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Discuss Ray, Beam, Arc, Arc Ultra, Playbar, Playbase, and the entire Sonos home theater experience. Should you get a Sub Mini or a Sub? Maybe two Subs? Which Sonos work with your TV? Talk about your Sonos Home Theater experience here.

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Understanding Surround Sound and Sonos

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Ryan S
Ryan S
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Home Theater and Television Recommendation Megathread

Moderator note:  This article was updated in December 2024. Looking for information on Sonos home theater setups? Find answers about surroun...
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6741 Topics
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NYWadeContributor I
asked in Home theater
Wired Arc not appearing in Sonos App and not able to connect to wireless Gen 3 Sub

I have several Sonos products in the house.  I have wired 2 Amps...1 connected to 4 Sonance speakers inside and 1 connected to 4 Sonance speakers outside.  I have 3 other wired sound bars...2 Beams and 1 Arc.Only the Amps and each associated room appear on my Sonos app.  I was able to add the 3 soundbars, but they immediately “disappeared” from the app.  I’m not so worried with the soundbars being visible on the app...I only use them for use with the TV.  Although, I bought a Gen 3 Sub to pair with my Arc for the beginning of a surround sound in one room.  The app recognizes the Sub isn’t paired to anything, but the only option is to connect it to one of the 2 Amps, which I don’t want to do.Everything is wired, except the Sub.Since the Arc doesn’t appear on the app, I can’t connect it to the Sub.  Is this only an issue because the Arc isn’t available on the app?  Or is this a different issue?Update:  I read some other threads about the disappearing rooms.  So, I rebooted my App, and th

7288
buzz
1 year ago
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TimbaukContributor I
asked in Home theater
Ray connection to Panasonic TV.

Hi there,I’m new here and I’m really hoping someone can help. I have a Sonos Ray which is working perfectly as a speaker over wifi but whenever I try to connect it to my TV it fails. My TV is a Panasonic LED TV, model TX-49FX555B.I’ve used two different Optical digital cables, including the one provided (with the little plastic covers taken off) and the app keeps telling me that no signal is detected. I use an Apple TV but I’m obviously connecting  directly into the TV (I’ve tried unplugging the Apple TV in case that was an issue) but the optical connection is just not working. Everything else is ok, the Ray recognises the remote (the light on the ray is working).Any advice would be greatly appreciated - I’ve been faffing around with it for ages!Thank you in advance, Tim. 

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1 year ago
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Mick8Contributor I
asked in Home theater
Sonos Arc bass gone, tiny sound, low volume

Hi everyone, Was wondering if anyone had similar issues?I bought refurbed Arc 2 months ago and it was perfect, was very impressed with the sound.Few days ago I noticed the volume level was lower and the sound especially bass was very tiny. That’s on all sources Tv, AirPlay, Apple Music etc. The Arc volume level is much lower now compared to other grouped speakers in the house. It sounds more like TV speakers than the Arc it used to. I am not sure if it happed after one of the updates. Tried to reset but even the sound when the Arc starts is much lower now and when I did last true play the test sounds were much lower as well. I also remember at the beginning the two side firing drivers used to produce quite a lot of bass but not anymore, it’s like they are just playing ambient sound now. Any thoughts? Thank you

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Corry P
1 year ago
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ggmogollonEnthusiast II
asked in Home theater
Sonos Arc Muddy/Bottoming out Bass

Beyond thrilled to receive the new Sonos Arc. True played my room and I have loudness on as well connected to LG B8 using Tidal and Spotify. Most of the sound range is phenomenal, aside from the bass. At even half volume the woofers are extremely muddy and sound terrible. Not sure if this is because I have under two hours of use but I wasn’t expecting to have to break-in the speaker. I own set of speakers next to it in the same room (KEF LS50W) and the difference is night and day. There have also been posts on Reddit regarding this issue. It is interesting given no reviewers have mentioned this issue but more than a few recipients have. Has anyone else experienced similar issues? Turning loudness off helps but it is disappointing for such a highly anticipated product. 

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D
1 year ago
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richdpContributor I
asked in Home theater
Using Connect:Amp Subwoofer Output for pairing with Beam

Is it possible to use the subwoofer output from a connect:amp as the “Sub” in a HT setup with the Beam?  I have my connect:amp connected to an active 3rd party sub but when I “add Sub” to the beam it isn't discovered. Thanks

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R
1 year ago
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jale01Contributor I
posted in Home theater
Sonos Amp and 3rd party subwoofer issue

Hi! I am having issues connecting my Sonos Amp (Black) to my Klipsch SW-311 10-Inch Subwoofer (or vice-versa). I currently have two Klipsch speakers and the Klipsch Subwoofer connected to the Sonos Amp. Both speakers play but I am getting no sound from the subwoofer. The subwoofer is connected to the sub port on the Sonos Amp and the LFE port on the sub. The sub plays when connected to my Yamaha system but doesn't play when connected to the Sonos Amp. Is my sub's connection wrong? Will a sub with a built-in amp not work with the Sonos Amp? What am I doing wrong? Help please... Jale01

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1 year ago
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Wayland1984Contributor I
posted in Home theater
Soundbar/Surround Placement?

