Sanus Wireless Speaker Stands Review: Mixed Verdict
A Reddit user described the Sanus Wireless Speaker Stands for Sonos Era 300 (Black) as “a non-starter” for surround setups despite strong marketing claims — yet on Best Buy, hundreds praise them for sturdiness and design. With such polarizing opinions, the stands land at a conditional 7.6/10, appealing to style-conscious listeners but frustrating certain high-performance users.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sleek, Sonos-matched design | Price viewed as high by many |
| Heavy, stable base prevents tipping | Fixed height may be suboptimal for surround use |
| Effective cable management system | Adjustable model mechanism criticized for slipping |
| Quick assembly for most users | Cable routing requires permanence once installed |
| Compatible with multiple Sonos Era models | No swivel/angling capability |
| Durable steel and aluminum build | Some plastic parts feel flimsy to users |
| Multiple hardware options for floors | Power cable length issue at highest adjustment |
Claims vs Reality
Sanus markets the WSSE32 as offering “optimal listening height” at 32 inches for any setup — home theater, stereo, or ambient listening — yet Reddit discussions suggest that fixed height is not universally optimal. One Sonos Community member argued, “32 in… does not provide the optimal height for the Era 300’s when used as surround speakers,” though they conceded it “may be sufficient when used as front stage speakers in stereo pair.”
The company promotes “easy 15-minute assembly” and streamlined cable routing through its Press Fit™ management. Best Buy customer mhurley7 called install “easy” and appreciated the precise height for rear speakers. However, Best Buy user trobadour explained that using cable management means “you have to run the cable through a hole in the base and then screw the stand to it” — making it difficult to remove later without partial disassembly.
Sanus also describes the adjustable model as delivering “17 inches of effortless sliding adjustment.” On paper, this flexibility should meet diverse user needs, yet Reddit feedback claimed “the slide mechanism didn’t lock into place firmly thus the Era 300’s would slip below the adjusted height.” This flaw was echoed by Best Buy user rahul, who found the height adjustment “a little tricky and would need a bit of force.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The stands’ aesthetic integration with Sonos Era speakers consistently wins applause. Best Buy user dunhill described them as “solid and modern looking… matches the speaker perfectly and completes the look of my home theatre system.” Many highlight the heavy base as a practical safeguard against tipping — Reddit user airgetlam agreed that generic stands struggle with the Era 300’s weight and shape, making purpose-built designs more desirable.
Cable management earns widespread nods for keeping setups polished. Best Buy user phillipb noted the design “tucks cables away with rubber grommets to keep cables in,” which is particularly valued by home theater users aiming for clean visual lines. Amazon buyers echo this in comments about the “sleek, seamless look” that blends into living spaces.
Common Complaints
The most persistent criticism revolves around height appropriateness for surround configurations. In Reddit comparisons with Sonos’ own stands, the fixed 32-inch Sanus design was seen as less ideal, and adjustable models faced mechanical complaints. Another recurring frustration is the cable management’s permanent nature once assembled, limiting flexibility to reposition gear. Best Buy feedback warned that setting a high adjustment position can shorten the power cable reach, forcing proximity to outlets or use of extensions.
Durability perceptions are mixed. While the base is praised for weight and stability, some users worry over “the plastic connector… only secured with 1 screw” (Best Buy user phillipb), raising questions about longevity, especially with frequent height changes.
Divisive Features
Price divides the community sharply. Best Buy user edrick96 felt they were “very expensive” despite appreciating adjustability. Others, like andresmn, argue that “none [are] as well designed for steadiness” and worth the premium. Functionality of adjustment is another split point — Best Buy user stingy1 found no defect with height stability, calling them “high quality and recommended,” contrasting sharply with Reddit reports of slipping mechanisms.
Trust & Reliability
No overt scam concerns arose, but trust in Sanus engineering varies depending on model. Long-term durability stories are rare, though Best Buy users like roman and jime report satisfaction after months of use, praising sturdiness under regular theater operation. Reddit’s skepticism centers more on application appropriateness than outright product failure, particularly criticizing the adjustable WSSE3A2’s mechanism design.
Alternatives
The only competitor explicitly mentioned is Sonos’ own Era 300 stand, which Reddit users describe as an “engineering marvel” with a more suitable height for surround use. However, this comes at a higher cost and minimalistic design requiring fewer screws. Some community members are still awaiting potential Flexson releases to add broader market choice.
Price & Value
MSRP ranges from about $129.99 for a single fixed stand to nearly $199.99 for the WSSE32 pair in black. Auction data shows resale values plummeting — an eBay lot closed at $8.51 for a pair — suggesting limited secondary market demand. Buying tips from community voices include considering the fixed-height model if surround placement isn’t critical, thereby saving from more expensive adjustable variants that raise mechanical concerns.
FAQ
Q: Do these stands work for both Era 100 and Era 300 speakers?
A: Yes, multiple buyers confirm they fit both models, often with included extra mount hardware. Best Buy user aaronv noted easy adaptability for Era 100s.
Q: How stable are they on carpeted floors?
A: Very stable according to users, especially with carpet spikes. Best Buy user andresmn reported “no movement even under extreme use and high volume sound” in a carpeted room.
Q: Can the stands be angled or swiveled?
A: No. They are fixed in orientation, a point some users see as limiting for directed listening setups.
Q: Is assembly truly 15 minutes?
A: Most users find assembly straightforward within that time frame, though Best Buy user trobadour notes needing their own Phillips screwdriver and careful attention to cable routing.
Q: Are adjustable versions worth the price?
A: Opinions split. Some praise the flexibility, while others criticize the adjustment mechanism or prefer the cheaper fixed-height option.
Final Verdict: Buy if you value visual integration with Sonos Era speakers and need reliable floor stability for stereo or front-stage setups. Avoid if your primary use is surround — fixed height could compromise positioning, and adjustable models have mixed reliability feedback. Pro tip from community: Plan power cable routing before setup to avoid height-induced reach problems and lock in a polished finish without reassembly hassles.
