Overview
The Sonos Ray is a compact soundbar designed for music, TV, and more. It offers a quick and easy setup, connecting to a TV with a single cable. The versatile design allows placement on a credenza, wall mounting, or integration into a TV stand. Users can stream music, radio, and podcasts even when the TV is off. The system is expandable, allowing the addition of a Sonos Sub and two Sonos speakers (e.g., Sonos Ones) for 5.1 surround sound. The entire Sonos system, including the Ray, can be controlled via the Sonos app, available for Android and iOS devices. For initial setup, refer to the 'Setup' section of this guide.
Controls and Lights
The Sonos Ray features intuitive touch controls and a status light for easy operation and system feedback.
Volume Control
Touch the controls for small adjustments or touch and hold to quickly change the volume:
- Volume Up: Touch the right side of the volume control area.
- Volume Down: Touch the left side of the volume control area.
Note: Volume can also be adjusted using the Sonos app or a TV remote.
Play/Pause
Touch the center of the controls to play or pause audio.
Next/Previous (Music Only)
- Next Song: Swipe right across the touch controls.
- Previous Song: Swipe left across the touch controls.
Note: Skipping forward or backward is not possible when listening to a radio station.
Status Light
The status light indicates the product's connection to WiFi, signals when the volume is muted, and displays error conditions. More information on status light indications can be found in the product settings.
Connector Panel
The rear panel of the Sonos Ray features several ports for connectivity:
- Join Button: Used to connect the soundbar during the initial setup process.
- AC Power (Mains) Input: Connects the soundbar to power. Use only the supplied power cord; using a third-party power cord will void the warranty.
- Optical Port: Connects the soundbar to a TV using an optical cable.
- Ethernet Port: (Optional) Use an Ethernet cable to connect to a router, computer, or network-attached storage (NAS) device for a wired network connection.
Visual description: A diagram shows the rear of the Sonos Ray soundbar with four labeled ports: a small circular button (1), a power input (2), an optical audio input (3), and an Ethernet port (4).
Select a Location
The Sonos Ray can be wall-mounted above or below a TV, or placed on a TV stand.
TV Stand Placement
- Place the soundbar horizontally on a stable and level surface, at least 2 inches (50mm) from the TV.
- Do not place the soundbar vertically or on its side.
- Ensure the soundbar does not block the TV's IR sensor.
- If placed on a shelf, position it at the front and maintain a minimum of 2 inches (50mm) clearance on both sides for optimal sound quality.
- Keep at least 1 inch (25mm) of space above the Ray to allow access to the touch controls.
- For best sound quality, maintain at least 1 inch (30cm) clearance from a wall or other obstruction at both ends of the Ray.
- Ensure the touch controls are facing upwards.
Wall Mount
The soundbar can be secured to a wall using a compatible wall mount. Sonos recommends the custom-designed Sonos Ray Wall Mount, sold separately and available at sonos.com. Refer to the 'Wall mount' section for more information.
Connect the Cables
Before You Start
- Disconnect any existing home theater or surround sound equipment from the TV.
- Connect any external devices, such as a cable box or DVD player, directly to the TV.
- Turn the TV on.
- Connect the power cord: Plug the supplied power cord into the soundbar and then into a power outlet.
Note: Only use the supplied power cord; using a third-party power cord will void the warranty.
Visual description: A diagram illustrates the power cord being plugged into the back of the Sonos Ray soundbar.
- Connect the optical cable: Connect the included optical cable to the optical port on the back of the soundbar.
Visual description: A diagram shows the optical cable being connected to the optical port on the back of the Sonos Ray.
- Connect to TV: Connect the other end of the optical cable to the TV's optical digital OUT port. Ensure the D-shaped connector aligns correctly with the port to avoid damaging the cable.
Visual description: A diagram shows the optical cable connecting from the Sonos Ray to the optical digital OUT port on the back of a TV, highlighting the D-shaped port and connector alignment.
Product Settings
Sonos products can be customized via the Sonos app. Navigate to ⚙️ > System and select a product to access these settings.