I’m considering ditching my 5.1 surround sound system for Sonos (I love the system now, but HDMIs buried in the wall need replacing, necessitating serious construction to make things work). My TV is mounted above a fireplace, and is tilting down to compensate for the less-than-ideal mounting situation. If I put the Sonos Arc on the mantel below the TV, I there wouldn’t be a direct line of site to the ceiling (I’m guessing altering acoustics).  If I mount the Arc to the TV mount (so as to hide cables), the speaker would be angled down.Does anybody have this same situation?  Would acoustics be drastically affected? Also: when it comes to the surrounds: there isn’t any space behind the couch.  Currently my surrounds are mounted to the left and the right of the main-viewer’s seat on the couch (most of the promo images show the surrounds located behind the listeners…)

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melvimbe
1 year ago
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Richie526Contributor I
asked in Home theater
Fixed Volume

Hi! The verizon fios remote cannot adjust the tv volume. It works OK on the app.

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Ken_Griffiths
1 year ago
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FriskeAvid Contributor I
posted in Home theater
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

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Airgetlam
1 year ago
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Cocode mContributor II
asked in Home theater
decalage audio groupage

Bonjour j'ai dans la même grande pièce une barre de son beam 2 et une enceinte era 300 groupée avec celle ci. Comment éviter ou annuler le décalage audio de la télé qui provoque un écho des dialogues ? Y a t il un réglage précis à faire ? Merci pour vos réponses.

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Airgetlam
1 year ago
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tori84Contributor I
posted in Home theater
When was the last time your speaker die?

I have a Beam for coming up 3 years. It was working okay, the next minute just stopped playing and powered off. DIE. I tried different outlets and factory reset but nothing worked. I reached out to the customer service. They offered a 30% discount for the next purchase. Is that the best Sonos can do? is that the service you expect from Sonos?

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R
1 year ago
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jay34Contributor I
asked in Home theater
Playbar and Sonos One end of support date

I’ve come to own a Playbar and several Sonos One speakers for free through a friend. I was thinking of adding a Sub mini but I am worried about the life spans of these products. Sonos claims they will support products for 5 years after end of sale dates.Sonos seems to have stopped selling playbar around 2020 So that’s already 3 years. If I buy a sub mini I would be buying into an ecosystem with only 2 years left on the Playbar? (I can’t find end of sale dates for Sonos One).Just want to confirm if my understanding / math is correct here. And to find out the end of support day for Sonos One speakers. P.S.: I’m new here so apologies if this info is easily available.

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Airgetlam
1 year ago
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joshikanluContributor I
asked in Home theater
Creating budget Sonos TV surround with Sonos Amp

Hello All, Looking for advice.Current setup: I have a Sonos AMP connected through the ARC port to my LG TVThe Amp is connected to my 3rd party Kenwood Sub and also 2 kenwood L & R speakers on either side of the TV. Proposed budget setup: I wish to get 2 sonos play 5 speakers to replace the L & R speakers.Would this be a resonable setup? Thanks 

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jgatie
1 year ago
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Lauren205Contributor I
asked in Home theater
Smart TV play through Sonos

I am hoping someone can explain why there is no Sonos app that you can download to a smart tv so that you can play the tv sound through your Sonos speaker system without a wired connection.  If your phone can play music thru any connected sonos device, and so can your computer, and your tablet -- why is it not the same for a smart tv?  Thank you.

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1 year ago
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dulyawatContributor I
asked in Home theater
5.1 System + Sonos Amp + B&W Speakers, working simultaneously ?

Hi,I have Sonos 5.1 system (Beam Gen1 + 2 Play ones and Mini Sub) in my living room, planning to get Sonos amp to hook up with my B&W 606 S2. I am wondering, Is it possible for them to work simultaneously ? Is any delay while they are playing music ?Thank you !

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D
1 year ago
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RstobiasenContributor I
asked in Home theater
Arc under ceiling

Hi All, Due to heat from fireplace I am forced to place Arc 10cm from the ceiling. I can tilt the arc forward. Will it be ok?  Br Rasmus  

1074
Stanley_4
1 year ago
AjTrek1
AjTrek1
posted in Home theater
The Future of the Arc

I authored the above discussion about 2 years ago. However, I think it's still relevant (as far as basics) and appropriate for this group.Sonos has since pushed out a few updates to the Arc and introduced a speaker (Era 300) that can be used as rears x 2 to complete the Dolby Atmos experience. I've added dual subs to my setup. As the Arc is pushing the 5 year mark what improvements do you believe are needed (if any) to keep the Arc as a viable Dolby Atmos speaker/soundbar?  It’s too early to discuss changes/improvements to the Era 300; and the Era 500 is still just a rumor. Even if it were introduced it might be overkill as a surround much like the Fives are in some situations.My improvement to the Arc would be a better center channel for dialogue. I’m not sure how pass-through would be a need other than a “me too” versus the competition. More licensed Codes might be a request? The more drastic move would be to ditch the Arc and introduce left/center/right separates? I don’t see that h

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melvimbe
1 year ago
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Jonnydrama32Avid Contributor I
asked in Home theater
sonos incorrectly recognizes 5.1 on YTTV Multiview

I'm using ATV with YTTV and the Sonos app says sound is in DD 5.1 when watching NFL in multiview. In reading other forums, YTTV is only stereo in multiview, and it's clear this is the case when putting my ear to the surrounds. When switching to an individual game rather than Multiview, 5.1 kicks in.So why does the Sonos app say it's 5.1 when the multiview broadcast is stereo? This makes me doubt Sonos' software recognition.

