Sonos Playbase Review
Sonos isn't a stranger to soundbars, but we've been waiting quite a while for a follow-up to 2013's Playbar ($748.00 at Amazon) . Switching gears a bit, the new Playbase is a sound slab designed to be placed under your TV. This $699.99 speaker system is a bit pricey considering it doesn't include a subwoofer, but its size allows for fuller audio than most soundbars, and it does a great job with movies, TV shows, and music alike. It can also integrate easily with other Sonos speakers throughout your home, and you can even set up a full 5.1-channel surround system if you're willing to spend an extra $1,100 for the additional satellites and subwoofer.
Design
Most sound slabs are designed to completely disappear under a TV, becoming nothing more than a blocky stand of sorts. The Playbase is similarly simple and understated, but it has enough visual flourishes that make it unmistakably a Sonos product, and one that won't totally fade into the background. The speaker is a large, curved ...
The Playbase is a powerful audio slab for your TV, with lots of streaming options and the ability to connect to other Sonos speakers throughout your home.
Excellent overall audio performance; Large sound field with very good directional imaging for movies; Lots of streaming media options through the Sonos app; Can be expanded to a true 5.1-channel surround system
Lacks ultra-low frequency, subwoofer-like presence; Can only use other Sonos speakers for 5.1 setup; No Bluetooth