While it can’t handle Dolby Atmos, the Sonos Ray supports Stereo PCM, Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Digital Surround. From action-packed media like Avengers: Endgame to quieter shows like Only Murders in the Building, vocals sounded pristine.
Sonos sound system driver#
Sonos is rumoured to be adding subwoofer support for the Ray, but there’s nothing official on the cards for now.ĭialogue on a range of movies and TV shows sounded wonderfully clear and detailed, and this is despite there being no central driver – middle speakers tend to do most of the lifting where dialogue is concerned. There’s no bass driver but there is a pair of reflex ports which accentuate low-end noises.
Sonos sound system drivers#
The Sonos Ray features four drivers – two tweeters and two mid-range woofers. It’s just a shame that there’s still no Android support for this. It’s a useful feature and a real bonus that Sonos has brought it to the Ray. This uses your phone’s mics to detect how sound travels throughout your room and adjusts the levels of the speakers accordingly. Now the soundbar’s set up, but, if you have an iOS device to hand, you can calibrate the speaker with Trueplay Tuning. If all’s working, you should see the status LED in the centre of the soundbar flash and hear sound coming out of the speakers. Once done, turn off your TV’s internal speakers and adjust the volume on your main remote.
You’ll be prompted to enter your home network’s password (unless you’re connecting via Ethernet). After connecting the Ray, open the Sonos app and log in with – or create – your Sonos account. The lack of an HDMI port on the Sonos Ray seems surprising, given that it’s such a common connection in 2022. As well as adjusting the volume, there’s also a virtual EQ, toggle Night mode, which lowers bass tones for late-night viewing, and a Loudness feature, which boosts low-frequency noises when the volume is turned down.
The Sonos apps (iOS, Android) also largely replicate the functions of a dedicated remote. Bluetooth and RF-type remotes can work as well, but there’s less of a guarantee that all will be compatible. That’s not a huge problem, as there’s an infrared (IR) module built into the soundbar, so you’ll be able to use your regular TV remote. Sonos includes a digital optical cable in the box, but no remote control. On the back are connections for Ethernet, digital optical, mains power, and a sync button for pairing. Like all other Sonos soundbars, the Ray is available in black or white, and it features touch-sensitive controls on the top instead of physical controls, which gives it a streamlined look and feel.
As all of the speakers fire forwards, you don’t need to worry about anything blocking any upward or side-firing horns.