Contributor I

Answered

Creating 5.1 with non-Sonos Subwoofer

66 replies
15521 views

Sub disabled when Setting up SONOS CONNECT:AMP as Surround Rears Why are you disabling the subwoofer out when configuring the Connect Amp to drive non-Sonos rear speakers with a Playbar? I have a my own sub that i want to connect to the Connect Amp so that it can be driven along with the rest of the system. I do not want to buy another Sonos sub. Surely this would just be a software or firmware update that is easily achievable.

This topic has been closed for further comments. You can use the search bar to find a similar topic, or create a new one by clicking Create Topic at the top of the page.

ChrisAnswer

Lead Maestro

It's not possible. A 5.1 system has a discrete .1 channel.

The Connect:Amp is only able to receive a stereo signal (R/L). In this case the R/L is the right and left surround sound. There is no dedicated chanel to send to the Subwoofer.

The original design of the Connect:Amp was not to be used in the manner of surrounds. Its original hardware takes a stereo signal. Filters it through a crossover - sending higher frequencies to left/right channel speakers and the lower range to the subwoofer output. So the subwoofer output sits between the stereo input and the speaker output (just as a normal sub would). There is no direct channel to the subwoofer just a processing of the stereo signal.

Therefore, there is no reason to have the subwoofer active. There is no reason to filter out the low end output from the surround sound mix (as the surround sound mix doesn't have the LFE channel or really any low end to speak of).

It is an internal hardware issue that makes it impossible for the Connect:Amp to pass a discrete LFE channel in the form of the .1 signal from a surround sound setup. It just physically is not built to do that - so no asking for it will solve the issue.

A new Connect:Amp model designed to pass a discrete signal would be required.

Hope this makes sense as Sonos has no way to add this ability to the current model.

Respect the Queue (2)Move (3)Beam (1) Era100 (2)ARC (1)SonosOne (1)Playbar (4)Play5 (4)Play1 (3)Play3 (1)Port (2)Connect (1) Roam (2) Ace (1)Connect:Amp (4)Sonos Amp (1)Sub + (9) Echo + Smartthings; (2)Play)

Show previous replies

T

Todd_30

Trending Lyricist I

I'm sure the sub is fantastic but I already paid for an amp and third party sub. Another $700 for a sub is ridiculous. Sonos needs to get on the stick and update the firmware.

V

vkewalra

Lyricist I

I'm sure the sub is fantastic but I already paid for an amp and third party sub. Another $700 for a sub is ridiculous. Sonos needs to get on the stick and update the firmware.

It'd just be nice to know if it was possible. I'm going to buy connect:amp anyway when install outdoor speakers, this would let me put in a switch and finish the 5.1 setup without having to buy extra sonos equipment.

P

pete_41

Enthusiast I

I'm sure the sub is fantastic but I already paid for an amp and third party sub. Another $700 for a sub is ridiculous. Sonos needs to get on the stick and update the firmware.

I tried using a third party sub and ti didnt work. I'm pretty sure its because the amp acts as rear speakers...so the amp disengages the sub.

U

User847098

Lyricist I

I think having this option to connect 3rd party sub woofer to the playbar is a great idea. I want to use mine in the same set up.

S

Stephan Thomsen

Lyricist I

Completely agree

P

Paul_188

Trending Lyricist I

I would very much like the ability to use my 3rd party sub from the sub out of the connect amp from the rear channels.

I finally jumped at getting a playbar and am now very disappointed and debating returning it. I want to use my connect amps sub out from the surround channel, as well as be able to listen to music out of all speakers without having to remove the connect amp from 5.1

I hope to see this change, or my playbar is going back.

T

Todd_30

Trending Lyricist I

I would very much like the ability to use my 3rd party sub from the sub out of the connect amp from the rear channels.

I finally jumped at getting a playbar and am now very disappointed and debating returning it. I want to use my connect amps sub out from the surround channel, as well as be able to listen to music out of all speakers without having to remove the connect amp from 5.1

I hope to see this change, or my playbar is going back.

yep - I'd have returned all my Sonos gear at this point but I didn't add the third party sub until it was too late. it is in the documentation that this won't work bit with all the demand out there they certainly should put this on the map to fix with an AMP firmware update. The don't appear to care at this point.

M

mitoids

Contributor III

I would very much like the ability to use my 3rd party sub from the sub out of the connect amp from the rear channels.

I finally jumped at getting a playbar and am now very disappointed and debating returning it. I want to use my connect amps sub out from the surround channel, as well as be able to listen to music out of all speakers without having to remove the connect amp from 5.1

I hope to see this change, or my playbar is going back.

I have a workaround using a switch box that seems to work. It's not elegant, but here it is:
1. Subwoofer cable from AMP to left line on switch box
2. Dual RCA cable from line out on TV to switch box
3. Dual RCA from switch box to 3rd party subwoofer

And of course, I need to select the input on the box manually for music or TV.

The relative signal strengths from the TV and Connect AMP seem to be different. So still experimenting to resolve. I'm still new to Sonos. So, any suggestions on how to address this would appreciated it.

M

mitoids

Contributor III

I have a workaround using a switch box that seems to work. It's not elegant, but here it is:
1. Subwoofer cable from AMP to left line on switch box
2. Dual RCA cable from line out on TV to switch box
3. Dual RCA from switch box to 3rd party subwoofer

And of course, I need to select the input on the box manually for music or TV.

The relative signal strengths from the TV and Connect AMP seem to be different. So still experimenting to resolve. I'm still new to Sonos. So, I'd appreciate any suggestions on how to address this.

P

Paul_188

Trending Lyricist I

Thanks for the option, but a work around is not sufficient for the amount of money paid for these devices; this hound be a firmware or software fix.

Show more replies

Sign up

Login to the community