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ggmogollon
Enthusiast II
June 10, 2020
Answered

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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    Scott - SonosAnswer
    Sonos Product Management
    July 2, 2020

    Hello everyone. I’m a product manager at Sonos. Thank you for sharing your experiences with Arc. The development team is monitoring this community and listening to your feedback. 

    As we do with all Sonos products, we’ll continue to improve the experience for Arc through numerous software updates into the future. Last week we issued our first update (12.0.1) to fix a bug some customers were experiencing with low-frequency distortion at higher volumes. 

    If you have specific music tracks or timestamps for TV shows and movies that you want to bring to our attention, please use this form. It is helpful if you can submit a diagnostic when you’re listening to the content. Instructions for doing so can be found here.

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    bbalz
    Renowned Enthusiast I
    June 23, 2020

    Well all I can state is that my experience with it post update, is it’s slightly better. 

    The Greatest Showman scene plays better for me when I turn the loudness on, bass +1 or 0 but the key is turning OFF trueplay.  It still isn’t perfect and I think the playbar handled it much better and my beam + rears plays it much much better overall than the Arc + rears right now. 

    If I turn trueplay back on, it is much much worse for the Arc though.  It’s a significant difference in the amount of bass hitting too low and sounding like it’s bottoming out. 

    When it comes to music, I think it’s better than before.  I don’t notice it much at all unless it’s a very heavy bass song and only certain bass frequencies in songs. 

    Perhaps Sonos is focusing on the music fix first, they did after all ask to test songs and not movie clips that are readily available, so maybe the next phase of the tweaks will focus on downloading clips to plug into your TV via USB or something.  Not sure but it would make logical sense to do that but wish they would communicate this to people.

    Again this is just my experience, I know everyone’s ears are different but coming from the playbar + rears to arc + rears… right now I would recommend the playbar but I’m hoping that changes very soon while Sonos continues to tweak the Arc.

    There’s no such thing as movie/music audio difference though. If there’s an issue playing low frequency sounds it will show up across all content. Including test tones (hence why those tests show the issue AND the fix). Also, I am now wondering if the source content some are playing isnt good. I’ve heard the bass on the beam before, and the bass on the playbar I don’t understand how someone can claim the Beam has more clarity and bass than the arc or playbar. Not sure what is going on here. Maybe you have to re-tune your setup? There’s another possible issue with the Arc and trueplaying on some newer iphones

    Yeah, I have no clue.  I’m honestly grasping at straws because I felt like I was doing a good thing upgrading from the Playbar to the Arc and my expectations would be a Playbar on steroids with a wider sound stage.  

    I’ve retuned my setup multiple times and use an iPhone 6, so it’s not an issue with the mic that some report on the newer iPhones.  We keep this one just for the sole purpose to Trueplay tune. 

    I’ve also removed/added a sub to the Arc + Surrounds and Beam + Surrounds. Obviously the sub really helps the Arc drastically but it really doesn't 100% fix it, it masks it pretty good though. Needless to say, I've removed and re-added speakers 5-6 times so I've gone through a complete setup many times.

    All my content is bluray remux files, so the audio is good.  I am more of a movie watcher on my Sonos systems than a music listener.  I don’t turn the music up crazy loud but I do notice a night and day difference from my Playbar to the Arc when it comes to playing content.

    I just hope they continue to ask for feedback and tweak things so that everyone is getting the same experience and that all the raving reviews we all read are what we all experience.

    sebas1509
    Enthusiast II
    June 23, 2020

    What do you guys mean it's still there? If you run a 40hz test tone at max volume and get no distortion how can the issue still be present exactly?

    Forget 40hz test tone. I don't know what that is. Just try it out with real content like the song I referenced. I want my arc to sound good distortion free at respectable volume like 40-50 with movies and songs not with 40hz test tones.

    Forget it 😂 it's literally a bass test tone to test a speaker, mine sounded absolutely awful before the update and had major bass wobbles now it has a steady tone and sounds great

    Do you listen to single frequency tones in your free time or songs? I am curious.

    I listen to songs you weirdo. It's a test tone I used to test if the bass wobbled because I seen it in a video. It did pre update it now doesn't end of discussion

    Test more then, you genius. Passing 40 Hz test is not a proof of concept. Play the movies in which you actually noticed the issue. I did, and issue is not 100 % gone (I would put my money on it). I can still hear the crackling. 

    Maybe play different test tones until you find which is the frequency that generates this issue. It might be tedious but what you are hearing on the movie is a low frequency sound, so try to find that. 

    sebas1509
    Enthusiast II
    June 23, 2020

    Well all I can state is that my experience with it post update, is it’s slightly better. 

