Is a Sonos Sub an Overkill for 2 Bed Apartment?

sauce2k on 18/10/2020 - 09:15
Last edited 18/10/2020 - 23:40 by 2 other users

Hi guys

Planning to grab the Sonos while Qantas is having points sale but my main concern is noise complaints from the sub.

I don't ever intent to crank the sub to its max level. Can someone living in an apartment give me some ideas? My apartment size is around 85sqm

Edit: guys thanks for all the suggestions so far. I really appreciate it. One thing I forgot to mention is that I'm moving into my own place this time next year which is a lot bigger (approx 130sqm) and also it's the top level so aren't many units on the level. My living room is also kinda isolated so I don't think it will annoy my neighbours at least not my next door neighbour

Electrical & Electronics Sonos Subwoofer

Comments

  • shaneiwey on 18/10/2020 - 09:33
    +1

    I've installed a few Sonos set ups over the years and the subs are very powerful. It will be overkill. I don't think you'd ever use it passed 30% volume.
    Even the Play:5's on their own are bassy enough for an apartment I think.

  • [Deactivated] on 18/10/2020 - 09:35
    +8

    If you crack the music in an apartment on 5W speakers you’re going to get complaints from the neighbours, let alone a Sonos sub. Stick with headphones or a very small speaker at low volume unless you want to be that guy.

    • sauce2k on 18/10/2020 - 12:42

      Yeh I' don't wanna be that guy lol its just the sub really brings the sound to a whole diff level

      • [Deactivated] on 18/10/2020 - 12:50
        +1

        Live in a house if you want a sub.

        • sauce2k on 18/10/2020 - 13:01
          -2

          Can't afford a house unfortunately. One of the reasons I wanted to buy sub is also because I'm moving to my own apartment next year top level and 130sqm, will that be OK you think? Also my future living room is def far from my neighbours

          • [Deactivated] on 18/10/2020 - 13:02
            +7

            @sauce2k: No. It will not be ok. Sub in not acceptable in an apartment.

            Instead of wasting money on a Sonos you can't use, start saving up for a house so in the future you can use a Sonos.

            • OzFrugie on 18/10/2020 - 20:08

              @[Deactivated]:

              No. It will not be ok. Sub in not acceptable in an apartment.

              Does it apply for sub that is (probably) not as powerful, such as: sub that comes with soundbar like Samsung Q950T?
              Can't you just turn the sub volume down to avoid pissing off neighbour?

              My apartment is carpeted and double brick walls (rather than the usual gyprock walls), hoping that helps with dampening the sound to not vibrate to neighbours'

              • [Deactivated] on 18/10/2020 - 20:36
                +1

                @OzFrugie: Low frequencies from subs travel through the walls and ceilings. Any subwoofer in an apartment is inconsiderate.

              • Whisper Quiet on 19/10/2020 - 13:45

                @OzFrugie: When I was living with a housemate he had a Samsung soundbar and sub. Played it on low to medium and could barely hear anything down the hall. Powered subs intended for huge home systems is another case though. Even on low you can feel it probably through the whole apartment building lol

                • OzFrugie on 20/10/2020 - 22:18

                  @Whisper Quiet: Do u know which samsung model he has?

                  Interesting, I have been using accusound 5.1 speakers in apartment with floorboard but never get any complaints. Maybe the sub is broken and i just dont know it lol

                  • Whisper Quiet on 21/10/2020 - 09:17
                    +1

                    @OzFrugie: That was years and years ago, no idea. Most subs with soundbars aren't too powerful just give you an extra kick

  • CyberMurning on 18/10/2020 - 09:46
    +2

    Not sure about overkill but I know for sure Sonos is overpriced

  • DannyC on 18/10/2020 - 09:50
    +3

    I don't ever intent to crank the sub to its max level. Can someone living in an apartment give me some ideas? My apartment size is around 85sqm

    Just be aware that the noise and reverberations in an apartment block can get pretty noisy n amplified for your neighbours on your level as well as those below & above your apartment. I think it is ok to play music n such at reasonable times of the day but be aware that Lockdowns mean that a LOT of people are working from home so be a bit more aware of your surroundings & courteous of others and get a good pair of decent headphones instead :-)

    I live in a low density apartment block which is newly built with about 8 apartments per level over 6 levels. I know we have had noise complaints against our neighbour from those at the lower level and upper and on our level (myself included) as she plays at unreasonable times (she's a "DJ" in training apparently).

    • sauce2k on 18/10/2020 - 12:43

      Yeh good point. I don't play much music during the day im quite busy at home myself I mainly use it for TV and music on the weekend.

  • Timm on 18/10/2020 - 09:55
    +5

    Using a sub in an apartment block is a great way to piss off your neighbours. The reverberations will travel through walls and floors even at lower volumes.

  • gaz3342 on 18/10/2020 - 10:08
    +6

    Yeah, don't get a sub when you live in an apartment. Dick move which will drive your neighbours literally insane.

    • Muzeeb on 18/10/2020 - 10:14
      +4

      I can't imagine revolving your life around others like this. Apartment living is clearly not for me.

      • gaz3342 on 18/10/2020 - 10:19
        +3

        'Revolving your life around others' is a bit of an overstatement - just don't get a ridiculously loud bass speaker, the benefit you gain from it is tiny compared to the misery it can bring to others.

