Review on Enhance Your Entertainment with the Sonos Amp: A Versatile Black Amplifier by Brandy Robinson

I have to start this review by admitting that I'm a Sonos fan and have been using Sonos versions of multi-room music devices since 2009. When I first learned that Sonos was introducing an amplifier, I struggled to understand what they were trying to do, but now that I've bought one, my eyes have been opened. I first replaced a receiver that I had set up for 3.1 operation for our family home entertainment system. I used the same speakers and subwoofer that came with it (no center channel) and am very happy with the result. It took very little tweaking to balance my satellite speakers with the subwoofer and maximize the phantom center channel effect. Sounds amazing. Don't be put off by the 2 channel limitation - the thing sounds big and the phantom center channel effect is impressive. I get the best front sound field ever and is optimally tuned for music, film or TV. Please note that we are dealing with cutting of cables, therefore without video and satellite set-top box. Our only video sources are AppleTV and Smart TV capabilities. Our only audio input was a Sonos ZP90, but this was replaced with amplifier integration with the Sonos system. Positive aspects: 1. Amazing sound quality - I can't say enough about it.2. Easy setup. If you're a Sonos user, it's as easy as you've come to expect from other Sonos products. If you're new to Sonos, there's a slight learning curve to the concepts, but it becomes clear quickly.3. Simple control. This is one of the best features of the device. At first I wondered why it didn't have HDMI inputs to control/switch video sources, but the Sonos engineers thought of a much more unique and simplified user interface. The amplifier allows your TV to control video sources (including Smart TV as a source) via the ARC Audio Return Channel for audio and remote applications (if required). Your TV can actually control the device's volume via ARC, meaning you can use the TV remote to do whatever you want. If you require a more sophisticated remote control system (e.g. IR repeater etc) you can set up the amplifier to receive IR signals as well. When it's time to use your device as a music device, simply take out your phone or tablet and control your music like any other Sonos device or zone. An added bonus is that you can sync your TV's audio to play in any number of zones on your Sonos system, which is great for listening to sports TV sound while gaming around the house or by the pool. 4. Flexibility. Now you're no longer locked into changing HDMI video standards, forcing you to keep your receivers updated to support them. Amp even supports legacy analog audio sources if needed. Music mode also lets you play audio from your phone through the Sonos app. After all, the system updates itself - new functions etc. have to be kept in mind. Cons: 1. I would love to see a 4 channel version of this device but understand that this is a building block that makes any system scalable by adding additional components as needed. You can easily upgrade to 4 channels by simply buying another amp or Sonos and syncing it up. Columns. My second amp will be arriving shortly to replace my home theater in our upstairs entertainment area. I look forward to reducing hardware, cables and unnecessary complexity for this system.