Pros: easy to set up. Works well with Alexa. Sound is excellent. Integrates well with TV. Looks high end.
Cons: Expensive. IR receiver doesn't work well in one orientation. Doesn't integrate with the sound display on the TV.
We've been fans of Sonos since we bought our first Play:5, 10 years ago. Sonos is still the best electronic device we have ever purchased. Lately we have appreciated the ease and convenience of using voice commands of Alexa to listen to music. In fact we have sometimes listened to the speaker on the echo dot despite it's obviously inferior sound. Since the update allowing integration with Alexa, we use the speaker for just about everything, except to ask Alexa questions.
With this in mind, I purchased this Playbar to use with the TV. I wasn't sure if I'd have to configure it each time I turned the TV on, or how easy it would be to set up with Alexa. Once we set it up to work with the TV, it just comes on automatically. There is only a slight delay of a second or so before the sound comes on with the TV. I don't have the turn the speaker on separately. It also works very well with Alexa. You can listen to music withe the TV either on or off. If you are listening to music and then turn the TV on, the speaker will switch to TV sound. We've tried the night time mode that turns down the loud parts of a movie down, so you don't disrupt the neighborhood. It's easy to set this using the Sonos app. The Palybar has only one physical connection in addition to its wireless one and that is an optical connection. I was a little concerned that my TV didn't have an optical connection, but I think this is fairly standard and that most sound bars of various brands connect via optical connection. My TV has an optical connection.
I had no problem setting up the Playbar to the Alexa/echo system, although I can't explain the process. We did find that the IR receiver with the speaker sitting more upright, such as you might have it, if you were connecting it to the TV with a bracket only worked if you were standing within 5 feet or so. The IR receiver oriented in the way you would rest the speaker on a table of fireplace mantle worked well from far away, so that's the way we oriented the speaker and fortunately it turned out to be the way we prefer.
The price on this product is high. I think it's worth more than the typical sound bar system for its sound quality and the things it can do. How much more is an individual decision. For someone considering a sound bar and a separate sound system and an echo speaker, the choice is more clear. And echo dot and the Sonos Playbar could give you the capabilities of a whole bunch of different systems and do it more elegantly.
Looks are a matter of personal preference, but I think the Playbar looks and feels high end.
I can't see a situation where you'd be disappointed with the Sonos Playbar if you are looking for a high-quality sound bar. The new integration of Sonos products with Alexa/echo really takes an already great product and brings the most updated convenience.
This Sonos device integrates with other Sonos products, including the Sonos Subwoofer. You could connect a 5.1 system wirelessly. We haven't done this and probably won't, but if you were considering running wires through your walls, the high expense of a lot of Sonos speakers might offset some of the installation time/expense. Keep in mind that each speaker will still have to be plugged into a power outlet.
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This Item  Sonos Playbar - The Mountable Sound Bar for TV, Movies, Music, and More - Black |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $514.95 | -25% $98.00 List: $129.99 | $488.70 | $273.99 | $279.00 | -28% $179.99 List: $249.00 |
| Delivery | Get it May 16 - 21 | Get it as soon as Monday, May 13 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 15 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 15 | Get it as soon as Monday, May 13 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 15 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Remote Control | ||||||
| Volume control | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Bluetooth connectivity | ||||||
| Sold By | CellularStream | Amazon.com | Esquared Trading | Group Usa | Amazon.com | JBTools |
| speaker size | — | 2 inches | 2 inches | — | 3.5 millimeters | 2 inches |
| power source | Corded Electric | AC | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | AC |
| connectivity tech | WiFi network | wireless, wired | HDMI, Wi-Fi, Ethernet | Optical, Wi-Fi, Ethernet | Bluetooth, HDMI, Auxiliary, Optical | wired, wireless |
| speaker type | Soundbar | Soundbar | Surround Sound | Soundbar | Soundbar | Soundbar, Subwoofer |
| mounting type | Wall Mount | Wall Mount | Tabletop | Shelf Mount | Tabletop | Bar Mount,Tv Sound Bar |
| weight | 5.4 kilograms | 1 pounds | 2 kilograms | 2 kilograms | 0.01 ounces | 3.9 pounds |
Videos
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Buying Guide: TV Speakers
Digital Trends
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Watch Before You Get This Sonos Playbar
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6 Years Outdoors. Sound Quality The Same?
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Unleashing The Sonos Playbar: A Comprehensive Review
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Reviews with images
HEARING IS BELIEVING! This sound bar is terrific (please get the subwoofer too).
I have a JVC high definition TV with better than average sound. However, whenever I watch a British show, I have to use closed caption. I purchased a Samsung sound bar with wireless subwoofer. The sound is noticeably better, but I still need CC. On top of that, I am a passionate audiophile and a drummer? I was interested in having a system that projected resonant vocals, as well as the full range of instrumental sounds. I ordered the Sonos Playbar TV sound bar and the SUB wireless subwoofer. After a nobrainer install, I downloaded the Sonos app, which is intuitive, holds all my Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music songs, etc. which are easily accessed, and my TV remote volume control manages both TV and streaming audio. Hookup involves an optical-digital connection. The supplied cord is short and I replaced it with a 6 ' cord.No problems so far. The audio quality from the PLAYBAR is superb, but bass tones are greatly enhanced by the subwoofer, which is a costly, but in my opinion mandatory purchase. Using the PLAYBAR/SUB tandem, streamed music sounds "in person." I may get a couple of the Sonos play 1 speakers to arrange a surround setup. Anyone who criticizes the price of these items, might also criticize Festool for selling a miter saw for almost $1500. The saw is virtually dustless, just as the soundbar/subwoofer is virtually flawless. Value is a very personal thing. For me Sonos has satisfied my requisites for a very pleasurable listening experience. The system is highly recommended.
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Top reviews from other countries
Jorge
MI FAVORITO NUEVO JUGUETE!!!
Reviewed in Mexico on August 13, 2018Style: Playbar OnlyVerified Purchase
ST
Good value for the sound quality and convenience of the Sonos system
Reviewed in Canada on July 12, 2015Style: Playbar OnlyVerified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Excellent sound, great music streaming device
Reviewed in Canada on September 25, 2019Style: Playbar OnlyVerified Purchase
VíctorMMM
Excelente barra de sonido.
Reviewed in Mexico on May 5, 2017Style: Playbar OnlyVerified Purchase
