Let me start with a confession: I love shiny new tech, but there’s one relic from the past I refuse to let go of the Sonos Connect. Yeah, that boxy streaming bridge from the late 2000s? It’s still kicking in my setup, and I’m not embarrassed to admit it. In fact, I’m kind of proud. It’s a little like still rocking a flip phone—but, like, a really high-fidelity one. So if you’re wondering whether this old-school streamer has any place in 2025, buckle up. You’re in for a sound journey.
Welcome to the Vintage Sound Club (a.k.a. My Living Room)
So how did I end up using a Sonos Connect while most people are debating whether their smart speaker can also make toast? Well, a few years ago I inherited a gorgeous vintage stereo system from my dad. It had soul, warmth, and more personality than half the people in my group chats. But it lacked one thing—WiFi streaming. That’s where the Sonos Connect came in. I found a used one online, plugged it in, and boom: instant modern-meets-retro harmony.
And the best part? It still works flawlessly. There’s something incredibly satisfying about using a piece of tech that just does its job—no drama, no firmware freakouts, no need for a manual thicker than a phonebook.
What Is the Sonos Connect, Anyway?
For the uninitiated, the Sonos Connect is a music streamer that was originally released way back in 2008. Designed to integrate traditional stereo systems into the Sonos ecosystem, it acts like a bridge between the past and present. This sleek, white box offers RCA, optical, and coaxial outputs, plus Ethernet and WiFi connectivity. That means you can hook it into almost anything with an audio input—and stream your favorite tunes from your phone, tablet, or laptop.
It doesn’t have a built-in speaker or touchscreen, but that’s kind of the point. It’s for people who already have speakers they love and just want to modernize their setup without tossing everything out.
Why the Sonos Connect Still Slaps (Even in 2025)
Listen, I get it—tech moves fast. But the Sonos Connect keeps up in the ways that matter. It integrates seamlessly with old-school gear, doesn’t require a computer science degree to install, and streams music with zero hiccups. Plus, it still plays nice with the Sonos app, which I’ll rave about in a second.
Also, for those of us who grew up plugging in AUX cables with pride, there’s something comforting about seeing RCA ports on the back of a device. The Connect doesn’t try to be the smartest gadget in the room—it just works. And in 2025, that’s more valuable than ever.
Audiophile Confession: It Sounds Better Than You Think
Okay, let’s get nerdy. I’ve done the side-by-side tests. I’ve compared the Sonos Connect to the newer Sonos Port, and while the Port does have better DAC hardware, the difference isn’t night and day—especially if you’re using external speakers or an upgraded DAC.
I run my Connect through a Schiit Modi DAC, and the clarity is unreal. Deep bass, crisp highs, a balanced midrange—it delivers. Unless you have a $10,000 setup and bat ears, you’ll be more than satisfied with the audio quality.
Setting It Up Was Weirdly Easy (And Kinda Fun)
Setting up the Sonos Connect felt like unwrapping a simpler time. I’m used to tech fighting me every step of the way, but the Connect was surprisingly cooperative. Plug in the power, connect to your receiver or amp, fire up the Sonos app, and within minutes you’re playing music. Seriously, it was like making friends with a golden retriever—instant connection.
If you’ve got a pair of passive speakers and an amp lying around, this is the easiest way to breathe new life into them.
Sonos App: The Real MVP
The Sonos app is arguably the best part of the whole experience. It’s intuitive, fast, and doesn’t crash every time Mercury is in retrograde. I use it to stream from Spotify, Apple Music, and even my personal library of FLAC files. Yes, I’m that person.
You can group rooms, set alarms, and control volume with a slider that actually responds. Multi-room audio? Smooth as silk.
Okay But… What’s Missing?
Of course, it’s not all unicorns and double rainbows. The Sonos Connect is missing some of today’s expected features. No voice control—so if you’re used to barking commands at Alexa or Google, you’ll need to adjust. No HDMI ARC, which means it’s not ideal for TV audio setups. And it doesn’t support high-resolution audio formats like DSD or 24-bit FLAC natively.
But if you’re just streaming Spotify, Apple Music, or good ol’ MP3s, you’ll probably never notice. And honestly, isn’t it kind of nice to use a device that doesn’t listen to everything you say?
How I Use Sonos Connect Today
In my house, the Sonos Connect lives in the living room, connected to an Onkyo amp and a pair of vintage Pioneer speakers. It’s my go-to for Saturday morning vinyl playlists (yes, I stream them—it’s a vibe), background jazz while working, and the occasional solo dance break.
I also have it linked to my office setup so I can bounce between rooms without missing a beat. If I’m ever found missing, check the room with the Connect. I’m probably there, vibing.
Sonos Connect vs Sonos Port: Which One Should You Choose?
So here’s the scoop. The Sonos Port is basically the Connect 2.0. It has better DACs, more modern architecture, and support for AirPlay 2. But it also costs about twice as much—if not more. Unless you need ultra-hi-fi sound and updated internals, the Connect is still a beast of a performer.
If you’re setting up a brand-new system and have the budget, go Port. But if you’re a value-hunter or just looking to breathe life into old gear, the Connect is your guy.
Is It Still Worth Buying in 2025? (Spoiler: Probably)
You can find the Sonos Connect on eBay, Craigslist, or your local tech recycling store for a fraction of the price of a Port. And Sonos still provides software updates—though it’s technically in the “legacy” category, it hasn’t been completely cut off.
As long as you’re not expecting voice commands and ultra-high-res support, it’s still totally worth it.
Pro Tips for Using Sonos Connect Like a Pro
- Use an external DAC for upgraded sound
- Connect via Ethernet for stable playback
- Add a smart plug for easy on/off scheduling
- Tweak EQ settings in the app for better output
- Group it with newer Sonos gear for a hybrid system
What Reddit and Real People Say
Reddit is a treasure trove of Sonos Connect love. From people setting them up in barns to repurposing them in recording studios, the use cases are endless. One person even used it to stream calming music in their chicken coop. Yes, you read that right.
My Honest Love-Hate Relationship
Yes, there are things I wish were better. The lack of high-res support bugs me sometimes. And every once in a while, I wonder if I should “just upgrade.” But then I hit play, my favorite track comes on, and all those doubts melt away. There’s something beautifully analog about using the Connect.
Alternatives to Consider If You’re Shopping Now
- Sonos Port – The official successor with AirPlay 2
- Bluesound Node – Audiophile choice with MQA support
- Wiim Pro – Budget streamer with surprising quality
Conclusion: For the Love of Old Tech That Still Works
The Sonos Connect may not be the newest, flashiest, or smartest streamer out there. But it has heart, reliability, and the kind of old-school charm you just can’t buy anymore. If you’ve got gear you love and want to keep it relevant, this box still delivers in 2025.
So go ahead. Dust off those speakers. Plug in the Connect. Hit play. And enjoy that sweet spot where vintage soul meets modern simplicity.
FAQs
1. Is the Sonos Connect still supported in 2025?
Yes, though it’s considered a legacy product, it still receives essential updates through the Sonos S1 app.
2. Can I use the Sonos Connect with voice assistants?
Not directly, but it works fine in a broader Sonos system that includes a voice-enabled speaker.
3. Is it worth upgrading to Sonos Port?
If you need newer features like AirPlay 2 and higher-end DACs, yes. Otherwise, the Connect is still solid.
4. Does it support high-resolution audio?
No, but you can improve output quality by using an external DAC.
5. How to improve Sonos Connect sound quality?
Use Ethernet, a good DAC, high-quality cables, and speakers you love.
