Sienna Rhodes
Sonos is a popular brand of wireless speakers, soundbars, and home audio equipment. While some users have praised Sonos products for their sound quality, ease of use, and seamless integration with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, others have expressed disappointment with their purchases. Common complaints include connectivity issues, poor customer service, and a decline in sound quality after updates. Specifically, the Sonos Play 5 Gen 1 has been criticized for its deteriorating sound quality and volume issues. The Sonos One, on the other hand, has received mixed reviews, with some praising its loud response and deep lows, while others find the sound quality lacking at higher volumes.
Sonos One (Gen 1) Speaker Characteristics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sound Quality | Good bass for its size, good sound separation, crisp highs and mids. However, at volumes over 50-60%, the sound quality deteriorates and becomes muddy, harsh, and echoey. |
| Volume | Gets very loud, with 50% volume being enough to fill an apartment. |
| Compatibility | Amazon Music, Spotify, Alexa, Airplay, Google Assistant. Not compatible with Apple Music. |
| Setup | Easy to set up and expand. |
| User Experience | Some users have experienced connection issues, frequent disconnections, and other problems with the app. |
| Comparisons | Comparable to JBL Charge 4, B&W, and Klipsch speakers. Does not match the audio quality of the Paradigm or SVS Prime Wireless Pro systems. |
| Issues | Some users have reported issues with power amps, requiring repairs. |
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What You'll Learn
Volume issues
The Sonos One has received mixed reviews regarding its sound quality at high volumes. Some users have reported that the speaker sounds muddy, harsh, and echoey when the volume exceeds 50-60%. One user compared the Sonos One to a JBL Charge 4, stating that the latter sounds fantastic even at high volumes, while the Sonos One's sound quality deviates above 50% volume. Another user agreed, stating that the Sonos One sounds best at lower volumes and that the room acoustics play a significant role in the overall sound experience.
However, other users have had positive experiences with the Sonos One at higher volumes. One user mentioned that the speaker gets loud, and keeping the volume at 50% is more than enough to enjoy music throughout their apartment. The same user also praised the speaker's ability to handle low bass notes without compromising the mids.
It is worth noting that the room acoustics and speaker placement can significantly impact the sound quality and volume perception. Some users have suggested removing reflective surfaces and adding soft furnishings, such as carpets, to improve the sound within the room. Additionally, ensuring proper speaker calibration and placement can also enhance the overall sound experience.
In some cases, volume issues with Sonos speakers may be attributed to technical problems or updates. For example, some users have reported volume and sound quality issues with the Sonos Play 5 Gen 1, which were later resolved by repairing failures in the power amps. Others have experienced issues with the Sonos app, such as volume resetting to zero when the TV is turned off or paused for an extended period.
To troubleshoot volume issues with Sonos speakers, it is recommended to check for any available updates, ensure proper speaker placement and calibration, and verify that the room acoustics are optimized for the best sound experience. If issues persist, contacting Sonos customer support or seeking professional repair services may be necessary.
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Connection problems
If you're experiencing connection problems with your Sonos One, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try. Here are some methods to help resolve the issue:
Check Network Configuration
- Ensure your Sonos device is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. Verify that your phone, tablet, or computer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Sonos product.
- Disable any VPN connections on your mobile device or computer, as this may interfere with the connection to your Sonos system.
- Make sure your Sonos product is not connected to a guest network, as this can prevent it from connecting to the Sonos app.
- Check that the power cord of your Sonos product is securely plugged into both the device and the power outlet.
- Confirm that your Sonos product displays a solid white light, indicating that it is powered on and ready for use.
Update Network Information
- If you've recently replaced your router or changed your Wi-Fi network name or password, update the network information on your Sonos system. You can refer to Sonos support articles for detailed instructions.
- Try connecting your Sonos device directly to your router using an Ethernet cable. This can help establish a stable connection and update network settings.
Restart and Reset
- Power cycle your Sonos device and router. Restart both devices and allow them to reboot before attempting to reconnect.
- Perform a factory reset on your Sonos speaker. This can resolve any underlying software issues causing connection problems.
App and Device-Related Fixes
- Try using a different device, such as a different phone or tablet, to connect to your Sonos product.
- Clear the Sonos app cache on your phone or reinstall the app.
- If using an iOS device, consider using a Samsung or Google app to set up the speaker, as there have been reports of compatibility issues with the iOS Sonos app.
- Download the Sonos app on a computer (Windows or macOS) and attempt to connect your system through the computer app.
Advanced Troubleshooting
- Disable the "handoff" or "mesh hopping" feature in your router settings for your Sonos device.
- Add static/reserved IP addresses for all your Sonos devices to prevent IP address conflicts.
- If you have multiple Sonos devices, try connecting them to different Ethernet ports or using different Ethernet cables to rule out any cable-related issues.
If none of these solutions resolve the connection issues with your Sonos One, it is recommended to contact Sonos Support for further assistance. They can provide additional troubleshooting guidance and help identify any specific problems with your setup.
