The Sonos system for passive speakers
Sonos Amp is a stereo amplifier delivering 125 watts per channel into 8 ohms with built-in streaming, an RCA line input, HDMI ARC, a subwoofer output, dual Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2.
Amp brings network music and Sonos multi-room to a pair of passive speakers: traditional, in-wall or in-ceiling, or outdoor. In a single unit it combines streaming, amplification and inputs for traditional sources, including the TV. Its format, just over 21 centimetres per side, is also designed for rack installation.
Key features
- 125 watts per channel into 8 ohms
- Stereo or dual mono output
- Analogue RCA line input
- HDMI ARC for the TV
- RCA subwoofer output with crossover adjustable from 50 to 110 Hz
- Dual 10/100 Ethernet ports and Wi-Fi on 2.4 GHz
- Apple AirPlay 2 and touch controls
- Speaker terminals with banana plugs included
Power and speakers
The 125 watts per channel make it possible to drive outdoor speakers as well, and to keep the sound clean at high volume. The output can be set to stereo or dual mono. The terminals accept the threaded banana plugs supplied by Sonos, which can be replaced with standard-diameter plugs. A dedicated RCA subwoofer output, with automatic detection, has a crossover frequency adjustable between 50 and 110 Hz.
Sources
The RCA input accepts a turntable, a CD player or another source, which can then be heard on the other Sonos speakers in the home as well. From the network, Amp plays streaming services and receives AirPlay 2. Bass and treble can be adjusted in the Sonos app.
With the TV
The HDMI ARC port connects Amp to the TV for listening to films, series and video games in stereo; if the TV only has an optical output, the Sonos optical adapter is used. Amp accepts stereo PCM, Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround. Adding a pair of Sonos speakers wirelessly as rear channels creates a surround system.
Installation
The cabinet is rack compatible and has a heat sink designed to help airflow. The two Ethernet ports allow a wired connection; over Wi-Fi, Amp works on 2.4 GHz. Trueplay tuning is available with speakers from the Sonos Architectural by Sonance range, using a compatible iOS device. Voice control is obtained by adding a Sonos speaker with microphones to the system.
Included accessories
Amp comes with a 2 metre power cable and a pair of Sonos banana plugs. Speakers, speaker cables and the optical adapter are sold separately.
