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hi there. I need a definitive answer from the Sonos community, as this will dictate whether or not I spend the money for the Sonos arc ultra and associated speakers. I possess a lot of Blu-ray discs, which some of them only have the English audio track in DTS audio. I have been getting differing answers on this, so I would like to know if The arc ultra does in fact support DTS/X audio? Thank you!

Supported formats here: 

https://support.sonos.com/en-gb/article/supported-home-theater-audio-formats

 


So (basic) DTS only, which also depends on whether your TV’s pass through setting can handle it (most recent LG’s and Samsungs cannot). A work around would be using a BD-players that converts DTS formats in DD.


hi there. I need a definitive answer from the Sonos community, as this will dictate whether or not I spend the money for the Sonos arc ultra and associated speakers. I possess a lot of Blu-ray discs, which some of them only have the English audio track in DTS audio. I have been getting differing answers on this, so I would like to know if The arc ultra does in fact support DTS/X audio? Thank you!

 

Honestly if you looking for proper and legit DTS sound, Quite sadly, Sonos is not for you.

What I’m gathering and seeing, Sonos is not willing to spend money (despite charging premium prices) for DTS format. Which is very unfortunate as without a doubt Sonos customer base would grow exponentially if support DTS:X.

No excuses for Sonos not supporting DTS:X.


Sonos supports lossy DTS Digital Surround audio but not lossless DTS-HD Master Audio or DTS:X. When playing a DTS-encoded Blu-ray disc, you can either set your player to play the core DTS Digital Surround audio track or set the player to convert the DTS audio to PCM resulting in lossless Multichannel PCM audio. Keep in mind that to do the former, your TV must support DTS pass through. To do the latter, your TV must be equipped with eARC and support LPCM passthrough.


Sonos supports lossy DTS Digital Surround audio but not lossless DTS-HD Master Audio or DTS:X. When playing a DTS-encoded Blu-ray disc, you can either set your player to play the core DTS Digital Surround audio track or set the player to convert the DTS audio to PCM resulting in lossless Multichannel PCM audio. Keep in mind that to do the former, your TV must support DTS pass through. To do the latter, your TV must be equipped with eARC and support LPCM passthrough.

 

Or Sonos could just properly support all DTS options. That be fantastic start. Especially with numerous other soundbars supporting all levels of DTS at lower price points.

 

Or, Sonos could lower their product prices to represent not being premium home theater products.


Last I checked, and it has been a while, there was a licensing fee for each speaker that could be part of a DTS system. Has that fee been dropped finally?


Last I checked, and it has been a while, there was a licensing fee for each speaker that could be part of a DTS system. Has that fee been dropped finally?

 

Heard the same theory, too. Not sure how DTS could track use in legit sense. What if family or friend brought or Move 2 and connected to system not theirs. Would DTS know this? How would they know this? How would they know about any speaker use?

My belief Sonos simply going to the cheap route with their customers. With all bad press from the poor app debacle, Sonos would implement DTS to earn good will back with customers.

DTS support is very important and requested and wished for by MANY Sonos customers, especially home theater users. DTS is HUGE must for serious home theater enthusiasts.


Advertising, I suspect. When I was tangentially in that arena, and dealing with Dolby, they were wanting to charge a fee for every device sold that had a capability of playing (and used their labeling) of a Dolby signal. 

As far as I’m aware, DTS is supported, just not DTS-X, but I admit I don’t use either. 


Advertising, I suspect. When I was tangentially in that arena, and dealing with Dolby, they were wanting to charge a fee for every device sold that had a capability of playing (and used their labeling) of a Dolby signal. 

As far as I’m aware, DTS is supported, just not DTS-X, but I admit I don’t use either. 

 

Once use and hear the difference with DTS vs Dolby it’s night and day. Highly encourage when are able give a try and listen, go for it.

Honestly, I’d rather have DTS when watch any movie. Especially DTS:X.


