Skip to main content
Answered

Can I set up a Sonos Amp with no wifi?

  • June 28, 2023
  • 10 replies
  • 1506 views

I’m wiring 5 Amps into a new construction home that does not currently have wifi, but the amp will be hardwired to the speakers. Can I set-up the Amp via bluetooth, or do I need to have wifi? In a pinch I can connect to an iphone hotspot.

 

Best answer by jgatie

Wow...that’s a tremendous disappointment considering the price of the units.

Does this also mean that if wifi drops out, then the Amp cannot be used once set-up?

 

It’s a wireless music system.  So although an Ethernet connection can be used, by very definition it requires a WiFI network to operate.  All this is spelled out very clearly here: 

Sonos system requirements

 

General requirements

  • High speed wired internet connection such as cable, fiber, or DSL
  • WiFi router
  • Sonos app and all Sonos products are on the same subnet
This topic has been closed for further comments. You can use the search bar to find a similar topic, or create a new one by clicking Create Topic at the top of the page.

10 replies

jgatie
  • June 28, 2023

Wifi is required, because you can only do the setup via the Sonos app, which is WiFi only.


Airgetlam
  • June 28, 2023

Additionally, the controller can not be run on the same device providing the hotspot. 


  • Author
  • Contributor I
  • June 28, 2023

Wow...that’s a tremendous disappointment considering the price of the units.

Does this also mean that if wifi drops out, then the Amp cannot be used once set-up?


Airgetlam
  • June 28, 2023

Perhaps you may want to better define your terms between external internet and LAN. If it’s set up using a Wi-Fi connection to external internet first, it will continue to play local music (on a HD or NAS) or TV sources,  as long as it’s on a LAN. However, it can not stream music from the outside world if it has no connection to it. 


jgatie
  • Answer
  • June 28, 2023

Wow...that’s a tremendous disappointment considering the price of the units.

Does this also mean that if wifi drops out, then the Amp cannot be used once set-up?

 

It’s a wireless music system.  So although an Ethernet connection can be used, by very definition it requires a WiFI network to operate.  All this is spelled out very clearly here: 

Sonos system requirements

 

General requirements

  • High speed wired internet connection such as cable, fiber, or DSL
  • WiFi router
  • Sonos app and all Sonos products are on the same subnet

106rallye
Forum|alt.badge.img+18
  • June 28, 2023

Why should the price of the Amp say anything about the need for an internet connection for set up?


  • Author
  • Contributor I
  • June 28, 2023

Why should the price of the Amp say anything about the need for an internet connection for set up?

Granted, I’m new to A/V and am picking up the pieces from an A/V contractor that left in the middle of a job...but yes, it’s surprising that while I can bluetooth connect my phone and stream audio via my phone through say, a vehicles speakers or a cheap bluetooth speaker without a network no problem - I can also purchase a premium home audio product without that capability, even if the speakers are hardwired to the Amp if I understand correctly.

Seems like a major R&D oversight if the technology would allow it...but what do I know, I’m just a consumer.

 


Airgetlam
  • June 29, 2023

It’s a network based system. From the get go. 


106rallye
Forum|alt.badge.img+18
  • June 29, 2023

Since the Amp meant to be used with an internet connection, for most people this is not a problem - they buy the system for exactly this: playing Spotify or Apple Music. And, as explained above, using two phones you can set the system up.


jgatie
  • June 29, 2023

Why should the price of the Amp say anything about the need for an internet connection for set up?

Granted, I’m new to A/V and am picking up the pieces from an A/V contractor that left in the middle of a job...but yes, it’s surprising that while I can bluetooth connect my phone and stream audio via my phone through say, a vehicles speakers or a cheap bluetooth speaker without a network no problem - I can also purchase a premium home audio product without that capability, even if the speakers are hardwired to the Amp if I understand correctly.

Seems like a major R&D oversight if the technology would allow it...but what do I know, I’m just a consumer.

 

 

Regardless of what the consumer assumes, the requirements are spelled out rather clearly.  As to what the consumer thinks being the standard by which a company operates, have you ever worked retail?  Because if you did, you’d know making the consumer’s wishes and assumptions the forefront of a business plan is the very worst thing you can do.  

Ask me about the woman who wanted a pint of half and half with a 4 month expiration date because “I’m going to Florida for 4 months and want cream for my coffee when I come back.” Or the guy who tried to return a Craftsman shovel to a store that didn’t sell Craftsman.  Or shovels.  Or tools.  Or any hardware at all.