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00:00:00 – 00:15:46
Elliot from Smart Home Sounds provides an in-depth comparison between two premium wireless speakers from Sonos: the established Sonos 5, priced at £549, and the new Sonos Era 300, priced at £449. The Era 300 offers innovative features such as spatial audio, multi-directional drivers, and advanced connectivity options including Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C line-in, Wi-Fi 6, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and voice control via Sonos Voice or Amazon Alexa. It also introduces new true play tuning for both iOS and Android users, albeit with a less advanced feature for Android. In contrast, the Sonos 5 retains a traditional, powerful design geared towards stereo listening with a 3.5mm line-in but lacks spatial audio and some modern connectivity features.
In terms of sound performance, the Sonos 5 excels in delivering punchy, bass-heavy audio ideal for high volumes, whereas the Era 300 shines with its immersive Dolby Atmos tracks and 360-degree soundscape. Both speakers perform exceptionally well when paired, suiting high-performance stereo setups. Additionally, the Era 300's impressive bass accuracy makes it suitable for a more immersive home cinema experience.
The choice between the two speakers ultimately boils down to personal preferences and budget, whether users prioritize traditional powerful sound or modern, immersive audio experiences. The presenter also invites viewers to share their experiences to enrich the community's knowledge and aid in decision-making.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, Elliot from Smart Home Sounds compares the Sonos 5 and the new Sonos Era 300, both premium wireless speaker options with only a £100 price difference. The Sonos 5, an established model with a price of £549, offers the biggest and most room-filling sound in the Sonos lineup. Despite rumors of an Era 500, it’s likely the Sonos 5 will remain relevant for now. On the other hand, the Sonos Era 300, priced at £449, introduces spatial audio with unique design features like drivers firing in multiple directions, a volume slider on top, and a modified power cable. Both speakers can function independently, as stereo pairs, or as part of a wider Sonos ecosystem. The Era 300’s distinct design marks a significant departure from previous Sonos models, and while initially divisive, it has garnered appreciation over time.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the Sonos 5 and the Era 300 speakers are compared in terms of design and features. The Sonos 5 retains a traditional design that is larger and can be placed on a bookshelf, whereas the Era 300 is more modern, requiring space for its multi-directional drivers. The Era 300 features six drivers and offers a room-filling audio experience with spatial audio, including compatibility with Apple Music’s spatial audio. It also boasts a range of connectivity options, such as Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C line-in, Wi-Fi 6, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and voice control via Sonos Voice or Amazon Alexa, although it currently lacks Google Assistant support.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the discussion focuses on the differences between the Sonos Era 300 and the Sonos Five speakers. The Era 300 supports Wi-Fi 6 and includes new true play tuning, which allows Android users to optimize speaker settings for the first time, albeit with a less advanced quick tuning feature compared to the iOS-only Advanced true play tuning. In contrast, the Sonos Five does not support spatial audio and has a more traditional internal setup with six drivers. The Five is designed for stereo listening and includes a 3.5mm line-in for direct connections. Although it lacks Bluetooth quick tuning and built-in microphones, it can be paired with a voice-enabled Sonos speaker for those features. Both speakers use the Sonos S2 app, providing software updates, EQ customization, and streaming options. The video suggests Era 300 is more versatile due to newer technology, while Sonos Five remains a strong option for traditional wireless speaker needs. There is also mention of sound quality comparison, with the promise of head-to-head audio tests to help viewers decide which speaker suits them best.
00:09:00
In this segment, the speaker compares two audio speakers, the Five and the Era 300, noting their distinct strengths in music listening. The Five is described as punchier and bassier, excelling in bass-heavy tracks and handling high volumes effectively. On the other hand, the Era 300 stands out for its broad and expansive multi-directional audio, especially with Dolby Atmos tracks. The Era 300’s 360-degree soundscape and dynamic, textured audio offer an immersive listening experience. Both speakers excel when paired with a second unit, creating a formidable stereo setup ideal for a high-performance audio system.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker evaluates and compares two audio products: the Era 300 and the Fives. The Era 300 offers a wide and immersive stereo imaging experience with impressive bass accuracy and depth, while the Fives excel with louder volume and a more traditional, directional sound. Both speakers are considered premium, suitable for different listening preferences. The speaker also suggests using these as rear speakers in a Sonos home cinema setup, highlighting the Era 300 for its superior immersion and the Fives for their power. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preferences for music and cinema experiences.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses the advantages of using Sonos’s premium wireless speakers in a stereo pair, especially for Spotify users who don’t yet have access to spatial audio. They highlight that while both speakers are solid options, choosing between them comes down to personal preference and budget considerations. The presenter encourages viewers to share their experiences with the speakers to help the community make informed decisions.