Sonos Sub 4: A Powerful, Yet Iterative Upgrade to Your Audio System
The Sonos Sub 4 arrives as the fourth generation of Sonos' premium subwoofer line. While it brings minor improvements over its predecessor, the Sub 3, it remains a solid choice for audiophiles looking to enhance their Sonos system. However, the question remains: Is it worth the upgrade if you already own a previous-generation Sub? Let’s dive into the details.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Powerful and well-balanced audio: Delivers deep, immersive bass without overpowering the overall soundscape.
- Dual orientation: Can stand upright or lie flat, offering flexible placement options.
- Elegant design: A timeless, minimalist aesthetic that blends seamlessly with modern interiors.
Cons
- Expensive: At $799, it’s a significant investment.
- Marginal improvements over Sub 3: Not a compelling upgrade for existing Sub owners.
Key Features
Compatibility
The Sonos Sub 4 is compatible with most S2 Sonos speakers, including the Sonos Arc Ultra, Sonos Five, and Era 300. However, it does not work with older models like the Play:1, Play:3, Play:5 (Gen 2), or the first-generation SYMFONISK speakers.
Wireless Connectivity
The Sub 4 supports Wi-Fi 6, ensuring a more reliable connection, especially in crowded network environments. For wired setups, an Ethernet port is also available.
Design: A Classic That Still Stands Out
The Sonos Sub 4 retains the iconic rounded cube design that debuted with the first-generation Sub in 2012. Available in matte white or black, the new finish resists fingerprints better than the glossy finish of the Sub 3.
One of the standout features of the Sub 4 is its dual orientation capability. Whether you place it upright next to your AV cabinet or slide it discreetly under a sofa, the Sub 4 delivers consistent performance. This flexibility is made possible by its force-canceling design, which eliminates vibrations and rattles.
Performance and Features
Hardware Upgrades
The Sub 4 features two 5-inch x 8-inch elliptical woofers powered by Class-D amplifiers. While this setup is similar to the Sub 3, the Sub 4 boasts:
– Double the memory (512MB vs. 256MB in the Sub 3).
– A faster quad-core processor (4xA55 1.9GHz).
– Wi-Fi 6 support, ensuring smoother connectivity for larger, more complex systems.
Trueplay Tuning
Trueplay tuning calibrates the Sub 4 to your room’s acoustics, ensuring optimal sound quality. This feature is especially useful for irregularly shaped spaces or rooms with challenging layouts.
Sound Quality: Subtle Yet Impactful
The Sonos Sub 4 excels in delivering powerful, balanced bass that enhances your listening experience without overshadowing other audio elements. Whether you’re watching an action-packed movie or listening to bass-heavy tracks, the Sub 4 integrates seamlessly with your Sonos speakers.
Movies
Pair the Sub 4 with the Sonos Arc Ultra, and you’ll immediately notice the difference. Explosions in action scenes feel more impactful, and subtle sound effects gain depth and texture. For example, in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the Sub 4 adds a visceral punch to bombastic moments.
Music
When paired with the Sonos Five, the Sub 4 shines in music playback. Tracks like Bombtrack by Rage Against the Machine come alive with a rich, resonant bassline that fills the room without distortion.
Should You Upgrade?
Who Should Buy the Sub 4?
- New Sonos Users: If you’re building a high-end Sonos system for a large room, the Sub 4 is a fantastic addition.
- Existing Sonos Owners: If you own a Sonos Arc Ultra or a pair of Sonos Five speakers, the Sub 4 will elevate your setup to new heights.
Who Should Skip the Sub 4?
- Existing Sub Owners: If you already own a Sub 3 or even a Sub 1, the improvements in the Sub 4 are incremental and unlikely to justify the upgrade.
- Small Room Users: For smaller spaces or less powerful speakers, the more affordable Sonos Sub Mini is a better fit. You can check out the Sub Mini here.
Where to Buy
If you’re ready to invest in the Sonos Sub 4, you can find it on Amazon here.
For those considering the previous generation, the Sonos Sub 3 is still available at discounted prices while stocks last. Shop the Sub 3 here.
Final Thoughts
The Sonos Sub 4 is a powerful, well-designed subwoofer that excels in delivering balanced, immersive bass. While it’s not a groundbreaking upgrade from the Sub 3, it remains a top-tier option for anyone building or expanding a high-end Sonos system. However, if you already own a previous-generation Sub, you might want to hold off unless you’re adding a second subwoofer to your setup.
Key Takeaway
If you’re starting fresh or upgrading to a Sonos Arc Ultra system, the Sub 4 is a worthwhile investment. For everyone else, it’s a luxury rather than a necessity.
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