Skip to main content
Answered

Sonos Amp/Projector/Laptop

  • November 13, 2025
  • 6 replies
  • 52 views

Hi all,

I have a friend who would like to install a Sonos Amp and connect it to two ceiling speakers.

They have already purchased an EPSON tw7100 projector.

They wish to use a laptop to watch Netflix etc on the projector.

My question is, how would all this be connected up to get the picture from laptop and audio from Sonos system?

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated 

Matt

Best answer by 106rallye

Based on the picture of the Epson, that does not mention one of the HDMI connections being of the (e)ARC variant, it might not be possible to connect the Amp to HDMI - the Amp needs an HDMI-ARC connection.

Connecting the Amp to the analogue output of the projector will result in an inevitable 75Ms delay on the sound, that (to me) would make watching movies unbearable. You would only get stereo, not 5.1, which would not really matter since your friend would only use two speakers.

I’d agree with ​@AjTrek1 that using in ceiling speakers for front speakers would not be a good idea. Especially for fronts the sound should be felt to be coming form the screen, not from above.

6 replies

AjTrek1
  • 7377 replies
  • November 13, 2025

BTW the correct model ID is EPSON EH TW7100., otherwise you get an EPSON Printer 😂

Sonos is not the best option for a projector but here’s what you can do.

You can connect the laptop to HDMI 1 and the Amp to HDMI 2 * or the Audio-Out via 3.5mm to RCA cable to Amp’s RCA input.

Either way you only get Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio as PCM. You could add a Sonos Sub to the Amp and a 2nd Amp to run surrounds to get improved Dolby Digital 5.1 audio.

Know that the sound coming from overhead may not sync well with the picture.

 * Assuming the HDMI ports support ARC (Audio Return Channel)

 

 


106rallye
Forum|alt.badge.img+18
  • 6596 replies
  • Answer
  • November 13, 2025

Based on the picture of the Epson, that does not mention one of the HDMI connections being of the (e)ARC variant, it might not be possible to connect the Amp to HDMI - the Amp needs an HDMI-ARC connection.

Connecting the Amp to the analogue output of the projector will result in an inevitable 75Ms delay on the sound, that (to me) would make watching movies unbearable. You would only get stereo, not 5.1, which would not really matter since your friend would only use two speakers.

I’d agree with ​@AjTrek1 that using in ceiling speakers for front speakers would not be a good idea. Especially for fronts the sound should be felt to be coming form the screen, not from above.


Liam_Carter
  • Lyricist I
  • 1 reply
  • November 13, 2025

Connect your laptop to the projector via HDMI for video. For audio, either use HDMI ARC from the projector to the Sonos Amp, or connect the laptop’s audio output (3.5mm/RCA) to the Amp. Then run the Amp to the ceiling speakers. This keeps video on the projector and audio on Sonos seamlessly.


  • Author
  • Contributor I
  • 2 replies
  • November 13, 2025

Thanks for the reply, much appreciated.

Could you please confirm whether the Sony Quad theatre system would be a viable option and if so how would this be connected up?

Or is the lack of a hdmi arc on the projector always going to be the problem here?

Cheers


  • Author
  • Contributor I
  • 2 replies
  • November 14, 2025

Based on the picture of the Epson, that does not mention one of the HDMI connections being of the (e)ARC variant, it might not be possible to connect the Amp to HDMI - the Amp needs an HDMI-ARC connection.

Connecting the Amp to the analogue output of the projector will result in an inevitable 75Ms delay on the sound, that (to me) would make watching movies unbearable. You would only get stereo, not 5.1, which would not really matter since your friend would only use two speakers.

I’d agree with ​@AjTrek1 that using in ceiling speakers for front speakers would not be a good idea. Especially for fronts the sound should be felt to be coming form the screen, not from above.

Thanks for the reply, much appreciated.

Could you please confirm whether the Sony Quad theatre system would be a viable option and if so how would this be connected up?

Or is the lack of a hdmi arc on the projector always going to be the problem here?

Cheers


Airgetlam
  • 44820 replies
  • November 14, 2025

Not sure if your use of Sony is a typo/autocorrect issue from Sonos, but that audio output on the projector will always be an concern, carrying only a stereo signal. The same for the Bluetooth output, as near as I can tell. So, the best audio you’ll be able to get is stereo, unless you go with an external HDMI switch that strips the sound and sends it to a Sonos designed for video’s audio.