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Room Name | Change the speaker's name if it is moved to a new room. |
| Turn off WiFi (not on portable products) | Disable the speaker's WiFi when connected via Ethernet cable to reduce power consumption and improve connectivity for wired speakers. For products like Amp and Port, this can also reduce internal temperature when stacked. |
| EQ | Adjust sound settings such as bass, treble, balance, or loudness to suit personal preferences. Sonos products ship with preset equalization settings. |
| Trueplay | Adapts the sound to the unique acoustics of the room and content. Requires an iOS mobile device (iOS 8 or later) for tuning. During tuning, the user moves the mobile device around the room. Trueplay tuning is not available if VoiceOver is enabled on the iOS device. |
| Volume Limit | Set a maximum volume for each room. |
| Status Light | Controls whether the speaker's status light is displayed. The light indicates WiFi connection, muted volume, and errors. It can be turned off if distracting. |
| Touch Controls | Disable the touch control buttons on the speaker to prevent accidental adjustments by children or pets. |
Home Theater
Sonos products provide full-theater sound and music playback. A home theater system can be created by adding a pair of rear surrounds and a Sonos Sub.
Home Theater Settings
Adjust sound settings or change how the home theater speaker interacts with the TV using the Sonos app.
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| TV Dialog Sync | Adjust audio delay (lip sync) if TV audio is out of sync with video. |
| Group Audio Delay | Adjust this setting if audio issues occur when playing to a group. |
| TV Autoplay | If music or other content is playing when the TV is turned on, the audio automatically switches to TV audio (default). This feature can be turned off. |
| Ungroup on Autoplay | If the home theater speaker is grouped with other products when the TV is turned on, it automatically drops from the group (default). This feature can be turned off. |
| Speech enhancement | Makes TV dialogue easier to hear. |
| Night sound | Enhances quiet sounds and reduces the intensity of loud TV sound effects, maintaining proper balance and range at lower volumes. |
| Use IR | Allows an IR remote to control Sonos. |
| Remote Control Setup | Program a remote control during setup or at any time. |
Set Up Surround Speakers
Two Sonos speakers (of the same model), or a Sonos Amp with non-Sonos speakers, can be configured as separate right and left channels for a home theater system.
- Place each surround speaker approximately 10 feet from the primary listening position, angled towards the seating area.
- In the Sonos app, go to ⚙️ > System.
- Select a room with a soundbar and choose 'Add Surrounds' to begin.
Note: Grouping rooms or creating a stereo pair will not provide surround sound.
Surround Audio Settings
During setup, surround sound is optimized for the room. These settings are adjustable:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Surrounds | Turn surround sound On or Off. |
| TV Level | Adjust surround volume for TV audio. |
| Music Level | Adjust surround volume for music. |
| Music Playback | Choose between 'Ambient' (subtle) or 'Full' (louder, full range). This setting does not apply to Dolby Atmos Music playback. |
Trueplay™
Trueplay tuning measures how sound reflects off walls, furnishings, and other surfaces in a room, then fine-tunes the Sonos speaker for optimal sound quality regardless of placement. Trueplay works with iOS mobile devices running iOS 8 or later. During tuning, the user moves the mobile device around the room.
- In the Sonos app, select ⚙️ > System, and choose the room to tune.
- Select 'Trueplay Tuning' to start.
Note: Trueplay tuning is not available if VoiceOver is enabled on the iOS device. Turn VoiceOver off in device settings before tuning speakers.
Auto Trueplay
Portable Sonos products like Sonos Roam and Move can tune themselves automatically. Auto Trueplay uses the speaker's microphone to detect the environment and make periodic tuning adjustments, ensuring great sound wherever the speaker is and whatever is being listened to.
To enable Auto Trueplay, go to ⚙️ > System in the Sonos app and select the portable speaker.
Accessories
Find the perfect accessories for a Sonos system, tailored to fit Sonos products. A full selection of Sonos-compatible stands, wall mounts, chargers, and cables can be found on the Sonos website under 'Accessories'.
