Sonos Ray - Compact Soundbar for TV and Music - Black
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AI Verdict
This is a compact soundbar for drastically improving TV dialogue in small rooms, especially for people already in the Sonos ecosystem.
The Ray is a fantastic fit if your primary goal is boosting dialogue clarity for a TV in a small space. Its reliance on an optical connection is a significant drawback compared to modern soundbars, potentially complicating remote control setup. It's an entry point to the Sonos ecosystem, not a powerhouse home theater solution.
If you want simpler, one-remote operation and support for modern audio formats, look for a soundbar with an HDMI eARC port.
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Pros
- Speech Enhancement feature makes dialogue exceptionally clear.
- Extremely compact and tapered design fits in tight spaces like media cabinets.
- Setup through the Sonos S2 app is famously simple and takes minutes.
- Integrates with Wi-Fi for music streaming via AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect.
- Can be expanded with Sonos surround speakers and a subwoofer later on.
Cons
- Optical-only connection; no HDMI ARC/eARC for modern features or simpler control.
- Lacks Dolby Atmos support, offering only basic stereo and Dolby Digital 5.1.
- No Bluetooth for quick, universal wireless streaming.
- Bass is present but lacks the deep rumble needed for impactful movie scenes.
Dimension Scores
Dialogue clarity is excellent thanks to Speech Enhancement, but the overall soundstage is not as immersive as more expensive bars.
Bass is controlled but light, and while it gets loud enough for small rooms, it won't fill a large space with powerful sound.
Wi-Fi streaming is a plus, but the lack of both HDMI ARC and Bluetooth is a major limitation for a modern soundbar.
The build quality is solid and the compact, tapered design makes it easy to place in or on almost any media console.
Best For
- Bedroom TVs where dialogue clarity at low volumes is key.
- Small apartment living rooms with limited space for audio equipment.
- Upgrading the built-in speakers of a secondary TV (32-50 inches).
- Use as a high-quality PC speaker if your computer has an optical output.
Not Recommended For
- Home theater enthusiasts who want immersive Dolby Atmos sound.
- Users whose TVs lack an optical audio output port.
- Anyone who needs a simple soundbar with Bluetooth connectivity.
Watch Out For
- The lack of an HDMI ARC port means your TV remote might not control the volume; it only works with IR remotes and requires setup in the app.
- You must use the Sonos S2 app for setup; you can't just plug it in and have it work.
- Some users report the optical connection can be finicky, with the app sometimes failing to detect a signal from the TV or PC.
- Adding a subwoofer for better bass is a very expensive upgrade, with the Sonos Sub Mini costing more than the Ray itself.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 840136802846 |
| ASIN | B0B2KQFTG9 |
| Brand | Sonos |
| Color | Black |
| Shape | Rectangular Prism |
| Style | Soundbar Only |
| Material | Polycarbonate (PC) |
| Batteries | 1 12V batteries required. |
| Model Name | Sonos Ray |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Item Weight | 4.3 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Sonos |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Speaker Size | 22 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 |
| Tweeter Diameter | 2.76 Inches |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Audio Output Mode | Stereo |
| Item model number | RAYG1US1BLK |
| Compatible Devices | Television |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz |
| Product Dimensions | 3.74"D x 22"W x 2.79"H |
| Included Components | Optical Cable, Power Cable, Sonos Ray - Black |
| Number of Batteries | 1 12V batteries required. |
| Customer Package Type | Standard Packaging |
| Number of Power Levels | 1 |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Connectivity Technology | Ethernet, Optical, Wi-Fi |
| Recommended Uses For Product | For Surround Sound Systems |
| Speaker Maximum Output Power | 10 Watts |
| Subwoofer Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Airplay, NFC, Wi-Fi |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00840136802846 |
| Surround Sound Channel Configuration | 2.0 |
What Buyers Say
The most noticeable thing about the Ray is how much it punches up dialogue; voices are crisp and easy to understand, even at low volumes, which is a massive upgrade from tinny TV speakers. The Sonos app makes setup a breeze, but the decision to go with only an optical connection is the product's biggest weakness. Many users struggle to get their TV remotes to control the volume, a problem solved by the HDMI connection on pricier soundbars. While it's great for music streaming over Wi-Fi, don't expect it to shake the room with movie explosions—the bass is tight but not deep. It's a perfect fit for a bedroom or if you're already bought into the Sonos ecosystem, but feels dated for a main living room setup.
