The Sonos Playbase is an innovative audio device designed to enhance the sound experience for TV viewers and music lovers alike. As a sleek soundbase, it’s crafted to sit unobtrusively under a TV, supporting screens that weigh up to 75 pounds. Despite its slim profile, it does not compromise on delivering a full-theater sound. I appreciate its simple setup, which typically involves just two cords: one for power and one for the TV. The Playbase’s design is aimed at blending in with home décor while providing an audio boost to TV shows, movies, and music.
Integrating into the Sonos ecosystem, the Playbase offers functionalities that extend beyond mere sound enhancement. It incorporates Wi-Fi connectivity that bypasses the need for Bluetooth, opting instead for seamless streaming over a stable home network. This is also a part of Sonos’ multiroom system, allowing for an expanded audio setup with additional Sonos speakers. It’s equipped with an Ethernet port, facilitating a wired network connection if preferred. As for sound customization, the adjustable bass, treble, and loudness controls allow me to tailor audio output to my preference, ensuring an optimal listening experience whether I am watching a blockbuster or enjoying classical music.
Design and Specifications
In this section, I will focus on the Sonos Playbase, a device known for its solid build and high-quality audio output. From its design aesthetics to the technology fueling its performance, I’ll detail the key features that define the Playbase.
Material and Build Quality
The Sonos Playbase is constructed with an emphasis on durability and a sleek appearance. It is available in two colors: black and white, ensuring it can blend with various home theater setups. The construction includes a durable plastic shell with a 43,000-hole grille for acoustic transparency. It strikes a balance between strength and style without compromising on either. The dimensions of the Playbase make it compact yet stable, at 28.6 x 15 x 2.3 inches and it weighs a sturdy 18.85 pounds.
Audio Technology
The audio performance of the Playbase is driven by a sophisticated array of speakers and audio technologies. It houses ten amplified drivers: six mid-range, three tweeters, and one woofer that collectively deliver a powerful bass and crisp, clear high notes. Sonos’ proprietary Trueplay tuning ensures the Playbase adapts to the acoustics of the room for optimal sound quality, directly influencing both music and cinematic audio playback.
Connectivity Features
| Connectivity Type | Ports/Support |
|---|---|
| Network | Wi-Fi, Ethernet (10/100 Mbps Ethernet port) |
| Audio Input | Optical audio input |
| Wireless | Not compatible with Bluetooth |
The Playbase offers robust connectivity options focusing on ease of use and dependable performance. It supports a wireless setup via Wi-Fi, and also includes an Ethernet port for a wired network connection. Although it lacks Bluetooth capability, it interfaces with the TV through an optical input, which also supports connectivity to other sources, like cable boxes and gaming consoles – it does not offer HDMI connections. The optical connection assures high-quality audio transfer from a wide range of TV models.
Setup and User Interface
Setting up the Sonos Playbase is efficient, thanks to its user-friendly interface and robust compatibility that aims to cater to a seamless integration with home entertainment systems. I’ll guide you through the device compatibility, the setup process, and the various control options available.
Device Compatibility
My Playbase is built to work excellently with most modern TVs, and it effortlessly connects to any device that supports the Sonos software. Whether you’re on iOS or Android, the Sonos app will work as a universal remote, allowing me to manage my Playbase from my phone or tablet. Since it’s a TV speaker at its core, it’s designed to connect via an optical cable, ensuring compatibility with TVs that possess an optical output.
Set Up Process
To begin setting up my Playbase, I initiate it by opening the Sonos app on my iOS or Android device. I tap Set up a new system and create or sign into my Sonos account. Then, following the on-screen prompts within the app, I can add my Playbase by tapping Add or Set up products. If my home Wi-Fi is unreliable, I have the choice to connect the Playbase to my router using an Ethernet cable, though this step is optional as the Playbase can join my home’s wireless network during setup.
Control Options
Once set up, there are several ways I can control my Playbase. Firstly, the Sonos app is primary; it gives me access to all features including volume control, play/pause, and service integration. For day-to-day convenience, my TV remote works with the Playbase, allowing me to manage volume directly. Also, the Playbase itself is equipped with touch controls which let me manually adjust the volume, play, pause, and skip tracks directly on the speaker.
By integrating these elements, I am assured of an experience that is not only high in quality but also sophisticated in simplicity and convenience.
Sound Experience
In exploring the Sonos Playbase, I find that it’s designed to deliver a substantial improvement to TV audio, fulfilling the dual role as an enhancer for both music and movies.
