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Avid Contributor I
November 28, 2023
Answered

Can I play music from my Macbook

  • November 28, 2023
  • 5 replies
  • 628 views

I have a Sonos Amplifier and was hoping I can connect it to my MacBook Pro and play music from there in the same way one would connect the amp to a turn table, I don’t want to connect with Apple’s airplay because the sound is a little weak and airplay doesn’t take full advantage of the speakers capabilities because of the over the air streaming. I’ve connected my MacBook to the amp but the music not playing. Does anyone know how I can make this work.  Thanks.

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Best answer by Corry P

Hi @Sonny.Ade 

Thanks for your post!

Do you have Line-In Autoplay enabled? If not, please do so - Settings » System » [Room with Amp] » Autoplay

If that does not help, are you able to test the cable with another pair of devices, or try a second cable?

I hope this helps.

5 replies

Lead Maestro
November 28, 2023

Why don’t you stream Apple Music from the Sonos Desktop Controller on the Mac?

How are exactly are you connecting the Mac to the Amp? What type of audio cable are you using? What ports are you connecting it to?

"Receive with simplicity everything that happens to you." - Rashi
Airgetlam
November 28, 2023

For what it’s worth, Sonos doesn’t make computer speakers. You may want to read the thread here, there are some who prefer to ignore the challenges. 

Bruce
Sonny.AdeAuthor
Avid Contributor I
November 28, 2023

Why don’t you stream Apple Music from the Sonos Desktop Controller on the Mac?

How are exactly are you connecting the Mac to the Amp? What type of audio cable are you using? What ports are you connecting it to?

I have a cable that’s an RCA in/out on one end and 3.5mm on the other, I connected the RCA to the amp and the 3.5mm to the Mac, that didn’t work, I then tried using HDMI from the Mac to the Amp and that didn’t work either.  I’ve searched the App Store on my Mac and I don’t see a Sonos Desktop Controller app, if you can show me what this app looks like I’m willing to try it.  Thanks. 

Lead Maestro
November 28, 2023

Why don’t you stream Apple Music from the Sonos Desktop Controller on the Mac?

How are exactly are you connecting the Mac to the Amp? What type of audio cable are you using? What ports are you connecting it to?

I have a cable that’s an RCA in/out on one end and 3.5mm on the other, I connected the RCA to the amp and the 3.5mm to the Mac, that didn’t work, I then tried using HDMI from the Mac to the Amp and that didn’t work either.  I’ve searched the App Store on my Mac and I don’t see a Sonos Desktop Controller app, if you can show me what this app looks like I’m willing to try it.  Thanks. 

Download the desktop app here:

https://support.sonos.com/en-us/downloads

Click on the macOS button.

 

With the RCA to 3.5mm audio cable, did you also  adjust the sound output setting on the Mac?

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-the-sound-output-settings-mchlp2256/mac#:~:text=On%20your%20Mac%2C%20choose%20Apple,list%20of%20sound%20output%20devices.&text=)%2C%20USB%20speakers%2C%20and%20AirPlay%20devices

 

"Receive with simplicity everything that happens to you." - Rashi
Corry P
Corry PAnswer
Sonos Staff
December 1, 2023

Hi @Sonny.Ade 

Thanks for your post!

Do you have Line-In Autoplay enabled? If not, please do so - Settings » System » [Room with Amp] » Autoplay

If that does not help, are you able to test the cable with another pair of devices, or try a second cable?

I hope this helps.

"Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen." - Albert Einstein