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SONOS Era 100 Wireless Speaker Review

Introduction

As a long-time audio enthusiast, I recently ventured into the world of SONOS by purchasing the SONOS Era 100 Wireless Speaker. I have read numerous SONOS Era 100 reviews and wanted to see if this product lives up to the hype. Here’s my detailed and honest evaluation of the product after several weeks.

First Impressions

The SONOS Era 100 is an impressive audio equipment at first glance. The build quality is robust and certainly feels premium, albeit pricey. I immediately noticed its sleek and modern design, which blends seamlessly into any room layout. Setting it up was straightforward, as it quickly connected to both my Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Compared to my previous speakers, this was a breeze.

Setup and Connectivity

Setting up the Sonos Era 100 was remarkably straightforward, significantly easier than my previous experiences with other speakers. The integration process with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth was smooth, and it quickly connected to both my Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Although some users reported lengthy connection issues, I found the process hassle-free. However, the user manual could be more detailed, as I had to rely on online resources for certain aspects. The speaker’s connectivity also includes a Sonos account, which some might find cumbersome.

One downside is the need for a unique adapter if you plan to use line-in sources via the USB-C connector. It’s an additional purchase that could have been avoided with a more standard option.

Sound Quality

The sound quality is where the SONOS Era 100 truly shines. With deep bass and clear treble, it offers a rich listening experience that exceeds my expectations. Whether I was streaming from my music subscriptions or playing movies, the sound performance was consistently high. Several Sonos Era 100 reviews mentioned that the speaker fills the room with a robust stereo sound, and I can affirm this.

Although I haven’t utilized the Alexa feature extensively due to the speaker’s placement behind the sofa, the voice control does work well when needed. However, there was one downside when integrating it with my Sonos Ray soundbar. You can’t automatically link the Ray and Era to play sound together every time; you need to do this manually through the Sonos app, which can be a bit frustrating.

Voice Control and App Features

The Sonos Era 100’s voice control capabilities are noteworthy. It comes with built-in voice control that doesn’t require a connection to any cloud service, providing privacy and convenience. Although I haven’t utilized the Alexa feature extensively due to the speaker’s placement behind the sofa, the voice control does work well when needed. You also have the option to disable voice control entirely, which is a nice touch for those who prefer not to use voice commands.

The Sonos app, necessary for full functionality, is generally user-friendly. However, some users have complained about waiting times for customer support, something I fortunately didn’t experience but which could be a significant drawback if issues arise.

Ease of Use

The app interface is user-friendly, albeit you need a Sonos account, which can be a bit cumbersome. Some users have complained about waiting times for customer support, something I fortunately didn’t experience, but which could be a significant drawback if issues arise. While the touch controls on the white-colored speaker blend in and are difficult to see, they work smoothly once located.

SONOS Era 100

Portability and Design

The portability of the Sonos Era 100 is one of its standout features. It’s compact yet powerful, making it easy to move around the house or even take outdoors. The round shape adds to its aesthetic appeal. However, despite its size and portability, several users, including myself, feel that it needs a second speaker to deliver true stereo sound.

Another aspect worth mentioning is the unique USB-C connector, which does not take normal sources without a special adapter from Sonos. This may be a limitation for some, as it restricts compatibility unless you invest in the additional adapter.

Durability and Build Quality

The build quality of the Sonos Era 100 is impressive. The speaker feels sturdy and well-made, which justifies its higher price point compared to cheaper alternatives. Durability doesn’t seem to be an issue, and the design exudes a premium feel.

Customer Support

While the product itself is high-quality, customer support reportedly leaves much to be desired. One review mentioned a 65-minute wait time on the phone and being 49th in line for chat support. This long wait time can be a significant drawback, especially if you’re facing urgent issues with the speaker. I haven’t had to contact support yet, but such feedback is something to take into consideration if you decide to purchase this product.

Pricing

The Sonos Era 100 is undoubtedly on the pricier side, and yes, cheaper alternatives are available. That said, the enhanced sound quality and advanced features it offers make it worth the investment for many. I found a deal that offered $50 off, and considering the superior audio experience, it was a decision I didn’t regret.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

    • Excellent sound quality with deep bass and clear treble
    • Sleek, modern, and portable design
    • Easy setup and robust connectivity with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
    • On-device voice control without cloud connection
    • User-friendly app interface

Cons:

    • High price point
    • Frustrating integration with Sonos Ray soundbar
    • Needs a special adapter for 1/8″ line-in connections
    • Customer support is reportedly slow
    • Single speaker lacks true stereo sound
    • Touch controls on the white version are hard to see

Conclusion

The Sonos Era 100 is a robust, high-quality speaker worth considering if you prioritize excellent sound and advanced features over price. Although there are some frustrations, particularly with linking multiple devices and the need for specific adapters, the overall performance makes it a solid choice. Keep an eye out for discounts, and be prepared for the occasional need to troubleshoot or contact customer support.

In summary, while not without its flaws, the Sonos Era 100 successfully delivers on its promise of superior sound quality and ease of use. If you’re looking for a reliable, high-performance speaker to upgrade your home audio system, the Sonos Era 100 is worth considering.

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Bass Response
8
The bass response of the Sonos Era 100 is generally well received. Most users highlight the impressive bass for a speaker of its size. However, a few mentioned the need for additional speakers to achieve the desired fullness in sound, which could be a dealbreaker for bass enthusiasts.
Treble Detail
8.5
Highs are detailed and clear, making the Sonos Era 100 stand out in delivering crisp treble. Despite some minor criticisms about the overall sound balance, the treble detail seems to be a strong point for this speaker, providing a rich and detailed listening experience.
Midrange Clarity
8
Midrange clarity is commendable with the Sonos Era 100. The speaker ensures that voices and instruments are clearly heard and well-defined. Users have generally appreciated the clarity of sounds, though a few mentioned the need to adjust settings for the best experience.
Design
7.8
The design of the Sonos Era 100 is sleek and modern, blending seamlessly with most home decor. Some users found the touch controls on the white version hard to see, but the overall build quality and portability are appreciated. The need for a special adapter for certain connections was noted as a downside.
Sound Quality
8.3
Overall sound quality of the Sonos Era 100 is highly rated. Most users are impressed with its performance, citing full and vibrant sound. Some users did experience issues with setup affecting sound performance, but these seem to be occasional rather than the norm.
Value for Money
7.5
The Sonos Era 100 provides good value for money if you're deep into the Sonos ecosystem. It's got impressive sound quality and easy setup, but it is on the pricier side. The price is justified for the seamless integration and features it offers, although it may seem a bit steep compared to other options in the market.
8.0
Total Score
Rating Summary
The Sonos Era 100 scores a solid 4.2 on Amazon, reflecting a generally positive user experience. We found it to offer good value for those already invested in the Sonos ecosystem, though its price might deter budget-conscious buyers. The speaker shines in sound quality, especially with its bass response and treble detail, providing a full and immersive listening experience. However, some users did report difficulties with setup and occasional connectivity issues. The design is elegant and robust, though minor usability issues like hard-to-see controls on the white model were noted. Additionally, the requirement for a special adapter for 1/8" line-in connections adds a layer of inconvenience. All in all, the Sonos Era 100 stands out for its sound quality and design, making it a commendable choice for audiophiles willing to invest in a premium speaker.