Gaetan
Quality product.
Meets expectations.
Comment from September 02, 2024 — Experience from August 22, 2024
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Répond à la demande.
Sonos offers with this pack the combination of its entry-level soundbar, the Ray, and the subwoofer Sub Mini. This configuration aims to provide a solid sound foundation for small spaces while maintaining the ease of installation characteristic of the Californian brand’s ecosystem. The Ray relies on a compact format and connectivity without HDMI, while the Sub Mini completes the spectrum with bass extending down to 25 Hz.
The Sonos Ray measures 559 mm in length and barely 95 mm in depth, making it the most compact soundbar in the brand’s catalog. Its matte housing accommodates four Class D amplifiers powering a two-way acoustic system: two central tweeters dedicated to highs and two mid-bass drivers supported by a bass-reflex port. This architecture aims to project sound forward while maintaining a discreet visual footprint under a television.
The choice of optical connectivity rather than HDMI reflects this model’s positioning. The Ray accepts PCM stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS Digital Surround streams via its optical input, but does not handle advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos. This technical limitation comes with a practical advantage: the soundbar works with any television equipped with an optical output, including older models without HDMI ARC connection.
Sonos has integrated touch controls on top of the housing, allowing playback, volume, and source switching control without a remote. An infrared receiver also responds to TV remote commands, simplifying daily use. The Wi-Fi 802.11n network and AirPlay 2 open the door to audio streaming from music services compatible with the Sonos app.
The Sub Mini subwoofer adopts the acoustic principles of the classic Sub in a volume reduced by half. Its cylindrical dimensions of 305 mm in height conceal two 15 cm woofers mounted face to face, a configuration that theoretically cancels the subwoofer’s mechanical vibrations. This arrangement, combined with a sealed enclosure, limits harmonic distortion and allows frequency response down to 25 Hz according to the manufacturer’s data.
Two Class D amplifiers independently drive each driver. Digital signal processing automatically adjusts the response based on content and settings made in the Sonos app. The user has manual parameters to adjust bass intensity, while the Trueplay function analyzes the room’s acoustics via an iPhone’s microphone to adapt playback. This automatic calibration remains exclusive to iOS, a technical constraint that has persisted since the early days of this technology at Sonos.
The Sub Mini connects wirelessly to the Ray through Sonos’ proprietary mesh network. No cable connects the two devices, apart from their respective power cords. The subwoofer can be positioned vertically or horizontally depending on the room layout, its matte finish matching that of the soundbar.
The Ray + Sub Mini combination significantly transforms sound reproduction compared to the soundbar alone. The subwoofer’s 15 cm drivers handle low frequencies, freeing the Ray’s mid-bass drivers to focus on midrange frequencies. This distribution improves dialogue clarity and sound effects definition in movies and series.
The speech enhancement mode adjusts the response curve to bring out voices, useful when the audio mix favors the musical soundtrack. Night mode compresses dynamics, reducing the gap between quiet passages and loud scenes without disturbing those around you. Customizable equalization offers three adjustment bands (bass, midrange, treble) accessible from the mobile app.
Sonos has built its reputation on the ease of use of its multi-room ecosystem. The Ray and Sub Mini naturally integrate into this logic: adding additional Sonos speakers allows creating a wireless surround configuration, while grouping multiple devices enables synchronized playback in different rooms. This progressive modularity constitutes one of the brand’s central arguments against traditional home theater systems.
The Sonos Ray is primarily designed to replace the often very mediocre speakers of a television, with a simple connection (optical port), in an ultra-compact and discreet format.
Yes, the Sub Mini pairs wirelessly with all current Sonos soundbars: Ray, Beam (Gen 2), and Arc. It also works with Era 300 and 100 speakers configured as a stereo pair.
No, the Ray and Sub Mini work properly without Trueplay calibration. However, this function refines the acoustic response according to your room and speaker positioning. It requires an iOS device for initial analysis, but the settings remain active even when using the Android app afterward.
No, an Ethernet port allows a wired connection to the router, recommended for stabilizing high-resolution audio streaming. Wi-Fi remains necessary for wireless communication with the Sub Mini and any added surround speakers.
Gaetan
Quality product.
Meets expectations.
Comment from September 02, 2024 — Experience from August 22, 2024