Sanus Era 300 Stands Review: Stable but Height-Limited
Starting with a stark admission from Reddit user airgetlam***: “By contrast the Sanus stands for the Era 300 are (imo) a non-starter,” it’s clear the Sanus Wireless Speaker Stands for Sonos Era 300 (Black) - Pair polarize opinion. Official specs promise optimal listening height, sleek aesthetics, and easy assembly, but actual performance across platforms sits around 7.8/10, with consensus split sharply between sturdiness lovers and height-critics.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Heavy, stable base prevents tipping | Fixed height may be suboptimal for surrounds |
| Excellent cable management for clean look | Adjustable version criticized for height slip issues |
| Matches Sonos Era 300 aesthetics | Premium price compared to generic stands |
| Easy 15-minute assembly | Some locking mechanisms feel flimsy under heavy load |
| Works with carpet and hard floors | Lacks swivel or angling options |
| Durable steel/aluminum build | Cable routing limits repositioning |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing highlights the Sanus fixed-height stand at 32.31" as “optimal listening height,” but not all owners agree. Reddit user melvim*** countered: "The fixed position stands at 32 in… does not provide the optimal height for the Era 300’s when used as surround speakers," suggesting they'd fare better in a front stereo setup rather than rears.
The brand touts “Press Fit™ cable management technology” as a way to secure cords invisibly. This holds true for many; Best Buy reviewer trobadour*** praised the “clutter-free look” and “sleek design” once cables ran through the pole. Yet, that neatness comes with a trade-off—removing cables requires partial disassembly. Trobadour*** noted: “Once screwed, you can’t remove the cables without unscrewing the stand from the base.”
Then there’s assembly: Sanus promises an easy, 3-step process in under 15 minutes. Verified buyers confirm this—jc2305*** called install “easy!”—but Reddit threads caution on tricky speaker-to-stand attachment, requiring either a helper or creative support methods to avoid accidents.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Best Buy, and Trustpilot discussions, sturdiness is the standout win. Heavy bases with carpet spikes keep these stands rooted even in high-traffic areas. Andres_mn*** on Best Buy described using them in “a carpeted room with the carpet pines—no movement even under extreme use and high-volume sound.” Pet owners rest easy too; trobadour*** wrote how his two cats “didn’t knock it down,” cementing its stability credentials.
Aesthetic integration is another plus. The black finish and curved lines mirror the Sonos Era 300’s design language, making systems look cohesive. Dunhill*** raved: “It matches the speaker perfectly and completes the look of my home theatre system,” a sentiment echoed in multiple Amazon reviews.
Cable management, while divisive for its practicality, earns high style marks. Best Buy reviewer phillipb*** appreciated rubber grommets that “tuck cables away,” and sufi mom*** praised “messy wires eliminated for a polished aesthetic.”
Common Complaints
Height choice is the biggest sore point. The fixed-height WSSE31 model won praise from front-stage users but criticism from surround setups where ear-level placement is ideal. Adjustable models fared worse—Reddit user airgetlam*** found the “slide mechanism didn’t lock into place firmly” leading speakers to drift downward.
Some mention quality mismatch between parts: while the base and shafts are metal and solid, the speaker connector is only secured with one screw and feels fragile. Phillipb*** cautioned it “is a little flimsy so be careful… it may snap off.”
Price remains a hurdle. Multiple Best Buy users—edrick96*** and rahul***—explicitly called them “very expensive,” with some saying alternatives offer comparable performance for less.
Divisive Features
Cable management, though visually appealing, irritates frequent re-arrangers. Trobadour*** explained the commitment issue: threading cables through the pole essentially locks the stand’s position unless reassembled.
Height adjustability, intended as flexibility, splits opinion. Stingy1*** insisted their adjustable pair “don’t seem to have defect wrt not staying at a defined height,” contradicting Reddit reports of slippage. This suggests possible variance in quality control or user handling.
Trust & Reliability
There’s minimal indication of scam risk—trusted retailers like Best Buy and Amazon host most verified purchases. Durability gets frequent nods; Lucas_Hood*** reported, “They are very sturdy,” even after weeks of use. Trobadour***, after prolonged testing with active pets, maintained confidence in long-term stability.
On Reddit, experience with older Sanus stands for other Sonos speakers has been positive, adding heritage trust. However, trust dips marginally for the adjustable WSSE3A2 variant, now discontinued, suggesting design missteps were acknowledged by the brand.
Alternatives
Alternatives mentioned are primarily Sonos-branded stands, which Reddit users compare favorably to Sanus for surround setups. One commenter called them “an engineering marvel” with minimalist design balancing hefty speakers on taller poles. Flexson was hinted at as a possible future competitor—though no confirmed release exists—leaving buyers to choose between aesthetics and height preference.
Price & Value
Current retail for the fixed pair hovers around $199.99, while resale auctions dip drastically—one eBay listing closed at $8.51. This steep depreciation could make secondhand sourcing an attractive route for budget-sensitive buyers. Community tips suggest weighing Sonos’ official stands if height-critical, or targeting sales events where Sanus drops below MSRP.
FAQ
Q: Are these stands suitable for Sonos Era 300 surrounds?
A: Physically yes, but multiple surround users feel the fixed 32” height is too low for ear-level placement, reducing optimal audio performance.
Q: How effective is the cable management system?
A: It keeps cords invisible and tidy, but requires full assembly/disassembly to reposition or remove cables, making it less convenient for frequent changes.
Q: Do the stands wobble or tip over easily?
A: No. The heavy base and optional carpet spikes make tipping rare, even with pets or high volume playback.
Q: Is height adjustment worth the extra cost?
A: For some, yes, but reports of slipping mechanisms mean quality varies. If stability is top priority, fixed height may be safer.
Q: How hard is assembly for one person?
A: Assembly is straightforward, but attaching the heavy speaker can be tricky alone. Some users recommend having a helper for safety.
Final Verdict: Buy if you prize stability, integrated style with Sonos Era 300, and don’t need angle options. Avoid if surround ear-level height is critical or you frequently reposition setups. Pro tip from Reddit: for solo assembly, rest the base under a bed/sofa and attach while cradling the speaker to prevent drops.
