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Sonos Arc - Metallic Sound

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1017 replies

C
Badge +1

Just updated app and Arc/sub to 12.0.5, reran Truplay and no change. Trusting in Sonos to address this as I purposely passed the return window and am getting anxious. Not an exaggeration, I have to run at -10 treble just to not be uncomfortable listening to this thing. So disappointing to be nearly 3 months in on something I preordered and still experiencing awful sound. 
 

As an aside, I was at my friend’s again this weekend and envying the warm, rich sound from his Playbar. Even without a sub. I’d take that over this Arc/sub setup hands-down right now. It’s that much of a difference. 

I suspect that if you’re having to run treble that low, something else might be at play in your case. I’m not aware of the problem being quite that severe in most cases. 

K

Just updated app and Arc/sub to 12.0.5, reran Truplay and no change. Trusting in Sonos to address this as I purposely passed the return window and am getting anxious. Not an exaggeration, I have to run at -10 treble just to not be uncomfortable listening to this thing. So disappointing to be nearly 3 months in on something I preordered and still experiencing awful sound. 
 

As an aside, I was at my friend’s again this weekend and envying the warm, rich sound from his Playbar. Even without a sub. I’d take that over this Arc/sub setup hands-down right now. It’s that much of a difference. 

P
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I have  Arc + sub + 2 x play 1 And for me This set sounds amazing  in movies. After trutone bass is weaker but much more precise and excelent to everyday watching . 

C
Userlevel 3
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After the new update and new Trueplay it does sound a lot better, bass is still terrible

T

Any change with the update in the sound?

I did install it and did trueplay dance with iPhoneX. Problem is not solved :-(

D
Userlevel 1
Badge +2

Nope, exactly the same, how long is it going to take to sort this out!!!

V
Userlevel 2
Badge +2

Any change with the update in the sound?

S
Userlevel 4
Badge +4

New app update and firmware update. Just updated

C
Badge +1

I was also experiencing bad (metallic) sound from arc+sub, and was just about to deliver it back when I configured trueplay using a newer iPhone. I had previously configured it through a 2 year old iphone and older iPads. Now it sounds as good as I was expecting it to sound.


I can second this - I borrowed a friend’s iPhone 11 today and went through the TruePlay procedure again and the difference is remarkable. The sibilance from the excessive high-end has been tamed, and mids seem to be much more present.  
 

I had previously used my iPhone 6s to do the procedure (it’s about 4.5 years old now). 

This is very interesting. Having followed this thread for quite some time now, the previous suggestion was to use an older iPhone for “better” trueplay. Previously, before 12.0.4, indeed using an iPhone 6s gave me the best results. 
 

Now, people are claiming that newer iPhones give good results. Can others confirm? Perhaps @Krishma M or @Scott - Sonos could let us know if there was some change in that regard? Having ran trueplay many, many, times before getting acceptable sound, I am somewhat weary of running trueplay yet again, lest the sound will worsen. 


Personally I found the trueplay results to be very similar between tunings when using the same device each time. 
 

It does make sense that there’d be some difference when tuning EQ using different devices as they have different mics (although I have to say I didn’t expect the difference to be quite so dramatic). 
 

Perhaps the fact that the 6s has only one mic is the biggest factor here. 

There were also 1 or two app/systemupdates since last time you tuned it? Or you retuned after each update?

I retuned it on my iPhone 6s and listened back to a selection of tracks as well as parts of movies before then retuning with my friend’s iPhone 11 and listening to the same tracks and selections (so it was done on the same day with the same software version). 

 

DIfferent microphones have different EQ response curves so I can imagine that having an impact here although it could 

S
Userlevel 4
Badge +4

I was also experiencing bad (metallic) sound from arc+sub, and was just about to deliver it back when I configured trueplay using a newer iPhone. I had previously configured it through a 2 year old iphone and older iPads. Now it sounds as good as I was expecting it to sound.


I can second this - I borrowed a friend’s iPhone 11 today and went through the TruePlay procedure again and the difference is remarkable. The sibilance from the excessive high-end has been tamed, and mids seem to be much more present.  
 

I had previously used my iPhone 6s to do the procedure (it’s about 4.5 years old now). 

This is very interesting. Having followed this thread for quite some time now, the previous suggestion was to use an older iPhone for “better” trueplay. Previously, before 12.0.4, indeed using an iPhone 6s gave me the best results. 
 

