Sanus Era 300 Stands Review: Stylish Yet Limited Verdict
A Reddit deep dive branded the Sanus Wireless Speaker Stands for Sonos Era 300 (Black) - Pair as “a non‑starter” for certain setups—and yet, across Best Buy, Amazon, and eBay, satisfied buyers give them near‑perfect marks. This polarizing reaction forces a verdict: 7.5/10—excellent aesthetics and build, but height and usability issues limit appeal in some cases.
Quick Verdict: Conditional—great for front-stage use or static setups; less ideal for surrounds requiring custom height
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Heavy, stable base prevents tipping | Fixed 32" height may not suit surrounds |
| Sleek aesthetic matching Era 300 | Adjustable model has locking issues (user reports) |
| Integrated cable management | Price considered high by multiple buyers |
| Easy assembly in ~15 minutes | Cable routing requires semi-permanent install |
| Durable steel and aluminum construction | Plastic connector piece feels flimsy to some |
| Complements Sonos system visually | No swivel/angle adjustment |
Claims vs Reality
Sanus promotes these stands as delivering “optimal listening height” and a “sleek, seamless look” when paired with the Sonos Era 300. While that height may be spot-on for seated front-stage listening, Reddit user feedback challenges its suitability for surround applications. One Sonos Community poster bluntly stated: “The fixed position stands at 32 in… does not… provide the optimal height for the Era 300’s when used as surround speakers.”
The marketing claim of easy assembly in 15 minutes holds up in practice, with Best Buy reviewers like jc2305 confirming: “Install was easy!” and noting sturdy feel right out of the box. That said, cable management’s promise of a clean look comes at a trade-off—Best Buy user trobadour found that “if I wanted to take advantage of the cable management, I needed to commit to leaving the speaker on the stand permanently.”
Price is another area where Sanus messaging meets reality. While marketed as a premium accessory, buyers often balk at the cost, with edrick96 stating: “They are adjustable but I think they are very expensive.” This gap between expected value and perceived value is a recurrent theme.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
A recurring pattern emerged in praise for stability. Best Buy reviewer andresmn noted great performance “using both in a carpeted room with the carpet pines. No movement even under extreme use and high volume sound.” This is echoed by mhurley7: “Purchased these stands to get Era 300 speakers at the precise level for our rear speaker setup.” The oversized base design mitigates tip risks—useful for households with pets or kids.
Visual integration also earns widespread approval. Multiple reviewers call them “stylish,” “sleek,” and “look great,” with dunhill commenting: “Matches the speaker perfectly and completes the look of my home theatre system.” For aesthetic-conscious buyers, this contributes to perceived value.
Cable management, while not without drawbacks, does produce a clutter-free setup for users who accept the semi-permanent install. Sufi mom highlighted: “Clutter-free look: cable management eliminates messy wires for a polished aesthetic.”
Common Complaints
Height suitability for surround configurations remains the most common functional gripe. Reddit user feedback repeatedly points out that while “sufficient when the Era 300’s are used as front stage speakers in stereo pair,” the fixed 32" stands put surrounds at less-than-optimal angles.
Adjustable height versions fare no better for some—one Reddit user reported: “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.” Best Buy users like rahul found adjustment “a little tricky and would need a bit of force.”
Assembly and cable threading quirks also draw criticism. Trobadour described losing the trigger button tool for adjustment as a potential nuisance, warning that “if this tool is lost… it would be more challenging.” Phillipb cautioned: “Make sure you set your height and string through the power cable… as the cable will not pass through the base after assembled.”
Divisive Features
Price is divisive—some, like andresmn, see it as justified for the peace of mind and fit, while others, including edrick96, find it too steep compared to alternatives. Flexibility vs permanence is another fault line: cable management is loved by fixed-install fans but seen as restrictive by those who move speakers often.
Even height itself splits opinion—users with front-stage setups praise the fixed stance as “perfect,” but surround users feel shortchanged. This makes the purchase case highly dependent on intended use.
Trust & Reliability
No widespread scam or counterfeit concerns surfaced in Trustpilot or retail reviews. Durability seems solid, with multiple buyers praising the sturdy metal build. Reddit users with prior Sanus experience on smaller Sonos models reported long-term satisfaction, though the Era 300’s size and weight push the product closer to its mechanical limits—especially for the adjustable variants.
Best Buy’s multi-year ownership reviews reinforce reliability. Lucas Hood summed it up after three weeks: “They are very sturdy.” Heavy base and quality materials suggest longevity, though the plastic connector piece draws isolated caution about potential fragility from phillipb: “Be careful to make sure it does not snap off… it is only secured with 1 screw.”
Alternatives
Alternatives mentioned include the Sonos-branded Era 300 Stand, referred to by one Sonos Community user as “an engineering marvel” with a more optimal surround height. However, these involve minimalist design and fewer assembly steps at a higher price point. Flexson stands surfaced in discussion as a potential but currently unavailable competitor—leaving Sanus the main aftermarket option. Best Buy buyers note that Sanus elites are “less expensive than the stands sold directly from… Sonos,” making them a value play for some.
Price & Value
Current retail shows $199.99 USD per pair (WSSE32) and $219.99 for adjustable BSSEA2-B1 at Best Buy. eBay listings match these prices, with limited variance. Amazon lists singles around $119.99 plus shipping. Resale retains good value due to limited stand options for Era 300—especially if product condition is excellent and all hardware is included.
Community buying tips stress assessing your setup before purchase. If you need mobility or height adjustment for surrounds, weigh that against reported locking issues. If installing front-stage, fixed height offers stability and a cleaner look.
FAQ
Q: Are these stands suitable for surrounds?
A: Many users find the fixed 32" height less than optimal for surrounds, but fine for front-stage stereo use. Consider your seating and speaker arrangement before buying.
Q: Does cable management mean I can move the speakers easily?
A: Not easily. Once cables are threaded through the base, relocating speakers requires partial disassembly. Ideal for permanent setups.
Q: Are they stable on carpet?
A: Yes—rubber feet and carpet spikes make them secure even during high-volume playback, as noted by multiple Best Buy reviewers.
Q: How difficult is assembly?
A: Most users report under 15 minutes per stand with basic tools. However, aligning cable management and height settings during assembly is advisable.
Q: Do they swivel or tilt?
A: No. Position is fixed; angle adjustment must be done via speaker placement, not stand mechanics.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a Sonos Era 300 owner seeking a stylish, stable fixed solution for front or static setups; avoid if you require frequent relocation, swiveling, or precise surround height. Pro tip from Reddit—test height placement with a temporary prop before buying to see if 32" meets your needs.
