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Question

LG C5 TV and Sonos Amp HDMI

  • September 23, 2026
  • 9 replies
  • 71 views

I have been trying to connect for some time now and have exhausted menu options between the two. Any help greatly appreciated.

 

I have a new LG C5 TV connected to the Sonos amp via approximately 12 feet active HDMI cable running from the TV to the amp in the basement. Well, I can get sound initially though ultimately cannot switch to another tv audio source. I can never revert back to television speakers nor play music from the amp. Additionally I have found that this will put the amp into a protected mode (blinking orange). I did not have any power source connected to the HDMI cable (active). I have read throughout this forum the incompatibility between the CEC HDMI arc and the LG line. I also have two HDMI cables routed in opposite directions.  I have tried every menu option available on the amp via Sonos as well as the television. (Powering down and restarting as well). I even tried a new amp.  But before I go about changing the cables, (which would take considerable work to reroute) I would like to see if this even makes sense before doing this. Thank you!

 

9 replies

  • kdowling
  • September 23, 2026

If your amp is going into fault mode, you should check the speaker wiring:

No sound from Amp with a flashing orange and white light

As a test I would connect the Amp to the TV ARC/eARC with a regular HDMI cable, wire two speakers and see if everything works correctly. Then you’ll at least know if there’s a problem between the TV and Amp. Anyway, it’s a good place to start.

    • JasonNY
    • Author
    • Contributor I
    • September 23, 2026

    Thank you. The amp has no fault when playing music regularly for months at all volumes and types of music.  I suppose my next step may try that.  Was thinking also about the optical hdmi adapter. Also did try a cec blocker and they prohibited any sound. Appreciate the thoughts. 

    AjTrek1
    • AjTrek1
    • September 23, 2026

    Where are the speakers located the Amp is supposedly powering for TV audio?

    Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
    buzz
    • buzz
    • September 23, 2026

    Do these active HDMI cables support HDMI-eARC? Most do not.

    • JasonNY
    • Author
    • Contributor I
    • September 23, 2026

    Approximately 20-25 feet in the ceiling a room above. 

    buzz
    • buzz
    • September 23, 2026

    What model HDMI cables are you using?

    AjTrek1
    • AjTrek1
    • September 24, 2026

    My honest opinion is that overhead speakers used as fronts for a TV are not ideal. Even the main speakers for a movie theater are placed behind the screen. Overheads used as surrounds…OK. However, even overheads used as surrounds have limits.

    My suggestion (if you are opposed to a Sonos soundbar) is to purchase another Amp and speakers to flank the TV left and right. The advantage is that you’ll get a Phantom center channel in addition to left/right which I know will sound much better than the overheads.

    Speakers purchased can be floor standing or bookshelf. A Sonos sub can be added (wireless) for enhanced low end.

    The Amp used for the overheads can remain for music as they seem to work well in that situation judging from your post.

    JMHO

    Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
    Stanley_4
    • Stanley_4
    • Grand Maestro
    • September 24, 2026

    Even in-wall speakers would give a better audio image than overhead ones.

    Free standing ones as above would still be the first choice if there is room for them.

      Airgetlam
      • Airgetlam
      • September 24, 2026

      In ceiling speakers are good for two things, IMHO. Ambient, non localized, non stereo music, and spousal approval factor. They shouldn’t be used as cinema speakers at all. What movie theater has the speakers in the ceiling? It just isn’t where the sound comes from, be it regular Television, or movies. 

      They’re great for parties, with lots of people rambling around, though. 

      Bruce
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