Sonos Sub (Gen 3) (Deep Review) | Instant Lobby

You need a speaker appropriate for the job, a subwoofer if you want good bass. Since its release in 2012, the Sonos Sub (Gen 3) has gained popularity as a Sonos system upgrade. And given the enormous global popularity of Sonos, it’s safe to say that this subwoofer is by far the best-selling model worldwide.

Why has bass gained such a following? The solution is quite straightforward: more bass equals more pleasure! Although it may not be as large and powerful as some professional surround sound models, the Sonos Sub gen 2 can nevertheless improve your current Sonos system.

Although many Sonos speakers already offer good bass, something heavier is needed to reproduce the deep bass tones you can feel and hear. The subwoofer is unsurpassed regarding explosions, earthquakes, and gunshots, but it can also provide depth to the music.

Sonos Sub (Gen 3) Review

The third generation of the Sonos Sub gen 3 is now available, and aside from a few small cosmetic modifications, it is nearly identical to its predecessors. According to the manufacturer, there is no variation in sound quality or performance despite differences in size, shape, and construction methodology.

The key differences are found internally: the new Sonos sub has a quicker processor and more internal memory than its predecessors, making it more adaptable to future features and upgrades.

Design

You can choose between a stunning gloss black or gloss white finish. The Sub measures approximately 15 inches in height, 16 inches in width, and 6 inches in depth. It weighs 36 pounds. The Sonos sub’s relatively narrow cabinet design makes it possible to conceal it in any setting or, if necessary, turn it on its side.

The Sub has rounded sides and a notch in the middle for two bass drivers, which I find appealing. The Sonos sub, in contrast to other black box Dj subwoofers, appears to be considerably more completed and elegant. It has these rubber feet that rub against your floor to keep it firmly in place and prevent it from moving.

The design is contemporary and appealing, much like all Sonos products. They know that the Sub is quite a large piece of equipment, so they worked with interior designers to give it the greatest and most timeless aesthetic possible. They have to create it in a certain way so people wouldn’t be turned off by keeping it on display in their homes.

The Sub employs two inward-facing, oval-shaped drivers. Even with the volume turned up loud, the cabinet won’t rattle, thanks to this force-canceling construction. Sonos uses separate amplifiers for each subwoofer driver to maximize the performance of the twin speakers’ architecture. Because of its quicker processor and significantly greater internal memory, the new Sonos Sub will be able to receive future performance improvements.

Additionally, the Sub’s construction prevents vibration while you are listening. The Sub will handle the lowest frequencies in your audio, enhancing the mids and highs on the connected speakers. Also, to make the sound much richer and more detailed. It can respond to frequencies as low as 25 hertz, slightly lower than the 20-hertz threshold at which the human ear can hear sound.

The Sub is a smart subwoofer. Thus it is aware of the Sonos products it has been associated with. Then it will modify its sound profile so you can enjoy Sonos fully. Therefore, it doesn’t only deliver the same bass through each speaker.

Pairing

The most exciting new feature of the Sub Gen 3 is the ability to add a subwoofer to the same area. Bass-obsessed Sonos fans have been asking for this functionality for years. You only need one 3rd generation Sonos Sub to benefit from this since it may be used in conjunction with an older Sonos Sub.

We tested the Sonos Sub in smaller configurations using the Sonos One SL and Beam and bigger installations using the Arc and Play: 5 / Fives. We also conducted tests using the new subwoofer by itself and the Sonos Sub Gen. 2 predecessor. Do the new and old models differ significantly, and last but not least, would two subwoofers provide better sound than one? Let’s try this and find out!

Setting Method

The Sonos sub is a portable, small device. It can be placed flat under the sofa or fixed upright. If you purchase an additional wall bracket, wall mounting is also an option. If you already use Sonos, you must plug in power, launch the app, and add the subwoofer to your system.

It is important to remember that the Sub Gen 3 is only compatible with the most recent Sonos interface, often known as the S2. Therefore, it won’t function with items that require the older S1 app for control.

Connecting the second subwoofer to the system is simple after installing a Sub Gen 3. Once done, the system will effectively recognize them as a single subwoofer: One of them can be disconnected, but then all changes, including volume, etc., become standard. We wished we had the option to change things individually in this situation.

Sonos’ Trueplay room correction is the ideal solution as a result. The room correction must be done once again when adding a new Sub. The technology can determine the frequency response and alter the sound by moving the mobile around the space.

You will require to borrow an iPhone from a buddy if you use Android because Trueplay is still only compatible with some iPhone models. This is advised, nevertheless, as TruePlay offers an audible sound improvement.

Sound Quality

As you are aware, the best and simplest way to improve the sound on your TV is with a soundbar. However, in our opinion, adding a second subwoofer to replicate the deepest bass tones is when it starts to get truly enjoyable.

