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Racin929
Avid Contributor I
April 20, 2013

Solving the 5.1, DTS issues with the Playbar

This thread is specifically for those who are trying to understand the Playbars 5.1 and DTS issues.

As most of you know the Playbar does not convert DTS signal. It also will only convert 2.0 to SIMULATED PCM 5.1 signal. If you can live with the simulated signal, then you are ahead of the game. IF you want PURE unadulterated 5.1 from your DirecTV or Cable, you WILL most likely have to buy a switch like this one. http://www.monoprice.com/products/7974
Or a Bluray converter like this one.
http://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-bdp-103/

MOST tvs will not convert true 5.1. There are some on this thread that say they do, but most dont. I found this out the hard way by buying one of Samsungs highest end tv's, only to find out that 2.0 is all im ever gunna get.
A $75 switch is a bargain IMO to have such sound to the Playbar the way it is intended. IF you want 1080p up convert video and and 5.1 audio, then a simular Bluray like the Oppo is for you.

Concerning movies that are only on DTS:
Oppo can convert the DTS signal to PCM 5.1 as well. I do not know about the Switch, because I do not have one.
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    205 replies

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    MooseOnaHill
    Avid Contributor I
    January 23, 2016
    If your APP settings suggest your outputting Dolby 5.1, thats what you want, no? Or is DTS superrior? I have my cable, ps4, and DVD hooked up to a toslink adapter then one output from there to my playbar.
    Alexander_39
    Lyricist II
    February 1, 2016
    Qudos to DTS support! I can cope with the lack of HDMI and 24 bit formats but DTS is almost required when most movies are decoded with it. However, Sonos is the best wireless audio system on the market when it comes to music (16/44.1), but that's it. When it comes to movie audio they are out of reach.
      MooseOnaHill
      Avid Contributor I
      February 1, 2016
      It's incredibly frustrating that they don't support it. It's almost a $2000 system that is incredibly underwhelming. The music is on another level but I only have so many outlets.
        Richmorr
        Trending Lyricist I
        February 3, 2016
        I've found love again with my sonos playbar 5.1 since upgrading My TVs evolution kit which passes through DD and since all my AV equipment will pass DD and bluray converts DTS to DD. Now I have no need to hack my tv to pass DD like before or constantly move the optical cable between sources. I can just set back and enjoy the incredibly sound from this system.
        MooseOnaHill
        Avid Contributor I
        February 3, 2016
        Doesn't the evolution kit just enhance features like interface, voice commands, menu hubs etc? It just upgrades older model smart Tvs to smoother navigations options I thought....
        Richmorr
        Trending Lyricist I
        February 4, 2016
        The sek-3500 for hu9000 (hu8500 in the uk) you get the features of the 2015 SUHD TVs have even HDR in fact it is the same OCB as the js9000/js9500. On avs one of the members (musician)made is to explain what you get
        MooseOnaHill
        Avid Contributor I
        February 4, 2016
        Pretty good read, thanks. does the kit target specific models or manufacturing dates necessary for the upgrade?
        Richmorr
        Trending Lyricist I
        February 5, 2016
        This kit is compatible with models from 2013 onwards (F series or H series) that are 4K and have a model number equal to or higher than 7000. 
        This includes the 2013 4K F9000, the 2014 4K HU8500 uk model US HU9000 and the HU7500 uk and the US HU8550. There's is more too but don't know all the model numbers of the top of my head.
        DarqMan
        DarqMan
        Enthusiast I
        March 20, 2016
        Because Sonos is cutting back on staff and focusing on streaming services and voice control I seriously doubt we'll EVER see an upgrade to DTS for the Playbar. I don't know this for a fact, just an opinion. Klipsch just came out with an HD wireless option for their Reference series speakers albeit very expensive, about $5000 for 5.1 and even more for 7.1 or 7.2. I'm sure the price will come down eventually.

        http://www.klipsch.com/products/reference-premiere-hd-wireless
        1 x PLAYBAR | 1 x SUB | 3 x PLAY:3 | 3 x PLAY:5 | 2 x PLAY:1 | 1 x CONNECT | 1 x CONNECT:AMP | 1 x BEAM
          Milenario72
          Lyricist I
          March 21, 2016
          Hello guys

          I currently have a mac mini connected via HDMI to my TV and via optical to the Playbar. After reading multiple threads and not being able to feed the Playbar with 5.1 sound from a DTS movie using Plex I ended up this weekend with giving a try to Kodi (XBMC). It works marvelously, converting DTS to DD and feeding the Sonos with 5.1 so I have migrated to this software as it was impossible to get more than stereo beforehand.

          Sharing as may be of interest to some users.
          best
          Gus
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