This week’s Editor’s Pick was another recent pick for Gadget of the Week. The distinction is awarded to products that represent a significant technological advance, or an outstanding approach to innovation or user needs. The Sonos Sub Mini compact subwoofer speaker is the Editor’s Choice for the week beginning October 17, 2022.
What is that?
Most people installing an audio system for home entertainment tend to settle for a basic surround sound setup known as 5.1. It usually includes a center speaker, a left and right speaker at the front of a room, and a left and right speaker behind the listening area. The 1 after the dot usually refers to a subwoofer, a speaker that produces bass and sub-bass sounds.
These systems can cost less than R10,000 for the full range of speakers, but it offers average quality for those who just want decent sound with no frills. Cheaper systems also tend to create a clutter of wires. At the high end of the market, a serious system can cost several hundred thousand rands. In addition to impeccable sound quality, they also give the owner bragging rights of being an “audiophile”.
However, there is a middle way, but not necessarily a low cost one. About 17 years ago, Sonos entered the market to provide a wireless solution that offered both high sound quality and elegance.
During this time, it became the global market leader in wireless audio, soundbars, subwoofers and floorstanding speakers. Its speakers usually cost around R10,000, which means they are an investment in sound quality. Its product line is led by the Beam 2, a soundbar that looks great in front of a TV and delivers superb sound that covers all the bases that the usual center, right and left speakers in a room would serve. All the bases, that is, except the bass.
For this, an investment is necessary in a subwoofer. At least, if one wants the fully immersive experience of advanced sound production, one now moves on to motion, gaming, and streaming music.
Last week, Sonos doubled down on its line of subwoofers, announcing a compact alternative to its Sub, which is showing its age, or rather its size, a decade after it launched in its original design. Now in her 3rd generation, the Sub remains the subwoofer that anchors Sonos’ dominance in this market segment, but anchor is also the right word for its heft.
Enter the Sub Mini, almost half the size and half the price of the Sub.
My first thought when I saw the first images of the device was that Sonos had developed the same design philosophy as Apple. When we were able to take the speaker itself out of its box this week, the sleekness of the device was matched only by the packaging.
Setup was simple, via the Sonos app, which allows products to be added seamlessly – as long as they’re connected to the same Wi-Fi network and an existing Sonos product is already set up.
We paired it with the Beam soundbar and were immediately blown away by the depth and range of sound it added to our viewing and gaming experience.
The most notable aspect of the Sub is its implementation of Sonos Trueplay technology, which measures how sound reflects off walls and other surfaces in a room, and adjusts the speaker accordingly. However, we had to use an iPhone to try out this feature through the app – it’s not supported on Android devices.
The result was a stunning bass experience. The usual kinds of vibrations that spoil the low-frequency sounds of cheaper speakers were non-existent. Sonos says this is made possible by an acoustically sealed cabinet, with two inward-firing woofers to create a force-cancelling effect that neutralizes distortion.
How much does it cost?
The recommended retail price is R10,999. It will be available at select retailers from the first week of October.
Why is it important?
If Sonos dominates the subwoofer market, it is largely due to a single model, the Sub, launched in 2012. A second generation model was released in 2016 and the third generation in 20202. Meanwhile, top brands lineups like Bowers and Wilkin and JL Audio made solid gains in the segment, suggesting it’s time for Sonos to reinvigorate its lineup and broaden its appeal. As a result, a compact subwoofer that costs significantly less than its current offering can be seen as a highly strategic move by Sonos.
What are the biggest negatives?
· It’s expensive for someone who just wants to add better bass to surround sound, but “simply” is a relative term for audio enthusiasts.
· Works only with Wi-Fi, unlike most wireless speakers using Bluetooth.
· Trueplay cannot be controlled from an Android device.
What are the biggest positives?
· Looks great on the floor or on a shelf.
· Improves high frequency and low frequency sound.
· Stunning bass with minimal vibration.
* Arthur Goldstuck is the founder of World Wide Worx and editor of Gadget.co.za. Follow him on Twitter at @art2gee
