TEST SONOS PLAYBASE12hrs 14hrs 17hrs 20hrs 24hrs
Q Storage hunters
Bit of a traditionalist
and can’t get with
these music streaming
services? No problem,
as the Playbase can
access all the tunes
you’ve got stored on your
computer, NAS or phone.Q Family gathering
Like the Playbar, the
Sonos Playbase can
be partnered by a pair
of Play:1s (£199 each)
that will act as the
left and right satellites
to create a properly
immersive stereo system.Q One whump or two?
Pair your Playbase with
the £699 Sonos Sub
wireless subwoofer
for bass so powerful
it will make your furniture
wobble. It’ll be worth it for
the sound of action movie
explosions alone.Q Des hi-res
The Playbase isn’t just
about watching movies.
You can stream music
through it too, like any
other Sonos speaker. For
the best audio quality we
recommend getting Tidal
over trusty old Spotify.You could just enjoy the Playbase as it is, or you
could make it work harder with these upgradesAudio output 10 Class-D amplified
drivers: six mid-range, three tweeters,
one woofer
Input Optical
Dimensions 58x720x380mm,
8.6kg (supports TVs up to 35kg)STUFF SAYS ++++,
One si
nificant sonic flaw prevents
the otherwise excellent Playbase
ettin
the full five starsBut just listen to that bass. It’s a big
improvement on the Playbar.It’s still one of the better-sounding
solutions for TV audio, though.Taking it to another room for testing,
the sound isn’t quite as powerful......suggesting that audio quality will
depend on the shape of your room.Up out my base
Tech specs
But, oh my word, is that treble harsh.
It can be really distracting.The Playbase is a huge upgrade over
the sound produced by any TV. Even
compared to the vast majority of
other soundbars and bases, this
Sonos is in most ways streets
ahead. But there’s a stinging wasp in the
ointment, which is treble that’s sharp and
harsh enough to detract from the other
things it does so well. @TomParsons4 Based on a true story
Under the skin this is a 3.1
system, but one that uses
an array of 10 drivers to produce
a sound that’s far wider than
you’d imagine possible from such
a slim, compact unit. The degree
to which it fills the room with
audio is really impressive.5 Basement whacks
The Playbase has an ingenious
woofer that produces far more
authentic low frequencies
than the Playbar. But the treble
proves to be quite a bit too zingy,
sharp and sibilant. Big effects
can be dominated by a harsh
high end.