Since its founding in 2002, Sonos has been a number one provider of wireless audio solutions for consumers. Building on compact wireless speakers, they’ve expanded into the home theater category with Sonos ARC and ARC Ultra, Beam and Ray soundbars. For those searching for portable wireless solutions, Sonos offers Roam and Roam SL.
Sonos also has a line architectural speakers which have develop into popular with CI customers searching for something that may easily integrate with their customers’ existing Sonos products.
In 2023, Sonos launched its Pro division to supply music management products and options to business installations, including restaurants, offices and stores.
Sonos Era Pro speaker
Strengthening its presence in the skilled/business market, Sonos announced a variant of its Era 100 wireless home speaker, It was 100pro. It is the first loudspeaker optimized for skilled installation in business and residential spaces.
Era 100 Pro will probably be sold in pairs through select Sonos partners specializing in skilled installation. Sonos Era 100 Pro will probably be available with the Era 100 Pro Surface Mount (sold individually), which allows for flexible mounting in a wide range of layouts and applications.
From Patrick Spence, CEO of Sonos: “…”
Built for skilled installation
With signature Sonos sound quality, minimalist design and versatile controls, Era 100 Pro is designed to supply a whole, all-in-one solution for skilled installation.
From Chris Heintzelman, VP of Product – Professional: “”
Sound quality
Based on the consumer version of the Era 100, the Era 100 Pro delivers high-quality audio and impressive low-frequency performance unique in the PoE (Power over Ethernet) speaker category.
Era 100 Pro includes two 0.63-inch/16mm silk high-frequency drivers (tweeters) and a 3.5 x 4.4-inch/90.8 x 111 carbon-filled polypropylene woofer (woofer), 9mm. Sound is dispersed over a large horizontal angle of 240°, providing space-filling sound.
Power over Ethernet (POE+)
With a single cable that delivers each power and data, Era 100 Pro simplifies the installation process by eliminating the cost and complexity of getting to put in AC power at every speaker location, allowing for more unique setups in numerous locations.
Era 100 Pro is here Optimized for PoE+, but may also be used with standard PoE. With Power over Ethernet technology, business owners can use a wired network to extend reliability, speed and performance, while seamlessly integrating with their existing network setup.
For a tip: Although ERA 100 Pro can receive sound wirelessly (and can be wirelessly integrated with the Sonos system), it’s the first Sonos speaker that also receives sound via a wired (Ethernet) connection.
Customizable via zones
Introduced with Era 100 Pro, the Zone feature offers a better and more customizable strategy to configure and control installations on a bigger scale. Users can configure the speakers right into a predictable, unified system, providing a more lasting experience that is still consistent throughout use.
Versatile surface mount bracket (sold individually in pairs)
The Era 100 Pro surface mount offers 30° swivel and tilt and 360° rotation, allowing installation in any orientation. The indexed ball joint allows installers to exactly achieve repeatable angles, allowing for quick positioning when mounting multiple speakers, while also ensuring the speakers don’t sag over time. The mount could be attached to virtually any surface, may also accommodate hidden or exposed wiring, and contains a locking base plate to stop theft.
Security improvements
Era 100 Pro has a built-in threaded insert and an optional eyebolt that gives a further secure mounting point if constructing codes require it, helping the speaker withstand seismic shocks and avoid accidental damage. Hook socket increases stability when combined with a surface mount mount in a non-vertical orientation.
Sonos Pro Control (US only)
Users can control ERA 100 Pro and zones directly from there Sonos app Or Sonos Pro dashboard using a tablet or computer. This provides a seamlessly integrated business solution without the need for extra control units or components.
Comparison
ERA 100 PRO and 100 have the same external appearance.
