The new updates are horrible, and I hate sonos for what they have done to the sound systems I’ve spent thousands of dollars on.
- I hate the ads built into the controller software.
- I hate how GPS needs to be turned on to use the controller.
- I hate how bloated the controller software is.
- I hate the new terms of service (and privacy statement) where sonos will sell my data.
I’ve tried plexamp, but it doesn’t handle grouping, queuing, well. I just want something simple where i can build and queue playlists from my local NAS.
Plex amp has queuing function that is the same as 16.1. What difficulties with queuing are you having?
If you regroup often there’s really no choice other than the Sonos app AFAIK on Android. But there is the Sonos app on desktop or play.Sonos.com might work for this as well.
With plexamp there is a significant delay when using it as a controller. Maybe I'll play around with it a bit more.
From my computer, I can use “noson” or “sonos controller unofficial”. Something like this for android would be amazing.
I haven’t used it much, but the new web app at play.Sonos.com might do the grouping you want if you are not on windows/mac.
It’s too bad Plex amp isn’t working great on Android, it’s faster through airplay than using the Sonos app on iOS IME.
If you have a Chromecast audio device and a Sonos unit with a line in, using the two with PlexAmp might tie you over until/if the Sonos app gets better.
There’s also Lyrion Music Server (free) which can play your local music to Sonos directly. It’s not hard to set up if you have the technical abilities and hardware to run it on. It’s like Plex, but for music only and way better IMO. https://lyrion.org/
Thanks for the recommendation, but I run a plex server off of a NAS, and lyrion isn’t available as an official app or community supported.
https://tmnascommunity.eu/
I've had it with Sonos. If I can't get an app substitute, I'm selling all my Sonos equipment (well over $10K). It's not just ease of use or features, it's the speakers CONSTANTLY cutting out, nearly every single time, for months on end. Even the one hardwired.
This, and the overall Sonos attitude towards its customers in the last few years, is exactly what one might expect from a leader "raised" at Blackberry (including hiding behind patents instead of focusing on customer satisfaction, innovation, and value)... Spence's effective "they'll get over it" public talk track re: the new app release is clear and not speculative. It's technological (and near-monopolistic) arrogance. That said, I still love the hardware and would hate to have to take the economic hit to start all over.
I would appreciate any reco concerning a different app, even if limited functionality (to a certain degree). Alternately, if Sonos has used their legal (vs. engineering/service) actions to protect themselves from competion, then I'd appreciate recommendations on ANY speaker system that could substitute for a significantly sized system of speakers, amps, and sound bars.
Thanks in advance! 😃
If your speakers have been cutting out since before the new app was released it’s not the new app. You probably have a local network issue that you could solve. Best to contact support or start a new thread here.
For alternative apps try SonoPhone on iOS. Roll back to 16.1 on Android.
Sonos alternatives.
https://www.yahoo.com/tech/best-sonos-alternatives-230041376.html
Thanks for the quick reply, Bumper!
It started with S2 move from S1, infrequent, but annoying; then it became daily with the recent release. We effectively have stopped using Sonos and use a couple of Bluetooth speakers chained together to substitute until we can "fix" Sonos... or replace. Obviously, only helps for main room, not whole system.
Nothing has changed otherwise in the environment and no new sources of interference or changes of device placement (I'm an EE with a concentration in Field Theory so, while by no means a Sonos expert, have a decent grasp of the electromagnetic situation).
I like the idea of rolling back (I'm on Android), so perhaps just to the occasional cut out instead of the every day... trying to find a local Sonos "expert" as I just cannot find a hardware/field issue. I've heard others experiencing same... just need a solution!
Appreciate the advice 😃 👍🏻
PS: the "cut outs" are at the start of every song, from 5-30 seconds. Given they always happen at the start of songs, and now every song, we figure it has to be software... network issues timed to the songs would be quite odd!
Guess not impossible, maybe...?
PS: the "cut outs" are at the start of every song, from 5-30 seconds. Given they always happen at the start of songs, and now every song, we figure it has to be software... network issues timed to the songs would be quite odd!
I’ve had similar problems for a number of years, and I don’t think you can rule out network constraints. I think the main underlying cause of this is the fact that each of the devices is trying to build a buffer of data at the start of the track. It can take a while before they all have enough that they can scale back, and the network traffic reduces.
I can demonstrate this effect by choosing a source (e.g. an internet radio station) which is available at different bitrates. What I’ve found is that the cutouts reduce or disappear if you play the same material at a lower bitrate. That suggests (to me) that the problem is due at least in part to bandwidth constraints.
One other thing to bear in mind is that although you say that nothing has changed, what your neighbours systems are doing may affect what your wi-fi network does! Unless of course you are lucky enough to have no neighbours within wi-fi range…
In your position I would not hesitate to roll back to 16.1 - it may not solve all of your problems, but it will get you back to a point of stability until the new release becomes usable.
Super helpful, Antifon! I'm pretty far away from the neighbors (live in the burbs), but one may be just close enough.
That said, I think the buffering point is a great one, which means a combo of app AND network (although I run 1 GB... actual typically 600-700 Mbps). I'll use your and Bumper's advice and report back if it might help others 
One other thing that did help for me was to increase the number of hardwired devices. I have 11 Sonos/Ikea units and originally had only one hardwired to Ethernet. I’m now up to four, and it has almost eliminated dropouts. But… I appreciate that for many people that’s not easy.
In your position I would not hesitate to roll back to 16.1 - it may not solve all of your problems, but it will get you back to a point of stability until the new release becomes usable.
Excellent advice in your entire post. Just to highlight this point, rolling back and waiting out the app development pain is a strategy that seems to be working for many.
I can’t roll back on iOS but SonoPhone is working for me.
In your position I would not hesitate to roll back to 16.1 - it may not solve all of your problems, but it will get you back to a point of stability until the new release becomes usable.
Super good advice, @Antifon. The v16.1 Android app is stable and full-featured … to say nothing of “frustration free!”
When folks download the v16.1 APK, note where the file is stored on your device. That makes it slightly easier to try the latest release(s) of new app and then re-install the v16.1 app.
And stating the obvious: having the Windows/Mac desktop app installed on a machine is a fantastic backup when issues pop up with the new app.
I tried to roll back to 16.1 on Android, but it didn't work
I tried to roll back to 16.1 on Android, but it didn't work
Yeah @flev, unfortunately the v16.3 firmware blocks the v16.1 Android app from working. Severely disappointing, as that version was a great Get Out of Jail Free card.
I keep sonos 16.1 in my downloads directory, and turn automatic update off.
If your speakers have been cutting out since before the new app was released it’s not the new app. You probably have a local network issue that you could solve. Best to contact support or start a new thread here.
For alternative apps try SonoPhone on iOS. Roll back to 16.1 on Android.
Sonos alternatives.
https://www.yahoo.com/tech/best-sonos-alternatives-230041376.html
how do I roll back to 16.1 on Android?? 
