The Sonos Era 100 is a compact smart speaker designed to deliver room-filling sound, offering a blend of versatile connectivity, intuitive control, and advanced audio tuning features. It is suitable for various placements, including bookshelves, kitchen counters, nightstands, or mounted on a wall or stand.
Function Description:
The Era 100 serves as a standalone smart speaker, capable of playing audio via WiFi, Bluetooth®, or a USB-C line-in connection. It can be controlled through the Sonos app, voice commands, or its integrated touch controls. For an enhanced audio experience, two Era 100 speakers can be paired to create a wider stereo soundstage. Additionally, two Era 100s can function as rear surrounds when used with compatible Sonos soundbars, creating an immersive home theater experience. The speaker features Trueplay™ tuning, which measures how sound reflects off surfaces in a room and fine-tunes the audio to ensure optimal sound quality regardless of placement. Voice services, including Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa, are integrated, allowing for hands-free control of the Sonos system and content playback. Siri is also supported for AirPlay2-compatible Sonos speakers through the Apple Home app.
Important Technical Specifications:
Audio:
- Amplifier: Three Class-D digital amplifiers.
- Tweeter: Two angled tweeters for crisp, accurate high-frequency response and a separated sense of right and left.
- Woofer: One mid-woofer for faithful playback of mid-range vocal frequencies and deep, rich bass.
- Microphones: Far-field microphone array. All microphones, including those for voice control, can be turned off using a physical switch on the back of the speaker.
Power / Connectivity:
- Power Supply: Auto-switching 100 - 240V ~ 50-60 Hz 1A AC universal input.
- WiFi: Connects to WiFi with any 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2.4/5 GHz broadcast-capable router using Sonos S2.
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0 supports audio streaming from any Bluetooth-enabled device. A dedicated Bluetooth button is used for pairing.
- USB-C Port: One USB-C port designed for line-in and Ethernet connections using the Sonos Line-In Adapter or Combo Adapter (sold separately). It is not a power source for charging other devices.
- Ethernet: Connects Era 100 directly to a router for wired connectivity (useful if WiFi is unstable) via the Sonos Combo Adapter and an Ethernet cable.
- Line-in: Connects devices like turntables, CD players, or other audio sources via the Sonos Line-In Adapter or Combo Adapter and a 3.5 mm audio line-in connection.
- CPU: Quad Core, 1.4 GHz A-55.
- Memory: 1GB SDRAM, 8GB NV.
- Sonos S2: Set up and control with the latest generation of the Sonos app.
- Apple AirPlay 2: Works with AirPlay 2 on Apple devices running iOS 11.4 and higher.
Details / Dimensions:
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 7.18 x 4.72 x 5.13 inches / 182.5 x 120 x 130.5 mm.
- Weight: 4.85 lb / 2.2 kg.
- Operating Temperature: 32° to 104° F / 0° to 40° C.
- Storage Temperature: -4° to 158° F / -20° to 70° C.
- Humidity-resistant: Designed to withstand high humidity, suitable for bathrooms with running showers (not waterproof or water-resistant).
- Product Finish: Available in white with a white grille or black with a black grille.
- Package Contents: Sonos Era 100, 6 ft (2 m) power cable, Quickstart Guide.
Usage Features:
Control and Lights:
- Volume Control: Slide right or tap '+' for volume up; slide left or tap '-' for volume down. Press and hold '+' or '-' to quickly change volume while music is playing.
- Play/Pause: Press once to play or pause audio. Press and hold to add the music playing in another room.
- Next/Previous: Press '>' to skip to the next song; press '<' to go to the previous song. Note: Skipping is not available when listening to a radio station.
- Voice Services On/Off: Press the microphone icon on top of the speaker to turn voice services on or off. When the indicator light is on, voice control is available (provided the microphone switch on the back is also on). When the indicator light is off, voice control is off.
- Status Light: Displays WiFi connection, indicates muted volume, and signals errors. Can be turned off in Settings if distracting.
- Touch Controls: Can be disabled to prevent accidental adjustments.
