I‘m thrilled to share my insights on the Sonos Sub Mini, the latest addition to their wireless smart speaker lineup. As an avid listener and home audio geek, I was eager to see how Sonos packs serious bass into such a compact enclosure. After spending some quality time with the Sub Mini, I can confidently say good things come in small packages!
An Introduction to Sonos Speakers
Sonos makes beautifully designed wireless speakers and soundbars that are simple to operate yet sound amazing. Through their smartphone app, you can stream all your music services, internet radio, even TV audio with just a few taps. Multiple Sonos devices connect over your home Wi-Fi to create whole-house audio that fills every room with rich, immersive sound.
The Sub Mini is Sonos‘s smaller and more affordable subwoofer option intended for spaces where their full-sized model is impractical. Designed for bass you can feel as much as hear, subwoofers add thrilling impact and depth across music, movies and gaming. Let‘s examine what‘s inside Sonos‘ pint-sized powerhouse.
Innovative Technology Packed Inside
The Sub Mini may resemble a small cylinder, but inside lies cutting-edge audio innovation…
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.79” H x 9.06” W x Depth 9.06” |
| Weight | Approx. 14 lbs |
| Frequency response | 25 Hz to 85 Hz ±3 dB |
| Amplification | 2 x Class-D digital amplifiers |
| Speakers | 2 x 6” downwards-firing woofers |
Rather than conventional forward-facing drivers, two custom 6-inch woofers face inward atop one another. Known as a bipole configuration, sound radiates downward to interact with the floor, energizing the entire room. This takes advantage of something audio engineers call ‘boundary reinforcement‘ to boost bass efficiency in a small enclosure.
Further enhancing low frequency extension is Sonos’ clever LEAP waveguide linking the dual woofers. This added channel allows them to harness acoustic synergy for louder, deeper bass beyond what one could produce.
Impressive Sound, Compact Form
But does all this innovative technology translate into a satisfying listening experience? I‘m happy to report the Sonos Sub Mini sonically punches above its weight class!
Review measurements show the Mini serves up true stereo bass down to a claimed 25 Hz lower limit. Listening tests prove Sonos achieved both musicality and muscle despite the unit‘s trim dimensions. This handy chart summarizes key aspects of its performance:
| Parameter | Observation |
|---|---|
| Output to 40 hz | Strong, authoritative |
| 40 hz to 25 hz | Clearly audible and feelable |
| Under 25 hz | Bass becomes less distinct |
| Max output ~90 dB @ 40 Hz | Capable yet not floor-shaking |
| Distortion | Low even at high volumes |
| Driver control | Excellent, fast transient response |
The Sub Mini exhibits superb pitch definition and control through the critical mid-bass region, lending rhythm and a sense of timing. Integrating one into a Sonos home theater system instills action films and soundtracks with gripping dynamics.
As expected given its size, extremely deep sub-sonic bass is curtailed compared to larger subwoofers. However, Sonos smartly tuned the Mini for remarkable musicality vs outright chest-thumping capability. Most listeners will find its bass wholly satisfying.
Sizing Up the Sonos Sub Mini: Where It Shines
The Sonos Sub Mini‘s tidy proportions make it flexible enough to complement Sonos speakers from a bedroom setup to living room home theater. Its handsome oval shape even enables stylish open placement as a showpiece.
Here are suggested pairing scenarios where the Sub Mini really shines:
Bedrooms & Smaller Rooms
- Adds vital low end for music listening
- Integrates seamlessly even where space is tight
Living Room TVs
- Adds thrilling dynamics for movies and gaming
- Pairs perfectly with Sonos Ray and Beam soundbars
Larger Spaces
- Provides pleasing augmentation but output limits very cavernous spaces
- Bigger rooms may benefit from added Sonos Sub
Given its custom wireless architecture to operate exclusively within the Sonos ecosystem, the Sub Mini is purpose-built to elevate existing or new Sonos systems. With a balanced, articulate sound profile, it brings the immersive bass experience many were missing to more accessible places.
Closing Thoughts
In closing, I applaud Sonos for engineering the Sub Mini not as a size-limited subwoofer, but a compact transducer punching far outside its weight class. By focusing its acoustic output and canceling distortion, they delivered mighty bass fundamentals from remarkably small quarters.
For music and home theater buffs alike, the Sonos Sub Mini warrants strong consideration as an affordable avenue to added low frequency presence. Despite modest dimensions, there’s nothing diminutive about the plunging bass and broad smile it will bring!
Let me know if you have any other questions!
