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Feature Request - Full Range Surround sound from TV

  • March 19, 2026
  • 6 replies
  • 43 views
R

I would like to request a feature that allows users to enable full-range surround playback for TV input, similar to the option that already exists under Music Playback settings.

 

Right now, Sonos allows surrounds to operate in either Ambient or Full mode when playing music directly through the app. However, when audio comes from a TV source, surrounds are limited to an ambient role for stereo content. This creates a noticeable limitation when using devices like Apple TV for music playback.

 

Many apps, including Apple Music, output stereo PCM for content that is not available in Dolby Atmos. Sonos treats this as TV audio, which means the surround speakers only play ambient sound instead of full-range audio. As a result, the system does not fully utilize all speakers, and the listening experience feels much less immersive than it should.

 

This is especially frustrating because Atmos content works correctly and engages the full system, while non-Atmos content is significantly reduced in quality simply due to how it is categorized.

    6 replies

    T
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    • The Girt
    • Prominent Collaborator I
    • March 19, 2026

    Totally agree, would love to see this happen. Greatvpost thanks👍😃👍

      MoPac
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      • MoPac
      • Headliner III
      • March 19, 2026

       I have my surrounds ( ERA 300s ) set to Music Playback / Full.  Just played stereo tracks from the integrated Apple Music service.  I’m getting plenty of sound from the surrounds.  Well balanced.  Just makes the sound field larger.

      R
      • rodrinatzan
      • Author
      • Contributor I
      • March 19, 2026

       I have my surrounds ( ERA 300s ) set to Music Playback / Full.  Just played stereo tracks from the integrated Apple Music service.  I’m getting plenty of sound from the surrounds.  Well balanced.  Just makes the sound field larger.

      This does not work when playing music from a TV source like an Apple TV.

      MoPac
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      • MoPac
      • Headliner III
      • March 19, 2026

       True.  Which is why I use the integrated Apple Music service.  I do understand why folks would want stereo from a TV source to use all the speakers.  Hopefully Sonos can do something about that issue.  
       
       I’ll have to try stereo from my FireStick to see what you’re talking about.  I never really found any value in playing stereo from a TV source except maybe for playing YouTube videos.

         EDIT:

       Did a FireStick YouTube stereo test.  I see what you mean.

        AjTrek1
        • AjTrek1
        • March 20, 2026

        I get full Stereo PCM (which is lossless) playing AppleMusic through my TV with my ArcUltra, Era 300 surrounds and Sub 4 x 2. Full surround with Era 300’s meaning they aren’t muted. Sonos recommends that Speech Enhancement be turned off for music. Just click on speech enhancement and see it spelled out if you doubt me. Bottom-line I guess it’s what you hear versus what I hear. Therefore, it’s only my opinion versus yours as to what we hear in our respective Sonos playing a streaming source through TV.

        Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
        R
        • rodrinatzan
        • Author
        • Contributor I
        • March 20, 2026

        I get full Stereo PCM (which is lossless) playing AppleMusic through my TV with my ArcUltra, Era 300 surrounds and Sub 4 x 2. Full surround with Era 300’s meaning they aren’t muted. Sonos recommends that Speech Enhancement be turned off for music. Just click on speech enhancement and see it spelled out if you doubt me. Bottom-line I guess it’s what you hear versus what I hear. Therefore, it’s only my opinion versus yours as to what we hear in our respective Sonos playing a streaming source through TV.

        Yes, speech enhancement is off. But listen to music directly from the Sonos app versus from the Apple TV and you’ll notice a huge difference. 

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