There's little doubt that since being founded in 2002, Sonos has consistently delivered quality wireless Hi-Fi systems. After writing about the Zoneplayer S5 (now known as the PLAY:5) in 2009 I managed to grab a little one-on-one time with the all-in-one music streamer in the sound room of my local Hi-Fi specialist and walked away suitably impressed. While this model has its own subwoofer driver, the smaller PLAY:3 does not and those who love their bottom end to shake the room may be left a little wanting. The latest addition to the range, the SUB, promises to more than fill any bass booming void in an existing Sonos setup.
The Sonos SUB wireless subwoofer has been designed to complement the already impressive sonic capabilities of Sonos amplified products like the CONNECT:AMP, the PLAY:3 and the PLAY:5 by adding a generous amount of throbbing bass to the mix. Usefully, Sonos says that system settings will be automatically adjusted to balance the SUB with the output from any paired Sonos device (or devices) for the best mix. There's a simple, one-button setup procedure, after which the unit can be controlled via the dedicated Sonos Controller or dedicated free Android/iOS apps on mobile devices.
The SUB features two state-of-the-art Class-D digital amplifiers within an acoustically dead proprietary resin outer shell with maximum internal air volume, and built-in digital signal processing circuitry takes care of all filter, active EQ and time alignment. Its two force-canceling speakers are positioned facing each other, pointing towards the center of the gap and dual top-to-bottom acoustic ports have been tuned to maximize volume and resonance without cabinet buzz or rattle.
Like other subwoofers, the 15.8 x 6.2 x 15 inch (402 x 158 x 380 mm), 36.3 pound (16 kg) SUB can be placed anywhere in the room (standing up or lying down) and comes supplied with rubber feet, although users can opt to use the supplied felt equivalents if desired. It benefits from AES encrypted wireless connectivity for hooking up to the SonosNET wireless mesh network, and an Ethernet port for direct wired connection to a home network.
The SUB will be available in greasy-fingerprint-magnet Gloss Black when released on June 19 for US$699.
Sonos has produced the following promo video to give you an idea of what the SUB can do for your sonic enjoyment:
Source: Sonos