Who pre-ordered the new Sonos AMP and what are your plans for it?



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@Shepdog

Looks like you've got the connection thing taken care of. Kudo's! As far the Sonos Amp handling your speakers I'd say that an occasional dip into the forbidden 3 and 2 ohm range may not be an issue. Any sustained load in that area may have dire consequences. To be sure I'd contact Sonos. Not that this would occur but damaging the Sonos Amp due to improper use beyond specified parameters might void the warranty and compromise your return options. Just food for thought.

Cheers!
Hi Shepdog

That’s great that you are enjoying Sonos and congratulations on getting the Sonos Amp!

However, in reading your post you indicated that you are using a projector. Getting sound from your projector to your current amp is probably straight forward…either HDMI or coaxial out. Or...Maybe you feed the sound from the source straight to your amp and video straight to the projector.

With the Sonos Amp you'll be limited to HDMI_ARC (generally used with a compatible TV) or with the optional optical adapter available through Sonos. If forced to use coaxial or HDMI out from your projector you’ll also have to invest in a Coaxial/HDMI to Optical Converter. The same may be true if you are splitting sound and video from the source component to the projector and Sonos Amp. That means you’ll have a box in between your projector/source component and the Sonos Amp. Point being you may experience a bit of sound degradation to the Sonos Amp caused by the intermediary converter. Maybe?

Now, all I’ve said may be a moot point if you are considering another way to get DD4.1 to the Sonos Amp. Then again your projector/source component may have an HDMI_ARC port…if so…sweet! 😉 I’d be interested to know your solution. Pictures by all means:8

Cheers!


My amp has not arrived yet. It will probably arrive Monday.

My current setup does not have a HDMI ARC setup on my receiver or the projector. I also have a LG 60” plasma that we use when not using the projector which of course does not have a ARC. I will use the optical adapter for audio.

The projector is a Epson 5040u
The plasma is a LG-60PK950
I use a Atlona AT UHD EX 70 2PS 4K/UHD HDMI over HDBaseT Tx/Rx kit to connect HDMI to the projector. This has worked great. The Epson accepts 4K material and sending it over cat has eliminated dropouts.
I use a E-SDS 1X2 HDMI splitter4k*2k/60HZ HDMI 2.0, HDCP 2.2 to send a signal to plasma
I use a YAMAHA RX-A840 receiver basically as a preamp and provide power to the surrounds and I have a Emotiva XP3 to power my Thiels

As you can see I already have a few boxes. I see no dedication in sound or audio. In the bedroom I have a brand new LG 65” with a ARC connection connected to a Sonos beam, sub and (2) play 1’s. It sounds and looks great and I’m very happy with it but when the ball is kicked off on Saturdays and Sundays we are all in the living room watching the projector. Really no comparison

I’m more worried about the amp having sufficient headroom to power the Thiels than any audio degradation from the optical converter cable. The Thiel 1.6 can get into the 3 and 2 ohm range which is a challenge for a lot of amplifiers

I
Userlevel 7
Hi Shepdog

That’s great that you are enjoying Sonos and congratulations on getting the Sonos Amp!

However, in reading your post you indicated that you are using a projector. Getting sound from your projector to your current amp is probably straight forward…either HDMI or coaxial out. Or...Maybe you feed the sound from the source straight to your amp and video straight to the projector.

With the Sonos Amp you'll be limited to HDMI_ARC (generally used with a compatible TV) or with the optional optical adapter available through Sonos. If forced to use coaxial or HDMI out from your projector you’ll also have to invest in a Coaxial/HDMI to Optical Converter. The same may be true if you are splitting sound and video from the source component to the projector and Sonos Amp. That means you’ll have a box in between your projector/source component and the Sonos Amp. Point being you may experience a bit of sound degradation to the Sonos Amp caused by the intermediary converter. Maybe?

Now, all I’ve said may be a moot point if you are considering another way to get DD4.1 to the Sonos Amp. Then again your projector/source component may have an HDMI_ARC port…if so…sweet! 😉 I’d be interested to know your solution. Pictures by all means:8

Cheers!
Interesting. Why do you still have the Beam?