Now, people are claiming that newer iPhones give good results. Can others confirm? Perhaps @Krishma M or @Scott - Sonos could let us know if there was some change in that regard? Having ran trueplay many, many, times before getting acceptable sound, I am somewhat weary of running trueplay yet again, lest the sound will worsen. 


Personally I found the trueplay results to be very similar between tunings when using the same device each time. 
 

It does make sense that there’d be some difference when tuning EQ using different devices as they have different mics (although I have to say I didn’t expect the difference to be quite so dramatic). 
 

Perhaps the fact that the 6s has only one mic is the biggest factor here. 

There were also 1 or two app/systemupdates since last time you tuned it? Or you retuned after each update?

C
Badge +1

I was also experiencing bad (metallic) sound from arc+sub, and was just about to deliver it back when I configured trueplay using a newer iPhone. I had previously configured it through a 2 year old iphone and older iPads. Now it sounds as good as I was expecting it to sound.


I can second this - I borrowed a friend’s iPhone 11 today and went through the TruePlay procedure again and the difference is remarkable. The sibilance from the excessive high-end has been tamed, and mids seem to be much more present.  
 

I had previously used my iPhone 6s to do the procedure (it’s about 4.5 years old now). 

This is very interesting. Having followed this thread for quite some time now, the previous suggestion was to use an older iPhone for “better” trueplay. Previously, before 12.0.4, indeed using an iPhone 6s gave me the best results. 
 

Now, people are claiming that newer iPhones give good results. Can others confirm? Perhaps @Krishma M or @Scott - Sonos could let us know if there was some change in that regard? Having ran trueplay many, many, times before getting acceptable sound, I am somewhat weary of running trueplay yet again, lest the sound will worsen. 


Personally I found the trueplay results to be very similar between tunings when using the same device each time. 
 

It does make sense that there’d be some difference when tuning EQ using different devices as they have different mics (although I have to say I didn’t expect the difference to be quite so dramatic). 
 

Perhaps the fact that the 6s has only one mic is the biggest factor here. 

O
Userlevel 4
Badge +6

I was also experiencing bad (metallic) sound from arc+sub, and was just about to deliver it back when I configured trueplay using a newer iPhone. I had previously configured it through a 2 year old iphone and older iPads. Now it sounds as good as I was expecting it to sound.


I can second this - I borrowed a friend’s iPhone 11 today and went through the TruePlay procedure again and the difference is remarkable. The sibilance from the excessive high-end has been tamed, and mids seem to be much more present.  
 

I had previously used my iPhone 6s to do the procedure (it’s about 4.5 years old now). 

This is very interesting. Having followed this thread for quite some time now, the previous suggestion was to use an older iPhone for “better” trueplay. Previously, before 12.0.4, indeed using an iPhone 6s gave me the best results. 
 

Now, people are claiming that newer iPhones give good results. Can others confirm? Perhaps @Krishma M or @Scott - Sonos could let us know if there was some change in that regard? Having ran trueplay many, many, times before getting acceptable sound, I am somewhat weary of running trueplay yet again, lest the sound will worsen. 

K
Userlevel 2
Badge +2

I was also experiencing bad (metallic) sound from arc+sub, and was just about to deliver it back when I configured trueplay using a newer iPhone. I had previously configured it through a 2 year old iphone and older iPads. Now it sounds as good as I was expecting it to sound.


I can second this - I borrowed a friend’s iPhone 11 today and went through the TruePlay procedure again and the difference is remarkable. The sibilance from the excessive high-end has been tamed, and mids seem to be much more present.  
 

I had previously used my iPhone 6s to do the procedure (it’s about 4.5 years old now). 

We just have to go out and but an Arc and a new iPhone!!!!!!

C
Badge +1

I was also experiencing bad (metallic) sound from arc+sub, and was just about to deliver it back when I configured trueplay using a newer iPhone. I had previously configured it through a 2 year old iphone and older iPads. Now it sounds as good as I was expecting it to sound.


I can second this - I borrowed a friend’s iPhone 11 today and went through the TruePlay procedure again and the difference is remarkable. The sibilance from the excessive high-end has been tamed, and mids seem to be much more present.  
 

I had previously used my iPhone 6s to do the procedure (it’s about 4.5 years old now). 

V

I was also experiencing bad (metallic) sound from arc+sub, and was just about to deliver it back when I configured trueplay using a newer iPhone. I had previously configured it through a 2 year old iphone and older iPads. Now it sounds as good as I was expecting it to sound.

