Sonos Amp vs Sonos Connect:Amp

READ OUR COMPARISON: https://audioadvice.io/sonosampvsconnect

Shop Sonos Amp - https://audioadvice.io/SonosAmp
Chat with us online 💻 https://audioadvice.io/aa-chat ☎️ Call for sales and support: 888.899.8776
Subscribe! 🔔 http://audioadvice.io/YTsubscribe

Over ten years ago, a new company by the name of Sonos won the “Best of Audio” award at CES with their Connect:Amp prototype. Fast forward to today - Sonos has a raving fan base still swearing by the award winning 10 year old Connect:Amp. After interviewing current customers and dealers who install them every day, Sonos developed the new and much improved Amp and we were fortunate enough to get our hands on an exclusive Sonos:Amp currently set to release in 2019.

Since our Amp is a pre-release demo, it came packaged in a discreet box with covert branding. After taking the Sonos:Amp out of the box, we immediately noticed the slimmer design and size compared to the current Sonos:Connect. The new size allows the amp to perfectly fit side-by-side in a rack and is much easier to stack.

A concern when stacking amps is heat output, which is why Sonos greatly improved the ventilation design of the new amp, allowing heat to seamlessly pass through each unit when stacked.

Another key design feature that we immediately noticed is the use of banana plugs, which differ largely from the spring loaded speaker connections of the Connect:Amp, making it a more user friendly experience when connecting speakers to the new amp.

In terms of power, the new Sonos amp produces 125-Watts per channel. Two speakers is the ideal setup for the amp, but with its increased wattage, the amp can power up to four passive speakers, depending on the speakers. This is a big step up from the current Connect:Amp at only 55-Watts per channel.

We can confirm the rumors of increased connectivity options on the new amp. The Sonos:Amp features an Analog RCA Input to connect a turntable with a phono stage, CD player, or any audio device with an RCA output. An HDMI ARC to connect TV audio, which opens up the ability to run a 4.1 Home Theater setup. There is also a Mono Sub-Out – for an external subwoofer and two banana plug ports for a set of passive speakers. Included with the amp is a set of binding post terminal banana plug adapters.

In addition to the wired inputs, the new Sonos amp features Wi-Fi streaming of all the major music streaming services.
Setup and amp control is done through the Sonos App. It was a breeze to set up the amp as we were ready to play sound within a few minutes.

With the new Sonos:Amp you can certainly get creative with your setup. You can run a two channel stereo setup, or to create an almost completely wireless 4.1 Home Theater setup, you can use 2 passive front channel speakers, 2 Sonos Play:1’s as rears and a Sonos SUB. The amp can also power up to 4 of your in-ceiling or outdoor speakers.

One feature of the Sonos:Amp that has us really excited is the improved API. Sonos has announced the Sonos Sound Platform, which includes new APIs, developer tools and documentation to make it easier for Sonos products to operate with third-party hardware and software. The most popular announced integration being “If-This-Then-That” which opens up the Sonos:Amp to a vast amount of home customization options.

When tested, the new Sonos:Amp greatly outperformed the current Connect:Amp. The new amp easily powered our large B &W floor speakers. Even when we cranked the volume, we still got a nice and clean sound. The Connect:Amp on the other hand could not push the same speakers like the Sonos:Amp could. Even when we tested two smaller bookshelf speakers, the Connect:Amp couldn’t match the overall sound quality and fullness of the new amp.

We then tested a 4.1 home theater setup using two front passive speakers, two Sonos Play 1’s as our rear channel and the Sonos SUB. The amp sounded great. It put out enough sound to be immersive and the simulated center channel produced clear dialogue.

We feel the Sonos Amp is a great addition to the Sonos product line. Sonos asked for and listened to feedback in order to develop what we believe is an impressive step up from the current Connect:Amp.

While it’s certainly designed with custom installers in mind, it’s still a great option for consumers looking for a versatile power amp capable of running a simple two channel setup to a fully integrated Sonos home system.
#Sonos #SonosAmp #SonosConnect
Subscribe! 🔔 http://audioadvice.io/YTsubscribe
Chat with us online 💻 https://audioadvice.io/aa-chat ☎️ Call for sales and support: 888.899.8776
MUSIC: Ryan Little - http://bit.ly/2TiaOu9