 

Once use and hear the difference with DTS vs Dolby it’s night and day. Highly encourage when are able give a try and listen, go for it.

Honestly, I’d rather have DTS when watch any movie. Especially DTS:X.

 

I assume you are comparing DTS-X with Dolby True-HD?  If so, how can the differences be “night and day” when you are comparing two lossless codecs?  By the definition of “lossless”, they should sound alike, as long as they are from the same master.  Unless (as has been proven before) DTS is cooking the master to sound different.  


 

I assume you are comparing DTS-X with Dolby True-HD?  If so, how can the differences be “night and day” when you are comparing two lossless codecs?  By the definition of “lossless”, they should sound alike, as long as they are from the same master.  Unless (as has been proven before) DTS is cooking the master to sound different.  

 

DTS was created for movie theaters. Steven Spielberg basically had the format created to make the dinosaurs more convincing in first Jurassic Park. The audio is cleaner, bass superior, and not as compressed when compared to Dolby. Many enthusiasts already know this and concur without moment’s hesitation.

Now just doing a simple search online touts how superior DTS:X is when comparing Atmos. It presents how DTS:X superior with just one feature alone.

Distinction from Dolby Atmos:
While both are object-based formats, DTS:X can work with standard surround speaker setups, unlike Atmos, which often requires extra overhead channels.
 
Article on Crutchfield goes even further.
 

How DTS:X does it, though, is a bit different. The format uses the open-source MDA (multi-dimensional audio) platform as its base. Since it’s using an open-source base, anyone can use it. That allows manufacturers to create any component to be compatible with DTS:X.

Another cool benefit of it being open-source is that sound engineers aren’t restricted to mapping the sound to a specific speaker layout. They can place sound objects wherever they see fit in the sound bubble. That can be seen as somewhat of a double-edged sword, as the placement isn’t pinpoint accurate like Atmos.

You don’t necessarily need height speakers to take advantage of what DTS:X has to offer, but having them helps make things more immersive since it gives the sound more places to go.

When you’re setting your receiver up to play the format for the first time, it plays some pink noise that your receiver's microphone registers and then measures the distance and location of your speakers. After that’s done, DTS:X can then untangle the audio input signal (that is, the soundtrack of your movie) and send it to the corresponding speakers.

It also lets you do some tweaks yourself, primarily in the dialogue department. You can raise the level of voices in your center channel to keep the dialogue crisp and clear.


None of that pseudo-scientific marketing speak explains how two lossless codecs could have a “night and day” difference.  Matter of fact, the only difference between DTS-X and Atmos mentioned states that Atmos is more pinpoint accurate in sound mapping.  Also, that blurb is out of date.  Dolby Atmos hasn’t been mapped to a specific speaker layout in years.


None of that pseudo-scientific marketing speak explains how two lossless codecs could have a “night and day” difference.  Matter of fact, the only difference between DTS-X and Atmos mentioned states that Atmos is more pinpoint accurate in sound mapping.  Also, that blurb is out of date.  Dolby Atmos hasn’t been mapped to a specific speaker layout in years.

 

Sonos is not a true surround sound setup with legit and actual front and side speakers. DTS:X solves that issue for Sonos setups by allowing the sound to be virtual as Sonos tech truly is since not having physical speakers in position for the speaker real estate.

If anything Sonos should be all over this as it would help with sound placement with their “virtual” speaker setups.


 

Sonos is not a true surround sound setup with legit and actual front and side speakers. DTS:X solves that issue for Sonos setups by allowing the sound to be virtual as Sonos tech truly is since not having physical speakers in position for the speaker real estate.

If anything Sonos should be all over this as it would help with sound placement with their “virtual” speaker setups.

 

Nonsense.  Sonos has front and side speakers, both actual and virtual.  And there’s nothing about DTS-X “allowing the sound to be virtual” that can’t be done in Atmos.  How do you think the Beam 2 accomplishes the Atmos channels with no actual speakers pointing upwards?  Don’t believe the marketing BS.  


