If you’re an audio enthusiast, you understand the importance of having a powerful subwoofer in your home sound setup. A subwoofer adds depth and richness to the audio experience, making it more immersive and captivating. Sonos recognized this need and delivered the Gen 1 Subwoofer, a game-changer in the audio industry. Fast forward to today, and the Gen 3 Subwoofer is here to redefine the rules of sonic excellence. In this article, we will compare the features of Sonos Subwoofer Gen 1 and Gen 3 to help you make an informed decision.
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Breaking Down the Differences- Subwoofer Gen 1 Vs Gen 3
When discussing Gen 1 vs. Gen 3 and their respective power plays, it’s important to recognize several factors. On one hand, the amount of experience and knowledge held by Gen 1 entities can provide more significant influence than those present in later generations. On the other hand, changes in technology and communication have enabled Gen 3 entities to leverage powerful information sources that weren’t available during previous periods.
Experience the Earth-Shaking Bass
Gen 1 Subwoofer packed a punch with 25% more power than you’d find in the average subwoofer. But the Gen 3 takes it up a notch with a jaw-dropping 50% more power! Imagine feeling the rumble of every explosion, the subtle hum of your favorite songs, and the roar of engines in your video games – that’s what the Gen 3 promises.
Smart Sound: Gen 1 – Not Compatible vs. Gen 3 – Intelligent
One of the most exciting features of the Gen 3 Subwoofer is its intelligent sound calibration. It automatically tunes itself to the room’s acoustics, ensuring you get the best audio experience no matter where you place it. Unfortunately, the Gen 1 Subwoofer doesn’t come with this groundbreaking feature.
Elegance in Design: Gen 1 – Aesthetic Appeal vs. Gen 3 – Sleek Sophistication
The first noticeable difference between the two subwoofers is their design. The Sonos Subwoofer Gen 1 has a rectangular shape with dimensions of 15.8 x 6.2 x 15 inches, while the Gen 3 has a more square-shaped design with 15.3 x 15.8 x 6.2 inches.
Apart from the difference in shape, the Gen 3 comes in two additional color options, black and white and the classic Sonos black. It gives users more flexibility to match their decor.
Endless Compatibility: Gen 1 – Limited vs. Gen 3 – Versatile
The Sonos Subwoofer Gen 1 is compatible with all Sonos amplified components, including Sonos One, Play:1, Play:3, Play:5, and Connect: Amp. On the other hand, the Gen 3 is only compatible with newer Sonos speakers with the necessary software updates.
It may be a significant factor for those who have older Sonos speakers and are considering upgrading to the Gen 3 subwoofer.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, both subwoofers deliver excellent bass performance. However, the Gen 3 boasts an improved low-frequency response and a higher volume than its predecessor.
It is achieved through an updated driver with an increased excursion, allowing the subwoofer to produce more powerful and deeper bass. The Gen 3 also has a new digital amplifier that delivers more transparent sound with less distortion.
Connectivity
Both subwoofers offer easy connectivity options, but they have slight differences. The Sonos Subwoofer Gen 1 has a single Ethernet port, while the Gen 3 has two.
This additional port allows for more flexible placement options and an alternative connection method if one is not working.
Why You Need the Gen 3
Elevate Your Music Experience
Sonos has always been synonymous with high-quality audio, and the Gen 3 Subwoofer takes this to the next level. Whether listening to your favorite tunes or discovering new artists, the enhanced bass and sound calibration ensure a concert-like experience in your living room.
Immersive Movie Nights
Are you tired of weak and underwhelming movie audio? The Gen 3 Subwoofer will make you feel like you’re in the middle of the action. Explosions will reverberate through your body, dialogue will be crystal clear, and suspenseful moments will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Gaming Thrills
Gamers, get ready for a whole new level of excitement. The Gen 3 Subwoofer adds depth to your gaming world. You’ll be able to hear the footsteps of your enemies, the revving of your virtual car’s engine, and the immersive ambiance of your game’s universe. It’s a game-changer in the gaming world.
Price
As expected, the newer generation of Sonos Subwoofer comes with a higher price tag. The Gen 1 retails for around $600, while the Gen 3 is priced at $699.
While the price difference may not be significant to some, it’s worth considering if you are on a budget or looking for a more cost-effective option.
User Satisfaction
What matters most is user satisfaction with their purchase. Sonos Subwoofer Gen 1 and Gen 3 have received positive reviews from users, with many praising the sound quality and ease of use.
However, some users have reported connectivity issues with the Gen 1 subwoofer, while others have expressed disappointment in the higher price of the Gen 3.
Related: Skar VS JL Audio Subwoofer
FAQs:
How do I know if my Sonos sub is Gen 1 or Gen 2?
The first way to know if your Sonos Sub is Gen 1 or Gen 2 is by looking at its design. A Gen 1 Sub has a white wrap-around grille, while a Gen 2 has an anodized aluminum black finish with perforated metal on top. A Gen 2 will also feature two ports on its rear, while Gen 1 only features one.
If you need to know which generation your sub is, there are other ways to tell them apart. The best way is by connecting it to the Sonos app and then going into Settings > System > About My Sonos System, where it will be labeled as either Generation One or Two underneath the sub’s name in parentheses (). This same information can also be found using voice commands when connected with Alexa or Google Home devices: ask, “Alexa (or Google), what generation is my Sonos sub?”
Can you mix Sonos Gen 1 and Gen 2?
Yes, you can mix Sonos Gen 1 and Gen 2 devices. But it is essential to understand their differences before deciding as it will help you decide which works better for your needs.
Sonos Gen 1 speakers are the oldest version of their speakers, released in 2006. They offer basic audio streaming capabilities, including AirPlay, and other general wireless audio streaming abilities, such as playing music from Napster or Pandora Radio on iOS devices. The speaker supports a dual-band WiFi connection and has a built-in amplifier but requires an additional subwoofer for deep bass sounds.
Conclusion
Both Sonos Subwoofer Gen 1 and Gen 3 have their strengths and weaknesses. The Gen 3 offers improved sound quality, design options, and additional connectivity, but at a higher cost.
If you already own Sonos speakers compatible with the Gen 3 subwoofer and want to upgrade bass performance, it may be worth investing in the latest generation. However, if you are satisfied with the sound quality of your current setup and don’t want to spend extra, the Gen 1 subwoofer may be suitable for you.
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Author, Subwoofer Gen 1 vs Gen 3 Posted: Jan 10, 2020
