Skip to main content

SONOS and streaming service like Amazon unlimited


  • Contributor I
  • 3 replies

I recently tried to use Apple Music with Sonos and learned SONOS won’t import any files that aer mp4 and those files can't be converted.  I have a lot of music I own and want to be able to use a streaming service to augment what I have.  (I want playlists that have both my own music as well as music from a streaming service).  So I googled Amazon Unlimited and it sounds like this might have fewer restrictions.  IIs it possible to download music via Amazon Unlimited, import everything to SONOS such that I can listen to both my music and downloaded music in playlists I’ve created?  I don’t want to go through Alexa and I DO want to mix and match what I’m listening to.  (My SONOS speakers are old and do not support streaming to them directly from for example iTunes).  If Amazon Music Unlimited has the same challenge that Apple Music has is there a streaming service that does work this way?

 

Did you find what you were looking for?

4 replies

106rallye
Forum|alt.badge.img+18
  • 6192 replies
  • March 24, 2025

Sonos does do mp4, up to 320kbps. See https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/supported-audio-formats-for-sonos-music-library I seem to remember you can also upload your music to Apple and play it to Sonos that way.

Edit: that would be this https://support.apple.com/en-us/118285


  • Author
  • Contributor I
  • 3 replies
  • March 24, 2025

Thanks for the tips.  The problem with  https://support.apple.com/en-us/118285 is that the Sonos devices have to support streaming.  It would be a great solution but we have 9 speakers and none of them support streaming. I’m not quite ready to dump all the speakers and replace with new if I can find an alternative.

 

I’ve had a ticket open with Sonos re m4p and they are saying the files have to be converted but they are protected files by apple (I get it -- it is part of the music subscription and they don’t want them re-used where there is no subscription) so Sonos sees those files and stops indexing the music and anything that follows (playlists)


106rallye
Forum|alt.badge.img+18
  • 6192 replies
  • March 24, 2025

I guess when you say “streaming” you mean Airplay (from an iPhone)? As I understand it, using this Apple feature you can listen to your own music when you install Apple Music as a content service via the Sonos app.

So it is not the mp4 format as such that is the problem but the fact they are protected? I seem to remember redownloading them solves this. See https://www.reddit.com/r/AppleMusic/s/SwsBt284n0


  • Author
  • Contributor I
  • 3 replies
  • March 24, 2025

yes -- airplay but that isn’t supported on any of my speakers (too old I guess).  If I had newer speakers the problem would be solved -- I could mix and match to hearts content and just stream to the SONOS speakers. 

Sadly it isn’t songs I’ve purchased -- those are all fine. it is only songs I’ve obtained via subscribing to the Apple Music subscription.  Fortunately I’m on a free trial while I attempt to figure this out but I’ve found nothing to convert them and SONOS stops indexing as soon as it sees one.  SONOS seems to be saying the only option is to stream to their device or add Apple Music as a service.  I’m going to try adding Apple Music as a service and removing all that I’ve obtained via the service but I’m guessing that my playlists can’t contain those files so I’ll either be able to listen to the stuff I own OR listen to stuff I subscribe to but I won’t be able to mix and match.


Reply


Cookie policy

We use cookies to enhance and personalize your experience. If you accept you agree to our full cookie policy. Learn more about our cookies.

 
Cookie settings