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paul0258
Contributor I
Mar 29, 2020 8:13 PM UTC
Answered

Connect- difference between Fixed and Pass-Through

Using Sonos Connect to stream to an integrated amp via optical. I've always used Fixed for line-out level but now I see another option, Pass-Through.

 

Tried it, no apparent difference.

 

So what is the difference between Fixed and Pass-Through?

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    ratty
    rattyAnswer
    Mar 29, 2020 9:44 PM UTC

    Er, no. It’s nothing to do with passing through surround-encoded audio. There’s no means by which a source could deliver surround-encoded audio into a Connect anyway. It has no S/PDIF input.

    ‘Pass-through’ is for use with ‘Works with Sonos’ amps/receivers that are able to register with the Sonos API for external control via the Sonos controller app. The Connect outputs a Fixed stereo signal, and the volume control in the app adjusts the level in the downstream amp/receiver directly.

    Typically the amp/receiver is also automatically switched to the correct input for the Connect.

    5 replies

    AjTrek1
    Mar 29, 2020 8:50 PM UTC

    Hi @paul0258 

    The simple meaning of Pass-Through is this:

    You have a Sonos Connect connected to a AVR (with speakers) that can process DTS audio. You have a source connected to the SonosConnect that can send DTS audio. The Sonos Connect does not process DTS. By switching the SonosConnect to Pass-Through the DTS audio coming from the source connected to the Sonos Connect is allowed to Pass-Through the Sonos Connect (untouched) to the AVR that can process the DTS signal to the AVR connected speakers. A stereo signal would sound the same with or without Pass-Through enabled. I hope this helps.

    Cheers!

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    ratty
    rattyAnswer
    Mar 29, 2020 9:44 PM UTC

    Er, no. It’s nothing to do with passing through surround-encoded audio. There’s no means by which a source could deliver surround-encoded audio into a Connect anyway. It has no S/PDIF input.

    ‘Pass-through’ is for use with ‘Works with Sonos’ amps/receivers that are able to register with the Sonos API for external control via the Sonos controller app. The Connect outputs a Fixed stereo signal, and the volume control in the app adjusts the level in the downstream amp/receiver directly.

    Typically the amp/receiver is also automatically switched to the correct input for the Connect.

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    AjTrek1
    Mar 29, 2020 10:30 PM UTC

    @ratty 

    Intersting. So Sonos “Pass Through” doesn’t follow the same general definition (in the link) to allow a signal from a connected souce to enter and exit unabated

    https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/home-entertainment/tips-and-solutions/when-pass-through-ability-useful%3F

     

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    ratty
    Mar 30, 2020 10:10 AM UTC

    The ‘pass through’ aspect applies to the control, rather than the data. The terminology could perhaps be confusing.

    (And don’t get me started again on ‘disable WiFi’ ...)

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    AjTrek1
    Apr 1, 2020 5:19 PM UTC

    The ‘pass through’ aspect applies to the control, rather than the data. The terminology could perhaps be confusing.

    (And don’t get me started again on ‘disable WiFi’ ...)


    Agreed and Thanks!

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