Wall Mount Installation
The Sonos Ray wall mount kit (sold separately, available at sonos.com) is designed for mounting the soundbar on a flat wall.
Guidelines
- Leave sufficient space between the Ray and the TV to allow access to the Ray's touch controls.
- For optimal sound quality, keep both ends of the Ray at least 1 foot (30cm) from a wall or other obstruction.
Mount Kit Contents
- Wall mount bracket
- 2 short attachment screws
- 2 wall anchors
- 2 wall screws
What You'll Need
- Pencil
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Power drill (if needed for installation location)
- Measurement tool
- Level
- Stud finder (optional)
Wall Mount Pre-drill, Anchors, and Screws Guide
| Wall Mount Surface | Pre-drill Bit Size | Use Wall Anchors | Use Screws |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood stud | 1/8" / 3mm bit | No | Yes |
| Drywall (no stud) | 5/16" / 8mm bit | Yes | Yes |
| Hard wallboard or double board | 5/16" / 8mm bit | Yes | Yes |
| Plaster | 5/16" / 8mm bit | Yes | Yes |
| Concrete or brick | 5/16" / 8mm bit | Yes | Yes |
Set It Up - Wall Mounting Steps
- Position the bracket relative to the TV: If the TV is wall-mounted, align the top edge of the wall mount bracket with the bottom of the TV, leaving at least 2.5 inches (mm) between them.
Visual description: A diagram shows a wall-mounted TV and the wall mount bracket positioned below it, indicating the recommended distance.
- Mark screw locations: Mark the screw locations on the wall and then remove the bracket.
Visual description: A diagram shows the wall mount bracket against a wall, with marks indicating where screws will be placed.
- Drill pilot holes and insert anchors (if needed): If using wall anchors, use a 5/16" drill bit to drill pilot holes, starting with the hole on the left. Insert the wall anchors. Do not use wall anchors if drilling into wood or plastic. Refer to the 'Wall mounting information' table.
Visual description: A diagram shows a drill creating pilot holes in a wall, and wall anchors being inserted.
- Attach the bracket to the wall: Position the wall mount bracket over the marked screw locations. Use a level to confirm accuracy. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver or a power drill to screw the bracket to the wall, ensuring the center notch is pointing up.
Visual description: A diagram shows the wall mount bracket being screwed into the wall, with a level placed on top to ensure straightness.
- Fasten attachment screws to soundbar: Using a Phillips-head screwdriver, fasten the two attachment screws to the back of the soundbar, ensuring they are fully tightened.
Visual description: A diagram shows a screwdriver tightening screws into the back of the Sonos Ray soundbar.
- Connect cables to soundbar: Remove the protective cap from the optical cable, then connect the power and optical cables to the back of the soundbar.
Visual description: A diagram shows the power and optical cables being connected to the back of the Sonos Ray soundbar.
- Mount the soundbar: Slide the soundbar down so the attachment screws fit into the slots on the wall bracket. Ensure the touch controls are facing up and the Sonos Ray is fully seated.
Visual description: A diagram shows the Sonos Ray soundbar being slid down onto the wall mount bracket below a TV.