 

Nonsense.  Sonos has front and side speakers, both actual and virtual.  And there’s nothing about DTS-X “allowing the sound to be virtual” that can’t be done in Atmos.  How do you think the Beam 2 accomplishes the Atmos channels with no actual speakers pointing upwards?  Don’t believe the marketing BS.  

 

They are not separated by space from a center, like actual legit front speakers, and rely on bouncing off walls for sound as they fire from the side of soundbar, not like front facing front speakers.

They are utilizing that pseudo-scientific marketing speak you detest so much to “produce” the “effects” of speaker placement.


 

They are not separated by space from a center, like actual legit front speakers, and rely on bouncing off walls for sound as they fire from the side of soundbar, not like front facing front speakers.

They are utilizing that pseudo-scientific marketing speak you detest so much to “produce” the “effects” of speaker placement.

 

No soundbar is as effective as separate speakers, and there’s nothing about the DTS-X codec that allows them to sound better than any other codec via DSP virtualization.  And DSP isn’t pseudo science, it’s actual science.  

The “pseudo-science marketing speak” I referenced is the following:

When you’re setting your receiver up to play the format for the first time, it plays some pink noise that your receiver's microphone registers and then measures the distance and location of your speakers. After that’s done, DTS:X can then untangle the audio input signal (that is, the soundtrack of your movie) and send it to the corresponding speakers.

 

This blurb makes it seem like DTS-X is doing something special, in reality, practically every receiver/surround sound system in existence (including Sonos) does this type of calibration, and Atmos utilizes this room calibration to “untangle” the input signal in the same way DTS-X does. 


 

They are not separated by space from a center, like actual legit front speakers, and rely on bouncing off walls for sound as they fire from the side of soundbar, not like front facing front speakers.

They are utilizing that pseudo-scientific marketing speak you detest so much to “produce” the “effects” of speaker placement.

 

No soundbar is as effective as separate speakers, and there’s nothing about the DTS-X codec that allows them to sound better than any other codec via DSP virtualization.  And DSP isn’t pseudo science, it’s actual science.  

The “pseudo-science marketing speak” I referenced is the following:

When you’re setting your receiver up to play the format for the first time, it plays some pink noise that your receiver's microphone registers and then measures the distance and location of your speakers. After that’s done, DTS:X can then untangle the audio input signal (that is, the soundtrack of your movie) and send it to the corresponding speakers.

 

This blurb makes it seem like DTS-X is doing something special, in reality, practically every receiver/surround sound system in existence (including Sonos) does this type of calibration, and Atmos utilizes this room calibration to “untangle” the input signal in the same way DTS-X does. 

 

Sir/ma’am, I get it. You’re a Sonos loyalist as you being on the forums here for 14+ years. I understand you need to defend Sonos as greatest thing ever and to justify personal choice in audio hardware. That is fantastic. If it makes you feel good, please do so, everyone should pursue happiness.

But even going beyond the point of Sonos cheapening the value of their product by not supporting all forms of DTS when lower price points of their competitors with same basic product do, indeed, support all DTS formats and you are ok in having less value for your money and options, and want go that way … again...feel free to pursue your choice.

But to even suggest, or imply in the slightest bit, there is absolutely no difference in sound between DTS and Dolby, I no longer able to consider this with any validity as serious conversation. Zero. Especially when majority of home theater enthusiasts will share and support that view without moments hesitation. DTS having a higher bitrate, that alone gives to better audio, which is just one of many scenarios for DTS the better option. Feel free to believe what you wish. I am no longer mismanaging my time running around in circles over the obvious. Have a great day, mate.


And there it is, the accusations of being a fanboy.  We’ve now reached the point where I also bow out.  Good luck in your search for audio(phile) nirvana!  Meanwhile, I’ll be at home actually enjoying a movie, regardless of what it says on my gear!