    The Greatest Showman scene plays better for me when I turn the loudness on, bass +1 or 0 but the key is turning OFF trueplay.  It still isn’t perfect and I think the playbar handled it much better and my beam + rears plays it much much better overall than the Arc + rears right now. 

    If I turn trueplay back on, it is much much worse for the Arc though.  It’s a significant difference in the amount of bass hitting too low and sounding like it’s bottoming out. 

    When it comes to music, I think it’s better than before.  I don’t notice it much at all unless it’s a very heavy bass song and only certain bass frequencies in songs. 

    Perhaps Sonos is focusing on the music fix first, they did after all ask to test songs and not movie clips that are readily available, so maybe the next phase of the tweaks will focus on downloading clips to plug into your TV via USB or something.  Not sure but it would make logical sense to do that but wish they would communicate this to people.

    Again this is just my experience, I know everyone’s ears are different but coming from the playbar + rears to arc + rears… right now I would recommend the playbar but I’m hoping that changes very soon while Sonos continues to tweak the Arc.

    There’s no such thing as movie/music audio difference though. If there’s an issue playing low frequency sounds it will show up across all content. Including test tones (hence why those tests show the issue AND the fix). Also, I am now wondering if the source content some are playing isnt good. I’ve heard the bass on the beam before, and the bass on the playbar I don’t understand how someone can claim the Beam has more clarity and bass than the arc or playbar. Not sure what is going on here. Maybe you have to re-tune your setup? There’s another possible issue with the Arc and trueplaying on some newer iphones

    Yeah, I have no clue.  I’m honestly grasping at straws because I felt like I was doing a good thing upgrading from the Playbar to the Arc and my expectations would be a Playbar on steroids with a wider sound stage.  

    I’ve retuned my setup multiple times and use an iPhone 6, so it’s not an issue with the mic that some report on the newer iPhones.  We keep this one just for the sole purpose to Trueplay tune. 

    I’ve also removed/added a sub to the Arc + Surrounds and Beam + Surrounds. Obviously the sub really helps the Arc drastically but it really doesn't 100% fix it, it masks it pretty good though. 

    All my content is bluray remux files, so the audio is good.  I am more of a movie watcher on my Sonos systems than a music listener.  I don’t turn the music up crazy loud but I do notice a night and day difference from my Playbar to the Arc when it comes to playing content.

    I just hope they continue to ask for feedback and tweak things so that everyone is getting the same experience and that all the raving reviews we all read are what we all experience.

    But you gotta try to find out what the issue is. Look up test tones play different frequencies, etc. Find specific content Record what you are hearing. But at this point I am wondering if you play this content on the playbar and go looking for it specifically I bet you’ll hear the crackling haha. Well, im speculating

      bbalz
      Renowned Enthusiast I
      June 23, 2020

      Yeah, I’m not hearing it on the playbar or beam.  I know what I’m hearing is not how it’s supposed to sound.  The only way it sounds OK is if I turn the bass down drastically (which in reality, doesn’t sound great) or if I pair another $700 product with it.  

      I’ve also played many different clips that I tested on launch day that I immediately noticed it on.  All of them present the same issue but some of the clips are better.

      I guess I will wait to see what feedback they want on the next phase of the beta.

      and maybe this is stupid to say, but I’ll be honest… when I got the playbar, I was pretty blown away and happy.  I can’t say the same with the Arc.  I didn’t want to spend $800 to listen to certain frequencies.  I wanted to spend $800 to unbox, plug it in, play movies and hear better than playbar sound, and that’s not what I’m getting right now. 

        sebas1509
        Enthusiast II
        June 23, 2020

        Unsure why some report it still has issues. Had noticed the issue before with the test tones, and in some certain scenes. Toystory 3 2:58 showed the issue. I have a playbar to compare to and definitely crackled/farted a bit during this scene. After the update issue is gone. Turn up to 100 percent with 40Hz tone, played bassy music (hiphop) and played the toystory scene all sound good.

         

        Remember guys this is a soundbar. the bass wont compete with a subwoofer or bigger system. Maybe you are expecting different bass from what the arc is supposed to produce. Right now Arc sounds great. I turned off my surrounds and sub for these tests.

        I dont think a thing as “step in the right direction” is even a thing. This wasn’t tuning was likely a bug with the DSP that was fixed to avoid this issue from happening.

         

        However, just as a comment I’ve seen people on here and reddit claiming their SONOS one sound bad and distort horribly. Even shared clips. I cant hear much on the clips from my phone, or headphones. I wonder if these people are new to sonos and expecting home theater experience with the arc and sonos ones?

