Skip to main content
Lardog888
Contributor I
September 5, 2026

Sonos setup recommendation for 4000 sq ft workshop with 16' walls and 27' open ceiling peak

  • September 5, 2026
  • 36 replies
  • 226 views

I’m new to Sonos and am looking to setup my workshop with a Sonos system that will give smooth and immersive sound throughout.  I’m thinking potentially four Era 100 speakers in the corners at about 10’ high and either another pair of 100’s or a pair of 300’s in the middle firing towards the center. 

The workshop is 50’x80’ with 16’ walls and 27’ peaked open ceiling.  Walls are insulated metal panels so will likely have high reflectivity, but the space has relatively low to moderate slap echo.  One of the short sides is drywall with fully OSB sheeting behind and full rockwool insulation, which might explain some reduction in echo.

I’d like to be able to start with a pair or four speakers and then add to them to spread expense.  I figure I’ll eventually have to add a subwoofer as well at some point.  Not having any experience with Sonos, I’m open to suggestions about what to purchase and use in such an application.  I ordered two Era 100SL speakers to start, but could always return them if needed.  I listened to a large automotive workshop that had 8 Sonos One speakers and two subs that sounded absolutely amazing, especially at high volume levels.  I don’t need such high volume levels but would like smooth evenly distributed sound.

If anyone has experience with setting up a large space like this and could make recommendations, I would appreciate it.  Also, I’m not sure whether Era 100SL, Era 300, and potentially an Era 100 Alexa enabled speaker could all be integrated together.  Also not sure whether to run them in stereo pairs or all mono.  Please chime in with any advice.  

Cheers!

36 replies

Airgetlam
Airgetlam
September 5, 2026

No experience with such a space, but your plans seem intelligent to me. And yes, All Sonos speakers can be grouped with each other.  Alexa controls the Sonos ‘system’, not a particular speaker, so you can control a ‘room’ using the microphone on another speaker, even if the ‘room’ doesn’t have a speaker with a microphone. 

Bruce
    jgatie
    jgatie
    September 5, 2026

    As many Era-100s as you like, distributed evenly, set up as stereo pairs or as one big zone.  The choice of pairs or zone depends on if you want an overall sound with one volume (zone) or separate pockets of stereo sound (pairs)  in different areas with individual volume controls.

    I don't recommend the Era-300 for that space.  Atmos is the only feature gained, and Atmos is dependent on a fixed listening position.

      AjTrek1
      AjTrek1
      September 5, 2026

      You can also review Sonos Zone setup here. However, with Sonos Zones you cannot add a sub. Below is a sneak peek at Sonos Zones

      Set up a zone for multiple Sonos products

      You can easily group and ungroup your Sonos products at any time using your Sonos app. However, if you’d like to create a semi-permanent group of Sonos products, you can create a zone.

      A zone consists of 2-16 Sonos products and appears in your System view as a single listing. This listing will control all Sonos products in the zone under a single name (e.g. “Downstairs”) with unified volume control, EQ settings, and more.

      Zones can be grouped with other Sonos products in your system, and multiple zones can be part of a group.

      Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
        Airgetlam
        Airgetlam
        September 5, 2026

        I’m not a fan of ‘zones’, they’re a commercial feature that escaped into the ‘regular’ world. There are some restrictions (such as, if memory serves, adding a Sub) that don’t sit well with me. Even with the amount of power interruptions I deal with on this location I live on, grouping once after each power outage just isn’t a big deal…and I never lose a ‘room’, just grouping of two or more rooms. 

        Bruce
        AjTrek1
        AjTrek1
        September 5, 2026

        I’m not a fan of ‘zones’, they’re a commercial feature that escaped into the ‘regular’ world. There are some restrictions (such as, if memory serves, adding a Sub) that don’t sit well with me. Even with the amount of power interruptions I deal with on this location I live on, grouping once after each power outage just isn’t a big deal…and I never lose a ‘room’, just grouping of two or more rooms. 

        I get that you're not a fan of zones and if not for the size of the OP’s space I wouldn’t have mentioned it. Just wanted to provide options.  However, I did mention that a sub can’t be added 😂. 

        Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
          Stanley_4
          Stanley_4
          Grand Maestro
          September 5, 2026

          I'd start with a good quality surge suppressor on every Sonos regardless of what you get. Power tools can do rude things to power.

          Initially I thought Sonos Amp and four high efficiency, large, bookshelf speakers mounted in the corners for maximum low frequency response. Add another Amp and more speakers at the mid-point of the walls if you needed more volume.

          But if you liked the 100s then corner mounted to start with adding mid-wall ones if needed.

          Try stereo Pairs and mono, pick what your ears like.

          Add a Sub to an individual 100 or to a Pair, or Amp, maybe a second if needed. Again in corners for maximum impact.

            Lardog888Author
            Contributor I
            September 5, 2026

            As many Era-100s as you like, distributed evenly, set up as stereo pairs or as one big zone.  The choice of pairs or zone depends on if you want an overall sound with one volume (zone) or separate pockets of stereo sound (pairs)  in different areas with individual volume controls.

            I don't recommend the Era-300 for that space.  Atmos is the only feature gained, and Atmos is dependent on a fixed listening position.

            Understood on the Era 300.  I’ll stick to just adding pairs of Era 100s.  Much more economical too.

              Lardog888Author
              Contributor I
              September 5, 2026

              You can also review Sonos Zone setup here. However, with Sonos Zones you cannot add a sub. Below is a sneak peek at Sonos Zones

              Set up a zone for multiple Sonos products

              You can easily group and ungroup your Sonos products at any time using your Sonos app. However, if you’d like to create a semi-permanent group of Sonos products, you can create a zone.

              A zone consists of 2-16 Sonos products and appears in your System view as a single listing. This listing will control all Sonos products in the zone under a single name (e.g. “Downstairs”) with unified volume control, EQ settings, and more.

              Zones can be grouped with other Sonos products in your system, and multiple zones can be part of a group.

              I think this will be just a standalone “room” with no “zones”, so hopefully will be able to add a sub if bass is lacking once setup.

                Lardog888Author
                Contributor I
                September 5, 2026

                You can also review Sonos Zone setup here. However, with Sonos Zones you cannot add a sub. Below is a sneak peek at Sonos Zones

                Set up a zone for multiple Sonos products

                You can easily group and ungroup your Sonos products at any time using your Sonos app. However, if you’d like to create a semi-permanent group of Sonos products, you can create a zone.

                A zone consists of 2-16 Sonos products and appears in your System view as a single listing. This listing will control all Sonos products in the zone under a single name (e.g. “Downstairs”) with unified volume control, EQ settings, and more.

                Zones can be grouped with other Sonos products in your system, and multiple zones can be part of a group.

                I think this will be just a standalone “room” with no “zones”, so hopefully will be able to add a sub if bass is lacking once setup.

                I'd start with a good quality surge suppressor on every Sonos regardless of what you get. Power tools can do rude things to power.

                Initially I thought Sonos Amp and four high efficiency, large, bookshelf speakers mounted in the corners for maximum low frequency response. Add another Amp and more speakers at the mid-point of the walls if you needed more volume.

                But if you liked the 100s then corner mounted to start with adding mid-wall ones if needed.

                Try stereo Pairs and mono, pick what your ears like.

                Add a Sub to an individual 100 or to a Pair, or Amp, maybe a second if needed. Again in corners for maximum impact.

                I ran a TON of outlets in this space over many circuits.  One of the main considerations of the Sonos system is that I didn’t have to run wire to individual speakers.  The fact that they can all connect via WiFi is one of the benefits.  At least that’s the plan...

                 

                Stanley_4
                Stanley_4
                Grand Maestro
                September 5, 2026

                Not a Room but multiple Rooms, one per speaker or speaker Pair. 

                You would Group* them together to fill the shop or just use some for local sound.

                You can add a Sub to a single Room, be it one speaker or a Pair. It will alter the frequency response on the Room it is connncted to, not the other Rooms.

                *You can create a Group shortcut for each arrangement you like or just select the speakers you want to Group.

                  Show more replies
                  Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement