Verdict
An iterative upgrade , the Sonos Sub 4 does n’t make much sense for anyone with a premature - genesis Sub . However , if you ’ve got a large room or more robust organization , such as an Arc Ultra , and need more bass , the Sub 4 is a powerful , smooth and well - balanced way of adding more oomph to your organisation .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
I could n’t quite consider that the Sonos Sub 4 is the 4thgeneration of the Cartesian product . While otherSonos speakershave seen major changes , the Sub line gets more minor tweaks with each subsequent version .
slimly light and a bit more sinewy than the Sub 3 , the new good example stay a brilliant subwoofer , but there ’s no clear reason to upgrade from an older model .
Design
I think the original Sub launching right smart back in 2012 . It was a rotatory subwoofer at the time , with a invention like no other . In fact , I ’ve still got my original Gen 1 Sub , as it remain compatible with the S2 system .
The Sub 4 , like the 2 and 3 before it , is more of a marginal tweak to the original , with pretty much the same conception , although a new high price ( $ 799 / £ 799 ) . That ’s a muckle of money .
While the intent has n’t really convert , even after 12 years , the Sub still looks glorious and is still different from most other subwoofers .
OurSub 4 vs Sub 3article break down into more particular about the differences between generations , but both product are about the same size . The new interlingual rendition is usable in matt white or black , to fit the credit line - up of loudspeaker system . That ’s an improvement on the glossy finish of the Sub 3 , which well picked up fingerprints .
I encounter that the Sub is a nice peak to put next to an AV cabinet , blending in well . However , as it ’s a grinder , it does n’t have to pose erect . In fact , as the manual says , the Sub 4 can be placed in a corner , against a wall , behind , under or next to any piece of furniture on any kind of base surface . If you do n’t want to see the Sub , you could conceal it away , say sliding it underneath a sofa .
This flexibility all comes down to the agency that the Sub 4 ( and previous generation ) are built , with two drivers look each other to create a force - cancelling effect that preclude buzz and rattles from being produced .
Features
It ’s hard to tell from Sonos ’ canonic specification what the deviation are in computer hardware between the Sonos Sub 4 and the previous exemplar . Both have two social class - 500 amplifier and two woofers ; the Sub 4 is listed as having two 5 - inch x 8 - inch woofers .
The Sub 4 repeat memory to 512 MB , has a faster C.P.U. ( quad - core 4xA55 1.9GHz ) and supportsWi - Fi 6for more reliable networking . As with its predecessor , the fresh framework will output sound down to 25Hz .
There ’s also a dispute in the supported products , and the principal dispute is in the products the Sub 4 is not compatible with . It wo n’t function with Play:1 , Play:3 , Play:5 ( Gen 2 ) , Connect : Amp , and Symfonisk ( Gen 1 ) speakers , nor thePlaybarandPlaybase .
The Sub 4 is compatible with all newfangled speakers , and it can be used with theSonos Arc Ultra . The Arc Ultra digest two subwoofer , which can be two Sub 4 , two Sub 3 or a mixture of the two .
The premix could be ready to hand if you ’ve got a Sub 3 already and fancy going for a dual - sub setup with the new soundbar . This conformation does suggest that the sound outturn between the Sub 3 and Sub 4 is very similar , as why would Sonos let you mix and match otherwise ?
Like its predecessors , the Sub 4 is best pair with the more hefty speakers in the line - up , such as a Five orEra 300(or a duet of each ) and/or in larger rooms . For smaller rooms and smaller verbaliser , theSub Minimakes more sense .
Installation of the Sub is easy , with the app quickly pick it up and adding it to your system , once you hit the Join button on the front . As it ’s not a standalone product , the Sub 4 has to be add to an live speaker or loudspeaker system hardening .
As Sonos experience the full audio specs of all of its products , it can tune its speakers , the Sub and the crossover mechanically . That ’s dead on target of all product block up theSonos Ampwithout Sonos Architectural loudspeaker , where you have to manage the crossover yourself .
Trueplay tuningis also usable and should be run to finetune the experience for your room . After that , there ’s not much control in the app , with an option to adapt the Sub storey or turn it off completely ; the latter of which can be useful if you need to watch at Nox .
Sound Quality
The Sub 4 is a very good sub : it ’s loud and it ’s powerful . More importantly , it is exceptionally well balanced . Bass should n’t jump out like a separate entity ; it should be smoothly integrated into the soundscape , blending in , but adding that extra clump . This , the Sub 4 does bright .
I started by using the Sub 4 with the Sonos Arc Ultra . In my Arc Ultra review , I said that you do n’t necessarily need the Sub 4 . That ’s on-key : the raw soundbar produces plentitude of bass by itself . Adding the Sub 4 makes a subtle but noticeable difference .
Watch the start ofThe Acolyte(critically pan , possibly , but the bar fight episode is truly in effect fun ) , and the pigboat bring heat and astuteness to the lightsaber as it buzzes and swishes around .
The Sub 4 adds more shock , too . catch the get-go of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny with the soundbar , and the turkey crashes down impressively ; add together the Sub 4 , and you finger the impact .
For those that want the undecomposed home film experience , a Sub 4 or even a pair really enhances the Sonos Arc Ultra , or , indeed , a single Sub 4 works well with theoriginal Arc .
I also moved the Sub 4 to the room with my Five speakers . It ’s a honorable utterer , but the Sub 4 adds warmth and detail to tracks . OK Go ’s substructure - heavy This Too Will Pass make the room shake , while Rage Against the political machine ’s Bomb Track kicks into life and you feel the impact from the bass transmission line before the guitar kick in .
The question is , is the Sub 4 really that much dependable than former multiplication ? That is hard to answer , and I did n’t find it noticeably good than the Sub 3 , or even my trustworthy old original Sub 1 . I certainly would n’t replace a perfectly in force working Sub with the Sub 4 ; if buying raw , then it ’s a dissimilar story .
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Should you buy it?
For larger rooms and for use with more powerful speakers , the Sub 4 is powerful , poised and very elastic .
If you ’ve induce a old multiplication pigboat that you ’re happy with , there ’s no genuine incentive to upgrade .
Final Thoughts
A small evolution of a product , the Sub 4 is genuinely a brilliant and flexible subwoofer that suits large spaces . Its muscular , compromising and smoothly integrates with existing Sonos speakers . It is n’t noticeably better than old generation talker , so there ’s no real need to upgrade if you ’ve got an existing sub that you ’re happy with .
If you ’re look to add king to a high - end Sonos organisation , then it ’s a timber upgrade , although expensive , and I ’d be tempted to try out and get a discounted Sub 3 while stock are still available .
Trusted Score
How we test
We test every subwoofer we survey thoroughly over an lengthened point of clip . We use manufacture received tests to compare feature in good order . We ’ll always tell you what we find . We never , ever , take over money to retrospect a product .
observe out more about how we test in ourethics policy .
FAQs
It will work with all soundbars , bar the Playbar and Playbase , and all S2 speakers , bar Play:1 , Play:3 , Play:5 ( Gen 2 ) , Connect : Amp , Symfonisk ( Gen 1 ) . No pigboat are compatible with the Move or Roam products .
If you have a Sonos Arc Ultra , you may be given two Sub 4 speakers , two Sub 3 speakers or a mix of the two .
