Sonos Port review: Turn old into new
A TEST REPORT from David Haydl 
on September 10, 2020, 9:43 am | Write a comment
Many still have older and expensive hi-fi systems at home but want multi-room features. In order not to have to replace these, there is the Sonos port.
The Sonos Port can do two things. It can be connected to hi-fi systems and the output from these devices can be streamed to other SonosProplay ducts. Or it can make older speakers and receivers smart again by acting as a receiver for music. The port also works in conjunction with a turntable. As already mentioned, the advantage here is that those interested in multi-room solutions do not necessarily have to replace the devices they have already purchased, as these usually still work very well. In addition, you don't have to do without the usually better analog sound quality.
In the last few weeks I have taken a closer look at how well this works in everyday life. A little note: I also received two Sonos One for the test, which our editor-in-chief David has already described in detail under the microscope. If you are interested in them, I recommend that you stop by there.
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Unboxing and initial setup
Sonos only supplies the essentials with the port. This means that you get the device itself, a power cable, a cinch cable and some instructions in the largely black packaging. But that's all you need to get started.
Here's a quick look inside the packaging. (Image: TechnikNews)
The setup takes place in the Sonos S2 app. The "Sonos S1 Controller" is only available for a few older models. You can't miss the right version of the app, as you will be informed when you open it that you should download the newer app.
If you are using the app for the first time, you will be asked whether you want to set up a new system or continue with an already connected one. If you already have the app and want to reconnect the port, you have to do this in the app settings under “System”. After that, possible new ones Products are sought, which logically have to be connected to the electricity beforehand. Now only the connection to the home WLAN is missing. After that, the setup will be completed automatically. Of the Prozess should take about 10 minutes.
Design and connections
The Sonos Port is a small and inconspicuous box. This box is made of plastic and is only available in black. Personally, that doesn't bother me now, but I believe that some would prefer a white model. Due to the rather inconspicuous design, the port can be placed anywhere you want. Due to the way the device works, there are of course no speakers of its own.
In principle, there is no lack of connections. Only an HDMI-in connection would have been a nice thing. (Image: TechnikNews)
All important connections can be found on the back. A power connection, a cinch-in and cinch-out, a digital-out, two ethernet and a 12-volt trigger are included. The cinch-in, cinch-out and digital-out connections are responsible for transmitting the sound, while the trigger can activate stereo systems and receivers as soon as a signal is sent. So you no longer have to use a separate remote control.
Sonos Port in everyday life
Once you have integrated the small box into your everyday life, you no longer notice it at all. The first setup is the only thing that really needs to be taken care of. After that, the device always works very reliably.
Most buyers will most likely use the port in "split mode". This means that the sound comes from one music system and on others Proproducts from Sonos is played. For me it was the case that the music was played on the speakers of my system and the two Sonos Ones. There was no audible latency and no significant reduction in sound quality. And that, although the music is transmitted via WLAN. Of course, it should be said here that sound is something subjective and my experience may differ slightly from yours.
I did not test the "receiver mode" because it was not possible with the resources available to me. The Sonos port is connected to one or more speakers and plays what is sent via AirPlay 2 or the Sonos app.
Picture: TechnikNews
Unfortunately, the Sonos Port is not intended for use with a TV. Well, in principle the audio of the TV can already be streamed, but there can be latencies here. This is due to the technology behind the connections. Others are suitable for use with the TV Proproducts from Sonos, such as the Amp or other devices with an HDMI-in connector.
Prices and availability
The Sonos Port costs 499 euros. It is available from Sonos, Amazon, MediaMarkt and Saturn.
Sonos Port: Conclusion
The Sonos Port is intended for a very special target group. Namely for people who don't part with their good old music system and still want multi-room features prowant to fit. The Port combines the best of both worlds.
The device is very easy to use. From setting up to using the Sonos app. And with AirPlay 2 you can just start streaming. There is no audible latency or loss of sound quality - despite transmission via WLAN.
For a rather steep price of 499 euros, I would have liked better TV support. Sonos, for example, could have built in an HDMI-in connector so that the sound can also be streamed from older televisions.
Thank you for providing the three test devices.
