Sonos Ray - White - Compact Soundbar
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AI Verdict
This is a compact, Wi-Fi-enabled soundbar for significantly improving TV dialogue clarity in smaller rooms or for use as a high-quality PC speaker.
The Ray is a strong fit if your main goal is boosting dialogue clarity on a secondary TV or getting a great PC speaker that ties into the Sonos ecosystem. Its reliance on an optical-only connection and lack of Dolby Atmos make it a weak fit for a primary home theater setup where immersive sound is the priority.
If you need more immersive sound and modern connectivity, look for a soundbar with an HDMI eARC port and Dolby Atmos support.
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Pros
- Dialogue is exceptionally clear thanks to specific tuning and a Speech Enhancement feature.
- Surprisingly wide soundstage for its compact size, making it sound larger than it is.
- Integrates seamlessly into the Sonos multi-room audio ecosystem via Wi-Fi.
- Setup is simple with just two cables and the Sonos app.
- All speakers are forward-facing, allowing it to be placed inside a media cabinet without muffling the sound.
- Features Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect for easy music streaming.
Cons
- Lacks an HDMI ARC/eARC port, relying solely on an optical connection.
- Does not support Dolby Atmos or Dolby Digital Plus audio formats.
- Bass is present but lacks the deep rumble needed for impactful movie scenes.
- No built-in microphone for voice assistant commands.
Dimension Scores
Dialogue clarity is excellent and music is well-balanced, but the soundstage isn't as immersive as larger bars.
Volume is sufficient for small-to-medium rooms, but the bass lacks deep, cinematic rumble without adding a separate sub.
The lack of an HDMI ARC port is a major limitation; it relies solely on optical and Ethernet for wired connections.
It's very compact and lightweight (4.3 pounds), making it easy to place under a monitor or small TV.
Best For
- Bedrooms or dens with smaller TVs (around 24 to 50 inches).
- Upgrading dialogue clarity for TV shows and news over built-in TV speakers.
- Use as a premium under-monitor PC speaker for gaming and music.
- Expanding an existing Sonos multi-room audio setup into another room.
Not Recommended For
- Main living rooms focused on cinematic, rumbling movie experiences.
- Users who want the latest audio formats like Dolby Atmos.
- Setups that require HDMI connectivity for features like CEC volume control with any TV remote.
Watch Out For
- No HDMI ARC means your TV remote might not control the volume if it's RF or Bluetooth-only, not IR.
- Some users report the optical connection can be finicky, occasionally dropping or not being detected by the app after software updates.
- The Sonos app is required for setup and advanced features, and some users have experienced setup or registration issues.
- Adding a Sonos Sub to improve bass performance is very expensive, costing significantly more than the Ray itself.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 840136802839 |
| ASIN | B0B2KPPQK1 |
| Brand | Sonos |
| Color | White |
| Shape | Rectangular Prism |
| Style | Soundbar Only |
| Material | Polycarbonate (PC) |
| Batteries | 1 12V batteries required. |
| Model Name | Sonos Ray - White |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Item Weight | 4.3 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Sonos |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Speaker Size | 5.08 Inches |
| Speaker Type | Soundbar |
| Is Waterproof | FALSE |
| Mounting Type | Shelf Mount |
| Warranty Type | Limited |
| Control Method | App, Remote |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Dolby Enabled, Multi Room Audio |
| Woofer Diameter | 5.08 Centimeters |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Audio Output Mode | Surround |
| Item model number | RAYG1US1 |
| Compatible Devices | Television |
| Product Dimensions | 3.74"D x 22"W x 2.79"H |
| Included Components | Optical Cable, Power Cable, Sonos Ray - White |
| Number of Batteries | 1 12V batteries required. |
| Customer Package Type | FFP |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Connectivity Technology | Ethernet, Optical, Wi-Fi |
| Recommended Uses For Product | For Surround Sound Systems |
| Speaker Maximum Output Power | 50 Watts |
| Subwoofer Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Airplay, NFC, Wi-Fi |
| Surround Sound Channel Configuration | 2.0 |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising thing about the Sonos Ray is how much it prioritizes crystal-clear dialogue above all else. It makes voices in TV shows and movies incredibly easy to understand, a massive step up from any built-in TV speakers. Many owners use it as a high-end speaker for their PC setup, where its compact size fits perfectly under a monitor. The biggest sticking point for everyone is the lack of an HDMI port, which feels like a strange omission and can cause headaches with controlling volume via some TV remotes. While it won't shake the room with bass during action movies, its performance with music is impressively full and balanced for its size.
