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chim475
Contributor I
May 31, 2020
Answered

Connecting Mac laptop audio stream to Sonos

  • May 31, 2020
  • 13 replies
  • 10151 views

I’d like to connect an internet music service live stream on my Macbook Pro laptop to my Sonos system. While Sonos does provide access to many internet streaming services, I have a subscription to Hearts of Space and so am not limited by predefined music that the service chooses to air through the Sonos arrangement. I can select anything from their entire library.

Is is possible therefore to get the audio ouput from my Macbook Pro streamed to my Sonos system?

Any help much appreciated!

 

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    Best answer by Airgetlam

    I *think* it is, but I think maintaining separate AirPlay 2 streams can be troubling for a sending device, I’d recommend just grouping the Sonos with a single AirPlay 2 stream going to it, and rely on the Sonos software to keep everything in sync. I don’t think two or more AirPlay 2 streams are designed to sync up, as they would depend on the processor speed of each receiving device to decode the signal. I think. 

    Did I say I think enough times? :)

    13 replies

    Airgetlam
    Airgetlam
    May 31, 2020

    Depends on what Sonos devices you have. There would be two methods that could be used, either a line in on the appropriate Sonos from your headphone output on the Mac, or AirPlay 2 to a Sonos device that is AirPlay 2 capable. 

    Bruce
      chim475Author
      Contributor I
      May 31, 2020

      Bruce, thanks for your reply … I have 2 One (Gen1) speakers, a Connect with attached pre-amp, and a Playbase (through which smart TV plays). Am hoping to connect wirelessly to Sonos (wifi?). WRT AirPlay2 capable Sonos speakers, I don’t think the One (Gen1) versions are capable? - perhaps you can confirm. If so I guess I am out of luck. :(

      David

      Airgetlam
      Airgetlam
      May 31, 2020

      Do you have two Sonos Ones, or two Sonos PLAY:1s?

      The PLAY:1s are not AirPlay 2 capable, but Sonos Ones would be. 

      Bruce
        Airgetlam
        Airgetlam
        May 31, 2020

        Oh, and are these Ones/1s set up as surround speakers?

        Bruce
          chim475Author
          Contributor I
          May 31, 2020

          Speakers are Sonos Ones, and have (now) figured how I can use AirPlay to output laptop audio - thanks for the Airplay reminder. No, I have not set the speakers up as surround speakers as all are in separate rooms.  One final question (and maybe should go to Apple forum) is it possible to play simultaneously to multiple AirPlay speakers at the same time from Mac laptop using OSX 10.15.5 Catalina?

          Many thanks again!

          David

            jrguk
            Lyricist III
            May 31, 2020

            One final question (and maybe should go to Apple forum) is it possible to play simultaneously to multiple AirPlay speakers at the same time from Mac laptop using OSX 10.15.5 Catalina?


            As far as I know only iTunes, within macOS, can output to more than one airplay device simultaneously (odd to leave it out of the audio panel when it’s there in iOS)

            But two other options:

            1. group the other speakers with the one receiving AirPlay audio, using the Sonos app
            2. RogueAmoeba’s Airfoil can redirect any app’s audio to one or more AirPlay devices and keep them in sync.
            Airgetlam
            AirgetlamAnswer
            May 31, 2020

            I *think* it is, but I think maintaining separate AirPlay 2 streams can be troubling for a sending device, I’d recommend just grouping the Sonos with a single AirPlay 2 stream going to it, and rely on the Sonos software to keep everything in sync. I don’t think two or more AirPlay 2 streams are designed to sync up, as they would depend on the processor speed of each receiving device to decode the signal. I think. 

            Did I say I think enough times? :)

            Bruce
            chim475Author
            Contributor I
            June 1, 2020

            Appears we have a solution. Started up Hearts of Space on the laptop and once audio playing via computer, selected one of the Sonos One Airplay speakers - working fine. Then went to Sonos app and grouped all Sonos speakers together and now computer audio stream playing over all Sonos speakers - awesome sound! Control volume from laptop via System Preferences - Sound.

            Thanks to both of you Airgetlam and jrguk, great insight and suggestions.

            David

              jrguk
              Lyricist III
              June 1, 2020

              Just a small postscript, output to multiple devices in synchronisation is an advertised feature of Airplay 2.

              ”With AirPlay 2, you’re in control of your audio. And if you have more than one HomePod or AirPlay 2–enabled speaker, you can enjoy your favorite music or podcasts throughout your house — in perfect sync.”

              https://www.apple.com/airplay/

               

              (But, as I said, on macOS only iTunes natively supports it.)

              Airgetlam
              Airgetlam
              June 1, 2020

              I’ve never tried it, but I’ve certainly seen complaints about Apple not doing well with sync. I tend to use a single AirPlay stream, and let the Sonos handle the sync aspect. 

              Bruce
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