2025 will mark the launch of something that will totally change the game for professional audio installers: the Sonos Era 100 Pro. “This speaker is designed with one major upgrade compared to its predecessor: the addition of Power over Ethernet (PoE). So, what does this mean for users and installers? It is the first product Sonos has to market that’s hardwired, not dependent on the power outlet found in traditional spaces. The professional installer market now enjoys a bit more flexibility through Sonos Era 100 Pro while bringing them confidence in the avoidance of most the hiccups involved with wireless networking.
But what makes this speaker so special? How will PoE alter installations and even sound systems? Let’s dig deeper!
Getting to know Sonos Era 100 Pro
Sonos has led the way in wireless audio for a great many years; with the new Era 100 Pro, they take a step forward into sound systems that are wired. Already scheduled to ship next year, 2025, this iteration of the Era 100 is specifically targeted at the professional installer market, offering more streamlined delivery of fantastic quality audio into homes and businesses than ever before. But what really puts the Era 100 Pro over the top is its Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability. This means that, at installation, PoE will allow installers to bypass the need for power outlets in every room.
So what’s the fuss about PoE? And what makes the new Era 100 Pro better than the old one?
What is Power Over Ethernet (PoE) and Why Does It Matter?
In a nutshell, Power over Ethernet would be the ability to send power and data along a single Ethernet cable. This would make it possible for your speaker instead of being plugged into a wall outlet, gets everything it needs from an Ethernet connection.
Think of PoE as a do-it-all cable that delivers the power and the audio in unison. For the pro, this means the end of most logistical headaches. No more need to worry how one places the speakers relative to the available power outlets or anything like that since PoE affords flexibility and approach both from a design and a functionality standpoint .
How the Era 100 Pro Compares to the Regular Era 100
If you saw the Era 100 Pro for the first time, you might think that it looks almost exactly like the original Era 100. All things considered, though, don’t be fooled by the outward appearance. Integrating PoE is a game-changer for commercial installations in which wireless performance might vary, and power outlets are few and far between.
Here are some key differences
• Era 100: Wireless, it needs to be plugged into a power outlet.
• Era 100 Pro: This has the PoE functionality that will provide a head start as a power provider, bypassing an electrical outlet while still being a wireless.
Wireless or Wired? The Best of Both Worlds
Yet despite being the first ever Sonos wired speaker, the Era 100 Pro was not stripped of the desirable features that products from Sonos were commended for, namely Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Truly the best of both worlds is offered, because you really get to enjoy the availability of a wired connection for power but also for data yet you’re free to enjoy your wireless options anytime you want.
This makes it very important, mainly to the installers who design audio systems for complex spaces or buildings where wireless signals are unreliable.
Benefits of Audio Systems Using Ethernet
Why is Ethernet important for audio systems? To start with, it kills one of the biggest headaches of the user: network instability. Wireless networks tend to be unpredictable and if your installations are wide or there are many Wi-Fi products across your venues, it’s not an unusual condition to find oneself in need of a “network restart” during some program. With Ethernet, Era 100 Pro offers a stable and unbroken connection, and it’s all about the quality of the audio.
Professional Installers Make the Difference for the Era 100 Pro
Available only through professional installers, the Era 100 Pro reflects the end product’s richness and intricateness. “This isn’t a speaker you pick up and set up on your own; it’s for people who know how to get the most out of an installation, whether that’s in a home theater or a multiroom audio setup, for example,” Inggs explains.
These experts make sure the speaker can be correctly placed and also connected to bring out full potential and give an uncomplicated user experience.
What Does the Era 100 Pro Offer for Large Spaces?
One of the strong features of the Era 100 Pro is how perfectly it can extend to large rooms. Either for sprawling offices or huge homes, this speaker brings with it powerful room-filling sound that can easily be managed using its PoE capabilities. The optional mounts that can be installed allow positioning the speaker just exactly where it is needed, ensuring coverage without sacrificing aesthetics.
New Sonos Feature: Zones Explained
When the Era 100 Pro is released, it will introduce new zones. This will be helpful for grouping several speakers into one unit that can easily be used in places where one has to use many speakers. It’s somewhat comparable to speaker grouping available currently; however, more flexible and adjustable with finer control over the sounds the Zones are meant to offer.
Compatibility with Sonos Pro
For businesses or homes with multiple Sonos setups, the Era 100 Pro will integrate seamlessly with Sonos Pro. This platform enables multi-location management from a central dashboard, simplifying the control of various Sonos installations. It’s a key feature for businesses looking to streamline audio management across multiple spaces or locations.
Accessories to Enhance Your Setup
Sonos will also offer an optional Surface Mount for the Era 100 Pro, offering 30 degrees of pan and tilt, as well as 360 degrees of rotation for easy adjustments to get the perfect angle without having the speaker sag over time. In addition, a locking base plate provides increased security.
The Era 100 Pro can also be secured by an optional eyebolt to enable the installer to add a safety cable if the environment is seismic-prone. These accessories ensure that the Era 100 Pro is installed safely and securely, no matter the environment.
Safety Features: Built to Withstand Seismic Events
The Era 100 Pro has a few installation-related safety features. An eyebolt and safety cable of the speaker are optional, thus meeting some building codes, especially in seismically sensitive regions. Thus, in the case of seismic activities, the speaker stands firmly, preventing damage due to the jerks in such incidents.
Pricing and Availability: What to Expect
Sonos has not yet provided formal pricing, nor even a release date for the Era 100 Pro, but the company also announced it will be sold only directly to professional installers. Previews for this device were actually given in advance for introduction at CEDIA 2024, the largest trade show for residential installers.
Conclusion: A Game Changer for Professional Installers
With Sonos Era 100 Pro, the company is raising the stakes significantly in their product range. This is the first wired solution brought into the company’s portfolio. In addition to PoE, mounting options, and safety, even compatibility with Sonos Pro as well, it makes clear that Sonos is intent on making professional installations easier and more flexible.
Of course, it’s no exaggeration to say that the Era 100 Pro is a right investment for someone who wants to future-proof his or her home or business’s audio system.