Are you considering upgrading your home theater system with not one, but two Sonos Subwoofers? You’re probably wondering if doubling up on subs is worth the investment. After all, a single Sonos Sub is already a powerful addition to any sound system. But can two subs really make that much of a difference? In this article, we’ll dive into the benefits and drawbacks of using two Sonos Subwoofers, and help you decide if it’s the right move for your audio setup.
The Benefits of Using Two Sonos Subs
Using two Sonos Subwoofers can bring several advantages to your listening experience. Here are some of the key benefits:
Improved Bass Response
The most obvious advantage of using two Sonos Subs is the increased bass response. With two subs, you’ll get a more even distribution of low-end frequencies throughout your room, which can lead to a more immersive and engaging listening experience. This is especially true for larger rooms, where a single sub might struggle to provide adequate bass coverage.
More Bass, Less Distortion
When a single sub is asked to produce high levels of bass, it can result in distortion and a less accurate sound. By adding a second sub, you can split the load and reduce the strain on each speaker. This leads to cleaner, more accurate bass notes and a more enjoyable listening experience.
Enhanced Stereo Imaging
With two subs, you can create a more convincing stereo image. By placing one sub on each side of your room, you can create a more immersive audio experience, with bass notes seeming to emanate from specific locations in the soundstage. This can add to the overall sense of depth and realism in your music or movies.
The Drawbacks of Using Two Sonos Subs
While using two Sonos Subwoofers can bring several benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:
Cost
The most obvious drawback of using two Sonos Subs is the cost. With a single Sonos Sub priced at around $699, doubling up will set you back a significant $1,398. That’s a substantial investment, and one that may not be justified for everyone.
Increased Complexity
Adding a second sub can add complexity to your system. You’ll need to configure and calibrate both subs to work together seamlessly, which can be a time-consuming process. You’ll also need to consider the placement of both subs, which can be a challenge, especially in smaller rooms.
Potential for Over-Bass
With two subs, there’s a risk of over-bassing your room. If not configured correctly, the added low-end can lead to an unbalanced sound, with too much emphasis on the bass and not enough on the midrange and high frequencies.
When Two Sonos Subs Make Sense
So, when does it make sense to use two Sonos Subwoofers? Here are a few scenarios where doubling up on subs might be the right move:
Large Rooms
If you have a large room, a single Sonos Sub might struggle to provide adequate bass coverage. In these cases, using two subs can help ensure that every corner of the room gets the low-end treatment it deserves.
High-Ceilinged Rooms
Rooms with high ceilings can be challenging for a single sub, as the bass frequencies tend to get lost in the vertical space. Adding a second sub can help combat this issue and provide a more balanced sound.
Home Theaters
If you’re building a home theater system, two Sonos Subs can be a great addition. They can help create a more immersive audio experience, with the added bass providing a more realistic and engaging sound.
Configuring Your Two Sonos Subs
If you do decide to use two Sonos Subwoofers, here are some tips for configuring them for optimal performance:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Place subs in corners | Corner placement can help reinforce the bass response and reduce bass cancellation. |
| Calibrate using the Sonos app | The Sonos app provides a built-in calibration process to help you optimize the performance of your subs. |
Conclusion
Using two Sonos Subwoofers can bring significant benefits to your listening experience, including improved bass response, enhanced stereo imaging, and a more immersive audio experience. However, it’s not without its drawbacks, including increased cost and complexity.
If you have a large room, high-ceilinged room, or are building a home theater system, two Sonos Subs might be the right move for you. But for smaller rooms or budgets, a single Sonos Sub might be sufficient.
Ultimately, the decision to use two Sonos Subwoofers comes down to your specific needs and priorities. By weighing the benefits and drawbacks, you can make an informed decision that’s right for your audio setup.
What is the primary benefit of using two Sonos Subs?
The primary benefit of using two Sonos Subs is the enhancement of the overall bass output. Adding a second subwoofer can significantly increase the low-frequency energy in the room, resulting in a more immersive and engaging listening experience. This is particularly noticeable in larger rooms or spaces with high ceilings, where a single subwoofer may struggle to produce sufficient bass.
In addition, using two Sonos Subs can also help to improve the distribution of bass throughout the room. With one subwoofer, the bass can be unevenly distributed, with some areas receiving more energy than others. By adding a second subwoofer, the bass is more evenly distributed, creating a more consistent and engaging listening experience throughout the room.
Will two Sonos Subs provide better bass in a small room?
In a small room, the benefits of using two Sonos Subs may not be as pronounced as in a larger room. In fact, using two subwoofers in a small room can sometimes result in an overwhelming or “boomy” bass response. This is because the smaller space can quickly become saturated with bass energy, leading to an unbalanced sound.
That being said, if you still want to use two Sonos Subs in a small room, it’s essential to properly calibrate them using the Sonos app. This will help to ensure that the bass is balanced and evenly distributed, and that the sound is not overwhelming. Additionally, you may need to adjust the subwoofer settings to reduce the overall bass output to avoid overwhelming the space.
Can I use two Sonos Subs with a single Sonos speaker?
Yes, you can use two Sonos Subs with a single Sonos speaker. In fact, Sonos recommends using two subwoofers with their larger speakers, such as the Sonos Five or Sonos Playbar, to create a more immersive listening experience. When using two subwoofers with a single speaker, the Sonos app will automatically detect and calibrate the system to ensure optimal performance.
However, it’s essential to note that using two subwoofers with a single speaker may not always result in a significant improvement in sound quality. If you’re using a smaller Sonos speaker, such as the Sonos One, a single subwoofer may be sufficient to provide a good listening experience. In this case, adding a second subwoofer may not provide a significant benefit.
Will two Sonos Subs increase the overall volume of my system?
Using two Sonos Subs will not directly increase the overall volume of your system. The subwoofers are designed to enhance the low-frequency output, not to increase the overall volume. The volume of your system is determined by the main speakers, not the subwoofers.
However, the added bass output from the second subwoofer can make the system feel louder or more dynamic, particularly in the low-end frequency range. This is because our brains perceive low-frequency energy as adding weight and power to the music, which can create the illusion of a louder or more intense listening experience.
Can I use two Sonos Subs in a stereo pair configuration?
No, you cannot use two Sonos Subs in a stereo pair configuration. Sonos Subs are designed to work in a single-channel configuration, providing low-frequency enhancement to the entire system. They do not support a stereo pair configuration, where each subwoofer would receive a separate left and right channel signal.
Instead, both subwoofers will receive the same monaural signal, which is then output in a way that enhances the low-frequency response of the entire system. This is a key feature of the Sonos system, as it allows for seamless integration of the subwoofers with the main speakers.
Will two Sonos Subs provide a better listening experience for movies and TV shows?
Yes, using two Sonos Subs can significantly enhance the listening experience for movies and TV shows. The added bass output can create a more immersive and engaging experience, particularly during action sequences or scenes with intense low-frequency effects.
In home theater applications, the added bass can help to create a more cinematic experience, drawing the viewer into the action and creating a more engaging emotional connection. Additionally, the improved bass response can also help to clarify dialogue and other sound effects, making the overall viewing experience more enjoyable.
Are two Sonos Subs worth the additional cost?
Whether or not two Sonos Subs are worth the additional cost depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you have a large room or want to create an immersive listening experience, the added bass output from the second subwoofer can be well worth the additional cost.
However, if you have a smaller room or are on a tighter budget, a single Sonos Sub may be sufficient to provide a good listening experience. In this case, the additional cost of a second subwoofer may not be justified. Ultimately, the decision to use two Sonos Subs depends on your specific needs and priorities.