Sonos Ray Review

Summary / TL;DR

The Sonos Ray soundbar offers a notable combination of sleek design and impressive audio quality at an affordable price. It's designed for users seeking an upgrade from standard TV speakers without the complexity of a full home theater system. While it may not satisfy audiophiles looking for high-end sound, it provides a balanced audio experience suitable for everyday use.

The soundbar's compact and minimalist design is both stylish and practical, fitting easily into various spaces. It offers clear and crisp sound with a decent soundstage, though it lacks the deep bass and full surround sound of more advanced systems. Connectivity is straightforward, utilizing an optical audio cable and Wi-Fi streaming, though it lacks Bluetooth and HDMI support.

Setting up the Sonos Ray is simple, aided by the user-friendly Sonos app. While it doesn't support built-in voice assistants, it can be integrated with other smart devices. Overall, the Sonos Ray is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and easy-to-use soundbar, though it may not meet the needs of those desiring more advanced features or connectivity options.

---

If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Sonos Arc or Sonos Beam Gen2.

Introduction

Soundbars are like that trusty friend who swoops in to save a dull party. They can truly transform your TV watching or music listening experience. Today, we're checking out one particular buddy in the soundbar universe that many folks are talking about. It's sleek, it's smart, and it promises to pack quite the punch without emptying your wallet.

But what makes this soundbar special? Well, it's all about that combination of impressive sound quality and a simple user experience. It's designed for people who want better audio than their TV speakers, without diving into the deep end of complicated home theater systems.

Now, before you get too excited, let's keep it real. While this soundbar is a solid choice for most, it might not satisfy the audiophiles craving for super high-end sound quality. It's more about elevating your everyday audio — giving you that sweet spot between performance and price. Ideal if you're looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.

Best offers of the Sonos Ray at Amazon.com Check price

Design and Build Quality

When you first lay eyes on this soundbar, you'll notice its sleek and modern look. It's got a compact design that slips easily into any space, big or small. Minimalist design is the name of the game here, with a clean, matte finish that doesn't scream for attention but quietly complements your living room decor. The build quality feels solid. There's no flimsy parts or wobbly bits. The front grille is a perforated plastic that looks and feels sturdy, ready to handle the occasional curious poke without a dent. It's practical, yet maintains an air of sophistication. At just under 22 inches wide, this soundbar is built for convenience. It's lightweight, which makes it easy to set up or move around if needed.

If you're looking to avoid clutter, its size is a real plus, fitting comfortably in front of your TV or can be wall-mounted to save even more space. However, there's a bit of a trade-off here. Some might find the compact size limits the scope for a fully immersive sound experience. But remember, it's designed as an entry-level soundbar, so don't expect it to shake the room like a high-end home theater system. The controls are subtle and tactile, located on the top of the unit. They're intuitive enough to not need a manual every time you want to adjust the volume or pause a track.

In summary, this soundbar's design is a nice blend of style and practicality. It fits naturally into its surroundings and is made to last, although you might wish for a bit more punch in its presence. It's like the dependable friend who's always there for you, even if they're not the life of the party.

Audio Performance

Let's talk about the audio performance of this soundbar, which is really where it shines. Right off the bat, the sound is clear and crisp, empowering your TV shows and movies with a much-needed punch. The soundstage is decently wide for such a compact device, making the audio feel like it's swirling all around you rather than just shooting straight out from the TV.

Sound Quality

The bass is surprisingly robust for its size, adding depth to the booms and bangs in action scenes. While it might not rattle the windows like a dedicated subwoofer, it's still pretty impressive. The mids and highs are well-balanced, making dialogues sound natural and easy to follow. Ever been in a movie where you’re constantly adjusting the volume because the dialogue is too low and the explosions are too loud? This soundbar handles that quite nicely.

Volume Levels

Volume-wise, it's loud enough for most living rooms without distortion, but it may not be the best fit for a large home theater. If your space is more like a cozy den or apartment living room, you'll find it more than sufficient.

Surround Sound Simulation

Now, here's a fun part: the surround sound simulation. It’s not exactly a replacement for a full 5.1 setup, but it does a commendable job of mimicking it. You'll get a sense of directionality that makes the sound feel more enveloping, which is perfect for immersive movie nights. Still, super audiophiles might notice the lack of actual rear-channel sound.

Minor Drawbacks

On the flip side, if you're someone who craves deep, rumbling bass that you can feel, you might find it a bit lacking. Adding an external subwoofer could be a potential solution, though the Sonos Ray isn't designed to support one directly.

