Smart home audio just got a bit more affordable

In a move to boost sales, Sonos has decided to permanently lower the prices of two of its products. The Era 100 smart speaker and the Ray soundbar now both retail at $199. This is a significant reduction, especially for the Ray, which was originally priced at $279 when it launched nearly three years ago. The Era 100, on the other hand, had a $50 price cut from its initial $249 launch price. These price drops are not temporary sales or retailer discounts but a permanent change. The Era 100 is a mainstream home speaker that offers several improvements over its predecessors. It features stereo sound, line-in, and Bluetooth audio support, along with more intuitive physical controls. At $199, it is an attractive entry point into the Sonos ecosystem, which is known for its high-quality audio products. The Era 100 is a solid choice for those looking to upgrade their home audio setup without breaking the bank. The Ray soundbar, however, has been a bit of a mixed bag. It lacks HDMI connectivity, which means it does not support Dolby Atmos surround sound. This is a significant drawback compared to more expensive options like the Arc Ultra and Beam (Gen 2). However, the Ray is a compact and capable soundbar that easily outperforms built-in TV speakers. It is a good option for smaller rooms or secondary TVs. Some users have even repurposed it as a desk speaker, although that is not its primary function. The Ray's price reduction to $199 makes it a more competitive option in the market. It is important to note that the Ray underperformed Sonos' early expectations, according to past statements from the company. The price drop is a strategic move to make the product more appealing to consumers. It is a fairer price for what the Ray offers, and it could attract more buyers who are looking for an affordable soundbar solution. The Era 100 and the Ray are just two examples of how the audio market is evolving. Consumers are increasingly looking for affordable, high-quality audio products. Sonos' price drops are a response to this trend, and it will be interesting to see how it affects the company's sales and market position. It is a smart move by Sonos to make their products more accessible to a wider audience. The Era 100 and the Ray are now more appealing options for those looking to upgrade their home audio setup.