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Friske
Avid Contributor I
December 27, 2021

App says ARC playing Atmos but it doesn’t sound like it

I just bought a Sonos Arc to replace the Playbar. My current set up is Arc, Sub, Sonos 1 & One SL as surround speakers. 

After switching over to the ARC I can't really tell a huge difference from the Playbar. It sounds good, but so did my Playbar. I've tried some Atmos movies through my 4k firestick. When playing  atmos movie my Sonos 2 app is telling me it's playing Atmos (movies through HBO Max). I changed a setting on my tv which allowed the Atmos designation to show up on my Sonos 2 app. The fire stick also is set for best sound available. 
 

I’ve moved the ARC so it's about 4” below the tv and in front. It's about 5 feet from the ceiling (flat). ARC is about head level when sitting on couch which is about 8’ away or so. I tried true tuning. I've even played with the Highs setting for the Arc and never noticed anything by doing that. 
 

Do I need to unpair my rear speakers and just do speaker and sub?  I’m not sure if im missing something here. Im disappointed that the sound quality doesn't really feel upgraded considering the price I paid for a new Sonos Arc compared to the Playbar I used to have. 

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32 replies

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Mitchellsx
Renowned Enthusiast II
December 31, 2021

I also have a sub ones and ARC, Had mine for a bout a year now.. I don't really find much difference between 5.1 or ATMOS sound with the ARC. Never really have heard overhead effects from it and ive moved it all over the place, different heights and closer to me. I have a flat ceiling 7ft tall and im sitting 7ft from the ARC. I would like to see some upfiring rears to be released by Sonos, to see if that can boost the overhead effects etc.

GuitarSuperstar
Lead Maestro
December 31, 2021

I also have a sub ones and ARC, Had mine for a bout a year now.. I don't really find much difference between 5.1 or ATMOS sound with the ARC. Never really have heard overhead effects from it and ive moved it all over the place, different heights and closer to me. I have a flat ceiling 7ft tall and im sitting 7ft from the ARC. I would like to see some upfiring rears to be released by Sonos, to see if that can boost the overhead effects etc.

It is surprising that you haven’t heard any height effects with your setup. What is the Height Audio Level set to on the Arc? What Dolby Atmos content have you tested? What TV, media devices, and apps are you using? I can recommend Atmos content where the height channels are very noticeable.

"Receive with simplicity everything that happens to you." - Rashi
MikeLL
Contributor I
September 17, 2023

Bro, I feel your pain. I had a Playbar. I was SO excited when the ARC came out; Dolby Atmos. I get NO overhead sound whatsoever. And everything “Dolby Atmos” that can be enabled IS enabled. I have 8’ sheetrocked ceilings. I can sit 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 feet from the TV and NO Dolby Atmos overheard sounds at all. I’ve listened & followed Pe’s advice, ALL OF IT, on YouTube, all for naught.  I’ve tried every type of HDMI cable on the market. I have a Sony 4K bluray player that says it supports Dolby Atmos. I have tried EVERY setting possible on the player. Nothing. I even ordered the $1000 Panasonic blu-ray player from the crutch in the field guys--NO difference, so I sent it back. I am now seriously considering selling my entire Sonos system and buying the new Nakamichi Dragon system. To say that I am disappointed is one of the greatest understatements of my life!!

FriskeAuthor
Avid Contributor I
September 17, 2023

100% agree.  I sold my ARC and bought a second sub.  Having the second sub with my living room vs having an ARC instead of a Player was worth it.  Playbar is awesome still.  The Nakamichi Dragon system looks cool.

GuitarSuperstar
Lead Maestro
September 17, 2023

Bro, I feel your pain. I had a Playbar. I was SO excited when the ARC came out; Dolby Atmos. I get NO overhead sound whatsoever. And everything “Dolby Atmos” that can be enabled IS enabled. I have 8’ sheetrocked ceilings. I can sit 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 feet from the TV and NO Dolby Atmos overheard sounds at all. I’ve listened & followed Pe’s advice, ALL OF IT, on YouTube, all for naught.  I’ve tried every type of HDMI cable on the market. I have a Sony 4K bluray player that says it supports Dolby Atmos. I have tried EVERY setting possible on the player. Nothing. I even ordered the $1000 Panasonic blu-ray player from the crutch in the field guys--NO difference, so I sent it back. I am now seriously considering selling my entire Sonos system and buying the new Nakamichi Dragon system. To say that I am disappointed is one of the greatest understatements of my life!!

What model TV do you have?

"Receive with simplicity everything that happens to you." - Rashi
MikeLL
Contributor I
September 17, 2023

Samsung QN90BD-Q65BL1

GuitarSuperstar
Lead Maestro
September 17, 2023

Samsung QN90BD-Q65BL1

Make sure you have the TV set to these settings:

HDMI-eARC Mode: Auto

Digital Output Audio Format: Pass-Through

And, if possible, test the film Blade Runner 2049 on Blu-ray disc. It has A LOT of height channel effects. On your Blu-ray player, set Digital Audio Output to Auto and set the BD Audio Mix and Audio DRC settings to OFF.

"Receive with simplicity everything that happens to you." - Rashi
    MikeLL
    Contributor I
    September 17, 2023

    I cannot set the Digital Output Audio Format to “ Pass-Through.”   When I try, I get the following message:  “The current audio format input cannot be passed through an ARC connection.”

    MikeLL
    Contributor I
    September 17, 2023

    BTW, all the other settings you suggested, I’ve already done. And I have Blade Runner 2049, (which I love:)  Sonos simply doesn’t project tangible overhead sound thru my ARC. I have tried everything that I can find online...and I mean everything!  All that $$$ and nothing.  GREAT sound, I’ll admit, maybe the best ever...but NO Dolby Atmos overhead sounds. SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!

    GuitarSuperstar
    Lead Maestro
    September 17, 2023

    BTW, all the other settings you suggested, I’ve already done. And I have Blade Runner 2049, (which I love:)  Sonos simply doesn’t project tangible overhead sound thru my ARC. I have tried everything that I can find online...and I mean everything!  All that $$$ and nothing.  GREAT sound, I’ll admit, maybe the best ever...but NO Dolby Atmos overhead sounds. SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!

    Something isn’t right. What audio format is displayed in the Sonos app when playing Blade Runner 2049? Have you tried changing the Digital Output Audio Format setting while the Blu-ray is playing? What is the Height Audio level currently set to in the Sonos app? How far is the Arc from the ceiling? How far are you currently seated from the Arc?

    "Receive with simplicity everything that happens to you." - Rashi
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