“i was SO sick of not being able to hear what anyone was saying in movies and this fixed it instantly, but the fact it has no hdmi and i have to use my phone to change the volume sometimes is just annoying.”
Common Praise
- The Speech Enhancement feature in the app makes dialogue exceptionally crisp and clear.
- It's a perfect fit for a secondary TV in a bedroom or office.
- Music sounds fantastic, with a balanced profile and surprising fullness.
- Setup through the Sonos app is incredibly simple and fast.
- Its compact, tapered design allows it to fit in tight spaces like media shelves or under monitors.
- Great entry point into the Sonos ecosystem for multi-room audio.
Common Complaints
- The optical-only connection is a huge drawback; no HDMI ARC is a dealbreaker for some.
- Bass is noticeably weak for action movies and certain music genres.
- Can't be controlled by newer TV remotes that only use Bluetooth or RF instead of IR.
- Some users experience frustrating software bugs where the app loses connection to the speaker or has trouble with setup.
- It's expensive for a soundbar that lacks HDMI, Dolby Atmos, and a built-in voice assistant.
Ownership Tips
- After a few weeks, you really appreciate the 'Night Sound' feature, which quiets loud explosions so you don't wake up the house.
- You might find yourself using it more for streaming music via AirPlay 2 or Spotify Connect than for the TV itself because it sounds so good.
- Recent Sonos app updates have caused some headaches for users, with the speaker randomly disappearing from the system or refusing to connect.
- The lack of HDMI means you can't get higher quality sound formats like Dolby Digital Plus, which you start to notice if you're used to it.
- You'll eventually be tempted to add surround speakers or a Sub Mini, which quickly turns this 'budget' soundbar into an expensive system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Sonos Ray have an HDMI port?
No, the Sonos Ray does not have an HDMI port. It connects to your TV exclusively via an optical audio cable.
Can I use my TV remote to control the Sonos Ray's volume?
Yes, you can sync your TV's IR remote with the Ray during setup in the Sonos app. However, it may not work with Bluetooth or RF-only remotes, which is a common issue.
Is the Sonos Ray good for music?
Yes, users find it's well-balanced and great for music, especially for its size. It supports streaming via the Sonos app, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect.
Does the Sonos Ray support Dolby Atmos?
No, it does not support Dolby Atmos. It can process Stereo PCM, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS Digital Surround formats.
Can I use the Sonos Ray as a computer speaker?
Yes, many users are happy using it as a PC speaker, provided your computer has an optical audio output. Some users have reported connection drops with certain PC setups.
Do I need a subwoofer with the Sonos Ray?
You don't need one, but the bass is limited. While you can add a Sonos Sub or Sub Mini for more low-end punch, they are sold separately at a high cost.
Does the Sonos Ray have Bluetooth?
No, the Sonos Ray does not have Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming. It uses Wi-Fi for connecting to the Sonos ecosystem, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect.
Buying Guide
Think of the Ray as a 'dialogue booster' and a great Sonos music speaker first, and a home theater soundbar second. Your number one consideration should be its connection type. It ONLY has an optical port. Before you buy, you must check that your TV or PC has an optical audio output. Also, figure out if your TV remote is IR (infrared) or something else like Bluetooth, because if it's not IR, you'll be stuck using your phone to change the volume.
Connectivity: Optical-only
This is the most important limitation. Optical is an older standard that works fine for clear stereo and basic surround sound, but it doesn't have the bandwidth for modern formats like Dolby Atmos. It also can't pass control signals like HDMI ARC can, which is why your TV remote might not work for volume.
Speaker Type: Forward-firing
All the speakers point directly at you. This is different from soundbars with side-firing or up-firing drivers for Atmos. The benefit is you can shove the Ray into a TV stand cubby and it won't sound muffled, which is a huge plus for tight spaces.
Audio Modes: Speech Enhancement & Night Sound
These are software tricks that actually work. 'Speech Enhancement' is like turning up a hearing aid just for voices, making them pop. 'Night Sound' squashes the difference between the loudest and quietest sounds, so a sudden explosion won't be dramatically louder than dialogue.
Alternatives
If this isn't for you, look for soundbars that explicitly mention 'HDMI eARC' for the best compatibility and sound formats. If you want a more cinematic experience out of the box, search for soundbar systems that come 'with a wireless subwoofer' included.
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