After 19 years of waiting, SONOS offers (finally) the Hybrid MOVE and ROAM!

NO 21-04

Not a day went by without our customers asking us if SONOS would offer a wireless outdoor speaker. Year after year, we had to answer in the negative...

Sonos did offer indoor wireless solutions as well as a home theater package, but outdoor was an absolute miss!

All of that is in the past as gradually new solutions have come forward. First, in 2018, Sonos partnered with "Sonance" to offer high-end outdoor speakers to be used with their "AMP" series distribution amplifier. (I'll get back to you on Sonance in an article on outdoor solutions). However, the real news was the arrival of the "MOVE" in 2019 and now in 2021 the fantastic and very affordable "ROAM"!

What is SONOS?

A: Founded in 2002, Sonos was established by former Apple executives in the United States. The need that the company decided to focus on, was to democratize and even facilitate the installation of an audio system worthy of the new era called "Home Automation". Some companies such as "Control 4" to name but one, offered more expensive solutions and required the work of a contractor in the equation. The other problem was the immobility of the sound systems of the time. They were big and bulky and required a lot of interconnections. In short, people were tired of the clutter and wires, hoping for the day when a wireless system would come along, without the multitude of devices such as radio tuners, cassette players, record players, etc.

Sonos Stereo System with Ultra Bass Wireless Subwoofer

Sonos offers a variety of wireless speakers with Wi-Fi connectivity that allow you to play music recorded on your portable devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers in the Android, IOS or Windows environment. In addition, Sonos offers access to millions of free music streams from the web.

Mission accomplished!

The big news of the year, and frankly the most revolutionary as of April 2021, is this new "ROAM" that will revolutionize the battery-powered standalone wireless market.

Sonos ROAM Available in Jet Black or Moon White.

ROAM: Basic characteristics vs. competitors:

• Battery operated for 10 hours on one charge.
• Uses Bluetooth transmission.
• Can be controlled remotely once switched on.
• Offers impressive sound volume.

Alone with his ROAM...

ROAM: What 's new in the field.

1. High-fidelity design.

Unlike its competition, the ROAM was designed with the goal of being able to blend in with the rest of the product line. Without being an audiophile product, Sonos products offer a performance that can be described as high-fidelity, especially in products introduced in the last 5 years. They use two speakers, one for low and medium frequency and one for high frequency. Many portable speakers use only one, and it's noticeable!

To ensure minimal distortion, two Class H digital amplifiers perfectly matched to the driver and the unique acoustic architecture of the speaker "push" the music in synergy with each other. There's research in there!

Lots of technology for $229!

2. Audio fidelity correction via TruePlay.

This is quite revolutionary for a "small" speaker: The incorporation of the computerized "Trueplay" system.

A neutrally calibrated microphone picks up the sounds in the room and the Trueplay software analyzes them. Depending on the environment, whether indoor or outdoor, a real-time correction is made to obtain the richest and purest sound possible. It's scientific and technological, it never fails...

TruePlay automatic calibration.

Since we already have a microphone to enable analysis, we might as well take advantage of it to add Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant voice control. Just ask to play music, check the news, control your smart home automation devices, etc. If you already own Sonos products, you'll be able to control them remotely now!

 4. Integrated Wi-Fi.

Unlike other similar products, the Roam offers both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and an app-based listening platform. This means that at home, you'll be listening to your music on your computer or streaming via the Sonos app. Plus, a new product feature allows you to switch the sound from your little speaker to your entire Sonos ecosystem throughout your home! Just WOW as I like to say 😉.

Transfers audio to other Sonos devices in the house.

5. Apple Ecosystem.

Not surprisingly, these Apple alumni are integrating Siri features with AirPlay 2. Use AirPlay 2 to stream audio directly from your iPhone, iPad or Mac to Roam and ask Siri to turn up the volume or skip a song.

Sonos and Apple, a family resemblance!

6. Optional induction charging base.

Modernism! Charge Roam wirelessly with a QI certified charger or the included cable. Charging will be quick with the custom wireless charger and magnetic for quick attachment. Plus it looks great! A "must have" at only $79

Sonos Integrated Wireless Charging $79

7. Long standby time.

 Contrary to what is currently done, Roam does not shut down, which does not allow it to be reactivated remotely. Roam can stay 1 week on standby. On request of your Smartphone, it will always be ready to resume work!

8. Stereophony

You can pair two of them together for an enveloping sound and since the Roam is only $229 each, we won't break the little piggy!

Stereo sound with 2 ROAMs Cost of operation: $458

9. Robustness and watertightness

It's not exclusive in this case, but with all the other 7 cutting edge features, it's a noteworthy product that I will definitely use! With IP67 rating, (Roam is drop resistant, waterproof and can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes)...

Music in the shower, and why not!

...All you have to do now is listen to it 😊

What about the MOVE?

As I mentioned above, people have always been looking for a versatile wireless solution to listen to their music on the go. There are Bluetooth-only speakers but the performance does not qualify as very high fidelity, sometimes powerful but limited in terms of audio accuracy.

Think of the "MOVE" as the big brother of the Roam.

The New MOVE Features:

First of all, it's a SONOS so you get impeccable build quality and near 100% reliability.

Right from the start, what is attractive is the possibility of listening to your music anywhere thanks to the autonomous battery power. Recharging is done without connection on a base included for this purpose.

All of the innovative features of the Roam are found in the Move, but with larger speakers for a sound comparable to that of a small stereo system. Whether indoors or outdoors, it will deliver powerful bass that is easily heard. For a night out on the patio, it doesn't get much better than this!

In terms of weather resistance, it is as capable as its little brother with one exception: it cannot fall under water. In addition, humidity, rain and dust as well as shocks will be absorbed without problems.

Wide sound for outdoor (and indoor) use

On-board technology: TruePlay by Apple is built-in and stereo is possible by adding a second device. Control your speaker by voice with Alexa or Google Assistant, in English, French, and... Quebec French! An example? Alexa "skips" this song! Definitely not international French!!!

Volume control and track selections are done by touching

Finally, the voice detection system is long range with noise cancellation, ensuring that your voice commands are understood even if the MOVE is playing loud music.

On the performance side: We won't be left wanting because the technical characteristics are generous. The system has 2 class D amplifiers, one for each bass and treble element. Speaking of the treble, the Tweeter points downwards to obtain a wider and more enveloping sound.

To ensure a state-of-the-art product, you'll benefit from continuous software updates to ensure that you have the same features as products sold in the future. The same goes for all Sonos products, and that's just the way it works. for life of the product...

Easy to carry MOVE

The good life!

Pleasure at all hours!

 RELAXATION !

The final word
SONOS has just hit a home run with the new ROAM and MOVE, covering all the bases.
Whether it's for sounding up a room, controlling your connected products with Alexa, Siri or Google assistant, or listening to your music anywhere outside, you'll get your money's worth! The product is impeccable, offering a finish that is totally worthy of the era, harmony of form and resistance to time given its high quality materials. A two-year warranty is also a feature that sets the product apart from its competition. I sincerely believe that this summer will be the Sonos season. Exceptional products!

If you have any questions, you can always write to us in the comments and it will be our pleasure to answer them as soon as possible.

On that note: Stay tuned!

Christian

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