Sonos Era 300 and Era 100 smart speakers announced

Sonos today introduced the Sonos Era 300 and Sonos Era 100, the latest generation of smart speakers. Not only do they feature eye-catching ways to connect to your devices, but also improved Trueplay technology and a new responsible design standard. These include long-term usability, energy-saving technologies and the application of PCR (post consumer recycled) material. I have already heard both speakers extensively and was impressed. A review of the Era 100 will soon appear on pcactive.nl, the review of the Era 300 will take a little longer. Read more about the Era 300 and Era 100 here.

It is striking that it is equipped with a USB-C connection at the back. With a special Sonos combo adapter you can connect it to an audio source with a 3.5mm input and router or network cable. According to Sonos, that audio source is mainly a record player, something that more and more consumers want, as shown by research by Sonos.

Sonos Era 300
The Sonos Era 300 has no less than six powerful drivers, unprecedented for a single speaker. The drivers direct sound left, right, forward and up for a beautiful audio performance that puts listeners at the center of their music and movies in Dolby Atmos.

* Designed for spatial sound: Era 300’s complex acoustic architecture is wrapped in an elegant hourglass-shaped design. Each curve, proportion and opening enhances the dispersion and direction of the sound to completely surround you.
* Surreal surround sound: Era 300 is Sonos’ first speaker to produce multi-channel surround sound when used as a home theater rear speaker. Movie buffs can combine two speakers with Arc or Beam (Gen 2) for an optimal Dolby Atmos experience, drawing them completely into the scene.
* Collaboration with music industry: Sonos has worked closely with its community of leading artists and creators, including members of the Sonos Soundboard. Together they fine-tuned Era 300 so listeners can enjoy sound that comes straight from the studio and sounds exactly as the artist intended.

“Spatial audio is the latest evolution in listening, similar to the shift from mono to stereo. It creates an experience that really envelops you in your music,” said Giles Martin, VP Sound Experience at Sonos. choosing spatial audio for music, the time has come to create an exuberant listening experience that delivers on the promise of this exciting and creative format.”

Sonos Era 100 and Sonos One
The Sonos Era 100 is slightly larger than its predecessor Sonos One. This Sonos One will gradually sell out in many places, it has been reached End of Sale. Sonos did indicate that the Sonos One will be supported with updates for years to come. This will also largely apply to new functions of Sonos that can be used by the Sonos One.

The new Sonos Era 100 features all-new hardware and software and a next-gen acoustic design that delivers detailed stereo sound and deep bass.

* Now stereo: Two directional tweeters send crystal-clear high frequencies left and right for rich stereo sound. A larger midwoofer produces amazing bass that you wouldn’t expect from such a compact speaker.
* Small but powerful: Packed with audio and technical enhancements, the Era 100’s sleek, modern design makes it a showpiece for any bookshelf, counter, desk, or bedside table.
* Personalize your system: Enjoy movie nights even more by adding two Era 100 speakers as rear speakers to your soundbar for a surround sound system, or combine two for room-filling stereo sound.

Responsible design
Sonos also understands that The Era 100 and Era 300 are better for everyone who uses the designs through the striking new UI and innovations. As a result, they last longer, use less energy and use recycled content in every product.
* More sustainable sound: Era 100 and Era 300 are made with PCR (post consumer recycled) plastic and are packaged in 100% sustainable paper. In addition, lower power consumption has been ensured as they consume less than two watts in standby mode and have a new advanced sleep function.
* Designed to last: Designed to last, both speakers are built for maintenance by using less glue and switching to screws for easy disassembly and repair.
* Striking new interface: Era 100 and Era 300 feature an easy-to-use new user interface, featuring a new capacitive volume control for easy control of your music with your voice, the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth.
* Renewed connectivity Stream all your favorite audio via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and connect other sound sources such as a turntable directly with an aux cable and the Sonos line-in adapter.
* Trueplay now available to more listeners: Using the microphones in Era 100 and Era 300, Trueplay optimizes sound for the unique acoustics of your room with a tap in the Sonos app. Available for both Android and iOS users.

AppleMusic
Sonos is also announcing that it will add spatial audio support to Apple Music starting March 28, 2023. Available on Sonos Era 300, Arc and Beam (Gen 2), Apple Music with Spatial Audio puts listeners at the center of their music with an ever-growing catalog of songs and expertly curated playlists featuring renowned artists from all genres.

Price and availability
Both the Sonos Era 300 ($499) and Era 100 ($279) will be available worldwide from March 28, 2023.