Specifications
Audio
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Amplifiers | Four Class-D digital amplifiers. |
| Woofers | Two full-range woofers for faithful playback of mid-range vocal frequencies and deep, rich bass. |
| Tweeters | Two tweeters for crisp and clear high-frequency response. |
| Audio ports | Two micro ports with proprietary anti-distortion technology. |
| Adjustable EQ | Adjust bass, treble, and loudness using the Sonos app. |
Software
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Sonos S2 | Set up and control with the latest generation of the Sonos app. |
| Apple AirPlay 2 | Works with AirPlay 2 on Apple devices running iOS 11.4 and higher. |
| Trueplay | Dynamically tunes the speaker to the unique acoustics of the room or area (iOS device required). |
| Speech enhancement | Home theater setting in the Sonos app to make TV dialogue clearer. |
| Night sound | Home theater setting to reduce the intensity of loud TV sound effects. |
| System requirements | TV with optical digital audio output, broadband internet, and the Sonos app. |
General
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 2.79 x 22.00 x 3.74 inches (71 x 559 x 95mm) |
| Colors | Black, white |
| Finish | Matte |
| Weight | 4.29 lb (1.95 kg) |
| Speaker status light | Displays connection to WiFi, muted volume, and errors. |
| Operating temperature | 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C) |
| Storage temperature | -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C) |
| Control | IR (infrared-enabled) TV remote control, touch controls, or the Sonos app. |
| CPU | Quad Core; 1.4 GHz A-53 |
| Memory | 1 GB SDRAM; 4GB NV |
| Mounting | M5 threaded mounting socket |
Power & Connectivity
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Power supply | Auto-switching 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz 2.0A AC universal input. |
| WiFi | Connects to WiFi network with any 802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz broadcast-capable router. 802.11n only network configurations are not supported; router settings may need to be changed to 802.11 b/g/n, or a Sonos product connected directly to the router. |
| Optical | Uses the included optical cable to connect the soundbar to the TV's optical digital audio output. |
| Ethernet | One port for hardwiring to a router (optional). |
| Infrared receiver | Syncs with the TV remote for streamlined control. |
| Supported devices | Connects to TV with optical cable. Plays sources connected to the TV, including cable boxes and game consoles. |
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Important Safety Information
Please read and follow these instructions carefully to ensure safe operation and prevent damage to the Sonos Ray soundbar.
- Read all instructions.
- Keep these instructions for future reference.
- Heed all warnings provided in this document.
- Follow all instructions for installation and use.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean the apparatus only with a dry, soft cloth. Household cleaners or solvents can damage the finish.
- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other heat-producing apparatus.
- Protect the power cable from being walked on or pinched, especially at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where it exits from the apparatus.
- Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
- Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
- This product does not have any user-serviceable parts. Do not open, disassemble, attempt to repair, or replace any components. Refer all servicing to Sonos qualified service personnel. Servicing is required if the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as a damaged power-supply cable or plug, liquid spillage, objects falling into the apparatus, exposure to rain or moisture, abnormal operation, or if it has been dropped.
- The Mains plug should be readily available to disconnect the equipment.
Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
- Do not expose the apparatus to dripping or splashing, and do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.
Caution: Replacement of fuses is only to be performed by service personnel (refer to service documentation).
Warning to service personnel:
Caution: Double pole/neutral fusing.
Caution: Fuse may be located in the Neutral conductor due to the non-polarized plug.
Regulatory Information (Canada)
The installer of this radio equipment must ensure the product is located to prevent RF field emission exceeding Health Canada limits for the general population. Consult Safety Code 6 from Health Canada's website (www.hc-sc.gc.ca/rpb). The installer cannot control antenna orientation but can position the product to mitigate potential issues.
The device operates in the 5150-5250 MHz band for indoor use only to reduce harmful interference to co-channel mobile satellite systems.
High-power radars are primary users of the 5250-5350 MHz and 5650-5850 MHz bands and may cause interference or damage to LE-LAN devices.
French translation of regulatory information is also present in the original document, but for conciseness and primary language focus, it is omitted here.
RF Exposure Requirements
To comply with FCC and Industry Canada exposure requirements, a minimum separation distance of 20cm (8 inches) is required between the equipment and the user or nearby persons.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with ISED CAN ICES-3(B), NMB-3(B), RSS-GEN, and RSS-247. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Help & Support
For customer support, visit sonos.com/support.
For the full user guide, visit sonos.com/guides/ray.
Terms of Use, License, and Warranty information is available at www.sonos.com/legal/terms-of-use. The Sonos privacy statement can be found at www.sonos.com/legal/privacy.
© 2022 Sonos, Inc. All rights reserved. Sonos®, Sonos Ray, and Ray are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sonos, Inc. Reg. U.S. Pat & TM Off.
Document ID: 640-00829-A, 640-00830 Rev A
