High-quality wireless home audio used to be a luxury only a few could afford. But those days are over! Thanks to companies like Sonos and Denon, incredible sound is now accessible to everyone. You no longer have to dream about theater-quality audio at home – you can actually create it. The only question left is: Which amazing system will you choose?

Sonos and HEOS (made by Denon) are two of the most celebrated wireless home audio systems to date. Both systems allow users to play music/audio throughout the home by using multiple speakers. The home’s Wi-Fi is used to connect the systems to the internet so music and audio can be easily streamed. Both systems also offer downloadable apps that enable users to control the sound and speakers from a phone and/or tablet.

Sonos Diagram

There are, however, some key differences between the Sonos and HEOS operating systems, which should be considered before purchasing:

  • One notable difference is the number of available products each offers. In this case, Sonos has more to offer, including soundbars, traditional speakers, and a portable Bluetooth speaker. HEOS, on the other hand, offers soundbars and traditional speakers but does not offer portable speakers. This means if you are looking for a more adaptable system, Sonos might be the better option.
  • The second major difference between Sonos and HEOS is the level of integration with other smart home devices and platforms. In this area Sonos wins again, as it easily integrates with other smart devices such as Amazon Echo, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. This level of connectivity allows users to use voice commands to control the Sonos system; it also allows for the system to be integrated into an already existing smart home setup with ease. HEOS can integrate with Amazon Echo and Google Home, but the connection to these platforms is not nearly as comprehensive as what Sonos provides. The HEOS system will connect to local/regional stations, but it does not allow for Apple Music.

Sound Quality

As mentioned earlier, both the Sonos and HEOS systems offer high-quality sound, and since both are so similar, deciding on which system to use may fall on which has more of the qualities you like rather than which is considered “better” than the other. This being said, Sonos does have a slight edge due to its robust bass and wider soundstage. These two aspects alone have managed to drive Sonos sales over HEOS sales, even if it isn’t by much. One other difference, though it has nothing to do with sound quality, that may influence a decision between Sonos and HEOS is that Sonos products tend to be a bit more expensive than HEOS products. In fact, some of Sonos’s premium products can end up being significantly more expensive.

Moving on with sound quality, both systems offer a wide range of music streaming services that they support, but–yet again–Sonos supports more. With connectivity to Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music, Sonos also connects to a large number of local/regional music services. HEOS also supports a wide range of music services, but the list is not as comprehensive and you do not get the flexibility of what you can listen to.

Clearly, when deciding between these two systems, it is necessary to keep in mind the type of music streaming service you tend to use the most. If you use a service that is not compatible with either Sonos or HEOS, you will not be able to stream that service through your home audio system. When it comes to setup and installation, both Sonos and HEOS have done a wonderful job of creating easy-to-install systems. Both can be accessed through smartphones, which make finding and choosing audio about as user-friendly as it can get.

The Sonos Arc

Sonos Arc SystemFine-tuned by Oscar-winning engineers, The Sonos Arc is the company’s biggest and beefiest soundbar. The Sonos Arc can deliver Dolby lossless audio usually found only on cutting-edge Blu-ray disks, and can provide the 3D soundscape of Dolby Atmos object tracks from discs and streaming movies. This means it can bounce certain sounds off the walls around you so they feel like they’re coming at you from all angles. While all this might sound complicated, the Sonos Arc setup couldn’t be simpler, involving only a couple of steps on the smartphone app. The minimal cable connections and all-in-one system construction add to this no-fuss feeling and streamlined aesthetic. If you’ve got a media room with four walls and a roof then this is absolutely one of the best soundbars around.

 

 

Here’s how easy it is to set up the Sonos Arc Soundbar:

  • Step 1: Connect all of your streaming services and check out all the new music available on Sonos Radio–you can also access set your personal settings here.
  • Step 2: Allow the soundbar to automatically sync with your existing remote so you can control everything from one device.
  • Step 3: Tap or swipe the top of the soundbar to skip tracks, adjust music, or pause music.

 

The HEOS Amps

HEOS Amps work by transforming any pair of passive speakers into a music streaming system. This HEOS device easily connects and amplifies your favorite audio with enough power to serve as bookshelf and tower speakers. Using built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, a HEOS Amp provides a large selection of music to choose from, and users can download the free HEOS app to play and control Apple, Android, or Kindle streaming services. Also, if you need a little more bass added to your HEOS Amp, look into adding a HEOS subwoofer for a better mix of sound.

The Denon HEOS wireless amplifier turns any speakers into a wireless zone.

Heos Amp setup:

  • First, be sure your smartphone is connected to the same wireless network you want your HEOS Amp to connect to then check the Wi-Fi menu in your phone settings to make sure everything is synced.
  • Launch the HOES app on your smartphone.
  • Once the app is open, tap the “Setup Now” button at the top of your screen.
  • Follow the provided instructions guiding you through the process of making sure your HEOS Amp is added to your network and begin using your Amp!

 

 

Choosing between Sonos and HEOS home audio systems is a big decision, one that we at Audio Video Charlotte are more than happy to help you make. While we are walking through the different systems with you, we can also discuss a few must-haves when it comes to the perfect home setup. Here are a few pieces of equipment you might want to add to your cart:

  • Marantz & Denon Network Receivers. A network receiver, or A/V receiver, serves as the nerve center for your entire system. To make your theater sound its best, the Marantz receiver can decode pre-set surround sound configurations and send the right signals to your loudspeakers, and it can switch between audio and video components.

It is important to note that not all A/V receivers are equal, and if you want one that will last for many years without any hiccups, we highly recommend any Marantz receiver. These have large power transformers and clean amp channels. They range from 20hz to 20 khz and all come at a low distortion number.

 Surge Protectors. These are incredibly important, especially if you have a lot of equipment plugged in—which, these days, is just about all of us. Surge protectors absorb excess voltage by soaking it up through metal oxide components and then transplanting that voltage safely into a ground wire. This keeps all your electronics from getting hit with too much power and frying them.

  • Network Switch. When you have a wired network that is working together, a network switch can be used to connect other devices using Ethernet cables. Once they are all connected by the switch, they can easily communicate with one another in a faster method than even the internet uses.

We recommend using what’s called an “unmanaged switch,” which comes with no settings or specifications and works to simply add more Ethernet ports to your already-existing network. While your router handles your internet connection, the unmanaged switch can talk to the attached devices allowing or restricting what they can do: parental controls and other similar settings.

Don’t become frustrated with your current home theater setup. Rather than throw everything out and start new, let one of Audio Video Charlotte’s technicians come to see which sound system will work best with your current setup. Chances are good that we can work with what is already there to make your home theater system the best it can be.