The Sonos Era: What We Know So Far (Updated!)

Sonos has been very successful in both the wireless multi-room audio and soundbar markets. In 2022, they introduced the Sonos Voice, launched the Roam SL, Sonos Ray soundbar, Sub Mini, partnered with Victrola on the first Sonos-enabled turntable, the Stream Carbon, and just announced a second model (the Stream Onyx) which was unveiled at the 2023 CES. In 2022, they also purchased Mayht, a maker of extremely small, but high-output speaker drivers. 

Sonos Era 100 & 300

Based on two sources (The Verge and wall mount maker Sanus), it looks like Sonos has two wireless speakers in the works for 2023. 

Under the code name Optimo 2, The Verge claims that Sonos will release two new wireless speakers models called the Era 300 and Era 100. 

The Era 300 appears to be a new flagship model that will support Dolby Atmos Music and Spatial Audio and also feature a new physical design that would include multiple drivers focused to send sound in different directions, similar in concept to Apple’s revived HomePod. However, the advantage of Era is that would include built-in integration with the Sonos ecosystem.

In addition, it is also being indicated that Sonos is planning to also release a step-down model, the Era 100, that should also have Dolby Atmos capability but it’s not known what other features might be eliminated that would differentiate it from the higher-end Era 300.  The ERA 100 apparently will look similar to the current Sonos One, but deliver true stereo sound.

Tip: According to updated information, the Era 100 may not have Dolby Atmos or an upfiring speaker after all if the new leaked photo above is any indication – we will wait and see.

The Sanus Factor

Another piece of the puzzle that seems to further confirm the addition of a Sonos Era speaker line are documents (device report pages) from mount-maker Sanus. These pages refer to a wall mount and a floor stand for the Sonos Era speakers.

The device report pages include full descriptions of the wall mount and floor stands including list prices of $79.99 and $219.99 respectively as well as, a product release date of 1/4/2023. However, as of February 8, 2023, neither product is available at any off or online retail outlets. This would make sense since the Era 300 and 100 speakers haven’t been released yet.

My Questions

In an attempt to get more information in addition to The Verge’s report and the Sanus document, I asked Sonos the following questions via email: “Do you have any comment on the leaked information regarding forthcoming Era 300 and 100 speakers – as well as a comment on an official document from Sanus regarding a wall mount for the Era 300 speakers?… Also, do you have any comments regarding your product release strategy for 2023?“

This was their response: “...we do not comment on rumor or speculation.”

Premature information about Sonos products has been leaked before – a recent example was the Sonos Ray Soundbar. This sort of makes me wonder if such leaks, perhaps to specific publications, are actually intentional in order to generate some advance hype. 

With that in mind, as more information, both unofficial and official becomes available we will either add to this article or post a separate one as the need arises.

More Info: More details on the ERA speakers have been leaked: Bluetooth 5.0 and AirPlay 2 are expected to be included in both speakers.

For more information: sonos.com

Related Reading