbe
February 7, 2023

If, and I use that word specifically, because The Verge has been wrong in the past, the Era 100 has some upward firing component, I would be willing to consider using the PLAY:1s I have as surrounds elsewhere, and getting a set of Era 100s for surrounds duty. But that means more bandwidth needs, as the Era 100s would need two streams, not just the surround stream of data, but also the disparates streams of Atmos, a whole ‘nother’ thing.  

 

On the subject of getting things wrong, I’m thinking Verge is wrong about the USB-C line in.  It just doesn’t make a ton of sense to me.  What could this be used for, and why is it better than an analog input?  Since Era 100 and 300 (not to be confused with an Eero router or a NASCAR race)  are not portable and will always be on our network, you will be able to stream audio from any iOS device via airplay.  If the rumor is true about bluetooth connectivity (which seems logical since the Roam can be on WiFi and BT at the same time)  then you would not need to wire an android device. So what device would you realistically use USB-C line in with?  Turntable?  PC?

Two possibilities is if the  Eras need the wired digital connection for atmos audio from iOS and android that can’t be done well wirelessly.  That makes some sense, but since Sonos can already get streaming atmos from Amazon and others, that seems doubtful.  The other possibility is that Sonos is ditching the analog inputs so that it does not have to convert to digital.  Anyone who has an analog course can get a converter cable for $10 on Amazon. I guess that last part perhaps is a strong enough reason to have USB-C input.  It might be good to see how customers react to this change, to see if the same can be done to the Port or Amp?

However, what makes more sense to me is that the Era speakers are powered via USB-C.  It’s entirely possible that the power usage for these speakers is lower than it’s predecessors due to improved tech, and a desire to be more environmentally friendly.  USB-C for power is very common now, and Sonos already does this with Move and Roam.  It likely reduce costs as well since Sonos will not have to provide different outlet plugs per region or have an internal AC/DC transformer.  They might even be able to sell without cables and charging block, if customers prefer to use their own.

Maybe the USB-C is both power and input, but that would mean that whatever input source would also have to provide enough power is well, or you have to buy some sort of additional adapter.   All speculation on my part.

Danny
    chriswelch
    Lyricist I
    February 7, 2023

    If, and I use that word specifically, because The Verge has been wrong in the past, the Era 100 has some upward firing component, I would be willing to consider using the PLAY:1s I have as surrounds elsewhere, and getting a set of Era 100s for surrounds duty. But that means more bandwidth needs, as the Era 100s would need two streams, not just the surround stream of data, but also the disparates streams of Atmos, a whole ‘nother’ thing.  

     

    You’ll notice in this piece I specifically emphasize that some of these features might not be present in the final hardware. I know not everything I first reported on the Ray made the product, but I swear I viewed internal documents that mentioned them. 😭 Obviously details are subject to change, but the broad strokes are accurate. 

      melvimbe
      melvimbe
      February 7, 2023

      If, and I use that word specifically, because The Verge has been wrong in the past, the Era 100 has some upward firing component, I would be willing to consider using the PLAY:1s I have as surrounds elsewhere, and getting a set of Era 100s for surrounds duty. But that means more bandwidth needs, as the Era 100s would need two streams, not just the surround stream of data, but also the disparates streams of Atmos, a whole ‘nother’ thing.  

       

      You’ll notice in this piece I specifically emphasize that some of these features might not be present in the final hardware. I know not everything I first reported on the Ray made the product, but I swear I viewed internal documents that mentioned them. 😭 Obviously details are subject to change, but the broad strokes are accurate. 

       

      Assuming that the Era speakers can be used for rear atmos surround, and will be released sometime this year, it doesn’t make sense for the Ray to do rear atmos as well...hindsight being 20/20 and all.  It very likely could have upset a lot of people who bought the Rays who would have preferred to wait for Eras.  As well, I bet Sonos would prefer customers to use the Eras instead of Rays.

      Danny
      GuitarSuperstarAuthor
      Lead Maestro
      February 20, 2023

      New article from The Verge including more product details and actual photos!

      https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/20/23606369/sonos-era-300-100-speakers-leak-features-price-photos

      "Receive with simplicity everything that happens to you." - Rashi
        GuitarSuperstarAuthor
        Lead Maestro
        February 20, 2023

        A VERY interesting post on Reddit from Chris Welch from The Verge:

        “Sonos documents list an Arc, Sub, and two 300s as 7.1.4.”

        https://www.reddit.com/r/sonos/comments/117f2ut/comment/j9bmmss/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

        "Receive with simplicity everything that happens to you." - Rashi
          pstoric83
          Avid Contributor I
          February 20, 2023

          Is the Era 300 supposed to be considered an upgrade to the Play 5?

          GuitarSuperstarAuthor
          Lead Maestro
          February 20, 2023

          Is the Era 300 supposed to be considered an upgrade to the Play 5?

          Based on the article, it looks like the Era 300 will be in a separate class than the Five. The 300 is designed more for Dolby Atmos/Spatial Audio whereas the Five will still be Sonos’ flagship speaker for the stereo purists.

          "Receive with simplicity everything that happens to you." - Rashi
            pstoric83
            Avid Contributor I
            February 20, 2023

            Is the Era 300 supposed to be considered an upgrade to the Play 5?

            Based on the article, it looks like the Era 300 will be in a separate class than the Five. The 300 is designed more for Dolby Atmos/Spatial Audio whereas the Five will still be Sonos’ flagship speaker for the stereo purists.

            Makes sense. Thanks!!

            Kumar
            February 21, 2023

            Reports suggest that the 100 has a line in using USB C. How will that work, or, what will that work with?

            I have always believed that the Play 1/One would have been a better product than what it already is, if it had a line in jack. But I am not sure what the 100 is reported to have, is that feature.

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