In short, this soundbar delivers a remarkable upgrade over standard TV audio, turning simple viewing into a fuller experience. A few might crave that deeper bass or wider surround, but for most folks, it'll hit the sweet spot just right.

Features and Connectivity

When it comes to features and connectivity, the Sonos Ray offers a solid package for its price point. Let's dive right into what this soundbar has to offer.

Connectivity Options

First off, the Ray keeps things simple and effective. It connects to your TV via an optical audio cable. While some folks might miss HDMI ARC, the optical connection still delivers excellent sound quality. Plus, it provides a more straightforward setup, especially if you've got an older TV.

For those who love streaming, the Ray supports Wi-Fi connectivity. This lets you play music directly from your favorite services like Spotify, Apple Music, or even tune into your favorite podcasts. Missing Bluetooth might be a bummer for some, but the Wi-Fi capability more than makes up for it, offering a more stable connection.

Smart Features

Now, let’s talk smart features. The Sonos system is known for integrating seamlessly with smart home setups. You can control the Ray with the Sonos app, which is intuitive and user-friendly. You get to adjust sound settings, group with other Sonos speakers, and even set up a surround sound experience if you're feeling fancy.

Voice Control?

Unfortunately, the Ray doesn't have built-in voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. But don’t worry—you can work around this by connecting it with another device that supports these assistants. It's like having a friend help you out when you're short on hands.

Trueplay Tuning

One of the most notable features is Trueplay tuning. This nifty feature customizes the sound based on the room's acoustics. However, it's only available for iOS users, leaving Android users out in the cold. It's like being invited to a party but only iPhone users get the VIP treatment.

• Optical Audio Connection
• Wi-Fi Streaming
• Sonos App Control
• Trueplay Tuning (iOS only)

Overall, the Sonos Ray does a fine job offering a balanced mix of connectivity and features. Though it might miss a few bells and whistles, it covers the essentials for an enjoyable audio experience.

Setup and User Experience

Setting up the Sonos Ray is as smooth as butter, and you'll be up and running in no time. You'll start by plugging the soundbar into power and connecting it to your TV using the optical cable that comes in the box. No HDMI? No problem! The Ray keeps it simple, but that might not satisfy those who crave more advanced HDMI ARC connections.

Once the physical connections are sorted, it's time to grab your smartphone and download the Sonos app. This app is your main control center and makes the setup process pretty intuitive. It'll guide you step-by-step, ensuring you don't miss a beat. And if you’re worried about a complex labyrinth of buttons and settings, fear not. The app takes care of most of the heavy lifting, so you'll be jamming to your favorite tunes faster than you can say "soundcheck."

Ease of Use

Using the Ray is like having your own personal DJ that never misses a cue. Whether you're controlling it via the app or through the TV remote, it's all pretty seamless. The compatibility with voice control is a neat feature, letting you adjust the volume or skip tracks just by speaking up. However, some might find the absence of a dedicated remote a bit of a bummer. But hey, one less thing to lose in the couch cushions, right?

The user experience is designed to be straightforward, and it succeeds. The soundbar syncs effortlessly with other Sonos speakers for a wider audio experience, and the app lets you adjust settings like bass and treble, so you can customize the sound to your liking. It's as if you're crafting your own personal soundscape!

Troubleshooting and Support

Now, nobody likes tech hiccups, but if you hit a snag, Sonos support is known for being quite helpful. The app even has a built-in troubleshooting guide to assist with common issues. And while this is mostly a plug-and-play affair, remember, technology isn't always perfect. So, a little patience might be needed if things don't go as smoothly as expected.

What's in the Box

When you crack open the box of the Sonos Ray, you'll find a neat and organized package waiting to greet you. Inside, the first thing you'll notice is the soundbar itself, sleek and ready to enhance your audio experience. Alongside the soundbar, there's a power cable to get you up and running. But what's a soundbar without some guidance? You'll find a quick start guide to help you set it up without breaking a sweat. It's straightforward and user-friendly, so even if you're not a tech wizard, you can get it going in no time. There's also a warranty and regulatory booklet tucked in there – the kind of stuff we usually toss aside but might get back to if needed.

One thing you might scratch your head over is the lack of an HDMI cable. Some soundbars come with this in the package, but not the Sonos Ray. You’ll need to grab one yourself if you want to use the HDMI ARC connection. And that's pretty much it! No unnecessary frills, just the essentials to get your soundbar set up and booming. It's like getting a new gadget that doesn't overwhelm you with extras you won't use. ```

Competitor Comparison

When you're in the market for a soundbar, you might wonder how the Sonos Ray stacks up against its competitors. Let's take a look and break it down.