“finally i can hear what they're saying in movies without subtitles but the optical cable thing is a pain and my samsung remote refused to control the volume for like an hour.”
Common Praise
- The 'Speech Enhancement' feature is fantastic and makes voices incredibly clear.
- Setup using the Sonos app is foolproof and takes just a few minutes.
- Its compact size is perfect for smaller TVs or placing inside a media cabinet.
- Music playback over Wi-Fi is well-balanced and sounds better than many competitors in this price range.
- The 'Night Sound' mode effectively balances audio so you don't disturb others.
Common Complaints
- No HDMI ARC port causes headaches with TV remote compatibility.
- Bass is underwhelming for action movies; it lacks deep rumble.
- The Sonos app can be buggy, with some users reporting the Ray disappears from their system or won't register.
- No Dolby Atmos support feels like a missed opportunity, even at this price.
- The optical input can sometimes fail to be detected, requiring troubleshooting within the app.
Ownership Tips
- You'll end up using the 'Speech Enhancement' and 'Night Sound' features in the app way more than you think.
- The lack of a front display means you're guessing the volume level unless you open the app.
- After a software update, some users reported their optical connection stopped working temporarily, requiring a fix within the app or a full reset.
- The forward-firing speakers mean you can actually stuff it inside a TV cabinet shelf without muffling the sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Sonos Ray have an HDMI port?
No, it does not. It connects to your TV exclusively using an optical audio cable, which is included.
Can I control the Sonos Ray with my TV remote?
Yes, but it requires your TV remote to use IR (infrared). You have to configure this within the Sonos app, and it may not work with all TV models, especially those with Bluetooth-only remotes.
Does the Sonos Ray have Bluetooth?
No, it does not have Bluetooth. All music streaming is done over Wi-Fi via the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, or Spotify Connect.
Is the bass any good for movies?
It's a definite improvement over TV speakers, but it lacks deep, room-filling bass for explosions and action scenes. For significant bass performance, you need to add a separate Sonos Sub.
Does it support Dolby Atmos?
No, the Sonos Ray does not support Dolby Atmos. It supports Stereo PCM, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS Digital Surround.
Can I use the Sonos Ray as a computer speaker?
Yes, many users report it works great as a PC speaker, provided your computer or motherboard has an optical audio output.
Do I need the Sonos app to use the Ray?
Yes, the Sonos S2 app is required for the initial setup, connecting to Wi-Fi, and accessing features like Speech Enhancement and Trueplay tuning.
Buying Guide
Before you even think about buying, look at the back of your TV. You MUST have a D-shaped port labeled 'Optical Audio Out' for the Ray to work. This is not an HDMI soundbar, so it won't be a simple plug-and-play with your TV remote for volume control; you'll have to program your IR remote through the Sonos app, which can be hit-or-miss. Think of this as a smart speaker for your TV, not a traditional home theater component.
Connectivity: Optical, Wi-Fi
Optical is the physical wire that carries sound from your TV. Wi-Fi is how the Ray connects to the internet and your phone, letting you stream music and link it to other Sonos speakers around the house.
Audio Mode: Stereo
This means it has a left and a right channel. It creates a soundstage that's much wider and clearer than your TV's speakers, but it won't give you true surround sound with audio coming from behind you.
No HDMI ARC
HDMI ARC is the standard connection on modern soundbars that lets your TV remote control the soundbar's power and volume automatically. Because the Ray doesn't have it, you have to rely on a more manual (and sometimes frustrating) setup process.
Alternatives
If this soundbar's connectivity seems too limited, look for alternatives that specifically mention 'HDMI eARC' for the simplest setup and 'Dolby Atmos' for more immersive, three-dimensional sound.
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