Sanus Era 300 Speaker Stands Review: Strong But Limited
Some buyers were surprised to find that the Sanus Wireless Speaker Stands for Sonos Era 300 (Black) - Pair split opinion so sharply — despite an Amazon average of 4.7/5 stars, others called the adjustable version “a non‑starter” and even rated it as low as 1.5/5 elsewhere. Based on aggregated feedback, the fixed WSSE32 model earns a conditional 7.8/10 score: sturdy, stylish, and easy to set up for front stereo use, but with compromises in surround speaker positioning and mixed reliability in height‑adjustable versions.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — excellent for Sonos Era 300 stereo setups, but less so for surrounds or if you need height adjustability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sturdy steel/aluminum build resists wear | Fixed height may not suit surround speaker placement |
| Integrated cable management for clean look | Adjustable versions prone to slipping under weight |
| Easy 15‑minute assembly | Higher price than many alternatives |
| Secure hardware prevents tipping | Limited compatibility beyond Era 300 |
| Matches Sonos Era 300 aesthetics well | Some users find installation awkward without help |
Claims vs Reality
Sanus markets these stands — particularly the WSSE32 fixed‑height pair — as offering “optimal listening height” at 32.31 inches, “perfect for any setup be it home theater, surround sound, or ambient listening.” While high praise from stereo listeners suggests this rings true for front stage positioning, Reddit user feedback paints a different picture when used as rear surrounds. One Sonos community member stated bluntly: “The fixed position stands at 32 in… does not (imo) provide the optimal height for the Era 300’s when used as surround speakers,” noting that Sonos’ own branded stands position them higher.
Sanus also leans heavily on its “press fit™ cable management” promise for a “cable‑free look.” On this, verified buyers were largely satisfied — “Secures cords down the back of the stand for concealment,” one Amazon reviewer confirmed — but the benefit is most appreciated by home theater users prioritizing aesthetics over frequent reconfiguration.
Another central claim is that the stands “perfectly complement the aesthetics of the Sonos Era 300™ for a sleek, seamless look.” This held up in most reports, with buyers praising the build blend of steel and extruded aluminum. However, in adjustable versions, one Sonos forum poster described mechanical shortcomings: “The slide mechanism didn’t lock into place firmly thus the Era 300’s would slip below the adjusted height.”
Cross‑Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Stereo Era 300 owners consistently mention the Sanus WSSE32 pair delivering solid ear‑level positioning when seated. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Holds your speakers… positioning them roughly at ear level,” which they found ideal for balanced stereo sound. Build quality also earns kudos — heavy bases help prevent tipping, echoed by multiple sources across Amazon, eBay, and Sanus’ own product page.
Cable management is another win across platforms. Those running visible rear speaker wires appreciate the discreet channeling down the post, with Reddit users confirming it provided “a clean look without dangling cords,” especially in open‑plan rooms.
Common Complaints
Height suitability for rear surrounds emerges as the biggest functional drawback. Multiple Sonos forum posts describe the fixed 32‑inch stands as too low compared to the optimal angle for the Era 300’s upward‑firing drivers when used behind the listening position. This affects Atmos performance, as one user testing with Dolby 7.1.4 files found: “Upward firing speakers… not working,” with positional changes impacting channel activation.
Adjustable Sanus models intended to solve height issues met criticism for stability. Trustpilot‑mirrored comments report that the mechanism “failed to support the weight,” leading to gradual sliding. Assembly complexity (more screws and washers in adjustable versions) frustrated some, with one community member joking, “Can anyone say… helicopter?” about the excessive hardware.
Divisive Features
The oversized base — marketed to prevent tipping — split opinion. Some buyers welcomed the assurance, especially in homes with pets or kids. Others found it visually bulky compared to the speaker’s sleek profile. The installation process also divides: while advertised as a “15‑minute, 3‑step” job, users assembling solo often struggled to connect the heavy Era 300 securely, prompting creative solutions like balancing the stand under a bed for a ‘soft landing’ if dropped.
Trust & Reliability
There’s no indication of scams or counterfeit concerns for these Sanus stands, but long‑term mechanical reliability varies. Owners of the fixed‑height WSSE32 report consistent performance even months later — one poster noted they had “used Sanus stands with… Sonos One speakers with success” and saw similar durability with the fixed Era 300 stands.
By contrast, the adjustable WSSE3A2 had durability complaints even early in ownership, particularly around its sliding height mechanism losing grip. Low ratings (1.5/5) for the adjustable pair hint this issue may persist over time.
Alternatives
The Sonos‑branded Era 300 stand is mentioned repeatedly as the better engineered choice for rear surround positioning. One Sonos community user called it “an engineering marvel… perfect height” and praised its minimalist design despite supporting the hefty Era 300. They contrasted it with Sanus’ fixed model unfavorably for that use case.
Flexson was raised as a potential competitor but, at the time of posting, had “yet to respond” on whether they’d release Era‑compatible stands — reflecting limited third‑party options.
Price & Value
As of recent listings, the Sanus WSSE32 fixed‑height pair retails around $199.99 USD, with slight discounts on Amazon versus a $215.99 list. eBay pricing hovers similarly, with new sets fetching NZD 332 (~USD $199). Reddit discussions show some resistance to the price, especially given limited suitability for surrounds: “The price… is a big issue for me… almost impossible to use a generic speaker stand.”
Resale value holds decently for the fixed WSSE32 due to its durability and matching aesthetic, but the adjustable WSSE3A2’s poor ratings suggest much lower second‑hand demand.
FAQ
Q: Are the Sanus WSSE32 stands good for surround sound Era 300 setups?
A: Users report they’re better suited for front stereo placement. Several found the fixed 32" height suboptimal for rear surrounds, affecting upward‑firing driver performance.
Q: How stable are the stands with heavy speakers like the Era 300?
A: The fixed WSSE32 is widely praised for stability thanks to its oversized base. Adjustable versions have been criticized for slipping under the speaker’s weight.
Q: Is cable management effective?
A: Yes. Press fit™ channels run down the rear, concealing cords neatly — a highlight for buyers concerned about visible wiring.
Q: Is assembly difficult?
A: Fixed models assemble quickly with minimal parts. Adjustable versions require more screws and washers, which some find cumbersome.
Q: Are there cheaper alternatives?
A: Generic stands often lack compatibility or the weight capacity for Era 300. Sonos’ own stands are ergonomically preferred, though at a similar or higher price.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re an Era 300 owner seeking stable, stylish front stereo positioning with clean cable management. Avoid if you primarily need rear surrounds with optimal Atmos performance — Sonos’ own stands suit that better. Pro tip from community: if assembling solo, position the stand under a soft surface like a bed during speaker mounting to prevent damage if dropped.