D
Userlevel 1
Badge +2

Question.…

has anyone like myself who is also having a major issue with this ‘metallic sound’ maybe been to a shop or round a friends or even had a replacement arc and found another arc not to have this issue?

So many people dont seem to have this issue, wondering if there is a large bad batch (unlikely) but still. Also i understand that all the arc’s could have this issue & not everyone notices it due to the fact everyone’s ears and setup’s are different and may not notice it as much.

L
Userlevel 3
Badge

Yes do keep us posted. This has been pending for two months already. I believe quite a few users have already returned their Arc and getting their refund. For those like me who are still holding on to the Arc, we are putting our faith in your company to get things right. 

V
Userlevel 2
Badge +2

Watched Lord of the Rings (Fellowship) last night and it was horrible. Piercing. Couldn’t hear voices. 
 

Haven’t returned my quite yet. Waiting on the update.

Return it. It’s crap. Will never work for you. 
Mine, on the other hand has been fantastic and it’s no issues with connectivity or Atmos content. 
You’re a very small minority of unhappy buyers. The Arc continues to be sold out everywhere with few complaints. Not sure exactly what the expectation was but if you want it to sound like a $40,000 home theatre set up then start saving your money to buy a $40,000 home theatre. 

No we don’t we want something that sound as good as the playbar which is 7years old! This fails that in every way except Atmos. Do you ever run yours with bass at 50% plus? Or do you just have a sub? 

Most Arc owners will disagree with you. As stated there are very few owners who aren’t satisfied. Sound being highly subjective I won’t argue that yours sounds horrible to “you”. If it does do yourself and the rest of us a favour and sell it or return it. You’ll feels so much better with something else. 

As you can see begle there is a problem in arc, not that it is not for us sonos arc ... something is wrong. It's not that we have high expectations and you don't ... the problem exists and they have recognized it. What sonos does is contribute to the problem and not say that if you don't like the sound, give it back and stop bothering. I repeat ... some of us don't like what we hear ... keep that in mind

W
Userlevel 5
Badge +9

Hi folks. The issue with the muddy or bottoming out bass from the Arc in a stand-alone configuration (no satellites or Sub) is no longer occurring so meaning with or without satellites and Sub should work perfectly now and that was fixed by the update on July 7th (build 58.1-78210).

We have another investigation with the Sonos Arc that our engineers are currently working on. That is for the customers reporting poor performance in the center channel / mid-range audio. Resulting in thin, tinny voices with sharp treble and harsh "S" sounds. Music played via TIDAL and Apple Music on the Apple TV 4K also have sharp/tinny voices whereas the instruments sound ok. Voices sometimes sound muffled, contained, not very forward but when they hit the highs and "S"s it is again too harsh.  I’m now tagging this thread with that current investigation so we can keep you all posted about it. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding. We’re all doing our best here to catch up with all your concern and provide the best experience we can give to all our customers. Please let us know if there’s anything else we can help you with.

Good to know a staff from SONOS pointed out the issues and told us the engineers are working on it. :) Actually I’m fine with my setup now but of course we all want it to be better! Thanks Krishma!

P
Userlevel 3
Badge +2

Wow

Krishma M
Userlevel 5
Badge +13

Hi folks. The issue with the muddy or bottoming out bass from the Arc in a stand-alone configuration (no satellites or Sub) is no longer occurring so meaning with or without satellites and Sub should work perfectly now and that was fixed by the update on July 7th (build 58.1-78210).

We have another investigation with the Sonos Arc that our engineers are currently working on. That is for the customers reporting poor performance in the center channel / mid-range audio. Resulting in thin, tinny voices with sharp treble and harsh "S" sounds. Music played via TIDAL and Apple Music on the Apple TV 4K also have sharp/tinny voices whereas the instruments sound ok. Voices sometimes sound muffled, contained, not very forward but when they hit the highs and "S"s it is again too harsh.  I’m now tagging this thread with that current investigation so we can keep you all posted about it. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding. We’re all doing our best here to catch up with all your concern and provide the best experience we can give to all our customers. Please let us know if there’s anything else we can help you with.