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Corry P
1 year ago
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runaway_hedgehogContributor I
posted in Home theater
Sonos Beam Audio Volume Dips

I have a Sonos Beam connected to a TCL Roku TV- with no other speakers or accessories connected. While watching TV, the audio from the Beam will randomly dip low, about 80% lower than the current volume, for 3-4 seconds, then return to normal volume. This only started happening after I started using Sonos Voice Control. So I initially was suspecting that the Sonos Voice Control was getting triggered by TV’s audio, and thinking someone on TV is saying “Hey Sonos”. But over time I’ve noticed it appears that it happens more randomly than that suspicion.To estimate- while watching a 2 hour movie, this happens 1-3 times on average.I contacted support in the past, and sent in Diagnostic Numbers, but they wanted me to change the HDMI cable or get on video support which I didn’t have time for.Anyone else experience this?Any ideas why this happens?

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M
1 year ago
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johnnybgoodeContributor I
asked in Home theater
Sonos App on iPhone no longer switches to TV when TV is on using Beam Speaker

I have a Samsung TV and a Beam Speaker.   When I turn on the TV, the Sonos App on my iPhone no longer recognizes that the TV is on and I am unable to control the TV (Beam) volume with my iphone Sonos App. I am still able to use my Samsung remote to adjust the Beam volume, but I prefer to use my iphone Sonos App to adjust the volume .  How do I get my iphone Sonos App to recognize that the TV is on? I already checked Settings on the Sonos app, and “TV Autoplay” is turned on. I tried turning the TV Autoplay on and off, and I tried turning off and on my iPhone, but this did not help . 

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106rallye
1 year ago
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pfortnerContributor I
posted in Home theater
Atmos to Arc from multiple HDMI sources

I have 3 sources (Nvidia Shield, PC & Golf sim PC).  Arc+sub+era+era as the audio target. Benq LK936ST projector as the video target.  I had been successfully using a OREI HDA-935 audio extractor but the 2nd one just died after 3 months of use. Can anyone point me in the direction of a more robust/reliable option that will maintain full audio fidelity?  Thanks! 

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P
1 year ago
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CaptJohnContributor III
asked in Home theater
Optical connection

I have a Panasonic TV and Sonos Beam plus Sub Mini and two Ones at the rear.Due to the failure of the HDMI ARC port on the TV I have had to connect the Beam to the TV using the optical port and the provided adaptor.Will there be any difference in audio quality and what will be the downside of not having CEC (or Viera)?PS I am still able to use the remote for volume even though it says "speakers off" when adjusting volume. 

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ratty
1 year ago
A
AubeachContributor I
asked in Home theater
Can´t connect Arc via HDMI-ARC to a LG G2 65" Evo

Hello, I have a brand new LG OLED65G29LA and a brand new Sonos Arc.I have connected both with the included HDMI cable from Sonos. Then, I switched on the TV and set up the preferences for sound to HDMI.Then, I started the Arc the first time, added it to my Sonos system and the Sonos App asked automatically to serahc for an HDMI-Arc connection. But it fails. I did this several times.No success. I´ve tried both HDMI ports at the LG TV. Anyone an idea how to connect both in the right way? Thanks

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B
1 year ago
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StuartcavContributor I
asked in Home theater
SONOS Beam TV connection issues

My Sonos Beam was working perfectly with my Samsung tv until the other day and now it will still play music through the app. But doesn’t work with the TV. Have re set TV and the beam too. Doesn’t work. Please HELP!!

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S
1 year ago
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Professio7Avid Contributor I
asked in Home theater
Delay between Sonos Beam and Era 100 Surrounds

I recently purchased a couple of Era 100s and set them up as surrounds with my Beam Gen2. I can’t shake the feeling that there is some delay between the Beam and the Era’s. This manifests in a slight echo, mostly noticable with 5.1 tracks that have a fair amount of ambient sound/music. Not sure if that maybe also due to my room acoustics. Also i had a couple of dropouts (Era 100s only) the other day.Sadly there is no way to check/debug connection issues as far as i am aware of due to the Era line not using SonosNet anymore or at least the Sonos Matrix doesn't show anything in my case. Is there any other way to check for issues or do i need to contact Sonos Support? Not sure if i'm imaging things here but it would be good to at least rule out any technical issues.My Beam is wired btw. and the two Eras are connected to a fairly good Wifi6 AP. 

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Corry P
1 year ago
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