The Sonos Sub (Gen 3) SUBG3UK1, in its sleek white finish, arrived on my doorstep promising a significant upgrade to my home theater system. Having been a long-time admirer of Sonos’s commitment to quality, I was eager to put this third-generation subwoofer through its paces. This review details my experience, from unboxing to extended use, highlighting both its impressive features and minor shortcomings.

The Sub (Gen 3) boasts a refined design and several key improvements over its predecessors. The updated internals, including increased memory and processing power, are immediately noticeable in the enhanced audio quality. The two force-cancelling drivers, facing inwards, effectively eliminate vibration and rattle, a significant upgrade that prevents the annoying rumble some subwoofers are known for. Its versatility is also a standout feature; you can position it upright, on its side, or tucked away under furniture without compromising sound performance. The seamless integration with other Sonos devices is another major advantage, particularly the Sonos Arc, Beam, Playbar, or Playbase, creating a truly immersive surround sound experience.

Trueplay, Sonos’s room-calibration technology, is a welcome inclusion, allowing for optimized sound based on your unique listening environment. It’s easy to use and makes a demonstrable difference in audio clarity and balance.

The bass response is, simply put, phenomenal. Movies are transformed with deep, impactful low-frequency effects, and music gains a richness and depth that’s previously been absent. The clarity of the bass is exceptional, never muddy or overpowering. Even at high volumes, the Sub (Gen 3) maintains its composure, producing clean and controlled bass without distortion. I tested it with a range of genres – from action movies to classical music – and it consistently impressed. The lack of vibration is a noticeable improvement over previous subwoofers I’ve used; it truly is “all bass, no rattle”.

Pairing with my existing Sonos Arc was effortless; the setup process was quick and intuitive, thanks to the well-designed Sonos app. The integration was seamless, and the sound quality throughout was exceptional.

Pros:

• Exceptional bass response with impressive clarity and control.
• Minimal to no vibration or rattle.
• Versatile placement options.
• Easy setup and integration with other Sonos devices.
• Improved internal components resulting in enhanced performance.
• Trueplay room calibration for optimized sound.

Cons:

• Price point is relatively high, placing it out of reach for some consumers.
• The white finish might show marks more easily than a darker color.

The Sonos Sub (Gen 3) SUBG3UK1 is a premium subwoofer that delivers on its promises. The improved internals, refined design, and exceptional bass response make it a worthy investment for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. While the price might be a deterrent for some, the quality and performance justify the cost for those seeking top-tier sound. The lack of vibration is a significant upgrade, and the integration with the Sonos ecosystem is seamless. I highly recommend this subwoofer to anyone looking for an upgrade to their existing audio setup.