| It was 100pro (Business model) |
Epoch 100 (Consumer model) |
|
| Price | Price to be determined (only sold in pairs) | $249 (everyone) |
| Strengthening | 3 x Class D digital amplifiers | 3 x Class D digital amplifiers |
| Low frequency transducer (woofer) | 1 x 3.5 x 4.4 inches Carbon-filled polypropylene, dimensions 90.8 x 111.9 mm |
1 x 3.5 x 4.4 inches Carbon-filled polypropylene, dimensions 90.8 x 111.9 mm |
| High frequency transducers (tweeter) | 2 x 0.63 inch (16 mm) edged silk. | 2 x 0.63 inch (16 mm) edged silk. |
| Frequency range | 45 Hz-20 kHz ±3 dB 40Hz-20kHz -10dB |
45 Hz-20 kHz ±3 dB 40Hz-20kHz -10dB |
| SPL (max short term) | SPL 96 dB at 1 m with PoE+ | Not indicated |
| SPL (max long run) | 90 dB at 1 meter with PoE+ | Not indicated |
| Nominal coverage angle (scatter) | 240° horizontal x 140° vertical | 240° horizontal x 140° vertical |
| (*100*) | Far-field microphone array with advanced beamforming and multi-channel echo cancellation | Far-field microphone array with advanced beamforming and multi-channel echo cancellation |
| Microphone on/off switch | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable equalizer (via Sonos app) | Yes. | Yes |
| Sonos TruePlay | Yes | Yes |
| Direct streaming formats | Bluetooth (version 5.0), Apple Airplay 2 (Apple iOS 11.4 devices and later), Spotify Direct Control | Bluetooth (version 5.0), Apple Airplay 2 (Apple iOS 11.4 devices and later), Spotify Direct Control |
| Integrated content streaming | Amazon Music, Apple Music, Cloud Cover Music, Mood Media, Sonos Radio, Soundtrack Your Brand, Spotify and more. | Amazon Music, Apple Music, Cloud Cover Music, Mood Media, Sonos Radio, Soundtrack Your Brand, Spotify and more. |
| Controls | Play, pause, skip, replay, increase volume, mute your voice assistant, group or ungroup Sonos products. | Play, pause, skip, replay, increase volume, mute your voice assistant, group or ungroup Sonos products. |
| Ethernet port | 100Base-T network connection and power | 100Base-T network connection and power |
| USB Type-C | Not indicated | Connect your audio source with a 3.5mm auxiliary cable and a Sonos line-in adapter. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6. (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2.4 GHz/5 GHz via compatible router) | Wi-Fi 6. (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2.4 GHz/5 GHz via compatible router) |
| Processor | Quad-core 4xA55 1.4 GHz | Quad-core 4xA55 1.9 GHz |
| Memory | 2GB DDR48GB eMMC memory | 2GB DDR48GB eMMC memory |
| Power demand | Optimized for PoE+ (802.3at), PoE (802.3af | Internal power supply 100-240 V 50/60 Hz |
| Energy consumption | 30W, 15.4W, 2.4W | Not indicated |
| Coloration | Black, white | Black, white |
| End | Mat | Mat |
| Dimensions | Height: 7.19 inches (182.5 mm) Width: 4.72 inch (120 mm) Depth: 5.14 inch (130.5 mm) |
Height: 7.19 inches (182.5 mm) Width: 4.72 inch (120 mm) Depth: 5.14 inch (130.5 mm) |
| Libra | 4.48 lb (2.03 kg) | 4.44 lb (2.02 kg) |
| Threaded insert for security mounting | Yes | Not specified |
| Hook socket | Yes – increases stability when the speaker is paired with a surface mount and placed in a non-vertical orientation | Not specified |
| In a box | 2 Sonos Era 100 Pro speakers 2 eyebolts Documentation Quick start guide and legal/warranty information |
1 Era of Sonos 100 Power Cable – Length: 6 ft (2 m) Documentation Quick start guide and legal/warranty information |
| Additional requirements | Internet connection Energy harvesting equipment A 3rd-party device, comparable to a PoE network switch or injector. Ethernet cable – Category 5 (CAT5) or higher Sonos app – the latest version running in your compatible device |
Wi-Fi Internet connection Power source/mains socket Sonos app – the latest version running in your compatible device |
Conclusion
2024 has been a difficult yr for Sonos. On the consumer side, they rolled out a comprehensive update to the Sonos app that sparked a wave of user complaints about serious bugs. As a result, after a number of months, Sonos finally had to confess that it had an issue. As a result, CEO Patrick Spence needed to publicly address the situation. For details, read our full report.
Plus Sonos Unaudited fiscal 2024 results revealed that its revenue fell 10% to $1.5 billion, with a lack of $38 million.
However, despite the obstacles, Sonos is entering the custom installation market. If successful, Era 100 Pro will open the door to more possible products for business and business applications.
Price and availability
Sonos Era 100 Pro is here is offered for pre-order and can begin shipping on January 28, 2025. Price to be determined (skilled installation required).
