Sanus WSSE31 Sonos Era 300 Stands Review: Solid but Pricey
The Sanus Wireless Speaker Stands for Sonos Era 300 (Black) - Pair have earned an 8/10 from aggregated user feedback. Their heavy bases, sleek aesthetics, and solid materials consistently impress, but height suitability and price spark debates across platforms. While the fixed-height WSSE31 targets a standard 32-inch listening position, not everyone agrees that’s "optimal" for surround use.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — perfect fit and finish for Sonos Era 300 owners, but installation quirks and high cost may turn casual buyers away.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Heavy, stable base resists tipping | Fixed height not ideal for all setups |
| Sleek, Sonos-matching aesthetic | Price seen as high by many users |
| Effective cable management | Installation requires care with balancing heavy speakers |
| Quick 15-minute assembly with basic tools | Adjustable model criticized for slipping under weight |
| Purpose-built fit for Era 300 | No swivel or angle adjustment |
| Durable steel/aluminum build | Cable routing limits mobility once assembled |
Claims vs Reality
Sanus promotes the WSSE31 pair as delivering "optimal listening height" at 32.31 inches with "integrated cable management for a sleek look". While that height is positioned as universal, several community voices disagree. Reddit user feedback pointed out: "The fixed position stands at 32 inches... does not (imo) provide the optimal height for the Era 300’s when used as surround speakers." These users found them more suitable for front stereo placement than rear surround setups.
The brand’s promise of "easy, 3-step assembly in 15 minutes" generally holds up. Best Buy customer "jc2305" confirmed: "The stand is sturdy and looks cool. Very happy with the purchase. Install was easy!" However, heavier Sonos Era 300 units do pose challenges; a Sonos Community post detailed a workaround — cradling the speaker over a sofa during mounting to avoid drops.
As for seamless design matching Sonos aesthetics, the consensus is positive. Buyers like "roman" praised that the stands "love how sturdy they are for such high quality and good weight speakers" while multiple reviews emphasized the visual integration with Era series styling.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Stability is the standout win across all platforms. Best Buy reviewer "andres mn" summed it up: "No movement even under extreme use and high volume sound... definitely a rebuy." He used carpet spikes for added security in a carpeted room. Heavy bases are appreciated not only for stability but also for withstanding curious pets — one user noted confidently, "My two cats ran close to the stand and didn’t knock it down."
The close visual match to Sonos hardware strengthens perceived value for home theater enthusiasts. "dunhill" reported: "It matches the speaker perfectly and completes the look of my home theatre system", underscoring the premium integration appeal for style-conscious buyers.
Cable management is another verified win. Users highlight cleaner setups without dangling wires. "phillipb," after assembly, described: "Tucks cables away with rubber grommets to keep cables in" — a detail that resonates with minimalist living room setups.
Common Complaints
Height suitability sparks recurring criticism. Reddit contributors argue that the 32-inch fixed height isn’t optimal for rear Era 300s, preferring taller mounting for projection over seating. Adjustable models have their own issues; the discontinued WSSE3A2 faced poor locking performance, with reports that "the slide mechanism didn’t lock into place firmly thus the Era 300’s would slip below the adjusted height."
Price is another sore point. Best Buy reviewer "edrick96" bluntly stated: "Very good stand for the Era 300... but I think they are very expensive." Given limited aftermarket options that can hold the Era 300’s distinctive bulk, buyers feel cornered into paying the premium.
Assembly, while straightforward for some, involves precarious speaker handling for others. The Sonos Community tip to balance the stand under a sofa or bed reflects the caution needed to avoid damaging the heavy, irregularly shaped Era 300 during install.
Divisive Features
The fixed height feature splits opinion between simplicity lovers and tinkerers. Many fixed-height owners appreciate the "set-and-forget" approach, avoiding mechanical parts susceptible to slipping. Others value adjustable flexibility for mixed-use rooms, as "sufi mom" noted: "We got the adjustable one... you can raise or lower your Era 300s by up to 17 inches to find the perfect listening position." Still, she admitted the mechanism might not be necessary for everyone.
Cable management is praised aesthetically but criticized functionally — threading power through the stand locks the speaker in place, limiting mobility unless disassembly is undertaken. For some, this trade-off between visual cleanliness and flexibility is unwelcome.
Trust & Reliability
Despite the discontinued adjustable models receiving negative marks, the WSSE31 fixed-height design holds a reputation for long-term durability. Buyers who’ve used Sanus stands for smaller Sonos One or Play:1 models report stable performance over years. The robust steel and aluminum construction is a confidence point; as "aaronv" put it, "Heavy base provides great stability... less expensive than the stands sold directly from Sanus or from Sonos."
On forums, reliability concerns skew toward adjustable stands rather than fixed models. The WSSE31’s straightforward design sidesteps issues of mechanical slip, suggesting fewer points of failure.
Alternatives
The most direct comparisons come from Sonos-branded Era 300 stands. Reddit testimony suggests Sonos’ own stands reach a more optimal surround height but at higher pricing and with a minimalist engineering marvel appeal: "Balances a 9.85 lb speaker on a 37-inch pole... the stress points zero out which allows the massive speaker to float." Meanwhile, Flexson has been mentioned by community members as a possible future entrant, though no release confirmed.
The adjustable Sanus Elite BSSEA2-B1 stands — still available for Era 100 and 300 — suit buyers needing varied placement but must balance against reports of locking mechanisms requiring force or risking slip.
Price & Value
Priced at $199.99 USD for a pair, the WSSE31 sits in the mid-to-high range for speaker stands. Community buyers cite limited third-party options that can accommodate the Era 300’s weight and size, making Sanus a go-to despite cost concerns.
Resale value appears stable given discontinued alternative models, and resale channels such as eBay list similar adjustable units around $179.99 USD. For budget-conscious shoppers, waiting for sales or buying used in local markets is a community-backed tip.
FAQ
Q: Is the 32-inch fixed height optimal for all setups?
A: Not necessarily. Owners using Era 300s as front stereo speakers are satisfied, but surround users often prefer taller placement for better sound dispersion over seating.
Q: Can I move the speakers easily after assembly?
A: Only with hassle. Integrated cable management locks the cord in place, requiring partial disassembly to relocate the stand without cable clutter.
Q: Will these work on carpet?
A: Yes. Rubber feet and height-adjustable carpet spikes are included for stability on different flooring types.
Q: Do they angle the speakers?
A: No. The stands do not swivel or tilt; they hold speakers at a fixed forward orientation.
Q: How risky is assembly for heavy speakers?
A: Care is needed. Community tips suggest resting the stand base under a sofa, using the furniture as a safety net while attaching the heavy Era 300.
Final Verdict: Buy if you want a purpose-built, super stable, Sonos-matching stand for Era 300s and accept the fixed height; avoid if adjustable placement or budget flexibility is more critical. Pro tip from community: assemble with furniture close by to catch an accidental drop during mounting.
