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Answered

ARC Ultra and two sub mini’s

  • March 9, 2025
  • 18 replies
  • 353 views

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What is the technical limitation that keeps the ARC Ultra from being paired with two sub minis? 

Best answer by Airgetlam

The only information we, as a community, can suggest is that Sonos has indicated that one normal Sub is better than two minis. They have never shared any technical reasons, pretty much for any software decision they have made. 

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18 replies

Airgetlam
  • March 9, 2025

Sonos software. 


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  • Author
  • Trending Lyricist I
  • March 9, 2025

Exactly. That is why I’m asking for a “technical” limitation that precludes it. 


Airgetlam
  • Answer
  • March 9, 2025

The only information we, as a community, can suggest is that Sonos has indicated that one normal Sub is better than two minis. They have never shared any technical reasons, pretty much for any software decision they have made. 


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  • Author
  • Trending Lyricist I
  • March 9, 2025

There is no scientific evidence that one sub is better than two and there are viable reasons there are multiple subs in dedicated Home Theater setups and movie theaters. 


Airgetlam
  • March 9, 2025

As I suggested, the Sonos software precludes this. I understand your argument, but Sonos makes their own decisions. You could equally question many other choices they’ve made, but never explained ‘why’, we in this community can only guess. 


Airgetlam
  • March 9, 2025

And further, it may be (and at least I suspect) not a technical limitation, but a marketing decision. 


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  • Author
  • Trending Lyricist I
  • March 15, 2025

A BULLS*** imposed limitation. 

Moderator Note: Modified in accordance with the Community Code of Conduct.


buzz
  • March 15, 2025

There are development and support costs associated with the feature. I can imagine this feature was omitted in order to keep costs lower — allowing a lower selling price.


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  • Author
  • Trending Lyricist I
  • March 15, 2025

Nonsense. If it works with Sub 3’s & 4’s absolutely no reason it would not work with Sub mini’s. There is nothing needed but an LFE signal sent by ARC Ultra to the subs at which point subs internal electronics convert signal to audio in proper phase and frequencies. 


jgatie
  • March 15, 2025

Nonsense. If it works with Sub 3’s & 4’s absolutely no reason it would not work with Sub mini’s. There is nothing needed but an LFE signal sent by ARC Ultra to the subs at which point subs internal electronics convert signal to audio in proper phase and frequencies. 

 

Who cares what the reason is?  You can’t do it, and all the rationalization (or arguing with your fellow users here) isn’t going to change that. 


Mr. T
  • March 16, 2025

Sonos software restriction but you can bond two Sub Minis using a 3rd party app.


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  • Author
  • Trending Lyricist I
  • March 16, 2025

Sonos software restriction but you can bond two Sub Minis using a 3rd party app.

Exactly my point. NO technical limitation contrary to those making up excuses for Sonos about processing power, etc . 

Moderator Note: Modified in accordance with the Community Code of Conduct.


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  • Senior Virtuoso
  • March 16, 2025

Sonos software restriction but you can bond two Sub Minis using a 3rd party app.

Exactly my point. NO technical limitation contrary to the boot lickers making up excuses for Sonos about processing power, etc . 

Where has anyone said anything about “processing power etc”, ​@MiamiC70? Indeed, I don’t think anyone in this thread has said it’s not technically possible. They’ve just tried to explain to you some possible reasons why Sonos doesn’t support what you want. Please don’t shoot the messenger! I think they probably agree with you that it’s almost certainly possible technically. 


Mr. T
  • March 16, 2025

Sonos software restriction but you can bond two Sub Minis using a 3rd party app.

Exactly my point. NO technical limitation contrary to the boot lickers making up excuses for Sonos about processing power, etc . 

Where has anyone said anything about “processing power etc”, ​@MiamiC70? Indeed, I don’t think anyone in this thread has said it’s not technically possible. They’ve just tried to explain to you some possible reasons why Sonos doesn’t support what you want. Please don’t shoot the messenger! I think they probably agree with you that it’s almost certainly possible technically. 

It’s 100% possible since it can be done.


106rallye
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  • March 17, 2025

But why would you want this if Sonos deems it unnecessary (if indeed there would be no technical reason)?


Mr. T
  • March 17, 2025

But why would you want this if Sonos deems it unnecessary (if indeed there would be no technical reason)?

It doesn’t matter if Sonos deems it unnecessary, if a user wants to use 2 Sub Minis then they can.


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  • Author
  • Trending Lyricist I
  • April 5, 2025

They would sell more sub mini’s.


106rallye
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  • April 5, 2025

Maybe it is a bit patronising behaviour by Sonos, but Sonos could feel the need to protect it’s name by not giving customers the ability to use set ups they deem unnecessary.