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kdth_jhspk69
Renowned Enthusiast I
May 10, 2025 8:53 AM UTC

Spotify volume decreased?

Hello everyone,

Lately, I've noticed the volume level seems lower when integrating Sonos and Spotify. I've tested this on several Era 100s, Fives, and Sonos Ones, and I find myself needing to increase the volume significantly compared to last week. Do you know if there have been any recent changes to the Spotify integration volume? This occurs whether using Spotify Connect and the Sonos app. Do you have the same feeling?

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    Pinned Reply By Mike H

    Hey hey folks! Someone on Reddit called this out as well, so I did some digging to investigate what has changed. The short answer is that the volumes is perceived lower due to volume normalization.

    Now for the longer answer:

    Spotify gives us a volume normalization gain value to apply to each track. Earlier this year, we began applying this gain value whenever users use Spotify Connect. This change was needed because it helps with cases like loud advertisements that play between tracks, which can be very apparent and annoying, especially for free users. They might have experienced a jarringly loud ad when all they wanted was to listen to some chill, relaxing music.

    Most of the gain values provided by Spotify are negative, which means they lower the volume. That’s why many users perceive this decrease in volume as a drop in quality, which isn’t the case.

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    Airgetlam
    Airgetlam
    Jun 8, 2025 3:18 PM UTC

    That’s really odd. Sonos uses the same code/player for all streams coming in, so any changes to just Spotify would have to be at the source server, i.e. Spotify’s servers. Have you contacted them about this issue?

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    Bruce
    Gamin
    Lyricist I
    Jun 9, 2025 9:13 AM UTC

    Hi all,

    I've been experiencing the same problem for a few weeks but I can't say if it coincides with an update of the Sonos system, which is set to auto at home, but it could correspond to the release of version 85.0-64200 in early May.
    I was using Spotify Connect and noticed a drop in volume, a loss of clarity and impact.

    3 days ago, I randomly tested Spotify streaming via AirPlay 2 and, miraculously, the sound came back the way I like it. This is a start to a solution that isn't perfect for me due to the latency of the commands via AirPlay, but it allows me to wait for Spotify Connect to return to normal operation. I also point out that the sound is good via the Sonos app.

    My Sonos system: arc ultra, sub4, era300 x2.

    Thanks to the Sonos team for taking care of the problem.

     

     

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      kdth_jhspk69Author
      Renowned Enthusiast I
      Jun 10, 2025 3:49 PM UTC

      After today's update I can confirm that the volume difference between Spotify Connect and Spotify in Sonos app continues.

      Do you have any updates on the analysis of this issue?

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        Corry P
        Corry P
        Sonos Staff
        Jun 10, 2025 4:09 PM UTC

        Hi ​@kdth_jhspk69 

        No update news, and it’s unlikely that there will be - we will likely not hear about it again until it has been resolved.

        Today’s update was likely already planned and scheduled for release before this issue was even reported.

         

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        "Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen." - Albert Einstein
          c0t0d0s0
          Contributor I
          Jun 24, 2025 8:34 PM UTC

          Hi, FWIW I came across this post when searching for information about this, and I’ve been experiencing this as well .. pair of Move 2s and a Sonos 5 both. 

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            Topfjoer
            Lyricist I
            Jun 28, 2025 5:54 PM UTC

            Same here. On 4 Sonos Ones, a Beam and an Arc. The difference between Spotify connect and Spotify via Sonos app is roughly 6 decibels measured @1m. Which is a LOT.

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              awesomegtrr
              Lyricist I
              Jul 1, 2025 3:17 PM UTC

              Experiencing the same issue as well on the sonos arc ultra paired with ERA 100s as surround. 

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                Tomting90
                Lyricist I
                Jul 12, 2025 10:43 PM UTC

                I have the same issue on all my sonos devices... 

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                  Hugo21
                  Contributor I
                  Jul 13, 2025 2:16 AM UTC

                  I have also noticed when watching Prime video also encountered bass softer,, consider auto tuning if problem still face soon.

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                  savadgan
                  Lyricist II
                  Jul 14, 2025 1:32 PM UTC

                  I'm surprised this issue wasn't addressed in the latest software update, especially given how many users have reported it. Hopefully, it will be resolved in the next release.

                   

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