With the Sub Mini, Sonos is launching a more compact subwoofer that is said to be ideal for smaller rooms. In the test, it turns out that the “little one” has enough oomph for larger rooms, but never loses control and gets down to business very carefully. The neighbors are happy too.
So far, anyone who relies on Sonos streaming speakers in their home cinema has had to spend at least 700 euros, and the recommended retail price for the Sub is even 850 euros. For that you get a 16-kilo monster, which is simply oversized for many apartments and is impossible to ride out in apartment buildings without driving the neighbors crazy. But now there’s the Sonos Sub Mini, which is said to be the ideal solution for smaller rooms. ntv.de has already tried it out and is deeply touched.
“Mini” might not be the right term, with a diameter of 23 centimeters and a height of 30 centimeters compact is more appropriate. But at just 6.35 kilograms, it really is a lightweight compared to its big brother.
The Sub Mini is also very discreet in appearance. Essentially it is simply a cylinder with an oblong opening that reveals the two 6-inch woofers facing inwards. The design is impressive, but a fairly long power cable also offers enough options for placing it inconspicuously.
No more cables are needed because the Sub Mini establishes a stable 5 gigahertz connection with a soundbar. ntv.de tried it out with a Sonos Beam (2nd generation) and two Sonos One as a small but fine surround system. For pure music enjoyment, the subwoofer can also be connected to just one or two other Sonos speakers.
Either way, the Sub Mini is set up and integrated in no time at all via the Sonos app. Once plugged in, it will automatically appear in the application and all you have to do is follow the instructions. There is little else to adjust afterwards. You can increase or decrease its level or increase or decrease the bass in the equalizer. You can also activate loudness so that the bass doesn’t get bogged down at low volumes. That’s it.
This is not unusual for Sonos speakers, simplicity comes first. But that’s absolutely okay, the basses, which reach down to 25 Hertz, are always perfectly dosed and absolutely appropriate for the set system volume. This is particularly the case when you adapt the sound to the spatial conditions using the Trueplay function. Although this only works with iPhones and iPads, it is sufficient to borrow a device for a short time, the settings are retained.
The subwoofer does not put on a senseless spectacle, but complements the sound. He never pushes himself into the foreground or drowns out dialogue or other quiet sounds. But he can also get down to business, like when surf crashes against cliffs, thunder rumbles or a bomb explodes. If a big engine hums or a gigantic spaceship pulls past, you sometimes only suspect it before the action starts. Nothing vibrates or rattles, and the Sub Mini doesn’t seem to have any distortions.
It is remarkable that you can enjoy the full bass even at reduced volume. So you can have home cinema fun without having to worry about an annoyed neighbor ringing the doorbell. However, the Sub Mini is also capable of filling larger rooms, although Sonos only recommends it for small to medium-sized rooms. It just depends on what you mean by big.
Even when listening to music, the Sonos Sub Mini is a great addition. I particularly like the way he emphasizes the double bass in jazz. It gives electronic basses the depth that almost doesn’t exist without a subwoofer. Overall, it can be quite a party beast, compared to home cinema, it is sometimes even a bit too euphoric here.
The Sonos Sub Mini is the perfect complement for smaller home theater setups, but can also be a good solution for large rooms when you don’t live at home. It delivers the finest, well-measured lows, even if it has to be a bit quieter. But he can also get really loud without losing his temper. 500 euros is a lot of money, but the Sub Mini is worth it, really good subwoofers are not cheap.
