Sonos Amp and 3rd party subwoofer issue

Me too!
 

I'm not sure yet if it has fixed the “auto-sleep” issue with my sub. But it's definitely fixed the gain issue! It's very loud now!! I've got from +15 to +3, and may go down further yet!

2 hours of TV later - no turn off!

I've halved the gain on the sub, and increased back to about +8 on the app. Keeps the sub alive. 

Puuurfect. 

Means I can now spend money on some new KEF LS50s to go with my Amp!

Hi everyone, we’ve been working on this issue and the most recent Sonos update, version 11.1, should have resolved any low sub output issues that you were seeing. If you haven’t updated already, you may notice that the sub level is much higher after the update, needing it to be turned down. Once you’ve got your sub output tuned in again, you should be all set to enjoy.

Have a good one!

I can confirm this as well - the latest update to version 11.1 seems to have solved the sub output level problem with the Amp. I’m not sure why this went unacknowledged so long, nor do I understand why the fix went out so quietly. Regardless, the Amp now seems to be functioning up to the high standards of the other Sonos devices. A big thank you to whomever was able to identify and resolve the software issue!

Mine is working properly now.  I had forgotten about the issue and was using my setup in the room with the AMP and noticed way too much subwoofer volume.  At first I thought it was where I was sitting so I moved and it was still incredibly high.  I went into the settings and adjusted it down to around +5 and it could still use a bit more adjustment.  I remembered this thread and came back to see if there was an update.  Glad to see this issue resolved.

Naturally, I have the same issue.  Sonos has disabled the sub out if you are using the Amp as a surround configuration.   After talking to someone at Sonos(somewhere in a foreign land) they have informed me that the sub “out” has been disabled since they can't guarantee the quality of the sound when using a third-party subwoofer, however, the same concern does not seem to apply to third party speakers.  I am using the REL sub now on my Amp, and it works perfectly so, I don't believe this is the true reason.  Any sub will work fine, but Sonos wants you to purchase their own sub.

That information you were given is incorrect, as I understand it. The Sonos system is only sending the surround information across the link to the Amp supplying power to those speakers, and has never included the LFE channel in addition. 

The feature has been requested since the initial release of using a CONNECT:AMP to drive surrounds, and has yet to be included. One doesn’t know if there is a technical, financial, or marketing reason as to why it hasn’t been changed. 

Thank you for that info.  It seems I am not alone in this and as long as I want to use my own subwoofer I won't be able to in surround config.

 Another possible option the Sonos tech brought up was not to use the surround but rather group the rear speakers and subwoofer and use it this way, but once the surround is implemented the sub”out “ will be automatically disabled.  I don't know if the “grouping” option would work or not, and if would be able to tell the difference but I imagine if it is not in surround set up I am just getting left and right channels split between the Sonos Arc and rear speaker.   What is your view on this?

Thanks.

I’m not sure what you mean by ‘group the rear speakers and subwoofer’. In the Sonos ecosystem, there is a single ‘room’ which contains the front and rear speakers, so there is no way to add a sub to the rears.

Grouping an additional Amp driving an extra subwoofer would be challenging, due to the addition of the 75 ms delay between the Arc’s room and any grouped room.

Essentially, using a third party sub in a sound bar driven room in the Sonos ecosystem is a non starter. In order to use a third party sub, you have to be using the Amp with two third party speakers up front, which allows the sub port to be active, but forces you into a ‘faux’ center channel. 

Thanks.

So if I want to use a sub with this set up(arc in front, third party speakers in rear) I would need to get a Sonos sub? 

Sonos arc may have enough base for movies and I may not need an additional sub, but I also like to listen to music and my REL sub helps.