There are two additional streaming components of Sonos: the Sonos port and the Sonos amp. Both of them offer a great experience, and they provide almost the same functionalities. Sonos provides an extra edge to your home audio experience.
Key Takeaways
- Sonos Port is a streaming device that connects older audio equipment to the Sonos ecosystem. At the same time, Sonos Amp is an amplifier that powers high-fidelity speakers and connects to the Sonos ecosystem.
- Sonos Amp has more power and can drive more speakers than Sonos Port.
- Sonos Port is ideal for those who want to integrate their existing audio system with Sonos, while Sonos Amp is for those who want to create a new high-fidelity audio system.
Sonos Port vs Sonos Amp
Sonos port does not contain an embedded amplifier, whereas, on the other hand, the Sonos amp has its in-built amplification. Sonos port only streams content connected to a power source like an amplifier or any other device, but Sonos amp performs the same task. Still in addition to that, it also supplies enough power to the speakers.
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Sonos port is a small-sized, black-colored, and box-shaped component with RCA plugged into the amplifiers or home stereo systems to enhance your audio experience.
Sonos amp is equipment that powers the existing speakers as a power trigger. It is an amplifier that powers traditional wired speakers like bookshelves, ceilings, in-wall, or any other wired speaker.
Comparison Table
Parameters of Comparison | Sonos Port | Sonos Amp |
---|---|---|
Amplification. | It does not have in-built amplification. | It has in-built amplification. |
Price | Before January 9, its price was $599; currently, it costs $649. | Before January 9, its price was $399; currently, it costs $449. |
Ability to provide power | It does not give power to the speakers. | It powers the passive speakers. |
Buttons | Sonos port does not have physical volume control buttons. | Sonos amp has volume control and other buttons like play and pause buttons. |
Connection | It is connected to the already power source-connected speakers. | It is connected to passive devices. |
What is Sonos Port?
A Sonos port is a device connected to the existing stereo and AV equipment to blend all the speakers placed in different rooms in sync and provide the user with a better audio streaming experience.
In addition to this, it also has a DAC embedded inside it, which gives an extra edge to the equipment. It provides exceptional sound qualities fulfilling the demands of people who want something that can connect and are capable of internet media playback.
When the Sonos port is connected to the amplifier, all the speakers connected to that particular amplifier also become an AirPlay 2, compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, and the user can use voice commands.
What is Sonos Amp?
Sonos amp can be called an amplifier as it has its amplification which provides power to all the wired devices connected. Sonos amp offers several features, like access to over 100 streaming services, including music, podcast, radio, and audiobook services.
Sonos amp also supports Apple AirPlay 2 so that iPhone users can send sound to the Sonos system and further to all the speakers that are connected to the Sonos amp.
It also supports Trueplay, a Sonos software feature that tunes speakers to the surroundings using the Sonos app. If a user has a turntable and wants to enjoy the vinyl records, that is possible with the Sonos system connected to the amp.
Main Differences Between Sonos Port and Amp
- Sonos port has no control buttons in physical form as the speakers mostly come with their control buttons.
- The Sonos port costs less than the amp, which is justified as the amp provides more functionalities than the port.