Skip to main content
DetBliverGodt
Contributor I
February 21, 2021

Firmware update to Port to fix Variable output problem?

  • February 21, 2021
  • 30 replies
  • 2274 views

It seems to be well known that the Port suffers from a problem with the Variable Output sound quality.

Has there been any firmware upgrades that fix this? What is the likelihood that this will be solved going forward?

I am about to invest in a complete system for our new house. Right now, because of this issue, I am leaning towards a Bluesound solution. But like the Arc more than the Soundbar 2i, so would like to use Sonos. But need the Port for interface with a high-end audio system and cannot compromise on the sound quality.

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.

30 replies

Show previous replies
Kumar
February 22, 2021

I haven’t; I don’t believe in spending more money than on Sonos in pursuit of more bits and bytes for my music play, which why I said - by all accounts.

There are many reports as to the clunkiness of the Bluesound app and instability of wireless music play that I have read both here and on some other discussion fora. For no objectively established gains in audible sound quality.

ratty
ratty
February 22, 2021

So if it is only the Port that has this issue, why did Sonos adopt a different solution for the Port, one that causes the issue? 

The soft-knee limiter is present on the Connect too. If you recall, it turned out that it was being misapplied in Fixed mode, as well as in Variable. That bug was subsequently corrected.

As for the limiter itself, presumably it’s a different DSP chip and new code on the Port. Quite why the algorithm apparently affects the sound more than in the Connect is not known.

    Kumar
    February 22, 2021

     If you recall, it turned out that it was being misapplied in Fixed mode, as well as in Variable.

    Ahh yes; if I remember right, a member from Australia did a lot of research into that.

    Kumar
    April 24, 2021

    So, this issue then is ONLY when digital output is being used to feed an external standalone DAC or one in an active speaker or DAC equipped amp, and with the Port in variable mode - but audibly so only when the volume levels on the Port are more than 85%. That is what I gather from the preceding posts if I have understood them correctly.

     

    Recently, a Sonos moderator posted this in connection with the Port:

    When using digital output, line out levels only affects how you control volume. For best signal-to-noise ratio, Fixed should be used, but volume can only be controlled at the amplifier. If you have a “works with Sonos” amplifier, Passthrough should be used, and volume can be controlled in app or at amplifier. Variable allows volume control at app or amplifier but they are not linked as with Passthrough - with low volume in app and high volume at amplifier, you’ll get more background hiss. Audiophiles would never do this due to the SNR, but you’d still hear music.

    What is this passthrough mode - is it an update - and what effect does it have on the thread topic? And why will it work only with a “works with Sonos” amplifier and not any other amp?

    ratty
    ratty
    April 24, 2021

    In Passthrough mode the Sonos output is fixed, and the Sonos app directly controls volume in a downstream "works with Sonos" amp or receiver, ii.e. one that's able to accept network commands from the controller. 

      Kumar
      April 24, 2021

      In Passthrough mode the Sonos output is fixed, and the Sonos app directly controls volume in a downstream "works with Sonos" amp or receiver, ii.e. one that's able to accept network commands from the controller. 

      Ahh ok...a nice best of both worlds solution then which also solves the thread title problem. Has that always been a feature of the Port since the beginning? And are such amps proliferating among the mainstream brands like Sony now?

      ratty
      ratty
      April 24, 2021

      I have a suspicion the Passthrough facility pre-existed Port, probably works on Connect and maybe even earlier. As for the breadth of “works with Sonos” support I haven’t a clue. Onkyo is the name that most readily springs to mind.

      Kumar
      April 24, 2021

      I have a suspicion the Passthrough facility pre-existed Port, probably works on Connect and maybe even earlier. As for the breadth of “works with Sonos” support I haven’t a clue. Onkyo is the name that most readily springs to mind.

      But how does one choose it, assuming the amp is compliant? Or is this an S2 thing?

       

      ratty
      ratty
      April 24, 2021

      It’s an extra option for the Line-Out Level. If it’s not there in S1 it must be an S2 thing. 

      Kumar
      April 24, 2021

      It is there in S1; I am pretty sure I didn't see it being there the last time I set this function for my Connect years ago.

      But this is where it gets confusing - there is a remark in the app that pass through is only if you control volume using an external amp and third party control system. Presumably this is now also for amps that “ work with Sonos” where the Sonos app can replace the third party control system...but then for all other amps would one not just use Fixed?

       

       

      Show more replies
      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement