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Answered

Amp setup for surround sound

  • April 22, 2024
  • 2 replies
  • 326 views

The surround sound setup instructions with Arc and Amp (to utilize my existing passive speakers for rear and sub channels)  say that when the surround feature is activated for Amp, the Sub output in the Amp is deactivated. So I can’t utilize my existing non-Sonos sub in a surround setup? If the sub output would work for a music only Amp setup I don’t understand why it would be disabled for a surround setup. Am I missing something? This is a pre-purchase question so i don’t have hands on experience with AMP and ARC yet. Thanks,

Best answer by Airgetlam

Correct. Due to the nature of the connection between the Amp and the Arc when the Amp is used in surround mode, the subwoofer output is turned off. 

If you use a Sonos soundbar, there is no way to use a third party Amp. If you use a Sonos Amp to drive a pair of speakers as your front speakers, you can use the subwoofer port, but then you have to use the ‘faux’ center speaker created by your pair of speakers. 

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2 replies

Airgetlam
  • Answer
  • April 22, 2024

Correct. Due to the nature of the connection between the Amp and the Arc when the Amp is used in surround mode, the subwoofer output is turned off. 

If you use a Sonos soundbar, there is no way to use a third party Amp. If you use a Sonos Amp to drive a pair of speakers as your front speakers, you can use the subwoofer port, but then you have to use the ‘faux’ center speaker created by your pair of speakers. 


  • Author
  • Contributor I
  • April 23, 2024

Got it. Thanks Bruce.