Sonos Outdoor Speakers- Pair Of Architectural Speakers By Sonance For Outdoor Listening – Wired
Sonos Outdoor Speakers aim to cater to outdoor audio needs, pairing with the Sonos Amp to deliver a seamless, weatherproof solution for outdoor soundscapes. While promising, these speakers face scrutiny for their pricing and performance against competitors.
Pros:
Cons:
Features & Functionality
Image credit: Sonos
The Sonos Outdoor Speakers, a part of the Sonos Architectural series, are tailored for outdoor environments, boasting a design that prioritizes durability and weather resistance. Collaborating with Sonance, a renowned manufacturer in outdoor speakers, Sonos aims to create a product that withstands the harshest outdoor conditions while delivering an acceptable sonic experience.
These speakers are engineered to endure various environmental challenges. They’ve been tested to withstand high humidity, water exposure, extreme heat, UV rays, and freezing temperatures, ensuring longevity and reliability in outdoor settings. Despite lacking official IP certification, they align closely with Sonance’s IP66-rated Mariner series, signifying robust protection against dust and powerful water jets.
The design philosophy behind these speakers is focused on delivering sound tailored for outdoor spaces. Unlike indoor speakers designed to utilize wall reflections for audio projection, these outdoor speakers are engineered to throw sound further into open spaces, optimizing their performance in environments like backyards, patios, or gardens.
Pairing these speakers with the Sonos Amp unlocks their potential for a seamless, integrated audio experience within the Sonos ecosystem. However, unlike some other Sonos Architectural speakers, the Outdoor variant lacks certain advanced features like automatic room correction (TruePlay) in the Amp amplifier. While they integrate smoothly and offer clear sound, the absence of this feature could impact the optimization potential, especially in different acoustic environments.
The absence of a more dynamic and engaging sound profile sets these speakers back when compared to competitors like Focal or Bowers & Wilkins, which offer a more lively and immersive audio experience. Sonos Outdoor Speakers might serve well for casual outdoor listening, but their relatively flat audio reproduction might not satisfy discerning audiophiles seeking a more captivating sonic presence in their outdoor setups.
Design & Build Quality
Image credit: Sonos
The speakers, resembling Sonance’s Mariner series, feature a durable build suitable for outdoor environments. Their weatherproof housing withstands various outdoor elements, making them virtually maintenance-free once installed. However, the limitation of only being available in white may limit their appeal to some potential buyers seeking color variety.
Power & Performance
Image credit: Sonos
The power and performance of the Sonos Outdoor Speakers, when coupled with the Sonos Amp, deliver a satisfactory audio experience for various music genres and casual outdoor listening. These speakers exhibit notable strengths in specific sonic aspects but also face limitations, especially in comparison to competitors within a similar price range.
When these speakers are integrated with the Sonos Amp, they produce sound with clarity across the frequency range. Highs and mids are discernible and well-defined, allowing for a reasonable level of detail in music playback. Vocal performances sound articulate and distinct, offering a decent soundstage that separates instruments and voices adequately.
One of the notable aspects is the speakers’ ability to produce a substantial amount of bass suitable for outdoor settings. The low-end response feels solid, adding depth and warmth to the overall sound output. In open spaces like gardens or patios, the bass provides a foundational underpinning to the music, enhancing the listening experience.
However, despite these strengths, the speakers exhibit limitations that impact their overall sonic performance. The most notable drawback is the lack of dynamism and punch in their sound profile. Compared to competitors like Focal or Bowers & Wilkins, the Sonos Outdoor Speakers lack the captivating dynamics that create an engaging listening experience. At higher volumes or in more demanding tracks, the speakers struggle to maintain control, leading to a loss of detail and impact, particularly in complex musical passages.
Moreover, while the bass presence is commendable, it tends to lack a certain level of control, especially at elevated volumes. This can result in the bass frequencies overwhelming the midrange, causing a loss of balance and clarity in the audio output.
Overall, while the Sonos Outdoor Speakers offer a clear and balanced sound suitable for casual outdoor listening, they may not meet the expectations of audiophiles seeking a more dynamic and immersive audio experience. The limited dynamism and potential bass control issues might deter enthusiasts looking for a more engaging sonic presence in their outdoor audio setup.
Compatibility & Connectivity
Image credit: Sonos
Integration within the Sonos ecosystem allows seamless streaming and control via the Sonos app or compatible devices. However, the lack of room correction features limits the optimization potential with the Sonos Amp.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Sonos Outdoor Speakers?
Sonos Outdoor Speakers offer a weatherproof solution with decent sound quality for outdoor settings, but their premium pricing, limited dynamics, and color choices might deter potential buyers seeking a more engaging audio experience. While suitable for casual outdoor listening, audiophiles might find more compelling alternatives from competitors like Focal or Bowers & Wilkins, which offer better performance within a similar price range.
In summary, for those heavily invested in the Sonos ecosystem seeking a durable outdoor audio solution and willing to overlook some sonic limitations, the Sonos Outdoor Speakers could suffice. However, those seeking top-tier audio performance might explore alternatives like the Bowers & Wilkins AM-1, which offer a competitive option at a lower price point.
