Skip to main content

I have an old 5.1 surround sound system that my customer wants to upgrade. If possible, he’d like to keep his good quality existing front left,right and left right surround speakers. His center speaker and subwoofer can be replaced. The room is large. ( 25’ x 36’ by 18’foot peak ceiling, on a cement slab) My issue is that I can’t seem to get a straight answer from Sonos whether I can use an Arc soundbar as the center speaker and use one Sonos Amp for the two front speakers and another Sonos Amp for the two surround speakers and a Sonos Sub and actually get a 5.1 surround sound system. They’ve sent me links to articles that reference using Sonos surround speakers. Even if the customer was willing to give up his existing surround speakers there are no 120 VAC wall outlets where his existing speakers are and no way to conveniently add the wires because the room is on a cement slab. So ……..   

Can anyone confirm that I can use two Sonos Amp’s, an Arc Sound Bar, Sonos Sub and get a true 5.1 surround sound system?

No, unfortunately, you can’t. Sonos has nothing that serves as a center speaker, all of their sound bars are right, center, and left. Additionally, the Amp, when used as a home theater ‘front’ device, allows two front channels (speakers) and creates a ‘faux’ center channel through them.

Hi ​@RelarmATAoldotcom 

To answer your questions:

Can I use an Arc soundbar as the center speaker and use one Sonos Amp for the two front speakers

  • The answer is no. The Arc incorporates left/center/right channels, height channels as well as simulated surround channels in the absence of rears 

He can do the following;

  • Sonos Amp to power existing left and right speakers that will create a “phantom” center channel; as well as send low-end to existing sub via cable.
  • 2nd Sonos Amp to power existing rears as surrounds.

Honestly, IMO the Arc would be a poor choice given the room dimensions especially with an 18 foot ceiling; even if he were to go full Sonos.

Edit: ​@Airgetlam responded while I was typing….again 😂

I’d sure go with a two Amp solution in that big a room.

I’d keep the existing sub and give it a chance, if it is weak then add a Sub 4 to replace it.

I agree with AjTrek1, SONOS would be a poor choice in this application. An updated AVR might improve the overall effect -- especially if you can add some ATMOS speakers. There can be some wireless options, requiring only power.

Terms & ConditionsCookie settings