The Beam is part of a Sonos HT setup that is not shown in the picture (Beam/Sub/Sonos One x 2). I wanted to try out the HDMI_ARC feature of the Beam. Also, the Sonos Amp at the time was not scheduled for release until February 2019. However, I doubt that I would have opted for the Sonos Amp to use as part of my HT setup.

I prefer my music closer to what was intended with 2 speakers up front and sub. Therefore, the Sonos Amp was purchased for the tower speakers and large sub you see in the picture. I have a similar setup in my main media room using All Sonos for HT and Play 5 x 2 (up front) with sub for music. That is where the Pro-Ject Debut TT will be used via line in to a Play 5.

Never could quite get with the program/idea of using surrounds set to Full for music with them being positioned behind the listening position. I'm just finicky about using a Sonos HT setup for my music. I might add that I'm blessed to be able to indulge that quirk :8

Cheers!



Interesting.

I just ordered mine. I plan on using it with a pair of Thiel 1.6s and a powersound sub. I’ve had a traditional home theater setup in this room for years anchored by a 120” screen and projector with the aforementioned speakers and a NHT center and surround speakers. It sounds great but I find myself rarely using it.

I want the integration of the Sonos ecosystem.

So I am going to sacrifice the center channel and NHT rear speakers and go to a 4.1 Sonos powered setup. I will keep my Thiel’s up front and the powersound sub and add a pair of play 1’s in the rear.

I purchased a beam and considered using it with the play 1’s for a 5.1 surround and use the amp for a straight 2 channel setup. I changed my mind and decided to use the beam in the master bedroom with a sub and play 1’s for a nice bedroom theater.

I most confess that the convience and ease of use of Sonos, not to mention the sound quality has led me to ditch my traditional setup. I’m not sure what I will do with my receiver or my 3 channel amp.

I will try to remember to add pictures later
Userlevel 7
Interesting. Why do you still have the Beam?

The Beam is part of a Sonos HT setup that is not shown in the picture (Beam/Sub/Sonos One x 2). I wanted to try out the HDMI_ARC feature of the Beam. Also, the Sonos Amp at the time was not scheduled for release until February 2019. However, I doubt that I would have opted for the Sonos Amp to use as part of my HT setup.

I prefer my music closer to what was intended with 2 speakers up front and sub. Therefore, the Sonos Amp was purchased for the tower speakers and large sub you see in the picture. I have a similar setup in my main media room using All Sonos for HT and Play 5 x 2 (up front) with sub for music. That is where the Pro-Ject Debut TT will be used via line in to a Play 5.

Never could quite get with the program/idea of using surrounds set to Full for music with them being positioned behind the listening position. I'm just finicky about using a Sonos HT setup for my music. I might add that I'm blessed to be able to indulge that quirk :8

Cheers!
Userlevel 5
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Finally received my Sonos Amp and Pro-Ject Debut TT Sonos Edition. :$

I can definitely say that the Sonos Amp is a winner. It drives my Definitive Technology BP 20's and matching 1500 Sub with aplomb (if you can say that about an inanimate object) :8 Since I'm able to fine tune the sub for frequency crossover point, phase shift and volume level the setup is subjectively perfect (without the aid of TruePlay). The cables I used are Sewell Silverback with Banana Plugs, 12 AWG, OFC, 259 Strand Count and Sewell Direct SW-30455-10 Silverback Subwoofer Cable. Although I don't have equipment to measure the power flow for consistency I expect the Sonos Amp to reach its full potential and operating efficiency after 20-30 hours of use.
I can't comment on the Pro-Ject Debut TT at this time as there was a quality control issue with the Anti-Skating weight. Sonos has ordered a replacement from the manufacturer. I hope it doesn't take 3 -4 weeks or longer to get it. Other than that it is a beautiful looking TT that exudes quality and expert craftsmanship.
I've included a couple of photos of my Sonos Amp setup and speakers along with the end table size sub (lower right). 😉 The photo's also show the Beam and the pattern it transmits to the HDMI_ARC port. I'd love to see any photos you guys might be willing to share :8
Cheers!



