Sonos has unveiled an upgraded Amp that makes it possible to connect passive wired speakers, including to the TV via HDMI ARC. It also features Airplay 2.
Sonos Amp anno 2018
The new Sonos Amp replaces the original version that was amongst the company’s first products. It is not a new speaker but rather a compact amplifier designed to let traditional wired and passive speakers be part of the Sonos multi-room system.
Sonos Amp is twice as powerful (125W per channel) as the original version. One of the new features is HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) that lets you output TV audio to passive wired speakers. The same speakers can be part of Sonos multi-room. Other legacy devices can be connected via the line-in port.
- "The growth of the Sonic Internet - the convergence of paid streaming, the smart home, and artificial intelligence through voice technologies drives everything we do at Sonos," said Sonos CEO Patrick Spence. "While plug-and-play options like Sonos Beam and Sonos One are an important part of the equation, architectural sound and making it even easier to integrate with lighting and home control are equally as important. We've listened to custom installers and dealers to create Amp, a versatile product designed to be at the center of the smart home sound experience."
The upgraded Amp is unlikely to become a bestseller but it offers flexibility to those users who want more customized solutions. And of course, the company hopes that these households will invest in additional products in the future. Sonos Amp is also compatible with Amazon Alexa via a microphone-equipped unit such as Sonos One or Beam.
Furthermore, it is equipped with Apple Airplay 2, which makes it possible to integrate traditional speakers (via the Amp) in Apple’s multi-room system. Besides HDMI ARC, users can output TV audio from the Apple TV box wirelessly to Sonos Apm via Airplay 2.
Sonos recently started trading as a public company on Nasdaq and some users have taken issue with one of the statements in the company’s prospectus where the company warns that it may ”discontinue service for older products” in the near future. The company has not made any official announcement on the matter but it used the opportunity at IFA to emphasize that it still prioritizes durable and long-lasting products and solutions.
At IFA 2018, the company also announced a partnership with Sonance to create ”in-wall, in-ceiling and outdoor” speakers.
Sonos Amp will be available on the consumer market in February 2019 for $599.
Sonos Amp – highlighted features
More Power. More Possibilities. Packing 125 Watts per channel, Amp powers even the most demanding speakers. You can now power up to four speakers instead of two.
Enjoy music, TV, and more. Amp has an HDMI ARC port and an input for an additional audio source, whether listening on floor standing speakers, integrated home theater, or through a turntable.
Power home theater sound. Use Amp to add stereo sound to TV, add wireless rears to a Sonos home-theater setup or two Amps for surround sound.
Stream everything. Listen to music, podcasts, radio, audiobooks, and more. Also, play all the music stored on a computer or other devices.
Works with AirPlay. With Amp, use AirPlay 2 to send the sound from an iPhone or iPad to any speakers in the home sound system.
Choose how to control. Use the Sonos app on a phone or tablet, TV remote, keypads, AirPlay 2, or through voice with Amazon Echo and Alexa-enabled devices.
More ways to customize the experience. New APIs and deeper integrations with the Sonos platform partners create seamless smart home control.
Wireless. Or not. Enjoy solid and reliable WiFi performance, or connect Amp to an ethernet cable and easily turn the WiFi off in the Sonos app.
Stereo or dual mono sound. Whether configuring Amp for an open floor plan or a custom listening room, create the best experience.
Engineered for reliability. With a centralized heatsink, air inlets, and a discrete output stage, Amp is built to keep its cool and deliver lasting power.
Amazingly pure sound. Direct digital input eliminates the need for analog conversion, so you get clear, undistorted sound for music streaming and your TV.
Custom speaker connectors. A pair of threaded connections for left and right channels guarantee high-quality performance. Plus, they're standard diameter so you can remove them and use your own banana plugs. |
Sonos Amp - specificarions
Audio
Class-D digital amplifier. 125 W/Ch at 8 ohms
Line-In Sources Supported: Audio device with analogue RCA output or optical output (optical adaptor required). TV device with HDMI ARC or optical output (optical adaptor required).
Subwoofer output: Auto-detecting RCA type, 80 Hz crossover
Speaker output connections: Banana plugs (2) capable of stereo or dual mono sound.
Adjustable bass and treble controls to optimise sound performance. Adjust volume by individual room or by groups of rooms.
Physical
Dimensions - H x W x D
2.52 x 8.54 x 8.54 in. (64 x 217 x 217 mm).
Weight
4.6 lbs. (2.1 kg).
Product finish
Black
Controls
Touch interface with volume up/down, previous/next track and play/pause.
Power & Networking
Power supply
AC 100-120/220-240 V, 50-60 Hz
WiFi
Connects to your home Wi-Fi network with any 802.11 b/g/n router. 802.11n only network configurations are not supported—you can either change the router settings to 802.11 b/g/n or connect a Sonos product to your router.
Ethernet ports
Dual Ethernet ports can connect Amp to a wired home network and allow for connection of additional Sonos players.
System requirements
Passive speakers with speaker wire, broadband Internet, and Sonos app.
Contents
Sonos Amp, Sonos banana plugs (2), AC power cord, warranty and regulatory booklet, and Quickstart Guide. |
