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Answered

ZP 80 dropping but OK through COAX out

  • November 2, 2024
  • 8 replies
  • 92 views
S

I have a ZP80 and a ZP90 which both drop the signal when I’m using the RCA outputs. Both work fine when using the COAX output. I believe this is because the COAX out bypasses the Sonos DAC and instead uses the DAC in my amplifier. My problem is, I want to use one of these with an amp that doesn’t have a DAC (or a COAX input). So, my question is, is there some kind of software update (or reset) that will get these old ZPs working through the RCA outs? I use the S1 controller and have mostly older Sonos gear that all works fine on S1.

Alternatively, should I buy an external DAC that I can control from my ZP (use the COAX or Digital outputs) and plug the DAC into my amp using RCA outputs? Or would this be throwing good money away on old gear? 
 

Thank you,

Scott 

Best answer by Corry P

Hi @Scott S. 

Welcome to the Sonos Community!

Sorry to hear of the trouble you’ve had with getting an output from the RCA outputs on your ZonePlayers.

As you appear to have the exact same issue with two units (which is rather unlikely, but not impossible), are you sure the issue is not with the RCA cable you are using? It’s worth checking if you haven’t already.

Does anyone know if using the digital outputs on the ZP bypasses the Sonos built in DAC? 

Yes - that is exactly what happens. If playback though the digital outputs is solid, then an external DAC would take this and give you an RCA output instead.

I hope this helps.

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8 replies

Pools-3015
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  • Pools-3015
  • Prodigy I
  • November 3, 2024

If the ZPs are not hardwired to your network, try doing that to see if it helps. Some older units have had a hard time with a wireless connection lately because of the older hardware. 

 

S
  • Scott S.
  • Author
  • Contributor I
  • November 4, 2024

Thank you. I tried this and still have the same problem. 
 

Does anyone know if using the digital outputs on the ZP bypasses the Sonos built in DAC? 
 

thanks,

Scott 

Corry P
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  • Corry P
  • Sonos Staff
  • Answer
  • November 8, 2024

Hi @Scott S. 

Welcome to the Sonos Community!

Sorry to hear of the trouble you’ve had with getting an output from the RCA outputs on your ZonePlayers.

As you appear to have the exact same issue with two units (which is rather unlikely, but not impossible), are you sure the issue is not with the RCA cable you are using? It’s worth checking if you haven’t already.

Does anyone know if using the digital outputs on the ZP bypasses the Sonos built in DAC? 

Yes - that is exactly what happens. If playback though the digital outputs is solid, then an external DAC would take this and give you an RCA output instead.

I hope this helps.

"Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen." - Albert Einstein
Airgetlam
S
  • Scott S.
  • Author
  • Contributor I
  • November 13, 2024

Just to make sure I understand my options, if the ZP plays as expected through the digital outputs, but not through the RCA outputs, this indicates the Sonos DAC is not functioning properly. Is there any kind of software or firmware update that might help? Note, I want to continue using the S1 app. Are there any risks to doing a software update? For example, is there a risk it will no longer work through the digital outputs?

 

thank you,

Scott 

Corry P
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  • Corry P
  • Sonos Staff
  • November 13, 2024

Hi @Scott S. 

If the RCA outputs don’t work, that will be a hardware failure - updating the software will neither fix the issue, nor make it worse.

I hope this helps.

"Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen." - Albert Einstein
Airgetlam
S
  • Scott S.
  • Author
  • Contributor I
  • November 13, 2024

Hi Cory, it’s not that they don’t work at all, but rather the signal cuts in and out. It happens the same exact way on 2 older ZP units I have. I have tried all other variables (different cables, different amps, etc.) and the results are the same for both. They both work if I use the coax output, which makes me think there is an issue with the Sonos DAC. So, is there a way to update the software or firmware for the DAC? 
 

thank you,

Scott

Corry P
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  • Corry P
  • Sonos Staff
  • November 14, 2024

Hi @Scott S. 

The DAC is one chip inside what is basically a computer - it performs a specific task and I don’t think it actually runs software (or firmware). It’s really only the SoC (System on Chip - CPU, RAM and I/O) that does so.

It may not be the DAC that has the issue itself, but a heat-cycle affected solder joint or a tired capacitor - I can only guess.

But I highly doubt that there is anything that can be done, though perhaps if you were to take it to a repair shop, they might be able to fix it. In reference to your specific question, no - I don’t think that is likely at all.

I hope this helps.

 

 

"Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen." - Albert Einstein
Airgetlam
S
  • Scott S.
  • Author
  • Contributor I
  • November 15, 2024

Ahh, I got it now. Thanks much, Cory. That’s super helpful. 
 

best regards, Scott

Airgetlam
Corry P
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