What is spatial audio?
“The idea is that, with audio, you can feel like you’re in a place where you might not be. That’s amazing because when you hear in real life, you hear audio behind, on the sides, in front, 360 sound. And that’s what spatial audio replicates. It makes you feel like you’re in a place where you’re not,” said music producer Mijangos.
The Era 300 are very different smart speakers from the ones that Sonos has brought so far, as these are the only ones from the brand capable of playing music in Dolby Atmos. This means they can distribute sound throughout the space, creating a completely immersive and enveloping listening experience.
Currently, very few brands have developed headphones and speakers to play music in Dolby Atmos. Such is the case of Apple’s HomePod or AirPods Max.
We share the main differences between the Sonos speakers:
Differences between the Sonos Era 100 and Era 300
Both are smart speakers that have Sonos Trueplay technology, that is, it detects the acoustics of the room and adjusts the equalization.
Also, both connect via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and are compatible with both Android and iOS.
Another of the characteristics that the two speakers share is that they are made with post-consumer recycled plastics (PCR, for its acronym in English) and the glue was also replaced with screws so that, if necessary, it can be maintained accordingly. simpler way. This makes them a greener option.
The main difference between the two is that the Era 300 offers a spatial audio experience, playing music in Dolby Atmos, while the Era 100 does play very clear and powerful sound, but in stereo.
The Era 300 is mainly for users who are looking to play songs and movies in Dolby Atmos, as well as more power and volume, since it has six speakers that direct the audio to the left, right, forward and up. It is bigger and heavier than the Era 100 and its design is different, since they are rectangular.
The Era 100 could be a remaster of the Sonos One, featuring two slanted tweeters that direct high frequencies left and right for a rich stereo experience, while a larger midrange woofer delivers punchy bass you wouldn’t expect. in a single compact speaker.
It is slightly larger than its predecessor, but smaller than the Era 300.
Who are these speakers recommended for?
Both are audiophile speakers that deliver very clear and powerful sounds.
I highly recommend the Era 300 for a home theater because with just two speakers, one on the right and one on the left, you can have the Dolby Atmos movie theater experience at home and it’s amazing. You can also save cost and space.
However, if you are considering these speakers to play music, take into account that to enjoy the spatial audio experience -which is what characterizes them-, you have to have a music platform that offers Dolby Atmos mixing, such as Apple Music, Amazon Music, or Tidal. Spotify and Youtube Music do not play music in Dolby Atmos.
Also note that not all songs on these platforms are mixed in Dolby Atmos. This has nothing to do with the speakers, but with the music platforms.
On the other hand, I recommend the Era 100 for audiophiles who are looking for a speaker to connect at home and enjoy music in the clearest and most detailed way possible. I consider that their price is acceptable for the quality they offer.
cost and availability
Both speakers will be available from March 28 of this year in Mexico.
The Era 100 will cost 5,999 pesos, while the Era 300 will cost 10,999 pesos.
