![]() So, pragmatically, Sonos has also decided to ditch the HDMI eARC connections of its pricier products in favour of a classic optical input, reasoning that since this speaker isn’t intended to handle high bitrate immersive formats, it doesn’t then need the requisite port. We’ve always been impressed with how well Sonos can overcome the limitations of scale when it comes to producing a meaty sound, and although, unsurprisingly, the diminutive Ray doesn't serve up particularly meaty bass, since a post-launch firmware update addressed some of our initial concerns, said bass is well controlled and free from unwanted resonance.Īs the Ray has been conceived to neatly slot into cabinets without its sonic dispersion being impacted, it doesn’t feature the virtual Dolby Atmos decoding of Sonos’ more premium soundbars – the Beam Gen 2 and Arc. Low frequencies are handled by proprietary low-velocity curved bass reflex ports that Sonos says deliver a weighty low end without distortion, thanks to a design that controls the airflow speed inside to reduce drag-induced turbulence. While Sonos has said the Ray could be described as a 3.0 system, there is no dedicated centre channel driver, with all of the drivers instead sharing dialogue duties. The waveguides separate and disperse high frequencies forwards and outwards for a sense of spaciousness that in conjunction with the Ray's audio processing, Sonos claims, will create a wide soundstage and help to locate effects accurately within your room. Inside sit a quartet of class D amplifiers powering the Ray's array of four forward-facing drivers – two centrally positioned elliptical mid-woofers flanked by a pair of tweeters that fire into split waveguides. ![]() The grille's edge doesn’t sit completely flush with the main body in either of the product samples that were supplied for this review, but while that’s unusual for a company as typically fastidious as Sonos, it’s a minor quibble in what is otherwise a very smart-looking speaker at this price point. Its ultra-compact dimensions, tapered build and forward-facing speakers mean it takes up little space and removes any need for a clear line of sight for upward- and side-firing drivers, making it a practical choice for small rooms or shared spaces.Īesthetically the Ray is very much part of the rarified Sonos gene pool with soft curves, capacitive touch buttons, monochrome finishes and a perforated polycarbonate grille. But this is a speaker aimed at those who have likely never considered the brand before. It still maintains the company's core identity of interoperability, allowing it to form part of a wireless multi-room system using Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and/or the Sonos S2 app. ![]() The Ray marks something of a departure for Sonos. While Symfonisk doesn’t yet include a subwoofer, there are unconfirmed rumours that Sonos will release a new sub that’s both size and price compatible with the Ray, which would likely be a welcome addition to most users. Instead, Sonos envisions the Ray partnering with the more affordable Symfonisk IKEA rage, which features the Symfonisk bookshelf speaker £99 / $99 (around AU$176) and Symfonisk lamp, starting at £159 / $140 / AU$269. However, it's unlikely customers will want to pay nearly four times the price of the soundbar for surround separates. Options to expand the Sonos Ray include adding two One SL rear speakers (£358 / $358 / AU$538) and the pricey Sonos Sub (£699 / $699 / AU$999). While it's the only non-Dolby Atmos soundbar in the current Sonos range, the Ray nonetheless offers users the flexibility to create a standard multi-channel surround system that can be added to over time. It’s fairly unusual to find wi-fi connectivity in an entry-level soundbar, and while many soundbars costing similar money to the Ray – such as the Majority Sierra Plus, which costs £270 / $300 (around AU$470) – have HDMI ports and even Dolby Atmos support, streaming is typically strictly limited to Bluetooth which, incidentally, the Ray does not have.
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