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Incompatible with Apple Music
While Sonos products are compatible with Apple Music, some users have reported issues with the sound quality when streaming Apple Music through Airplay. Some users have reported that the sound is slightly muffled and distant when streaming from Apple Music on their MacBook, resulting in a "playing-in-a-cave" sound. However, the same issue does not occur when streaming from other sources, such as YouTube or TV.
It's important to note that Apple Music has three different bitrates for streaming music: CD quality (16-bit/44.1kHz), Apple Music Lossless (up to 24-bit/48kHz), and Hi-Res Lossless (up to 24-bit/192kHz). When played through the Sonos app, Apple Music tracks are streamed at 256 kbps AAC, which is not lossless or Hi-Res lossless. This may contribute to the perceived difference in sound quality between streaming directly from Apple Music and streaming through the Sonos app.
To improve the sound quality when streaming Apple Music through Sonos, some users have suggested using a USB DAC with decent cans to enjoy tracks in 24-bit/192khz. Alternatively, an Apple TV 4K can provide a lossless and Spatial/Atmos experience.
In some cases, issues with sound quality may be due to networking problems or firmware updates. Repositioning the router or updating the firmware on Sonos devices can help resolve these issues. Additionally, creating a new user account on the device and streaming through Airplay has been reported to improve sound quality.
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Poor customer service
Sonos One has received mixed reviews for its sound quality. While some users praise its sound, others express disappointment, particularly with sound quality at higher volumes. Some users have also compared the Sonos One unfavourably to other speakers, such as the JBL Charge 4 and the HomePod.
Regarding customer service, there are several complaints about Sonos's customer support. Some users have experienced long wait times when calling the customer care phone number, with hold times of up to an hour mentioned. There is also criticism of the lack of a call-back system, which could help reduce wait times for customers. In addition, some customers have expressed frustration with the automated nature of the call-back process and the apparent lack of proactive issue resolution by the company.
Sonos's customer support has also been criticised for its apparent focus on profitability over creating solutions for customers. This is especially disappointing to customers who have invested significant amounts of money in Sonos products. The company's lack of communication about whether issues are being actively worked on is another point of contention.
Overall, while some Sonos One users are satisfied with the sound quality, others are disappointed and frustrated by both the product and the level of customer service provided by Sonos.
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Room acoustics
The Sonos One speaker has received mixed reviews for its sound quality. Some users have praised the speaker for its bass, sound separation, and crisp highs and mids at lower volumes. However, others have noted that the sound quality deteriorates at higher volumes, with the speaker sounding muddy, harsh, and echoey.
- Remove reflective surfaces: Sound can bounce off hard surfaces such as walls, windows, and floors, creating echoes and reverberations that muddy the sound. Try to minimize these reflections by removing or covering reflective surfaces. For example, you could add curtains to windows or hang sound-absorbing panels on walls.
- Reduce background noise: Background noise from appliances, fans, or outside traffic can interfere with the sound quality of the speakers. Try to minimize background noise by turning off unnecessary appliances, closing windows, or adding seals to doors and windows to block out external noise.
- Position the speakers strategically: The placement of the speakers in the room can greatly affect sound quality. Try to position the speakers away from walls and corners, as this can cause sound to bounce back and create echoes. Also, ensure that the speakers are angled towards the listener for optimal sound projection.
- Use sound-absorbing materials: Placing sound-absorbing materials in the room can help reduce echoes and improve sound clarity. This can include furniture such as sofas and bookshelves, as well as specific acoustic treatments like bass traps and acoustic panels.
- Calibrate the speakers: Sonos One speakers can be calibrated using the Trueplay feature and the Sonos App. This feature measures the acoustics of the room and fine-tunes the speaker to optimize sound quality based on the room's characteristics.
- Pair speakers for stereo sound: For an even richer and more immersive sound, consider pairing two Sonos One speakers to create a stereo pair. This can help fill the room with sound and create a more balanced and dynamic audio experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The sound quality of the Sonos One is considered to be good by some, with praise for its bass and ability to fill a room. However, others have expressed disappointment, particularly when the volume exceeds 50%, describing the sound as "muddy" and "harsh".
The room in which the Sonos One is placed can impact its sound quality. Removing reflective surfaces and adding soft furnishings, such as carpets, may improve the sound.
The Sonos One has been compared to speakers from brands like JBL, B&W, Klipsch, and Paradigm. While some prefer the sound of these alternatives, others find the Sonos One to be superior or comparable in terms of sound quality and price.
Yes, you can try using the Sonos App, which some users have found improves the sound quality compared to using Airplay or Alexa. Additionally, consider the placement of the speaker in the room and any potential reflections.
Some users have reported issues with the Sonos One, including connection problems, difficulty integrating it into their systems, and volume and sound quality deterioration over time. However, many others have also shared positive experiences with the speaker, highlighting its ease of use and good sound.
