Sanus Era 300 Speaker Stand Review: Mixed but Stylish
The surprise is how polarizing the Sanus Height Adjustable Speaker Stand for Sonos Era 300 turned out to be. While its marketing promises durability, sleek design, and optimal audio positioning, user feedback ranges from glowing praise to flat-out rejection. Based on aggregated reviews, it earns a 6.8/10—great for some setups, frustrating for others.
Quick Verdict: Conditional—excellent for lighter Sonos models, but mixed results with the Era 300’s weight.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sturdy build quality praised for smaller Sonos speakers | Reports of height adjustment mechanism slipping with Era 300 |
| Sleek design complements Sonos aesthetics | Some say fixed height is sub-optimal for surrounds |
| Integrated cable management for clean look | Higher price than generic stands |
| Quick, straightforward assembly | Weight support concerns for heavier speakers |
| Adjustable height (17-inch range) | Limited third-party stand options make alternatives scarce |
| Stable, oversized base prevents tipping | Complaints about excessive screws and washers |
Claims vs Reality
Sanus markets the WSSE3A1 and WSSE3A2 as offering “17 inches of effortless sliding height adjustment” and “optimal audio performance regardless of your listening needs.” The official specs promise a sturdy steel and extruded aluminum build, quick 15-minute assembly, and integrated cable management for a “seamless” look.
Digging deeper into user reports, the “effortless” height adjustment is where reality diverges for some owners. One Reddit user noted, “Having purchased a set I’m not impressed; as they failed to support the weight of the Era 300’s. The slide mechanism didn’t lock into place firmly thus the Era 300’s would slip below the adjusted height.” While the stands are indeed height-adjustable, this mechanical weakness was cited by multiple Era 300 owners.
Sanus also emphasizes “perfect for any setup: home theater, stereo pairing, or ambient listening.” Yet, a Sonos community member argued that the fixed position variant at 32 inches “does not… provide the optimal height for the Era 300’s when used as surround speakers,” although they conceded it “may be sufficient when… used as front stage speakers.”
Cable management, however, seems to deliver on its promise. Best Buy reviewers repeatedly praised the “clean design” and how the stands “hide the wires, look great with the Sonos 300.” Here, marketing and user experience align.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Best Buy’s 4.8-star average rating for the fixed-height models, sturdiness and aesthetics top the list. One verified buyer wrote, “These stands are the best designed stands for the Era 300’s and allow for placement on any type of floor! They look great and work even better!” Owners value the integrated cable management in maintaining a clutter-free setup, especially in living rooms where exposed wires are unacceptable.
Assembly is another bright spot. Multiple buyers echoed sentiments like, “Easy to put together, perfect height, sturdy. Blends in with decoration.” Even Reddit users critical of the height mechanism admitted the instructions were “quite good.”
The oversized base earns trust from pet owners and parents. As one Best Buy customer put it: “Solid and stable. These leave the speakers at a great height and I like that I can angle them for a setup that works better for music than TV.”
Common Complaints
The most persistent criticism is the adjustable model’s inability to reliably hold the Era 300’s weight. A Sonos forum contributor explained, “The slide mechanism didn’t lock into place firmly… the Era 300’s would slip below the adjusted height.” This is in stark contrast to Sanus’s long history of well-received stands for lighter Play:1 and Sonos One models.
Height suitability is also debated. The 32-inch fixed-height version can be “a non-starter” for surround use, according to one Reddit review, because it sits too low for ear-level Dolby Atmos rear channels. This forces some buyers into the adjustable model despite its weight concerns.
Complex assembly is a minor but recurring complaint for the adjustable version, with one user quipping about the “5 screws and 2 locking washers per stand… can anyone say… helicopter?” While the 15-minute assembly claim holds for experienced DIYers, others find the number of components excessive.
Pricing is another sore point. As one Sonos community poster said, “The price of the stands… is a big issue for me… the size, weight, and shape of the speakers makes it almost impossible to use a generic speaker stand… there just isn’t a ton of options out there right now.”
Divisive Features
Height adjustability itself is divisive. For some, it’s a must-have for dialing in optimal listening positions. A Best Buy reviewer praised the “adjustable height… enhancing the overall soundstage and stereo imaging.” For others, the mechanism’s reported slippage negates its benefit.
The aesthetic match to Sonos hardware is almost universally acknowledged, but its value is subjective. Some see the premium price as justified for the seamless look; others believe function should trump form, especially given the limitations reported with heavier speakers.
Trust & Reliability
There are no widespread scam concerns—Sanus is a well-established brand with authorized dealers and manufacturer warranties. That said, the disparity between Best Buy’s near-perfect ratings and Sonos community criticisms suggests different buyer expectations. Best Buy reviews skew toward the fixed-height, non-adjustable stands, which may explain the higher satisfaction rate.
Long-term durability is still in question for the adjustable version with heavier loads. While one Reddit user recounted years of success with Sanus stands for smaller Sonos models, they concluded that “the application with the Era 300’s leaves much to be desired” due to the slipping mechanism.
Alternatives
The only direct competitor mentioned by users is the official Sonos Era 300 stand. One Sonos community member called it “an engineering marvel… the assembled height is perfect… balances a 9.85 lb. speaker… as if no external support is used.” This design reportedly requires fewer screws and offers a more precise height for surround setups, but at a higher cost.
Flexson was also named, though at the time of discussion, they had not released a stand for the new Era models, leaving Sanus as one of the few third-party options.
Price & Value
At $199.99 for the adjustable single (WSSE3A1) and $299.99 for the pair (WSSE3A2), these stands command a premium. eBay listings for fixed-height versions hover around $119.99 each, suggesting some resale value stability, especially for buyers satisfied with the fixed height.
Community tips include watching for sales—Best Buy reviewers frequently mentioned getting them below MSRP—as well as considering fixed-height models if your setup doesn’t require precise elevation changes. This not only avoids the slippage risk but also lowers cost.
FAQ
Q: Do the Sanus adjustable stands hold the weight of the Sonos Era 300 securely?
A: Experiences vary. Some report no issues, while others, especially on Sonos forums, cite the slide mechanism slipping under the Era 300’s weight.
Q: Is the fixed-height version tall enough for surround sound use?
A: Some users find the 32-inch height too low for optimal surround placement, though it may work well for stereo front-stage setups.
Q: How effective is the cable management?
A: Feedback is consistently positive. Buyers appreciate the clean, wire-free look achieved by routing cables through the stand’s column.
Q: Are these stands worth the premium price?
A: For those prioritizing aesthetics and brand match with Sonos, many say yes. Budget-conscious buyers or those needing maximum adjustability may want to explore alternatives.
Q: How difficult is assembly?
A: Most find it straightforward, completing it within 15–30 minutes. However, the adjustable model has more components, which some find tedious.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a Sonos Era 300 owner who values aesthetics, cable management, and stable fixed-height placement. Avoid if you require frequent height adjustments for heavy speakers—reports suggest the mechanism may slip. Pro tip from the community: if using the adjustable model, test the lock at your desired height before finalizing placement to ensure it holds securely.
