Sonos Amp Review: The Versatile Amplifier That Powers Your Entire Audio System

The Sonos Amp solves a problem many audio enthusiasts face: how do you bring modern streaming capabilities to your existing high-quality speakers? Whether you've invested in premium bookshelf speakers, installed in-wall audio, or want to power outdoor speakers on your patio, the Amp bridges the gap between legacy audio equipment and the streaming age.

After testing it with various speaker configurations, I can confirm it delivers on its core promise—though not without a few caveats.

Design and Build Quality

The Sonos Amp features a sleek, professional design that fits standard AV racks or can be wall-mounted. The all-black finish and minimalist aesthetic mean it won't look out of place in a media cabinet or equipment closet. At roughly the size of a thick laptop, it's compact enough to hide away while powerful enough to drive serious speakers.

Sonos developed a specially engineered heatsink for optimized airflow and heat management—essential for an amplifier pushing 125 watts per channel. The simplified port layout keeps connections clean and organized: speaker terminals, HDMI ARC, RCA input for turntables, and ethernet.

Sound Quality

This is where the Sonos Amp truly excels. The Class-D amplification delivers clean, powerful sound that brings out the best in quality speakers. Users consistently praise the audio performance, particularly when paired with speakers like Klipsch outdoor models or quality in-wall installations.

The direct digital input is a standout feature. By eliminating analog-to-digital conversion in the signal path, the Amp delivers crisp, undistorted sound for both music streaming and TV audio. This technical advantage is audible—the sound is noticeably cleaner than many competing solutions.

Connect a turntable via the RCA input, and vinyl sounds warm and full. Stream from Spotify or Apple Music, and you get the convenience of modern services with audiophile-grade playback.

Versatility: The Key Selling Point

The Amp's versatility is its greatest strength. It powers passive speakers of virtually any type: bookshelf speakers in your living room, in-ceiling speakers in your kitchen, in-wall speakers in your bedroom, or weatherproof outdoor speakers on your deck. This flexibility makes it ideal for whole-home audio installations.

Sonos specifically designed the Amp to work with their Architectural line by Sonance—in-ceiling, in-wall, and outdoor speakers optimized for the Amp's output characteristics. But it works beautifully with third-party speakers too.

Home Theater Capabilities

Connect the Amp to your TV via HDMI ARC, and it becomes the audio hub for your home theater. Enjoy stereo sound for shows, movies, and video games through your wired speakers. The lip-sync correction ensures audio stays perfectly aligned with video.

Want surround sound? Add a pair of Sonos One speakers as wireless rear surrounds for an immersive experience. While not true Dolby Atmos, this configuration provides surprisingly convincing spatial audio for movies and gaming.

Setup and Connectivity

The Sonos app guides you through setup, and most users find the process straightforward once connected. The app provides an intuitive interface for controlling playback, adjusting EQ, and managing your Sonos ecosystem.

However, WiFi connectivity during initial setup has been a pain point for some users. If your routerRouter🌐A device that directs data packets between your local network and the internet. is far from the installation location, you may experience difficulties getting the Amp online. Using the ethernet port can bypass these issues entirely and provides a more stable connection for critical installations.

Sonos Ecosystem Integration

If you already own Sonos products, the Amp slots seamlessly into your multi-room setup. Group it with other Sonos speakers for synchronized playback throughout your home, or use it independently. The Amp essentially turns any pair of passive speakers into smart Sonos speakers.

AirPlay 2 support means Apple users can stream directly from their devices. Voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant is available when paired with compatible Sonos speakers.

Value Considerations

The Sonos Amp carries a premium price tag, and opinions on value vary. For those building out a whole-home audio system or wanting to integrate quality existing speakers into the Sonos ecosystem, the investment makes sense. The combination of streaming capabilities, amplification power, and ecosystem integration is hard to match.

For casual users who just want music in one room, there are more affordable options. The Amp is best suited for those who will leverage its versatility and power.

Final Verdict

The Sonos Amp is an excellent solution for anyone wanting to bring streaming smarts to passive speakers. Sound quality is outstanding, the build is professional-grade, and the versatility is unmatched—from outdoor patio speakers to in-wall installations to vinyl playback.

The WiFi setup issues and premium pricing hold it back from a higher score, but for its intended audience—audio enthusiasts and whole-home installers—the Amp delivers exceptional value. If you have speakers worth amplifying, the Sonos Amp is worth considering.

Check the current price on Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Sonos Amp worth the price?

At 8/10, it offers good value for users whose priorities match its strengths.

How does the sound quality compare to competitors?

We evaluate bass response, clarity, soundstage, and volume levels. This product impressed us with its audio performance.

Is Sonos Amp good for music and movies?

We test with various content types. Look for our breakdown of performance across music genres, dialogue clarity, and immersive movie experiences in the full review.

What alternatives should I consider?

Check our related reviews section for comparable products. Your ideal choice depends on your specific priorities—features, price, or ecosystem compatibility.