I got the playbar to work, using an optical cord, but it still won’t show up in the app, even when I reset it.  

Show-up doesn’t tell us what you did after getting them to flash green. You have to first add them as products in the app by selecting “Add a speaker or component”.

But how do you add them as products? Not seeing an option for that.

Follow the steps in the link.

https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/add-a-new-product-to-an-existing-sonos-system

Yes, I’ve followed those steps but it just keeps searching and searching and doesn’t find anything to add.

Try moving closer to your router.

If that doesn’t work….

Run a diagnostic within 10 minutes of the failure. Record the reference number; but do not post it in here. Call Sonos Tech support to discuss the findings.

One more point….

I assume your device and the Sonos app are up-to-date….right?

Well, it’s an older device. The app, I just installed today.

It’s also possible, since it is a PLAYBAR, that it is still set up in S1, and you’re trying to add it with S2.

Tried with S1 also and no success. From what I understand, it will only work with S1. But nothing shows up. I’m going to return them as it this point, it just seems futile.

Have you done a factory reset on both? If not Factory reset both and use Ethernet with the Playbar to get it setup:

https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/reset-your-sonos-product

Be patient and open the S1 app first waiting up to 10 minutes for the speaker to be recognised. If it dosent, try the S2 app.

If that fails, you will need to contact support.

I did factory reset, and got an Ethernet cable too. I don’t think they offer support for that product anymore. 

Sonos supports then Playbar and Sub, but does not offer firmware updates for some of their products any longer.

Doesn’t hurt to try.

Do you have any other SONOS products on your network? 

No, none.

Describe your network for us. What model router are you using? Are there any WiFi mesh points?

Obviously, we cannot rule out hardware issues yet, but it seems a little odd that you would have hardware issues with both units.

Arris TG3452 router. It’s literally less than a foot away from the unit.

Sometimes a foot is too close, but this will not corrupt the wired connection. I’m not familiar with that router. Are you able to interrogate the router to see if it is aware of the SONOS units? 

There may be a router setting that blocks WiFi clients from communicating with each other and wired clients. (Very similar to a “Guest” setup). I don’t know why this would the default setup, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Also make sure that the 2.4 and 5GHz segments can communicate. Your phone/pad will probably prefer 5GHz. Here are some WiFi details to consider.

Researched your router and it may have Band Steering enabled. That’s where the router decides which band a Wi-Fi client should use. If so it needs to be disabled.

Prior to having Sonos on your network having Band Steering enabled is typically not an issue for your cell, tablet etc. It can be for Sonos especially older products as you have.

Hmm…is it easy to disable band steering? I’m still hoping I can return the equipment and get my money back as it’s been such a hassle. But if that’s an easy fix, maybe I could see if that works.

Band steering would just be a router setting that can be enabled/disabled.

The Playbar can only connect to 2.4GHz as it uses it’s 5GHz radio for communicating with bonded Sub(s)/surrounds.

Although that shouldn’t have been an issue when you had the Playbar wired to your router.

Also see https://support.sonos.com/en-gb/article/supported-wifi-modes-and-security-standards-for-sonos-products

Just heard from the estate sale, and they said they’d give me a refund. I think I’d be better off exploring Sonos investing in something newer. Probably way less of a headache.

That’s a good course of acton. Estate and garage sales are iffy when it comes to electronics. Also, you never know if problems existed with gear before hand or even if the seller was the original owner.

A comparable product to the Playbar using an Optical connection is the Sonos Ray; although not as powerful. A better choice would be the Beam2 that will connect to your TV via HDMI or Optical (requires adapter). The Sonos Sub Mini would work well with either.

Click the links to view the products.

Sonos Beam2     Sonos Ray    Sonos Sub Mini     Optical Adapter

EDIT:

The above recommendations assume you are only wanting a Sonos soundbar and possibly a Sub. If you’re looking to move into Home Theater (HT) they will work as well. All you need do is add a pair of Era 100’s for a full blown HT system.

If you want something beyond Dolby Digital 5.1 there is the Arc Ultra that provides Dolby Atmos * or its predecessor the Arc. For those options you might want to consider a Sub 3 or Sub  4.  

For the ultimate experience you have the Arc Ultra (or Arc) bonded with a Sub 3/Sub 4 and a pair of Era 300’s.  

FYI, Subs and Surrounds can be added at anytime to a Sonos Soundbar.

 * The Beam2 will send Dolby Atmos as well although it’s a smaller product with no upward firing drivers.