Creating 5.1 with non-Sonos Subwoofer

Interesting idea.  Cheaper than buying a Sub.  However, looks like the Connect doesn't have a sub channel out--not a showstopper of course, but yet another reason why Sonos should step up and offer us a solution.

why not allow a dedicated connect to provide sub signal for a powered sub


why not just firmware upgrade the connect amp like the op suggested that way you only need to buy 1 sonos device to control your rear speakers and subwoofer.

Cuz they want you to buy their sub and their surrounds. Sonos is a closed system and I'd bet that they truly hate the idea of supporting the AMP as a workaround for surround sound. Even the way they've implemented the idea is weak. With hardly any effort at all they could have added a couple other features easily without even enabling the sub out. While I love the SONOS gear I've been rather disappointed overall that I've not achieved what I hoped. I'd sell it all and go wired but there's no after market that makes the loss of $$$ acceptable to me. SONOS has more or less ignored us on this sub out idea for over 2 yrs now. I don't imagine we'll ever see resolution on this piece. They are amazingly responsive to all kinds of other issue but this one. That says something.

SONOS does not owe us an option to use a cheaper sub. It's really poor business for them to do as it creates a host of new support issues with people buying crap subs and complaining about bad sound and so on. It also cannibalizes their own product line. For all of you that actually think it's good business for them to do this you're simply mistaken. It would be nice of them for sure and I would have really appreciated a big red warning label about the how the AMP really works rather than having to find it in the manual after my return period expired but proper support for 3rd party hardware of any sort is problematic for them.

That all said...would be nice if they did address us and tell us that they're not going to do this rather than leave us all hanging on hoping.

SONOS: I'd be totally cool if you proved me wrong 😉

I'm was interested to use Sonos ... until I read this thread.  I already have my own speakers + woofer so if this feature request was granted I would have bought the connect amp + playbar to get 5.1 surround.  Being able to expand to other rooms after that would have been nice.

Still: at least the competition is catching up fast.

Has anyone tried this:  Use an optical audio splitter (http://www.cablestogo.com/product/27027) so one output could go to the Playbar and one output could then connect to an optical audio to analog RCA device (http://www.cablestogo.com/product/28727) in order to connect your existing third party subwoofer?  You can get both of these devices for about $45.  A lot cheaper than buying a new subwoofer.

Has anyone tried this:  Use an optical audio splitter (http://www.cablestogo.com/product/27027) so one output could go to the Playbar and one output could then connect to an optical audio to analog RCA device (http://www.cablestogo.com/product/28727) in order to connect your existing third party subwoofer?  You can get both of these devices for about $45.  A lot cheaper than buying a new subwoofer.
With this arrangement there would be no integrated volume control. One would need to separately adjust the subwoofer and PLAYBAR.

I have a similar setup using an external RCA switch box to select input to the subwoofer.  It works.  However, as Buzz says, I need to adjust the volume on the subwoofer manually when I switch between TV and music.  It's not convenient.

quick question....Does anyone have input on the Sound quality of the Playbar and the Sonos Sub?  how do they match up against mid to high end sound bars ?  I have 8 zones currently none of them have Sonos speakers...(not quite sold on Sonos as a bonified speaker company) all speakers are Polk audio in walls with 1 outdoor pair. (no complaints with the Polk speakers).. I was thinking about getting the Play bar to use with a Polk Audio 10 inch LSI sub  until i came across this forum. If we can't use a thrid party Sub then buy another comparable sound bar whatever sub you want and pick up a Sonos Connect to integrate the setup into your sonos mesh. Everything i've seen on the playbar and sub says fantastic wireless functionality but not too much on sound quality . Even read something about the volume being somewhat restricted.. your thoughts? 

I'm so glad I read this thread!  I was about to spend A LOT of money buying into the Sonos Eco-system for my home, and use the AMP to connect my very capable Onkyo rear speakers and sub.  Now that I know Sonos prevents people from doing this, I'm going to skip the system entirely and go another way.  I wonder how many people out there didn't know this before buying (and are angry) or like me, aren't investing in it?

Frankly, I would still consider the Sonos system but $700 just for a sub is ridiculous (on top of $700 for a playbar).

I'm so glad I read this thread!  I was about to spend A LOT of money buying into the Sonos Eco-system for my home, and use the AMP to connect my very capable Onkyo rear speakers and sub.  Now that I know Sonos prevents people from doing this, I'm going to skip the system entirely and go another way.  I wonder how many people out there didn't know this before buying (and are angry) or like me, aren't investing in it?

Frankly, I would still consider the Sonos system but $700 just for a sub is ridiculous (on top of $700 for a playbar).


Well then, you should definitely go buy the competing wireless surround sound system that allows use of an aftermarket sub and is fully integrated into a multi-room synchronized audio system controlled by your phone/tablet. Be sure to post here when you find it.