        Okay I own a beam, Sonos ones etc. I do know how a distorted bass sounds like vs good one. I am not expecting the bass to compete with subwoofer. Also I am not expecting a different bass, don't know what that means. The bass coming from this Arc for CERTAIN songs/ movie scenes is definitely making crackling noise aka distortions even at volumes 34. Never had this issue with beam at same volume level or higher. Remember BEAM also is just a sound bar.

        If you don't hear any such distortions maybe you are lucky but that doesn't mean all is well with Arc and we actually hearing it wrong.

        As I said, what content? what time stamp? where are the recordings? If you are saying there’s an issue and want to be taken seriously do the work and tag Ryan and say hey look into this. There is also a remote possibility you got a defective arc. Those definitely exist. Many have had issues with the new sub making ticking noises and got replacements…

        I also say I did notice the issue before both with test tones and some movie scenes I would hear the pulsating/farting sound. I do not hear that anymore. So maybe you are onto a different issue, if so you gotta do some better than “Certain scenes! NOT FIXED! there’s crackling “

          sebas1509
          Enthusiast II
          June 23, 2020

          Yeah, I’m not hearing it on the playbar or beam.  I know what I’m hearing is not how it’s supposed to sound.  The only way it sounds OK is if I turn the bass down drastically (which in reality, doesn’t sound great) or if I pair another $700 product with it.  

          I’ve also played many different clips that I tested on launch day that I immediately noticed it on.  All of them present the same issue but some of the clips are better.

          I guess I will wait to see what feedback they want on the next phase of the beta.

          and maybe this is stupid to say, but I’ll be honest… when I got the playbar, I was pretty blown away and happy.  I can’t say the same with the Arc.  I didn’t want to spend $800 to listen to certain frequencies.  I wanted to spend $800 to unbox, plug it in, play movies and hear better than playbar sound, and that’s not what I’m getting right now. 

          What next phase of the beta? It was widely released as the fix. Please include songs, source, timestamp, recording if possible. That is how you report an issue. This is way to wishy washy. Seems like you have a list of trouble content. Let us know 

          arpatil1
          Enthusiast II
          June 23, 2020

          Unsure why some report it still has issues. Had noticed the issue before with the test tones, and in some certain scenes. Toystory 3 2:58 showed the issue. I have a playbar to compare to and definitely crackled/farted a bit during this scene. After the update issue is gone. Turn up to 100 percent with 40Hz tone, played bassy music (hiphop) and played the toystory scene all sound good.

           

          Remember guys this is a soundbar. the bass wont compete with a subwoofer or bigger system. Maybe you are expecting different bass from what the arc is supposed to produce. Right now Arc sounds great. I turned off my surrounds and sub for these tests.

          I dont think a thing as “step in the right direction” is even a thing. This wasn’t tuning was likely a bug with the DSP that was fixed to avoid this issue from happening.

           

          However, just as a comment I’ve seen people on here and reddit claiming their SONOS one sound bad and distort horribly. Even shared clips. I cant hear much on the clips from my phone, or headphones. I wonder if these people are new to sonos and expecting home theater experience with the arc and sonos ones?

          Okay I own a beam, Sonos ones etc. I do know how a distorted bass sounds like vs good one. I am not expecting the bass to compete with subwoofer. Also I am not expecting a different bass, don't know what that means. The bass coming from this Arc for CERTAIN songs/ movie scenes is definitely making crackling noise aka distortions even at volumes 34. Never had this issue with beam at same volume level or higher. Remember BEAM also is just a sound bar.

          If you don't hear any such distortions maybe you are lucky but that doesn't mean all is well with Arc and we actually hearing it wrong.

          As I said, what content? what time stamp? where are the recordings? If you are saying there’s an issue and want to be taken seriously do the work and tag Ryan and say hey look into this. There is also a remote possibility you got a defective arc. Those definitely exist. Many have had issues with the new sub making ticking noises and got replacements…

          I also say I did notice the issue before both with test tones and some movie scenes I would hear the pulsating/farting sound. I do not hear that anymore. So maybe you are onto a different issue, if so you gotta do some better than “Certain scenes! NOT FIXED! there’s crackling “

          @sebas1509 Here: Ozark S2E4 and start at 58:00. Set the volume to anything above 35%. The issue was much severe before, it’s definitely not as bad now. But it’s not 100% fixed. 

            bbalz
            Renowned Enthusiast I
            June 23, 2020

            Yeah, I’m not hearing it on the playbar or beam.  I know what I’m hearing is not how it’s supposed to sound.  The only way it sounds OK is if I turn the bass down drastically (which in reality, doesn’t sound great) or if I pair another $700 product with it.  

            I’ve also played many different clips that I tested on launch day that I immediately noticed it on.  All of them present the same issue but some of the clips are better.

