Producer I

Question

[HELP] What’s the best setup for SONOS Surround 5.1? And Couple beginner questions!

Forum|Forum|10 years ago
November 20, 2015
28 replies
30837 views

Hi guys,

I’ve recentely heard about SONOS I wouldn’t say that I am an audiophile but I love music and speakers setup. It was very nice to see that SONOS has a very active community and I am think about building a home theater setup with SONOS speakers. So I would like to clarify couple doubts, and check whats the best setup possible, that the community would recommend.

I was thinking about using the Playbar as Center Speaker purchase to new PLAY:5 and use as left and right speaker, and two PLAY:3 or PLAY:1 as surround speakers at the back.

1 - Is this the best setup? Do I need to buy anything else? For what I read I don’t need the BRIDGE or CONNECT to make this work right, just plug an Ethernet caple to the playbar?

2 – I want to use those speakers with my TV LG 55EG9600 and I would hate having to go to the cellphone app to turn volume up and down. I will be able to control all speakers volume with the magic remote ? Anyone had any trouble doing that with NEW LG tvs?

3 – Is there a complicated setup to avoid the delays? I read that there would be a delay of 50ms with the home theater setup, that’s true? Is it easy to fix?

4 – I use AirPlay on daily basis, since I don’t know SONUS app, I am not sure I will adapt having to go to SONUS app to play Spotify or any music on my cellphone, I already have an airport express. If I plug the 3.5mm cable on any of the PLAY:5 speakers would that work on all speakers including the sound bar? What will happen if the TV is on and I do that it will play both audios, until I mute the tv, or it will do that automatically?

Sorry for all the question guys. It is a big investment and I would really appreciate any help, to understand if SONOS fits my needs.

Thanks in advance!

Tiago

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.

Show previous replies

A

AdamCT

Avid Contributor I

Sorry that I'm entering this thread late, and I'm not really an audiophile, but doesn't using the relatively narrow SoundBar/SoundBase as the FL and FR create a rather narrow separation for the front of a 5.1 system...?

Airgetlam

Depends on your ears, and I guess the size of the room you're using. I used to have an average Sony AV receiver with separate FR, C, FL speakers, and I found that when I moved to a Sonos Playbar, it was hard to tell the difference. You could suggest that I didn't have the original setup done properly, or you could suggest that the design of the Sonos Playbar/Playbase does a good job of dispersing sound to the sides, especially with TruePlay enabled, who knows.

I haven't felt a significant letdown in any way, but I don't have your ears or brain. It has the possibility of being an issue for you, when it isn't for me. My recommendation, if you're serious about dipping your toe in the water, is to get one from a retailer who supports the Sonos return policy. I think I saw a banner here on this site suggesting a 45 day return period if you bought through the website. That way, you can give it a true test in your home and see how you feel. I've found that the display systems set up in my local Best Buy, while impressive, just don't give me a true sense of spatial acuity with all the other things going on there.

I'd be willing to bet, though, that if you got one, you'd more than likely be pleased. And frankly, having surrounds that don't have wires leading to the front of the room is pretty good, too 🙂

Bruce

C

Chewylou

Lyricist I

Just read this thread AFTER order my Play 5 (which is due in a day or so). I presumed I could soon get another as a juicy stereo system to quickly grow into a 5.1 hybrid. Bit disappointed that isn't the case. I'm not remotely technical but seems like something Sonos could easily do if they got their big brains together.

So if you can, please do! I don't want your playbar (no offence, it's sort of ugly), I want a proper left, right and centre!

Maybe offer a centre speaker than can sync with visual and other speakers (like play 5's).

Cheers. 😃

S

Skelton

Prodigy I

Just read this thread AFTER order my Play 5 (which is due in a day or so). I presumed I could soon get another as a juicy stereo system to quickly grow into a 5.1 hybrid. Bit disappointed that isn't the case. I'm not remotely technical but seems like something Sonos could easily do if they got their big brains together.

So if you can, please do! I don't want your playbar (no offence, it's sort of ugly), I want a proper left, right and centre!

Maybe offer a centre speaker than can sync with visual and other speakers (like play 5's).

Cheers. :D

I'm not sure I follow your request. The Play 5 itself is a single unit with multiple speakers, and can be paired with a second Play 5 to provide a true stereo pair.

You can also pair a couple Play 5s with a Playbase/bar and a sub to create an incredible 5.1 home theater setup. You could even argue the Play 5s are almost overkill instead of Play 1s in that configuration.

C

Chewylou

Lyricist I

I want to be able to have stereo play 5's either side of my TV, as this would be my optimal position for listening to music. Then have the option for them to be left and rights in a surround setup, instead of making them redundant with the need of playbar/base. Would rather a dedicated front speaker. (Play 1's at the rear).

Airgetlam

At this point, Sonos has not suggested that they're working on anything that would allow separate front (L, C, R) speakers.

I wouldn't mind it if they did, though.

Bruce

Korycell

Contributor I

Ive had simialr problems. I made some small changes and it works really well, altho some Audio snobs may disagree. Basically move highs to the bar and lows to the sub.

Korycell

Contributor I

Crystal clear btw and jard sub pounding. Iuse the playbar, sub, and the 2 play1s in rears

Sign up

Login to the community