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This topic falls somewhere between a conversation and a question. 

When there is need for a multi-solution sound system with limited funds Sonos might not be the optimal choice, but with what I assume to be simple means it could be a better choice. 

Speaking from personal experience: 

I’ve previously bought 2 Era 100s and use them as TV-speakers awaiting an upgrade on the Arc to later use them as surrounds. Meanwhile I own a turntable which I’m looking to hook up to the same system (disclaimer; I am well aware that it’s sub-optimal and that there are better ways to enjoy your vinyls, though for the sake of convinience, this would be my personal preference).

It is common knowledge that when the era 100s, or 300s for that matter, loses its capability to use the line-in function when used as surround speakers. Something to do with optimizing their primary use as surround speakers. 

However, browsing the web there seems to be a fair few who would like a function to easily switch between surrounds and to line-in other sources.


Could it simply be adressed through software changes? Are there any other solutions to bring in a turntable in a surround system without having to purchase additional speakers. 

 

Could it simply be adressed through software changes? 

 

 

I imagine not, or Sonos would have done it.  As you say, there are many threads on the Community covering this topic.  Surround speakers connect to the system in a totally different way from when used as principal speakers, and this apparently precludes the surrounds feeding a line-in input into the system.

I do not know whether this is impossible to resolve.  If it could be done, I can imagine that it might involve a fundamental change to the way lines-in or surround speakers, or both, function. 

As historical background, lines-in have been a feature of some Sonos products since their first products.  The design dates from before surround speakers, or indeed any AV functionality, was in anyone’s mind.

 

To achieve the outcome the Era surrounds need to be unbonded from the main HT setup, which of course is possible and can be achieved now via the App, but when unbonded the HT TruePlay settings are also lost. So it’s then a ‘pain’ to rebond the surrounds and TP tune the setup again after using the Era line-in feature with the TT.
 

It’s far easier to just add another standalone Sonos product with a line-in and leave that setup with the Turntable instead. In my own case I use a Sonos Port, but there are cheaper Sonos products that can be used instead.

These are the Sonos products that have a line-in that can be used:

  • Sonos Port/Connect 
  • Sonos Amp/Connect:Amp
  • Five/Play:5 (gen2) 
  • Era-100  (requires additional dongle)
  • Era-300 (requires additional dongle)
  • Sonos Move 2 (requires additional dongle)

It is common knowledge that when the era 100s, or 300s for that matter, loses its capability to use the line-in function when used as surround speakers. Something to do with optimizing their primary use as surround speakers. 

 

It’s not “optimising” in the traditional sense. The soundbar creates a dedicated 5Ghz link to the surrounds, so the surrounds have to be told to look for that link, then link to it, then establish left and right, initial volume settings, etc. It’s not a quick process. 

Though Sonos might also have commercial reasons tot not want to put much time into your requested feature, your assumption that this would be made possible by simple means does not seem right.

A used S2 capable Connect would be my first choice. An Era 100 next then a Port. Might look at the TV for analog input options too.

Add to the issues on changing surrounds the need to redo True play.

Add to the issues on changing surrounds the need to redo True play.

That’s a good point

Though Sonos might also have commercial reasons tot not want to put much time into your requested feature, your assumption that this would be made possible by simple means does not seem right.

Fair enough. Wishful thinking on my part I’m sure. 

Given that it has been requested essentially since Sonos allowed the Sonos Amp to drive surrounds (years and years), it does seem to be unlikely. My guess is it’s due to the different nature of the connection between a parent and child speaker, and a normal peer speaker setup. There are all sorts of network differences, IMHO.

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