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Can't hear dialogue: Arc + Era 300s Surrounds + Sub 3

  • February 2, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 23 views

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I’m struggling to get clear, consistent dialogue from my Sonos Arc + surrounds setup without having to raise the volume so high that action scenes become uncomfortably loud.

Dialogue in movies and TV often sounds recessed or hard to understand, which forces me to increase the overall volume just to follow conversations. The result is that when music or action scenes hit, they’re overwhelmingly loud and not enjoyable.

What I’ve already tried:

  • Audio input confirmed as Dolby Digital Plus 5.1

  • Speech Enhancement enabled

  • Night Mode tested on and off

  • EQ adjustments (lowered bass, moderate treble boost)

  • Surround TV level reduced

  • Trueplay re-run in a quiet room

  • TV audio set to Pass Through (no TV processing)

Despite this, dialogue still doesn’t feel anchored or forward in the mix.

Has anyone found a reliable way to improve dialogue clarity on Arc systems without flattening dynamics or constantly riding the volume? I’m especially interested in settings or placement tweaks that actually make a measurable difference.

Thanks in advance — appreciate any real-world fixes.

Best answer by Airgetlam

I don’t experience this, using an Apple TV and Hulu, or Apple streams, but I have a Sonos Sub 1 connected to my Arcs. 

Have you submitted a system diagnostic within 10 minutes of experiencing this problem, and called Sonos Support to discuss it? Don’t post the resulting diagnostic number here, Sonos’ lawyers get sensitive about GDPR, I suspect.

There may be information included in the diagnostic that will help Sonos pinpoint the issue and help you find a solution.

When you speak directly to the Support staff, they have tools at their disposal that will allow them to give you advice specific to your network and Sonos system.

 

2 replies

Airgetlam
  • Answer
  • February 2, 2026

I don’t experience this, using an Apple TV and Hulu, or Apple streams, but I have a Sonos Sub 1 connected to my Arcs. 

Have you submitted a system diagnostic within 10 minutes of experiencing this problem, and called Sonos Support to discuss it? Don’t post the resulting diagnostic number here, Sonos’ lawyers get sensitive about GDPR, I suspect.

There may be information included in the diagnostic that will help Sonos pinpoint the issue and help you find a solution.

When you speak directly to the Support staff, they have tools at their disposal that will allow them to give you advice specific to your network and Sonos system.

 


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  • Author
  • Contributor I
  • February 2, 2026

Thanks Bruce! I just submitted my diagnostic, and will call Sonos to see what they say. I appreciate your help!