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Currently I am considering getting myself my first Sonos devices. My main objectives are to listen to music and be able to conveniently stream music throughout the house, whenever me or my kids like to do so, without the hassle of repairing devices to the single Bluetooth speaker that we currently use.

Primarily, I am looking for something that covers the kitchen, dining and living room. In addition, I am also considering having something for the kids in their room, as well as in the master bedroom and the bathroom, though the master bedroom and bathroom will be used very occasionally.

In addition, I prefer to avoid the use of floor stands, because of the cabling and the space it requires on the floor.

My first thoughts were:

  • 2x Sonos Era 100 on the top of the kitchen

    There is 35cm clearance on top of the cabinets and the cabling will be invisible.
     
  • 1x Sonos ARC Ultra below the TV

    This I believe is quite an overkill considering that I am not really in need of a cinema-experience and typically watch movies/series at very low volume but was considering it as it looks quite sleek and would provide coverage in the living room, to the extent that this would not already be covered by the ones in the kitchen.
     
  • 1x Sonos Era 100 OR 1x IKEA Symfonisk picture frame in the bathroom

    This would be needed for some occasional use only for background music. In the case of an Era, here I could consider a floorstand.
     
  • 2x Sonos Era 100 OR 1x IKEA Symfonisk picture frame in the master bedroom

    This would be needed for some occasional use only, with the restriction of the Era's being wall-mounted at approximately 150cm height from the floor. The IKEA one I could centrally attach to the wall with the power cable running on the back of the wall, as this is the only plasterboard wall in the house.
     
  • 1x Sonos Era 100 OR 1x IKEA Symfonisk picture frame in the kid's bedroom

    Here I strongly prefer the IKEA one.

In the end, being new to the Sonos ecosystem, I am not planning to spend a fortune on the equipment for the best audio quality but am very much looking for convenience.

Your recommendations would be more than welcome.

With Symfonisk picture frames

With Eras

 

Hi ​@SeanNa 

Welcome to the Sonos Community! And to Sonos in general!

Here’s my thoughts on your thoughts:

 

Currently I am considering getting myself my first Sonos devices. My main objectives are to listen to music and be able to conveniently stream music throughout the house, whenever me or my kids like to do so, without the hassle of repairing devices to the single Bluetooth speaker that we currently use.

Primarily, I am looking for something that covers the kitchen, dining and living room. In addition, I am also considering having something for the kids in their room, as well as in the master bedroom and the bathroom, though the master bedroom and bathroom will be used very occasionally.

In addition, I prefer to avoid the use of floor stands, because of the cabling and the space it requires on the floor.

My first thoughts were:

  • 2x Sonos Era 100 on the top of the kitchen

    There is 35cm clearance on top of the cabinets and the cabling will be invisible.

Absolutely. You could have them operate as a stereo pair, or as two speakers each playing both channels, but together, depending on the layout and your preference.

  • 1x Sonos ARC Ultra below the TV

    This I believe is quite an overkill considering that I am not really in need of a cinema-experience and typically watch movies/series at very low volume but was considering it as it looks quite sleek and would provide coverage in the living room, to the extent that this would not already be covered by the ones in the kitchen.

I’m going to blow the minds of sales people and say that I agree - if you think it is overkill, it probably is. You could consider the Beam Gen 2 instead, save some funds for a Sub 4 or Sub Mini for extra bass, or for an extra pair of Era 100 to act as surrounds.

  • 1x Sonos Era 100 OR 1x IKEA Symfonisk picture frame in the bathroom

    This would be needed for some occasional use only for background music. In the case of an Era, here I could consider a floorstand.

You have not stated in your profile where you live, but here in the UK we don’t get power sockets in the bathroom. A chargeable Move 2 or Roam 2 might be worth looking into. The Move 2 has an IP56 rating, and Roam 2 has IP67 water and dust proofing, so they are also more resilient to humid conditions.

  • 2x Sonos Era 100 OR 1x IKEA Symfonisk picture frame in the master bedroom

    This would be needed for some occasional use only, with the restriction of the Era's being wall-mounted at approximately 150cm height from the floor. The IKEA one I could centrally attach to the wall with the power cable running on the back of the wall, as this is the only plasterboard wall in the house.

I would only say that although IKEA speakers integrate with Sonos systems, the speakers are neither designed nor manufactured by us - Sonos speakers are just going to sound better. The Frames do hide themselves well, however.

  • 1x Sonos Era 100 OR 1x IKEA Symfonisk picture frame in the kid's bedroom

    Here I strongly prefer the IKEA one.

Again, I’d point out that the Era 100 will sound better, but your kids may also appreciate the additional Bluetooth functionality on the Era 100.

In the end, being new to the Sonos ecosystem, I am not planning to spend a fortune on the equipment for the best audio quality but am very much looking for convenience.

You’ll save quite a bit getting a Beam Gen 2 instead of the Arc Ultra. Remember that you can add further units (like surrounds or a Sub) at a later date - no need to get everything in one go!

Your recommendations would be more than welcome.

With Symfonisk picture frames

With Eras

I don’t see any issues with the layouts.

I hope this helps - if you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate.

For a smaller room a Beam, small surrounds and a mini-Sub should do great. I have that, except my Sub is a full sized one cranked way down, in my 10x10 office and it is more than adequate.

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