Interesting. Why do you still have the Beam?
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Mine just arrived yesterday! It's replacing a NAD D7050 amplifier that was hooked up to the TV in my living room, driving a pair of KEF LS50 speakers. I'm pretty excited about it; I've been looking at replacing the NAD with something more powerful, and I've also wanted to integrate that setup with the rest of my Sonos stuff for a while (but I couldn't stomach the cost of a Connect). All my AV components live inside an old Telefunken hi-fi console, which limits my amplifier choices to very compact and efficient ones. Basically, the Amp perfectly fit my need for a small, two-channel, class-D streaming amplifier with plenty of power and an input for a TV.
I haven't had much of an opportunity to really try it out after setting it up, but so far it seems to sound pretty good. The increased power output over the D7050 (50 wpc) is evident, although not quite as dramatic as I thought it would be. I'm definitely looking forward to giving it a thorough test when I have a bit more time!


Very interested in your experience since I am thinking of using the same speakers.
How is the phantom center channel?
Music?
Userlevel 7
Finally received my Sonos Amp and Pro-Ject Debut TT Sonos Edition. :$

I can definitely say that the Sonos Amp is a winner. It drives my Definitive Technology BP 20's and matching 1500 Sub with aplomb (if you can say that about an inanimate object) :8 Since I'm able to fine tune the sub for frequency crossover point, phase shift and volume level the setup is subjectively perfect (without the aid of TruePlay). The cables I used are Sewell Silverback with Banana Plugs, 12 AWG, OFC, 259 Strand Count and Sewell Direct SW-30455-10 Silverback Subwoofer Cable. Although I don't have equipment to measure the power flow for consistency I expect the Sonos Amp to reach its full potential and operating efficiency after 20-30 hours of use.

I can't comment on the Pro-Ject Debut TT at this time as there was a quality control issue with the Anti-Skating weight. Sonos has ordered a replacment from the manufacturer. I hope it doesen't take 3 -4 weeks or longer to get it. Other than that it is a beautiful looking TT that exudes quality and expert craftmanship.

I've inculded a couple of photos of my Sonos Amp setup and speakers along with the end table size sub (lower right). 😉 The photo's also show the Beam and the pattern it transmits to the HDMI_ARC port. I'd love to see any photos you guys might be willing to share :8


Cheers!

So I’ve owned sonos for about a year now and completely love my system. I currently have a playbar, sub and 2 sonos 3 speakers in my living room creating a nice surround sound. I usually have to turn my sub down or my neighbors complain but when they aren’t around I blast that thing and it rocks my whole house. I just received the new sonos amp(came a day early too!), I plan on using it outdoors for my semi enclosed hot tub/bar pavilion. For now I will be using the Bose 151 outdoor speakers. I plan on upgrading to the 251 soon. I also have sonos in my kitchen, bedroom and garage all sonos one speakers, two are in the bedroom to make a nice stereo pair. Me and my wife like to turn it up a bit when we are getting ready to go out for the night.
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Mine just arrived yesterday! It's replacing a NAD D7050 amplifier that was hooked up to the TV in my living room, driving a pair of KEF LS50 speakers. I'm pretty excited about it; I've been looking at replacing the NAD with something more powerful, and I've also wanted to integrate that setup with the rest of my Sonos stuff for a while (but I couldn't stomach the cost of a Connect). All my AV components live inside an old Telefunken hi-fi console, which limits my amplifier choices to very compact and efficient ones. Basically, the Amp perfectly fit my need for a small, two-channel, class-D streaming amplifier with plenty of power and an input for a TV.

I haven't had much of an opportunity to really try it out after setting it up, but so far it seems to sound pretty good. The increased power output over the D7050 (50 wpc) is evident, although not quite as dramatic as I thought it would be. I'm definitely looking forward to giving it a thorough test when I have a bit more time!
Didn't care for that review very much. It seemed to be reviewed more from a audiophile, stand alone system point of view, rather then viewing it as a member of a multiroom audio system. The comparisons provided are against AV receivers, no comparison to similar devices in other multiroom systems. I'm more interested in seening how the Sonos Amp compares to Amazon's Link Amp than I am in the comparison to a Yamaha AV receiver. For example, the review mentions stereo outputs only as a flaw, with no mention of the fact that the Amp can be paired with other Sonos products for 5.1 audio (or 4.1).

The author really seems to have issue with default EQ settings and claims a lack of calibration. This is not exactly true as Sonos has said that Trueplay will be available when Sonance speakers are used.

