Subwoofer Reviews

Measurements

Frequency response

34 to 96 Hz ±3 dB

Bass output (CEA-2010 standard)
• Ultra-low bass (20-31.5 Hz) average: NA

20 Hz          NA
25 Hz          NA
31.5 Hz       99.0 dB

• Low bass (40-63 Hz) average: 113.7 dB

40 Hz          110.9 dB
50 Hz          114.8 dB
63 Hz          114.9 dB

I measured the frequency response of the Sonos Sub using ground plane technique with my Clio FW audio analyzer in log chirp mode. I tried measuring it standing up and flat on the ground, the measurements were within 0.2 dB either way. Signals were fed into the Sub and a connected Play:3 (acoustically isolated from the sub for this measurement) using a Sonos Connect.

The frequency response was pretty typical for something of this size, with the tuning focused on the second octave (40-80 Hz) of bass. The 96 Hz upper bass response is exactly what’s needed to blend properly with the Play:3’s bass response.

I performed CEA-2010 output measurement at 2 meters, then added +6 dB to scale the measurements to the 1-meter reporting standard mandated by CEA-2010. Averages are done in pascals per recent amendments to the CEA-2010 procedure. The Ievel was cranked all the way up in the Sonos control software, but I didn’t encounter a limiter at any frequency.

The CEA-2010 output measurements are pretty impressive, about +10 dB more than you’ll get from the subwoofers included with a typical 2.1 soundbar system. There’s no measurable output below 31.5 Hz, but the fact that this relatively small sub nears 100 dB of output at that frequency means you’ll get reasonably satisfying deep bass from it.

Bottom line

For a plug’n’play compact subwoofer, the Sub does one hell of a job and looks great doing it. What’s more, Sonos did a spectacular job of integrated it with the existing Sonos interface. It’s a very, very welcome and necessary addition to the Sonos line.