Sanus Wireless Speaker Stands for Sonos Era 300 Review
Few accessories polarize Sonos Era 300 owners like the Sanus Wireless Speaker Stands for Sonos Era 300 (Black) - Pair, earning it a conditional 7.8/10 in user sentiment. While some celebrate their "sturdiness" and "sleek design," others dismiss them outright as "a non-starter" for certain use cases. Across platforms, the debate centers on optimal height, build quality under heavy load, and value for money.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Heavy, stable base prevents tipping | Fixed height may not suit all setups |
| Effective cable management system | Adjustable version reported height slippage with Era 300s |
| Matches Sonos Era 300 aesthetics | Price considered "very expensive" by multiple users |
| Easy 15-minute assembly | Cable routing requires reinstall to change |
| Included carpet spikes & rubber feet | No swivel or angling capability |
| Durable steel and aluminum build | Plastic connector point seen as flimsy by some |
Claims vs Reality
Sanus markets these stands as delivering "optimal listening height" at 32 inches for the fixed version, or 25–42 inches for the adjustable models. But Reddit user comments point to a mismatch: “the fixed position stands at 32 in… [do] not… provide the optimal height for the era 300’s when used as surround speakers,” said one Sonos community poster. Their experience suggests the advertised height works better for front-stage stereo setups, not rear surround.
Another core selling point is “Press Fit” cable management for a clean, cable-free look. Best Buy customers agree it “eliminates messy wires for a polished aesthetic” — but only if you commit to leaving the speakers on the stands permanently. As reviewer "trobadour" cautioned, “once screwed, you can’t remove the cables without unscrewing the stand from the base.”
Sanus insists the adjustable stands support up to 17” height changes smoothly. Yet some users describe mechanical shortcomings. A Sonos community member reported, “the slide mechanism didn’t lock into place firmly thus the era 300’s would slip below the adjusted height,” undermining the promise of precision placement under load.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Perhaps the most consistent positive sentiment is toward stability. A verified Best Buy buyer, "andres mn," praised them as "steady and safe for Sonos Era 300… no movement even under extreme use and high volume sound." Heavy bases and optional carpet spikes give confidence to pet owners, with one noting “my two cats… didn’t knock it down.”
This stability matters most for households with large, heavy speakers where tip risk is higher. "dunhill" noted the heavy base “will prevent accidental tip overs and should hold up very nicely over time.” The visual integration with Sonos gear is another cross-platform win: multiple buyers describe them as looking like they “were made by Sonos themselves,” which enhances setup cohesion in living rooms and home theaters.
Cable concealment earns equally broad praise for aesthetics, especially from minimalists. Best Buy reviewer "sufi mom" lauded the “clutter-free look” and the improved soundstage from positioning speakers at ear level, suggesting these stands can refine both audio imaging and decor.
Common Complaints
The most consistent complaint is lack of versatility in aiming speakers. As "sufi mom" put it: “no swivel… the speakers can't be angled towards your listening position.” This limitation can be bothersome in asymmetrical room layouts or unconventional theater seating.
Height suitability sparks repeated critique. One community poster was blunt: “a non-starter… fixed position… does not… provide the optimal height… for surround.” Those using Sonos Era 300 in rear-channel mode found the fixed version less ergonomic, while the adjustable variant faced mechanical criticism for not holding heavy speakers securely.
Price is another sticking point. Best Buy reviewer "edrick 96" summarized: “they are adjustable but… very expensive.” Given the lack of third-party alternatives that match both the weight and design demands of the Era 300, some feel captive to Sanus’ pricing strategy.
Even durability perceptions vary — while the frame inspires confidence, a Best Buy reviewer "phillipb" warned that “the plastic connector… is a little flimsy… only secured with 1 screw,” calling for caution during assembly or repositioning.
Divisive Features
The adjustable height option splits opinion. Enthusiasts like "stingy 1" value it over fixed height, saying “worth the extra $20… high quality and recommended,” yet others — notably on Reddit — experience slippage under load. That friction point comes down to use case: for lighter Era 100 speakers, adjustment holds fine, but for heavier Era 300s at maximum height, the lock strength has been questioned.
Cable management is similarly double-edged. Users adore its clean lines, but if you frequently move stands, or need to swap cables often, the design impedes quick changes. As "trobadour" observed, “if… lost [the trigger button],… lowering the stand… more challenging.”
Trust & Reliability
Long-term perspectives offer mixed reassurance. While Sanus’ use of steel and aluminum resists wear over time, the adjustable models’ height lock issues appear in multiple anecdotes rather than isolated incidents, raising questions on mechanical lifespan under continuous use with heavier models.
There’s no pervasive evidence of scam or deceptive sales, but some users feel the premium price isn’t matched by functionality improvements over Sonos’ own stand, particularly when the fit for surround configurations is disputed. Still, durability under daily physical stress — pets, children, and cleaning — is generally affirmed, with Best Buy owners reporting stands remaining steady after months of use.
Alternatives
In discussions, the official Sonos-era 300 stand emerges as the closest competitor. Sonos community assessments describe it as “an engineering marvel… perfect height… balances… massive speaker… with only 4 screws per stand.” The main advantage cited is better height for surround setups and a more minimalist footprint.
However, many balk at Sonos’ pricing, which rivals or exceeds Sanus for fixed-height models. Flexson was mentioned in waiting, but availability remains uncertain, leaving Sanus as the only widely accessible specialized stand for these speakers.
Price & Value
Market prices put the fixed-height WSSE32 around $199–$219, while adjustable WSSE3A1 models hover near $199. Multiple reviewers point to “very expensive” as a deterring factor. Resale potential is moderate where demand for Era 300-specific gear stays high, but generic stands struggle to handle the physical demands, bolstering Sanus’ aftermarket value.
Community advice favors shopping during sales or picking older but compatible models to save. Best Buy owners expressed satisfaction when paying slightly less than Sonos-branded stands for similar build quality, but caution that price gaps may narrow depending on promotions.
FAQ
Q: Do these stands work for both Sonos Era 100 and Era 300?
A: Yes. Many customers highlight the included hardware for both models. “Easy to assemble… can also be used with Era 100s (additional mount included),” noted Best Buy reviewer "aaronv."
Q: How stable are the stands with heavy speakers like the Era 300?
A: Very stable under stationary use. Heavy bases prevent tipping; "roman" said they’re “love how sturdy they are… good weight speakers.” However, height risks in adjustable models exist at maximum extension.
Q: Can you change cable routing easily?
A: No. The cable runs through the stand, so you must partially disassemble to swap or remove it, as "trobadour" explains: “once screwed… you can’t remove… without unscrewing the stand.”
Q: Is assembly really only 15 minutes?
A: Generally yes. Most feedback cites quick builds with a Phillips screwdriver, though "dunhill" found base-body connection “a little awkward” initially.
Q: Do they swivel or tilt for aiming?
A: No swivel or tilt is built-in. Angle control would require repositioning the whole stand.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a Sonos Era 300 owner wanting a stable, design-matched stand for fixed positioning, especially in front-stage roles; avoid if surround-channel height precision or frequent cable changes are priorities. Pro tip from the community: for heavy Era 300s, stick to fixed-height for maximum stability unless you need occasional height tweaks and can accept extra care with adjustment locks.