One statement made that is entirely untrue was..
The amp also offers control via Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Pandora , and if you pair it with the Sonos One ($179 at Amazon), for example, you can also control it with Amazon Alexa now, or via Google Assistant in 2019.

Several apps where left out, including Amazon and iheart, and there was no mention of control through smart features, like IFTTT. And the second part of the statement implies that for Alexa/Google control, you must have a Sonos One or Beam, which is false. Any alexa enabled device will be just fine, as I'm sure will be the similar case for Google. In fact, since the Amazon music and Alexa apps are free, there is zero cost for control through Alexa.
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CNET's review
https://www.cnet.com/reviews/sonos-amp-review/

Which brings to mind is anyone using it for TV and can comment on the "phantom center"?


I plan on testing it out, but I have a lot of wiring to do in the attic before I can comment. This is going to be an outdoor tv (sort of) with the before mentioned outdoor speakers. Because I won't have the tv and speakers located even close to each other, a center channel will likely not work out too well. Hence part of the reason I'll try out mono.
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It has good stereo separation even with hdmi sound

Awesome.:D
I got the sub recently and it has really improved everything and music more than I expected.
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It has good stereo separation even with hdmi sound
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Melvimbe beat me to it.
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I don’t have rears setup with mine but I assume it will work exactly like beam and it treats all hdmi connected sound as surround sound. So even if stereo signal it does a little Dolby prolific type surround mix on.

The reason for setting up in mono is what I’m doing with my outdoor speakers. It is for when you don’t have a traditional stereo setup like speakers outside or say you have one amp runnjnbba speaker in your bathroom and a speaker in your bedroom. You don’t want the bathroom to be a right and the bedroom to be a left channel. You want them combined into mono signal to each speaker.
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OK, interesting.
It sure seems like the AMP is drawing people who want it for outdoors speakers and multiple speakers.
I just want it for better stereo separation than a sound bar like Playbar and Beam. Plus I may use the RCA ports for a turntable.
Which brings to mind is anyone using it for TV and can comment on the "phantom center"?

Also not sure why you would play each speaker in mono?


If your zone isn't configure in a way that you can have a true stereo sound stage, some pay prefer to just have mono audio coming out of the speakers. For example, I could use the Amp with ceiling speakers, placing one in the entry hall, and one in the hallways near the bedrooms/garage. I would mono coming out the speakers, not left channel in one hall, right in the other.

I actually will use mine outside, and do have it configured in a way that I think I'd prefer stereo. However, I'll give mono a try.
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The Sonos Amp sounds terrific - much better than the Beam in my opinion TV and music.
Also in general a major improvement over the Connect:Amp


I'm looking forward to it. Will be buying it in a few weeks.
Since I can't true play now sure how I will tune everything though.
Bookshelf speakers and Sonos Sub in front and Sonos One rears.
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Its in the users guides https://www.sonos.com/support/en/sonos-user-guide/index.html#t=sonos-user-guide%2Fplay1%2Fplay1.htm

I read the Amp users guide which is a little different from this all in one where it says plays in stereo by default. But if I am playing from my Apple TV connected to the TV by HDMI and the Apple TV is set for 5.1 I think I'll still get some of the music out of my rear speakers as I do now with the Beam and sub in front.
Also not sure why you would play each speaker in mono?
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The Sonos Amp sounds terrific - much better than the Beam in my opinion TV and music.

Also in general a major improvement over the Connect:Amp
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Play/Pause
Press once to play or pause music.
Press twice to skip to the next song (if applicable to the selected music source).
Press three times to skip to the previous song.
Press and hold to add the music playing in another room.
Note:You can’t skip forward or go back when listening to a radio station.
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Its in the users guides https://www.sonos.com/support/en/sonos-user-guide/index.html#t=sonos-user-guide%2Fplay1%2Fplay1.htm
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[For those that might not know, with the older devices including the ZP120, double-clicking the 'mute' button will move to the next track, triple-clicking will move back a track. Nothing like as nice as the swipe controls, but works fine.

Off the Amp topic a bit, does anyone have the URL for a page that gives the old style, ZP, Play 1, 3 and Gen 1 Play 5 buttons? I got asked about the functions the other day and realized I had no clue since my ZP and Gen1 5s are out of reach and the buttons never used. Couldn't get the FAQ search to give me anything either.