Music and Movies Performance
When it comes to music and movies, the Playbase provides a powerful soundstage that brings clarity to dialogue and detail to a wide range of audio frequencies. For movies, Dolby Digital decoding ensures that I can experience cinema-quality sound, with a dynamic range that gives life to soundtracks and on-screen action. With music, the performance is equally impressive; the Playbase supports various music services and showcases a balanced profile that works well across different genres, from classical to rock.
Advanced Audio Features
- Dolby Digital 5.1: The Playbase supports Dolby Digital 5.1, which creates a virtual surround system that impressively simulates a multi-speaker setup.
- DTS Support: Although it does not natively support DTS audio formats, its performance with available content still delivers a robust experience.
- Sound Customization: Using the Sonos app, I can adjust the EQ settings, including bass, treble, and loudness to tailor the sound quality to my preference.
- Trueplay Tuning: This feature optimizes the soundfield for the acoustics of my room, ensuring that audio performance is fine-tuned for the most immersive listening experience.
- Dialogue Enhancement: There’s a specific emphasis on ensuring that dialog remains crisp and clear, a boon for movies and TV shows where dialogue drives the narrative.
Integration and Expansion
My exploration into the Sonos Playbase reveals its impressive capabilities in integration and expansion within the Sonos ecosystem. The Playbase is designed as a standalone full-theater sound system that also acts as a gateway to a larger, richer sound experience with the addition of compatible Sonos components.
Multi-Room and Surround Sound
The Sonos Playbase offers an immersive multi-room audio experience. I’ve found that it can easily sync with other Sonos speakers across different rooms to play the same or different audio tracks through the Sonos app. When it comes to creating a surround sound setup, integrating Play:1 speakers or the larger Play:5 speakers as rear surrounds can elevate the soundstage. If a deeper bass is desired, adding the Sonos Sub to the mix enhances the overall audio performance, providing rich and resonant low frequencies that are compelling for movies and music alike.
- Rear Surrounds: Play:1 or Play:5 speakers
- Additional Bass: Sonos Sub
Compatibility with Other Sonos Products
The Playbase seamlessly connects with a wide range of Sonos products. My experience with the system has shown that it functions effectively as the foundation of a comprehensive home audio setup. Sonos’s simple app-based setup process facilitates the addition of speakers like the Sonos One or the Play:3 to the system. Even when I’m not watching TV, I need to point out how versatile the Playbase is — it serves as a music streaming device compatible with a variety of music services. As for soundbars, while the Playbase itself is a soundbase, it can still fit into a broader Sonos setup that includes Sonos’s soundbars for an even more enveloping audio experience.
- Compatible Speakers: Sonos One, Play:3, Soundbars
- Music Streaming: Supports various music services via Sonos app
My insights into the Sonos Playbase highlight it as not just a standalone soundbase but as a pivotal element in a modular and expansible Sonos system.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, I cover some of the most common inquiries about the Sonos Playbase to clarify its features and current availability.
Did Sonos discontinue the Playbase?
Yes, Sonos discontinued the Playbase. They have since focused on producing other home audio solutions that cater to modern requirements.
What are the dimensions of the Sonos Playbase?
The Sonos Playbase measures 2.28 inches in height, 28.35 inches in width, and 14.96 inches in depth. Its slim profile is designed to sit comfortably under TVs.
What functionalities does the Sonos Playbase offer?
The Sonos Playbase offers a range of functionalities including streaming music, enhancing TV sound, and connecting wirelessly to other Sonos speakers for a multi-room audio setup. It also supports both Sonos S2 and Sonos S1 controller apps.
Does the Sonos Playbase include an HDMI connection?
No, the Sonos Playbase does not come with an HDMI connection. It uses an optical connection to connect to TVs.
Which mobile application is required to control the Sonos Playbase?
To control the Sonos Playbase, the Sonos app is required. It is available on both iOS and Android platforms, referred to as the Sonos S2 app or the older Sonos S1 app.
How does the Sonos Playbase compare to other Sonos speakers in terms of sound quality?
The Sonos Playbase offers high-quality sound that’s a significant improvement over standard TV speakers. It’s engineered for clear dialogue and a rich, powerful sound experience. However, it does not quite match the depth of sound offered by the Sonos Playbar or the newer Sonos Arc when it comes to surround sound setups.
I’m Marcus Bextor, a seasoned software engineer passionate about demystifying technology. With over a decade in the tech industry, my journey began with a Computer Science degree, evolving through various roles in software development, system architecture, and project management. At MWTA, I leverage my expertise to provide in-depth, unbiased reviews of the latest tech products, from smartphones to smart homes. My blogs aim to be accessible to all, breaking down complex jargon into simple language. Besides reviews, I share insights on tech trends and practical tips. Connect with me for questions and suggestions as we explore the tech world together.