            I guess I will wait to see what feedback they want on the next phase of the beta.

            and maybe this is stupid to say, but I’ll be honest… when I got the playbar, I was pretty blown away and happy.  I can’t say the same with the Arc.  I didn’t want to spend $800 to listen to certain frequencies.  I wanted to spend $800 to unbox, plug it in, play movies and hear better than playbar sound, and that’s not what I’m getting right now. 

            What next phase of the beta? It was widely released as the fix. Please include songs, source, timestamp, recording if possible. That is how you report an issue. This is way to wishy washy. Seems like you have a list of trouble content. Let us know 

             

            I just assume that if they did a ‘beta’ for this release over the past weekend, if there are still people who are reporting the issue still exists but it’s slightly better then I can only imagine they will continue to work on a solution.  

            I’ve listened to Prime, Netflix and bluray remux all before on the Beam and Playbar and never had these audio issues previously.

            I’ve gone through and reported many of the things you’re asking throughout this entire thread from day one.  I’m just reporting my experience and it appears there are many others who are in the same boat still as it’s gotten better but the issue still persists.

             

              sebas1509
              Enthusiast II
              June 23, 2020

              Yeah, I’m not hearing it on the playbar or beam.  I know what I’m hearing is not how it’s supposed to sound.  The only way it sounds OK is if I turn the bass down drastically (which in reality, doesn’t sound great) or if I pair another $700 product with it.  

              I’ve also played many different clips that I tested on launch day that I immediately noticed it on.  All of them present the same issue but some of the clips are better.

              I guess I will wait to see what feedback they want on the next phase of the beta.

              and maybe this is stupid to say, but I’ll be honest… when I got the playbar, I was pretty blown away and happy.  I can’t say the same with the Arc.  I didn’t want to spend $800 to listen to certain frequencies.  I wanted to spend $800 to unbox, plug it in, play movies and hear better than playbar sound, and that’s not what I’m getting right now. 

              What next phase of the beta? It was widely released as the fix. Please include songs, source, timestamp, recording if possible. That is how you report an issue. This is way to wishy washy. Seems like you have a list of trouble content. Let us know 

               

              I just assume that if they did a ‘beta’ for this release over the past weekend, if there are still people who are reporting the issue still exists but it’s slightly better then I can only imagine they will continue to work on a solution.  

              I’ve listened to Prime, Netflix and bluray remux all before on the Beam and Playbar and never had these audio issues previously.

              I’ve gone through and reported many of the things you’re asking throughout this entire thread from day one.  I’m just reporting my experience and it appears there are many others who are in the same boat still as it’s gotten better but the issue still persists.

               

              Can you at least provide 1 or 2 specific scenes in widely available content? Let’s say 1 netflix show scene with timestamp and volume level. Also, check if you get ATMOS, if you do check without atmos (maybe this could potentially be compressed atmos issue?!) I do not get atmos.

              arpatil1
              Enthusiast II
              June 23, 2020

              Yeah, I’m not hearing it on the playbar or beam.  I know what I’m hearing is not how it’s supposed to sound.  The only way it sounds OK is if I turn the bass down drastically (which in reality, doesn’t sound great) or if I pair another $700 product with it.  

              I’ve also played many different clips that I tested on launch day that I immediately noticed it on.  All of them present the same issue but some of the clips are better.

              I guess I will wait to see what feedback they want on the next phase of the beta.

              and maybe this is stupid to say, but I’ll be honest… when I got the playbar, I was pretty blown away and happy.  I can’t say the same with the Arc.  I didn’t want to spend $800 to listen to certain frequencies.  I wanted to spend $800 to unbox, plug it in, play movies and hear better than playbar sound, and that’s not what I’m getting right now. 

              What next phase of the beta? It was widely released as the fix. Please include songs, source, timestamp, recording if possible. That is how you report an issue. This is way to wishy washy. Seems like you have a list of trouble content. Let us know 

               

              I just assume that if they did a ‘beta’ for this release over the past weekend, if there are still people who are reporting the issue still exists but it’s slightly better then I can only imagine they will continue to work on a solution.  

              I’ve listened to Prime, Netflix and bluray remux all before on the Beam and Playbar and never had these audio issues previously.

              I’ve gone through and reported many of the things you’re asking throughout this entire thread from day one.  I’m just reporting my experience and it appears there are many others who are in the same boat still as it’s gotten better but the issue still persists.

               

              Can you at least provide 1 or 2 specific scenes in widely available content? Let’s say 1 netflix show scene with timestamp and volume level. Also, check if you get ATMOS, if you do check without atmos (maybe this could potentially be compressed atmos issue?!) I do not get atmos.

              Can you test what I gave you? I also get DD5.1 only.

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