        Unless of course the most important thing in your life is bass sound, then I guess you would be revolving your life around others….

      • brendanm on 18/10/2020 - 11:42

        Absolute misery 24/7

      • whitelie on 19/10/2020 - 05:31

        I used to think it would be a nice change from suburbia….then I stayed in one for a week interstate and realized it was not for me at all.

  • ja72 on 18/10/2020 - 10:42
    -6

    I had no sub on my Sonos theatre room setup, and don’t get me wrong, I was totally happy with the way it sounded…but 18 months later, added the sub and I kid you not, you just don’t know how much of a difference it makes. Hands down, the sound is a bazillion times better.
    So I say…add the sub…the sound is on another level…you will not regret it!
    If you’re trying to appease the neighbours, then don’t get it. I personally don’t revolve any decisions around what my neighbours think, I wouldn’t give a toss…
    But in saying that, if it’s too noisey for the neighbours, tone it down or switch it off. But not having that option at your fingertips is a sin in my honest opinion.

    • shadow7412 on 18/10/2020 - 10:45

      What speakers did you have prior to adding the sub? Any play 5s?

      • ja72 on 18/10/2020 - 12:34

        Playbar + Play1’s for surrounds (+ sub at present). I preferred the smaller/minimalist look with the Play1’s as opposed to the bulk size of the Play5’s. Yes, I knew that the sound out of the Play5’s is much better but it was the aesthetics & look I was after.
        My media room is 3950 x 4050 in size & for me, this setup is more than sufficient sound wise.

    • sauce2k on 18/10/2020 - 12:45

      Yeh so thus is my problem. I went to jb a few times to test out the sub it really brings sound to a WHOLE DIFF level it's kinda crazy.

      • ja72 on 18/10/2020 - 13:24
        +1

        Yep, it’s definitely crazy…
        Crazy awesome, lol!!!

      • thebadmachine on 18/10/2020 - 17:43
        +1

        Yes this is a problem. Once you test it out of course now you know how the difference it can make.
        Remember though it will sound much better in-store where they most likely have it set at maximum (to impress customers).

        But if you are spending so much, only to use it to 10%-30% of its ability then you are getting very little value out of it.
        This is Ozbargain. Buying something expensive then barely using it is a waste IMO.
        Just my 2 cents.

  • 78zeros on 18/10/2020 - 11:48

    I have a Playbase and a Sub in an apartment.. and I have the Sub level adjusted to -5 out of consideration for my neighbours.

    • sauce2k on 18/10/2020 - 12:45

      How does it sound with - 5. Is that like at 30% capacity

      • 78zeros on 18/10/2020 - 13:05
        +1

        What I mean is, that in a small space, the Sub is pretty powerful, and so I attenuate the volume of it so as not to piss off the people living around me.
        Your individual situation would vary based on where you place the sub, the construction of your apartment complex etc.
        I have a stairwell beside where the sub sits, so I could probably run it louder - but don't need to.

  • Willco88 on 18/10/2020 - 12:46
    +2

    Subwoofer will vibrate the whole building LOLOLOLOL

  • elgrande on 18/10/2020 - 13:55

     and also it's the top level

    Even worse for those below…

    Maybe just invest in some good headphones!

  • PaulfBris on 19/10/2020 - 04:48

    I’m for a sub, it will add depth to the lower end and you won’t have to drive your amp as hard to get a fuller sound, ie it will sound better even at lower volume.
    I have a pair of high end bookshelf speakers and thus resisted getting a sub for years, eventually picked up a JB special and have no regrets.

    That said these days you can upset your neighbours even at low volume, strange times. So if the sub is for lots of doof doof, don’t, you will be that guy.

    You may find this interesting, linking a std sub to Sonos speakers from ikea. The guy does other videos on tear down comparison of Sonos bs symfonisk systems.

    https://youtu.be/9Bvof0hF4LE

  • OzHunterNSW on 19/10/2020 - 10:14

    The short answer is yes. Although you would enjoy the deep rumble of thunderous clouds, this will actually reverberate into neighbour's apartments. Them Thump Thump Thump….. and that is just them banging on your walls.

    However, I have a 300w Yamaha base in which I "cushion" by placing it upon a number of towels. Possibly you could try that.

  • ozbargainsam on 19/10/2020 - 17:10

    Add this to the list of things I won't be able to enjoy if I move out of my home.

    I think a potential solution would be to buy a two-level penthouse with entertainment on the top floor. Or buy the apartment above and below you and leave them empty.

    • Speckled Jim on 19/10/2020 - 18:05

      A small villa with no common walls ftw.

  • HeWhoKnows on 19/10/2020 - 21:13

    RULE NO.1
    DO NOT SET UP ANY SUB IN ANY APARTMENT!

    You will get complaints from throughout the building.

    Just DONT!

    VERY BAD MOVE

  • thebargain on 22/10/2020 - 19:36

    LOL yes!! When I was living in an apt, I got complaints from the first day I moved in! And it was the Logitech Z623 sub lol. With Sonos Sub I am pretty sure your neighbours will be start vibrating even on the initial "TruePlay" setup :D

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