Sonos Ray vs. Bose TV Speaker

The Bose TV Speaker is a popular contender. It offers a very user-friendly setup and sleek design. Both soundbars are compact and aim to enhance your TV's audio experience without taking up too much space. However, the Bose TV Speaker doesn’t offer the same level of multi-room audio integration that Sonos is known for. If you're already in the Sonos ecosystem, this could be a big plus for the Ray.

Sonos Ray vs. JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One

The JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One is another compact choice, often praised for its powerful sound in a small package. The JBL boasts a more bass-heavy sound profile, which some users might prefer for action-packed movies or bass-heavy music. On the flip side, the Sonos Ray offers a more balanced sound, focusing on clear dialogue and crisp details, which is great for everyday TV viewing and listening to various music genres.

Sonos Ray vs. Yamaha SR-C20A

Yamaha’s SR-C20A offers a unique twist with its built-in subwoofer. This gives it a little extra punch in the bass department. Yamaha also comes with Bluetooth connectivity, which the Sonos Ray lacks. However, when it comes to integration with streaming platforms and smart assistants, Sonos takes the lead with its seamless connectivity and easy-to-use app interface.

Each competitor brings something different to the table. If you're looking for an all-in-one system with easy connectivity and integration, the Sonos Ray’s strengths are hard to beat. But if you're after thumping bass or Bluetooth versatility, you might want to consider other options. It's like choosing a pizza topping: it all depends on what you're craving!

Conclusion

Wrapping things up, the Sonos Ray is a compact, stylish soundbar that packs a punch where it matters most—audio quality and ease of use. Its crisp sound and sleek design make it a great fit for most living rooms, especially if you're short on space. While it may not have the surround sound capabilities of more expensive models, it still delivers a satisfactory audio experience that elevates your TV watching and music listening. The Ray stands out with its straightforward setup process, making it an ideal choice for those who aren’t tech-savvy. Just plug it in, connect it, and you’re good to go.

The app control is intuitive, ensuring you spend more time enjoying your content and less time fiddling with settings. However, it’s worth mentioning that the lack of HDMI support may be a drawback for some, especially if you’re looking for the best audio-visual sync. Optical input does the job but doesn’t provide the same seamless integration as HDMI ARC might. On the connectivity front, the absence of Bluetooth might be a letdown for those who love streaming directly from their devices. But hey, with Wi-Fi streaming, you still get a reliable connection and access to countless streaming services.

In short, if you're after a reliable, good-sounding soundbar that won't break the bank or complicate your setup, the Sonos Ray deserves a spot on your shortlist. It’s like that trusty sidekick—dependable and always ready to enhance your entertainment experience.

Video by: Sonos

FAQ

Is the Sonos Ray compatible with all TVs?

The Sonos Ray works with most modern TVs. Just ensure your TV has an optical audio output. If you're looking to connect it with older models or those TV's lacking an optical port, you might need an adapter.

Does it support Bluetooth?

Nope, the Sonos Ray doesn't support Bluetooth. Sonos prefers using Wi-Fi for streaming which helps maintain better sound quality and allows for multi-room setups. If you're a Bluetooth fan, this might be a bummer.

Can I control it with voice commands?

While the Sonos Ray itself doesn't come equipped with microphones for voice control, you can still control it through other Sonos devices or any smart assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant. Just sync it up and chat away!

How does it handle different audio formats?

The Sonos Ray can handle a variety of formats, but it doesn't support Dolby Atmos. This might be a little disappointing for anyone hoping for a full cinema experience. But for its size, the sound is still impressive.

Is it easy to expand with other Sonos products?

Totally! The Ray integrates smoothly with other Sonos speakers. If you ever want to build a fuller sound system, adding extra speakers or a subwoofer is a breeze. Just connect them via the Sonos app.

What about the warranty?

Sonos typically offers a one-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. It's always a good idea to register your product and keep that receipt handy just in case.

Can I mount it on the wall?

Yes, you can mount the Ray on the wall. It doesn't come with a wall mount in the box, but Sonos sells one separately. It's sleek design looks pretty neat hung up if you're short on space.

How's the app experience?

The Sonos app is generally user-friendly and gets frequent updates for improved functionality. Some users, however, have pointed out occasional bugs. But, for the most part, it's a solid way to control your audio. Got more questions?
If you're still curious or facing issues, check out Sonos's support page or join online forums where fellow users often share handy tips and tricks.

---

Pros & cons

---

Technical specifications