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The Sonos Era 100 is a next-generation smart speaker that combines advanced acoustics, versatile connectivity, and a sleek design. Positioned as a successor to the popular Sonos One, the Era 100 offers notable improvements in sound quality and functionality, making it a compelling choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Product Overview
The Sonos Era 100 is a wireless smart speaker that delivers rich, room-filling sound through its advanced acoustic design. It features a 25% larger woofer compared to its predecessor, along with two angled tweeters and custom waveguides, resulting in enhanced stereo separation and deep bass performance. The speaker is powered by three Class-D amplifiers, ensuring high-fidelity audio reproduction.Smart Home Sounds+1
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 7.19″ (182.5 mm) H x 4.72″ (120 mm) W x 5.14″ (130.5 mm) DSonos+5Sonos+5trysonos.sg+5
- Weight: 4.45 lbs (2.02 kg)Amazon+3Sonos+3Audiolab+3
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, Apple AirPlay 2, USB-C line-in (adapter required)Smart Home Sounds
- Voice Assistants: Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice ControlSmart Home Sounds+2GQ+2
- Controls: Capacitive touch controls for play/pause, volume adjustment, and grouping/ungrouping Sonos productsSonos
- Room Tuning: Automatic Trueplay™TechRadar+9Sonos+9Audiolab+9
- Mounting: Compatible with Sonos wall mounts and custom floor standsSonos+3Audio Advice+3WIRED+3
- Finish: Matte black or whiteSonos+1
Performance and Sound Quality
The Era 100 delivers impressive audio performance for its size. The dual tweeters and larger woofer produce a well-balanced sound profile with clear highs, detailed mids, and satisfying bass. Stereo pairing two Era 100 speakers enhances the listening experience, providing a wider soundstage and improved instrument separation. However, for those seeking deeper bass, pairing with a Sonos Sub Gen 3 can further enrich the low-end frequencies.Smart Home SoundsAudio Advice+2WIRED+2RedShark News
Comparatively, the Era 100 offers a more conventional stereo image, while the Era 300 provides a more expansive and immersive soundstage. The choice between the two depends on individual preferences and budget considerations.RedShark News
Smart Features and Connectivity
The Era 100 is equipped with multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and Apple AirPlay 2, ensuring seamless integration with various devices and streaming platforms. The USB-C line-in port allows for wired connections, providing flexibility for users who prefer direct audio sources.trysonos.sgSmart Home Sounds+2Audiolab+2
Voice control is facilitated through Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, enabling hands-free operation. The capacitive touch controls on the speaker’s top surface offer intuitive manual control over playback and volume adjustments.Smart Home SoundsAudiolab
Automatic Trueplay™ tuning adjusts the speaker’s sound profile based on the room’s acoustics, optimizing audio performance without manual intervention.Sonos+2Audiolab+2
Design and Build Quality
The Era 100 features a modern, minimalist design with a matte finish, available in black or white. Its compact dimensions allow for easy placement on bookshelves, countertops, or nightstands. The speaker’s robust build ensures durability, while the rubberized base provides stability on various surfaces.Sonos
For users looking to mount the speaker, the Era 100 is compatible with Sonos wall mounts and custom floor stands, offering versatility in placement options.Audio Advice
Pros
- Enhanced Sound Quality: Improved bass and stereo separation compared to previous models.Sonos+2WIRED+2
- Versatile Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, Apple AirPlay 2, and USB-C line-in.
- Voice Control Integration: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control.
- Automatic Room Tuning: Trueplay™ adjusts sound based on room acoustics.
- Modern Design: Sleek, compact, and available in two finishes.
Cons
- Bass Performance: While improved, some users may desire deeper bass.
- No Built-in Battery: Requires a constant power source.
- Limited Assistant Compatibility: Supports Alexa and Sonos Voice Control; lacks Google Assistant support.
Final Verdict
The Sonos Era 100 is a standout in the compact smart speaker category, offering premium sound quality, versatile connectivity, and a sleek design. Its enhanced audio performance and smart features make it a compelling choice for users seeking an all-in-one wireless speaker solution. Whether used as a standalone speaker or paired with another Era 100 for stereo sound, it delivers an immersive listening experience that rivals larger, more expensive systems.WIREDRedShark News
