I'm using my Sonos Port basically as a pre-amp, powered by an Acurus A150 2 channel amplifier, and an Adcom GCD-750 CD player. I'm getting really distorted sound.
I've tried taking the Source Level down to 1. I've played around with the EQ. Nothing is working. When I remove the Port and connect it to my volume controller, it sounds perfect.
Any suggestions?
Best answer by GuitarSuperstar
View originalCan someone from Sonos chime in here?
Why? Do you think they can offer better advice for this specific problem?
First time here. Saw it on a few threads done the way. Didn't mean to offend.
First time is a good reason/excuse. You will not get better support than what you are getting on this issue from anyone that I know of in Sonos that posts here. It probably won’t even be as good.
One reason why you see some high post counts among some users here is because Sonos is often not to be seen - or seen in time - on many threads here.
I was curious as to the nominal output level of the CD player’s RCA outputs, to see whether that could explain the behaviour.
Have you tried inserting your ‘ancient’ passive volume control between the CD player and the Port?
Okay, so the Port provides volume control. Fair enough.
If other sources are fine through the power amp then the Line-In does indeed sound like it’s the issue. Source Level 1 is the lowest sensitivity, so ought to be fine with any standard line-level signal. I couldn’t readily find a detailed spec for that ancient CD player. You are using the unbalanced RCA outputs I assume?
You could independently test the Port’s Line-In, e.g. using the headphone output from a phone.
Have you tried simply inserting some attenuation in between the CDP and the Port? Either a passive volume control or in-line fixed attenuators?
It's definitely ancient but I've tried other CD players and nothing sounds as good! Yes, using unbalanced RCA outputs. I have the tech specs if there's something that would be helpful. I'm not smart enough to know how it would impact the Port so many thanks again for your help!
I have another ancient piece of equipment which is a passive volume control that can act as a pre-amp. When I hook up the Amplifier and CD player to it, the sound is incredible. BUT, even on "1" it's really loud and obviously no Sonos capability.
Any chance you think it's just a bad unit with a problem in the Line In circuitry?
Okay, so the Port provides volume control. Fair enough.
If other sources are fine through the power amp then the Line-In does indeed sound like it’s the issue. Source Level 1 is the lowest sensitivity, so ought to be fine with any standard line-level signal. I couldn’t readily find a detailed spec for that ancient CD player. You are using the unbalanced RCA outputs I assume?
You could independently test the Port’s Line-In, e.g. using the headphone output from a phone.
Have you tried simply inserting some attenuation in between the CDP and the Port? Either a passive volume control or in-line fixed attenuators?
Is your Port set to Fixed or Variable output? The A150 has quite a low input voltage spec and the Port could potentially overload it.
Are you able to test the Port into any other device to verify its outputs are working correctly?
Additionally, when I stream music from Pandora, SiriusXM, or SoundCloud, there's no distortion. It's still being powered by the Acurus (obviously) which makes me think the issue is with the Line In feature.
Is your Port set to Fixed or Variable output? The A150 has quite a low input voltage spec and the Port could potentially overload it.
Are you able to test the Port into any other device to verify its outputs are working correctly?
Thank you for this perspective. I have it on Variable. There's no volume control on the Acurus so I'm not sure how Fixed would work. Would limit the volume to something low versus 100/full?
Now that you mention it, I do have an Onkyo AV receiver that powers 4 in ceiling speakers that I could test it on.
Can someone from Sonos chime in here?
Why? Do you think they can offer better advice for this specific problem?
First time here. Saw it on a few threads done the way. Didn't mean to offend.
Can someone from Sonos chime in here?
Why? Do you think they can offer better advice for this specific problem?
Is your Port set to Fixed or Variable output? The A150 has quite a low input voltage spec and the Port could potentially overload it.
Are you able to test the Port into any other device to verify its outputs are working correctly?
Can someone from Sonos chime in here?
Ok, I see what you are doing now…
Connect from the Port’s analog audio OUT to the left and right inputs on the amplifier. Then connect the CD player from the left and right audio outputs to the Port’s analog audio IN. If you are still getting distortion, try different audio cables. Also try the different Line Out Levels settings for the Port in the Sonos app.
I think the Port should only be connected to the CD player, not to the amplifier. Connect from the Port’s Digital Out to the CD player’s digital input using a digital audio coaxial cable.
If I don't connect the Port to the Amplifier, how will sound get to my in wall speakers? Also, I tried the digital out to digital in and then the Line Out option disappeared from the Music/Browse options.
I think the Port should only be connected to the CD player, not to the amplifier. Connect from the Port’s Digital Out to the CD player’s digital input using a digital audio coaxial cable.
How exactly is the Port connected to the CD player?
I'm running analog cables out of the Port, into the amplifier.
I'm running analog cables out of the CD player, into the Port
How exactly is the Port connected to the CD player?
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