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No. You can set up and use the Sonos Arc Ultra on its own, then add a Sub for deeper bass, a pair of Era speakers for rear surround sound, or both if those additions suit your room and priorities. They are optional upgrades, not setup requirements.
What each add-on does
| Setup | What it adds | Consider it if… |
|---|---|---|
| Arc Ultra alone | Soundbar-based TV audio | You want to start with the soundbar and decide about expansion later. Sonos’s setup guide explains how to add components afterward. |
| Arc Ultra + Sub | Deeper bass | You want more low-frequency impact. Sonos describes the Sub as a way to add deeper bass; it is not a prerequisite for using the Arc Ultra. |
| Arc Ultra + two Era 100 speakers | A pair of rear surround speakers | You want rear-channel coverage with a compact pair. Sonos lists an Arc Ultra and two Era 100 speakers as a surround set without a Sub. |
| Arc Ultra + two Era 300 speakers | Rear surrounds; Sonos describes Era 300 as a spatial-audio speaker | You want this type of rear-speaker setup and it suits your room. Sonos lists the pair with Arc Ultra. |
| Arc Ultra + Sub + two Era speakers | Deeper bass and rear surround speakers | You want both functions and have room for the additional equipment. |
These are different jobs: choose a Sub for bass, Era speakers for rear surrounds, or both if you want both additions. Sonos’s product descriptions and bundles establish its product positioning and compatibility, not independent measurements of how much better a particular setup sounds.
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When to add a Sub
Consider a Sub if stronger bass is a priority. If you are unsure, set up the Arc Ultra first and decide after using it in your room; Sonos’s setup sequence allows you to add a Sub later. Its compatibility guidance says Arc Ultra can work with two Sub 4 units, two Sub (Gen 3) units, or a mixed pair consisting of one of each. A Sub connects wirelessly to its primary Sonos product and should be in the same room. For a new home theater setup, Sonos says to set up the home theater speaker first, then follow the app’s Sub setup guidance. See Sonos’s Sub setup instructions and home theater product guidance.
When to add Era surround speakers
Consider a pair of Era speakers if you want sound from behind the listening position. Sonos recommends a pair, placed behind and to the left and right of the usual listening position. You do not need a Sub to use this configuration: Sonos lists an Arc Ultra with two Era 100 speakers as a surround set on its own. It also lists a set with two Era 300 speakers. Sonos recommends Arc Ultra + Sub 4 + two Era 100 speakers for medium-to-large rooms, and Arc Ultra + Sub 4 + two Era 300 speakers for large rooms; these are Sonos recommendations, not independent comparative tests. Sonos’s surround guidelines cover placement and limitations.
#1 Best Overall
- Dual Sonos-engineered drivers generate deep, dynamic bass
- Ported enclosure enhances the bass response and low-frequency output
- Transform your home theater experience when you pair with Sonos Arc Ultra, Arc, or Beam
- Force-canceling acoustic architecture virtually eliminates distortion, buzz, and rattle
- Iconic sculptural design and updated matte finish that matches your Sonos system
Choose between Era 100 and Era 300 based on your priorities and room rather than assuming one is universally better. Sonos describes Era 300 as a spatial-audio speaker and includes it in a large-room system recommendation, but the cited guidance does not establish that it is the right choice for every listener or room. See Sonos’s listings for the Arc Ultra and Era 100 set and Arc Ultra and Era 300 set.
Check placement and connection requirements
- Plan for a pair of surrounds with practical positions behind and to either side of the main listening spot.
- If using Era 100 or Era 300 surrounds with the Sonos Combo Adapter, Ethernet use depends on how the primary home theater speaker connects: when it uses Wi-Fi, the Era surrounds cannot use Ethernet; when it is wired, the surrounds may also use Ethernet. Sonos documents these limits in its surround sound guidelines.
- For Dolby Atmos, Arc Ultra must connect to the TV’s HDMI-ARC input, and the TV and the content or service must support Atmos. Adding Era speakers does not replace these requirements. See Sonos’s Arc Ultra setup guide.
A simple way to decide
- Start with the Arc Ultra if you want the soundbar but are not sure which add-ons you need.
- Add a Sub if deeper bass is your priority.
- Add two Era speakers if you want rear surrounds and can place them appropriately.
- Choose both only if you want both bass and rear-channel coverage and can accommodate the speakers.
Sonos’s available product guidance does not establish how many Arc Ultra owners choose these add-ons or quantify their performance gains, so there is no evidence-based rule that every owner needs either one.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 1,【Compatibility】solid wood stand applicable for Sonos Sub 4 black and white model, make the sonos sub 4 speaker to stay on the wooden mount, don't worry about slip off and fall out in using.
- 2,【Unique Design】the metal frame accessories strength is sufficient,it's hard to deform after have tested for may times.The wooden stand with right size can match sonso sub 4 better. it's good for sound and easy to install.but not take much space.
- 3,【Black Walnut】The wood stand is made of walnut from North America, it's 100% real wood with coating. the black walnut color is suit for all of color from echo studio, more places and occasions.the metal frame is made of stainless with coating, not rust.
- 4,【waterproof holder for speaker on floor】wooden holder height is very suitable to support the Sonos Sub 4 speaker, avoide the erosion by water on floor . Avoid the robotic vacuum cleaner hitting your sonos sub 4 and prevent people from accidentally kicking your sub 4 while walking .
- 5，【compatibility for】 compatible for Sonos Sub 2,Sonos Sub 3,Sonos Sub 4.
Rank #4
- Unlock your entertainment when you pair Sub Mini with Beam or Ray and experience dramatic depth that puts you inside your shows, movies, and games.
- Within the acoustically sealed cabinet, dual custom woofers generate the full-toned low frequencies of a much larger subwoofer. Advanced processing further enhances the bass response.
- Both woofers face inward to create a force-canceling effect that neutralizes distortion.
- Trueplay tuning technology adapts the bass for your room's acoustics so it won't sound harsh, muddy, or flat—even if you place Sub Mini next to the wall. Supported iOS device required.
Rank #3
- Unlock your entertainment when you pair Sub Mini with Beam or Ray and experience dramatic depth that puts you inside your shows, movies, and games.
- Within the acoustically sealed cabinet, dual custom woofers generate the full-toned low frequencies of a much larger subwoofer. Advanced processing further enhances the bass response.
- Both woofers face inward to create a force-canceling effect that neutralizes distortion.
- Trueplay tuning technology adapts the bass for your room's acoustics so it won't sound harsh, muddy, or flat—even if you place Sub Mini next to the wall. Supported iOS device required.
Rank #2
- Dual Sonos-engineered drivers generate deep, dynamic bass
- Ported enclosure enhances the bass response and low-frequency output
- Transform your home theater experience when you pair with Sonos Arc Ultra, Arc, or Beam
- Force-canceling acoustic architecture virtually eliminates distortion, buzz, and rattle
- Iconic sculptural design and updated matte finish that matches your Sonos system
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