Help others find useful content by clicking the like button and selecting the best answer to your question.
D
Userlevel 4
Badge +2

Hi folks. The issue with the muddy or bottoming out bass from the Arc in a stand-alone configuration (no satellites or Sub) is no longer occurring. If your system is up to date and still the same issue we need to troubleshoot as normal. I’d suggest checking with the content (TV, Music in Sonos app) if it’s the same. If wall-mounted, does removing the speaker from the wall bracket and setting it on a credenza or table improve the issue? Is Trueplay configured on the Arc? Try to enable/disable Trueplay, if there would be any different. Is the Bass EQ setting flat or adjusted in some way? If it’s all the same after playing around, try to reboot the Arc or reset to its factory settings. If the issue still persists, call 800-680-2345 from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 9 pm EST for further steps and resolution. We’re always here to help. Thanks for the patience! 

 

This thread has nothing to do with the muddy bass (though that IS still an issue) - perhaps instead of just copy pasting the same response you can actually do something useful?

I’d suggest actually reading the thread you are responding to...and then “gasp” answer the actual questions or provide an accurate response.

S
Userlevel 4
Badge +4

Hi folks. The issue with the muddy or bottoming out bass from the Arc in a stand-alone configuration (no satellites or Sub) is no longer occurring. If your system is up to date and still the same issue we need to troubleshoot as normal. I’d suggest checking with the content (TV, Music in Sonos app) if it’s the same. If wall-mounted, does removing the speaker from the wall bracket and setting it on a credenza or table improve the issue? Is Trueplay configured on the Arc? Try to enable/disable Trueplay, if there would be any different. Is the Bass EQ setting flat or adjusted in some way? If it’s all the same after playing around, try to reboot the Arc or reset to its factory settings. If the issue still persists, call 800-680-2345 from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 9 pm EST for further steps and resolution. We’re always here to help. Thanks for the patience! 

Hi @Krishma M , can you please provide some detailed information about the fix for the mentioned issue?

What firmware or software upgrade "corrected" the bass and metallic issues?

There are any relations with Trueplay?

Hope you can clarify the community about your statement.

 Thanks and best regards

 

hello, @Krishma M 
thanks for responding. This is the metallic sound or exaggerated highs thread. So I’m not sure why you responded with a muddy bass issue response. I am also not sure why others here mentioned muddy bass.

 

i asked about the exaggerated highs issue. This was acknowledged previously here by @Scott - Sonos snd we were told the engineering team was investigating. 
 

Its been radio silence and look at the number of comments. Now I ask for an update and you respond with a copy paste statement from another thread? I feel a bit dissapointed if I’m honest.

 

i would have expected sonos to make an official response to this since we were asked to provide feedback and submit content. And never heard anything again.

 

i ask everyone circling to muddy bass issues please use the other thread. These are totally separate issues not sure why anyone would asi about them together like the previous post before mine. 

J

Hi folks. The issue with the muddy or bottoming out bass from the Arc in a stand-alone configuration (no satellites or Sub) is no longer occurring. If your system is up to date and still the same issue we need to troubleshoot as normal. I’d suggest checking with the content (TV, Music in Sonos app) if it’s the same. If wall-mounted, does removing the speaker from the wall bracket and setting it on a credenza or table improve the issue? Is Trueplay configured on the Arc? Try to enable/disable Trueplay, if there would be any different. Is the Bass EQ setting flat or adjusted in some way? If it’s all the same after playing around, try to reboot the Arc or reset to its factory settings. If the issue still persists, call 800-680-2345 from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 9 pm EST for further steps and resolution. We’re always here to help. Thanks for the patience! 

Hi @Krishma M , can you please provide some detailed information about the fix for the mentioned issue?

What firmware or software upgrade "corrected" the bass and metallic issues?

There are any relations with Trueplay?

Hope you can clarify the community about your statement.

 Thanks and best regards

 

A
Userlevel 6
Badge +6

Hi folks. The issue with the muddy or bottoming out bass from the Arc in a stand-alone configuration (no satellites or Sub) is no longer occurring. If your system is up to date and still the same issue we need to troubleshoot as normal. I’d suggest checking with the content (TV, Music in Sonos app) if it’s the same. If wall-mounted, does removing the speaker from the wall bracket and setting it on a credenza or table improve the issue? Is Trueplay configured on the Arc? Try to enable/disable Trueplay, if there would be any different. Is the Bass EQ setting flat or adjusted in some way? If it’s all the same after playing around, try to reboot the Arc or reset to its factory settings. If the issue still persists, call 800-680-2345 from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 9 pm EST for further steps and resolution. We’re always here to help. Thanks for the patience! 

Only if there’s was a difference between muddy bass and exaggerated highs LMFAO

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