Preview: SONOS Amp - The SONOS for Demanding Users
The streaming market leader Sonos is mainly known for its wireless speakers and soundbars, which combine wireless music reception and playback in compact all-in-one systems. But from the very beginning, the Americans were thinking one step ahead and included streaming amplifiers in their lineup, to which any speakers could be connected. However, even in the last version, called Connect Amp, they could only partially convince true hi-fi fans—meager 55 watts per channel were simply a bit too little, and the design in Sonos's usual white didn't really fit into a hi-fi rack either.
That is about to change. At IFA 2018, Sonos presented the new Sonos Amp for the first time, and it's already noticeably more elegant at first glance: a stylish black case, a little slimmer than its predecessor, and overall more attractive in design. But, as usual, the most important changes are inside. The power of this compact powerhouse has been more than doubled: 125 watts at 8 ohms per channel should now be enough to drive even large floor-standing speakers to volumes that most neighbors won't appreciate.
The Sonos Amp isn't available yet, but we've received a review unit ahead of its official launch, so we can share our first impressions here and document them in the video at the end of this post.
The Sonos Amp has been optimized above all for flexibility and prepared for a wide range of uses. An HDMI input allows for an easy, modern connection to a TV, enabling TV sound to be played through a pair of speakers. An analog input is available for hi-fi sources; with an optional adapter or external DAC, digital devices like a CD player can also be connected. Sonos takes its own approach with the speaker cable connectors. Here, the company uses fully recessed banana plug sockets in the case, which is praiseworthy as it's the best option from a sound perspective. Since many Sonos customers are likely used to fiddling loose cable ends into the appropriate clamps, matching screw adapters are included in the package.
The Sonos Amp is a stereo device, but can be combined with additional amps or other Sonos devices to form a full-fledged multi-channel system. For this purpose, the amp can also be used in bridged dual-mono mode, and a subwoofer output that can be switched and adjusted via the settings app is also available. Naturally, it can also be used as a zone amplifier in larger multiroom systems, where it can, for example, discreetly power integrated ceiling speakers.
Designing such a versatile device was indeed a challenge, not just visually but especially from a technical perspective. The Sonos Amp should look good in a living room, but also work reliably when hidden in a 19-inch rack without overheating. Engineers and designers agreed on a case with a minimalist front, ventilated from bottom to top to ensure optimal cooling. This works even when two or more Sonos Amps are stacked, thanks to the special design of the circular base.
Although, as is typical for a Sonos system, the app is mainly intended for operation, several touch sensors for play/pause and volume control have been integrated on the front for use in a home hi-fi setup. A clever idea: not only are the "buttons" touch-sensitive, but the entire front responds to touch, so you can simply swipe right or left to skip to the next or previous track.
The app is primarily used to set up the amp with the usual Sonos simplicity and integrate it into an existing Sonos system if needed. You have to decide on a basic configuration once (stereo hi-fi, as TV speakers, or as part of a multi-channel system). After setup, the app offers further settings for the amp, including level, phase, and crossover frequency for the subwoofer, as well as lip-sync delay.
Setup and operation were absolutely straightforward in our initial tests, and the various configuration options are sensibly and clearly integrated. There hasn't been time yet for an extensive listening test, but hopefully we can soon report how the Sonos Amp performs with "real" hi-fi speakers. Until then, the following video and the image gallery should at least give a first impression of what you can expect from the new Sonos Amp.
The Sonos Amp will cost 699 euros, but an exact availability date has not yet been announced.
You can find more information or pre-order through the usual retail channels.
Preview: Sonos Amp
