In our previous report, we discussed the impending release of a new inexpensive soundbar from Sonos, which at that time was unofficially labeled “Fury aka Model S36”. This soundbar has now been released as the Sonos Ray with a $279 asking price. Also, it looks like most of the features discussed in the leaked report are included.
Let’s take a look at the Sonos Ray and see if it offers what you are looking for in a soundbar.
Core Features
Compact Size: The Sonos Ray is 22-inches wide, 2.79-inches high, and 3.7-inches deep making it an easy fit below most TVs or wall mounting via an optional wall mounting bracket. The compact size works for TVs or PC gaming setups.
Amplifiers: Four tuned Class-D digitally controlled amplifiers.
Speakers
The speaker complement inside the Ray is as follows:
- Tweeters: Two with Split waveguides to project a wider soundfield.
- Midwoofers: Two centered high-efficiency mid-woofers handle the midrange and upper bass frequencies
- Ports (Bass Reflex System): Two ports are included to provide an extended bass response.
Adjustable EQ: Use the Sonos app to adjust bass, treble, and loudness.
Trueplay: This is software that measures the acoustics of the room to fine-tune soundbar performance. A supported iOS device is required (Not available for Android).
Speech Enhancement: This Sonos app setting boosts voice frequencies for clearer dialog.
Night Sound: This Sonos app setting reduces loud sounds and increases the level of quieter sounds.
Home Theater Audio Formats:
- Stereo PCM
- Dolby Digital 5.1
- DTS Digital Surround
Tip: The Sonos app’s Now Playing screen will show which audio format is being decoded.
Connections: 1 Digital Optical (for connection to TV) 1 Ethernet Port, and a Power receptacle. WiFi is also built-in.
Apple AirPlay 2: Send sound directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, to the Ray.
Tip: Bluetooth is not supported.
Sonos App: The Sonos App (S2 version) is not only used for setup but provides access to several popular music streaming services as well as Sonos Radio.
Multi-Room Audio: Sonos products provide wireless multi-room audio. This means that in addition to using the Ray for watching TV, you can include it in a Sonos multi-room audio system via wireless connection with other compatible Sonos speaker products.
Optional Surround Speakers: You can add a pair of Sonos One SL speakers for a full surround sound experience.
Tip: Other Sonos speakers can be used with the Ray as surround speakers such as Sonos Five, Play:1, Play:3, and Play:5 (Gen 2) as well as the Sonos Amp with regular speakers.
Color Options: The Ray comes in black or white.
What’s in the Box
- Sonos Ray soundbar
- Power Cable
- Digital Optical Cable
- Quickstart Guide and legal/warranty information
- Weight
- 4.29 lb (1.95 kg)
What the Sonos Ray Doesn’t Include
As outlined in our previous “leak” report, the Ray doesn’t include some features you find on the Sonos ARC and Beam/Beam 2 soundbars:
- No standalone Dolby Atmos capability.
- No Built-in Mics: This means no direct Alexa, Google Assistant, or other voice control support. However, indirect voice control is possible when the Ray soundbar is paired with a compatible device, such as the Sonos One (Sonos Voice Control), Amazon Echo (Alexa), or Google Nest Mini (Google Assistant). You can also use Siri on an iOS device when playing Apple Music.
- No HDMI connection: This means no ARC/eARC functionality.
Pricing and Availability
The Sonos Ray will be available starting on June 7th, 2022 in black or white at a $279 price point. It can be purchased directly at Sonos.com or other authorized dealers.
Optional wall mount available for $39.00.
If you purchase a Sonos Ray Surround Set package that includes two Sonos One SLs the price is $677.
The Sonos Ray is also compatible with Sonos Subwoofers.
