How will Arc + Sub sound with Stereo 2.0 audio?

12 replies
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Hello!

So unfortunately, I’ve got a pretty old TV with an ARC port that tops out at stereo output rather than 5.1 (it’s a Panasonic VT65 plasma). I’m currently using the onboard speakers and I’m interested in getting the Arc and Sub as an upgrade.

First off, I’m aware I won’t be getting Atmos with this setup (it’s a good excuse to upgrade my TV in the near future though...) But the onboard speakers just aren’t cutting it at all (especially for movies).

My question is whether the Arc will process the frequencies from stereo sources effectively, e.g. will it direct the lower frequencies to the sub and separate the left and right channels in a way that gives me a good audio experience? I suspect it will, as a lot of content out there is stereo only, so I imagine it’s built with that in mind.

My concern though is that it’s going to take the signal, only utilise two drivers in the soundbar, and disregard the sub entirely.

Is the Arc capable of ‘up-converting’ in this way?

Many thanks in advance :)

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AirgetlamAnswer

Yes, it will work much better than your TV’s speakers until you get a new TV. When the Sub is bonded, it will send as much signal as there is in a stereo signal, which wouldn’t be a lot, but some. In order to really appreciate the Sub, you’ll need to get at least a Dolby Digital signal to it, so that .1 signal can got to the Sub and shake your world. But it will be fine until you replace your TV, or even get a HDMI switch, and feed a Dolby Digital signal to the Arc using an optical cable.

Bruce

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Z

Zog

Contributor II

Sonos ARC has an HDMI to optical adapter in the box.

so all you will need is the splitter with optical out. You can get the 2X outHDMI but my understanding is that ARC will do nothing with a regular HDMI connection that is not from ARC or eARC HDMI port.

I am not very techie and got this all to work so I’m sure you will manage.

I finally got it. I ordered this https://www.amazon.com/Vinciper-Extractor-Switcher-Optical-Splitter/dp/B07W6SR78Z/ref=sr_1_20?crid=1MQ4U7X04FITS&dchild=1&keywords=hdmi+splitter+spdif&qid=1592324743&s=electronics&sprefix=hdmi+splitter+sp%2Celectronics%2C199&sr=1-20. WORKS!! I got working on my old Nvidia Shield But on my AppleTV 4k (Brand New) it does get 5.1 audio to bar but sometimes video is all snowed out?? Thoughts?

R

RedVespaBlur

Lyricist III

Start simple and try another cable or input. 4K video should use a newer high speed cable.

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