 


Even if Sonos would support more DTS formats LG and Samsung in recent years haven’t supported pass through for DTS. So even if you think DTS sounds better than DD, Sonos is not alone in this.

And, after all, it is Sonos’ choice to not support DTS. If enough people tells that’s why they are not buying Sonos, Sonos will change. I do see interest in DTS waning though, so wouldn’t hold my breath.


Even if Sonos would support more DTS formats LG and Samsung in recent years haven’t supported pass through for DTS. So even if you think DTS sounds better than DD, Sonos is not alone in this.

And, after all, it is Sonos’ choice to not support DTS. If enough people tells that’s why they are not buying Sonos, Sonos will change. I do see interest in DTS waning though, so wouldn’t hold my breath.

 

I own a 77 inch LG G4. It supports DTS pass through for all DTS up to DTS:X. Samsung soundbars support DTS:X.

Not think the potential demise of DTS is dire as everyone makes it out to be.


Even if Sonos would support more DTS formats LG and Samsung in recent years haven’t supported pass through for DTS. So even if you think DTS sounds better than DD, Sonos is not alone in this.

And, after all, it is Sonos’ choice to not support DTS. If enough people tells that’s why they are not buying Sonos, Sonos will change. I do see interest in DTS waning though, so wouldn’t hold my breath.

 

Plus, I truly, absolutely, believe Sonos is purposefully being cheap with their customers.

Even if more ask for DTS support, Sonos will not do it to save money. If anything Sonos needs to earn their good will back with customers. Supporting DTS:X be tremendous first step in doing so.

The entire app debacle did Sonos ZERO favors.


In the interest of balance on this thread, if DTS:X licensing means an increase in Sonos prices, I vote against supporting DTS:X. Lossless technology is lossless, and is already available, as I understand it. 


This thread has drifted somewhat from the original post. 😜


In the interest of balance on this thread, if DTS:X licensing means an increase in Sonos prices, I vote against supporting DTS:X. Lossless technology is lossless, and is already available, as I understand it. 

 

Your fear of increased prices possibly not need be a worry.

If rumors were true (of course, take rumors with grain of salt) the Pinewood streaming box product, Sonos had in development very well could been major product for Sonos customers. It’s potential to allow DTS be sold as an app that customers could bought and that solved the entire DTS issue. Another rumor was Pinewood would allow customers to purchase, say pair of Era 300s, to use as front speakers. Which let Sonos sell even more add-on speakers. Win/win for all involved.

Just those two features above would have me purchasing Pinewood on day one. Pre-order, actually.

I so love how people continue to say, “Lossless technology is lossless, and is already available, as I understand it.” Ok? Maybe what those people, are NOT understanding is, what about people’s collection of movies that NOT have Atmos, but DTS:X?


In the interest of balance on this thread, if DTS:X licensing means an increase in Sonos prices, I vote against supporting DTS:X. Lossless technology is lossless, and is already available, as I understand it. 

 

Your fear of increased prices possibly not need be a worry.

If rumors were true (of course, take rumors with grain of salt) the Pinewood streaming box product, Sonos had in development very well could been major product for Sonos customers. It’s potential to allow DTS be sold as an app that customers could bought and that solved the entire DTS issue. Another rumor was Pinewood would allow customers to purchase, say pair of Era 300s, to use as front speakers. Which let Sonos sell even more add-on speakers. Win/win for all involved.

Just those two features above would have me purchasing Pinewood on day one. Pre-order, actually.

I so love how people continue to say, “Lossless technology is lossless, and is already available, as I understand it.” Ok? Maybe what those people, are NOT understanding is, what about people’s collection of movies that NOT have Atmos, but DTS:X?

As you say, rumours are not fact so cannot be taken as such. 
 

You do agree then that lossless is lossless? 
 

Sonos have never supported DTS:X but you still chose to buy their products. Now you seem to expect them to support it. I’m sure the marketing team at Sonos have a better idea of the demand than we do; they’re not (yet?) offering it for a reason.