Then things will start to move forward! From previous tests, we already have positive experiences with the Sonos sub. It cannot be compared to “full-size” bass monsters from SVS, Velodyne, or Arendal Sound! However, given its size, it performs effectively.

The bass is relatively deep in frequency and is both accurate and tight. It can be played loudly without the devices’ audio distorting or flickering. Unwanted resonances are further lessened by the arrangement of the two basses competing with one another:

The subwoofer doesn’t vibrate when a glass of water is placed on top of it. Even when it is playing at maximum volume, on the other side, the deep bass frequencies will undoubtedly make the furniture and cabinets in the room rattle!

Other Options

Another thing we notice is how much more evenly spread the bass is. Moving around the sofa and changing our listening position won’t cause the bass to varying in style. Additionally, the additional subwoofer significantly enhances movie sound:

In Star Trek: Odyssey, as the spacecraft Enterprise travels at warp speed, it appears like a pressure wave fills the entire universe. Without any distortion from the subwoofers, the walls, the windows, and everything else considered mobile start to tremble. This combination is very effective!

Additionally, you can experiment with various placements using two subwoofers. As previously indicated, we had fantastic results with corner placement in the front. Still, you can also have decent results with a front-facing subwoofer and a listening position in the back.

The bass generally fills the room more and is more difficult to locate. In a tiny listening room with Beam or other smaller Sonos speakers, a dual Sub arrangement will unquestionably be overkill; in this case, we should probably replace the front or surround speakers first.

For individuals who wish to complete a larger Sonos setup (such as with an Arc soundbar or two Sonos 5 in stereo) and want to fill a large space with powerful and precisely deep bass, two subwoofers are probably closer to the ideal choice.

The cost of a double Sub solution can be high. But fortunately, starting with a single Sub and upgrading later is simple! One can even find the other subwoofer on the used market as only one of them needs to be of the most recent version.

Rating

4.7 out 5 Stars

Testing

Using a pair of Sonos Fives and the Playbar, the new Arc Dolby Atmos soundbar, and a variety of speakers connected to a Sonos amp, I tested the Sub in various configurations. The Sub produces superb bass that is clearly defined and highly impactful for music and movies.

Sonos claims the Sub can decelerate to 25 hertz for its size, which is fairly astounding. Always adding that bottom end that makes movies and music more enjoyable, the bass is never boomy. The mid-range also opens up when the bass is removed from your main speakers, something we particularly notice on the Sonos Five and when combining conventional stereo speakers with a Sonos Amp.

But true play is where the real magic happens. Their program will determine the ideal crossover point and adjust each speaker’s levels while playing a three-minute series of test tones. Even when utilizing your speakers with a Sonos amp and Sub, Trueplay still functions. Should you want to customize the Sub’s volume level to your preferences? You can alter the volume level anytime by opening the app.

Product Comparison

The third version of the Sonos subwoofer is known as the Sonos Sub gen 3, costing the same as the model from the previous generation. Gloss black or white are the available color options. It is made to be coupled with any Sonos speaker of your choosing, except the new Sonos Move, to uncover a new bass dimension that results in a more immersive experience and audible sensations.

First, there aren’t many differences between Sonos Sub gen 3 and Sonos Sub gen 2 in design. Most aesthetic adjustments have been made. The modifications aren’t the most interesting ones we’ve ever witnessed. As a result of the redesigned flat power cable, it should no longer curl or tangle, as was reported by earlier generations. The join button has also been modified to be more ergonomic and in line with the current goods in their catalog, making it easier to press.

A new quad-core processor has also been added to the internals and the newest memory chip, which may be more significant than the end-user now realizes. However, it is prepared for anything Sonos plans to do in the future.

The Sonos Sub gen 3 will sound the same as the Sonos Sub gen 2 because there is no sound quality enhancement. Keep hold of your Sub gen 2 for the time being, at least until there is anything concrete you can do with the Gen 3 that you can’t do with the Sonos Sub gen 2 if you currently have the Sub gen 2 and are debating if it is worthwhile to upgrade to the Gen 3. Time will only tell.

To Sum Up

For Sonos users who desire deep bass in their setup, the Sonos Sub (Gen 3) is the obvious (and, in a sense, the only) choice. It is a natural partner whether you use a soundbar like the Playbar, Arc, or Beam to play music or a Sonos Five or One set.

In terms of sound, the third-generation Sonos Sub does not dramatically change from the earlier models, so there is not much reason to replace an older Sonos sub if you already own one. Yes, keeping bass is a better idea if you love it!

In our opinion, the third generation’s capacity to connect an additional subwoofer and obtain an even better and more precise bass is its most intriguing feature. A single Sonos Sub gives enough fine and full-bodied, deep bass; with an additional sub, you can play even louder, but the major benefit is the smoother frequency response, regardless of where you sit, which results in generally tighter and more precise bass. If you’re as obsessed with bass as we are, we’ll click!

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