Connector Panel:
- Bluetooth Button: Press and hold to pair a new device; press once to reconnect.
- USB-C Port: As described in technical specifications, for line-in and Ethernet.
- Universal Microphone Switch: A physical switch on the back to toggle all product microphones on or off. When off, microphone-enabled features like Trueplay quick tuning and voice services are unavailable. When on, these features are available (voice services also require the voice services indicator light on top to be on).
Location Selection:
The Era 100 can be placed almost anywhere. For optimal performance, leave at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space around the back of the speaker if placed next to a wall or on a shelf. If used as surrounds, allow at least 8 inches (203 mm) clearance around each speaker.
Bluetooth Pairing:
- Turn Bluetooth on in your device settings.
- Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the back of the speaker until a tone is heard; the status light will blink blue.
- Select "Sonos Era 100" from available devices.
Line-in Usage:
Connect an audio device to the USB-C port using a Sonos Line-In Adapter or Combo Adapter. In the Sonos app, go to > Line-In to select the source and start playback. Line-in settings can be adjusted, including Source name, Source level, Audio Delay (to reduce audio issues with grouped speakers), and Autoplay (to start playing line-in audio automatically).
Trueplay™ Tuning:
- Advanced Tuning: Custom and precise, takes about 5 minutes, uses an iOS device's microphone (iOS 8 or later) to fine-tune sound by moving around the room. Recommended for large rooms.
- Quick Tuning: Fast, effortless, and accessible, takes about a minute, uses the Sonos product's microphone to detect the environment without requiring movement. Suitable for smaller rooms or spaces where movement is difficult. Available for both iOS and Android.
- Auto Trueplay: Portable Sonos products (like Roam and Move) can tune themselves automatically using their microphones to make periodic adjustments.
Set Up Stereo Pair:
Pair two identical Sonos speakers in the same room for a wider stereo experience. Place speakers 8 to 10 feet apart, with the listening position 8 to 12 feet from the paired speakers. Configure via > System in the Sonos app.
Set Up Surrounds:
Turn two identical Sonos speakers (or a Sonos Amp with non-Sonos speakers) into separate right and left channels for a home theater. Place each surround speaker about 10 feet from the listening position, angled toward the seating area. Configure via > System in the Sonos app. Surround audio settings are adjustable for Surrounds (On/Off), TV Level, Music Level, and Music Playback (Ambient/Full).
Product Settings (via Sonos app):
- Room Name: Change the speaker's name.
- Turn off WiFi: Not available for Era 100 or Era 300 (WiFi is turned off automatically when a Sonos Combo Adapter is used with an Ethernet cable). For other products like Amp and Port, turning off WiFi can reduce internal temperature.
- EQ: Adjust sound settings (bass, treble, loudness).
- Trueplay: Access Trueplay tuning options.
- Volume Limit: Set a maximum volume for each room.
- Status Light: Turn the status light off.
- Touch Controls: Disable touch controls.
- Battery Saver: (For portable products only) Set the speaker to power off automatically to save battery life.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning: Clean only with a dry soft cloth. Avoid household cleaners or solvents as they can damage the finish.
- No User-Serviceable Parts: The product does not have user-serviceable parts. Do not open, disassemble, or attempt to repair it. Refer all servicing to Sonos qualified service personnel.
- Power Cable Protection: Protect the power cable from being walked on or pinched.
- Ventilation: Do not block any ventilation openings.
- Environmental Protection: Do not use near water, install near heat sources, or expose to rain or moisture. Do not expose to dripping or splashing liquids, and do not place objects filled with liquids on the apparatus.
Accessories:
Sonos offers custom-designed stands and wall mounts for the Era 100.
- Era 100 Stand: Holds the speaker securely, fixed height optimal for home theater surrounds, easy assembly, and a channel in the pole to hide the power cable. Requires a Phillips-head screwdriver for assembly.
- Era 100 Wall Mount: Easy to install, supports speaker weight, allows access to ports/buttons/controls, and routes the cable cleanly. Designed for vertical orientation. Requires a pencil, level, and Phillips-head screwdriver for installation.