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Paparey
Contributor I
August 2, 2025
Answered

Sonos Arc via eArc with AVR

  • August 2, 2025
  • 17 replies
  • 273 views

I have an existing AVR setup (with sonos connect as an input) and currently have lots of sources (e.g. sky, PS5, Switch etc.) running through the AVR then into my TV.

I am adding a second system in another room, but would like to be able to use all of the same sources, via the AVR.

I'm wondering if I can use the AVR's second HDMI output into a TV in another room, and then use the TV's eArc HDMI output into a Sonos Arc (along with era 300s and sub).

This would allow me to use the AVR as a passthrough source for the TV with audio coming to the Arc via the TV.

I cant see a reason why this shouldn't work, as as far as the Arc is concerned the AVR would in effect just be the TV's sources, but wanted to check if anyone else had done something similar before blowing a load of cash on it in vain!

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Best answer by AjTrek1

So if understand correctly, you have an AVR with for example a PS5 connected to it.

  • You want to take the audio/video from the PS5 and via a second HDMI-Out on the AVR send it to a HDMI-IN on a TV.
  • So essentially the AVR becomes the source for the TV in a similar manner as a cable box.
  • You want to connect a Sonos Arc to the TV via its HDMI-eARC
  • In theory it should work as long as you select the HDMI-Input for the AVR on the TV
  • I personally haven’t tried such a setup.
  • Do you already have the Arc and Era 300’s? 

17 replies

Show previous replies
Airgetlam
Airgetlam
August 2, 2025

Yes, the TV does. For Audio, there is no difference between those two, because the Sonos is connected to the TV directly.

For signals coming in, the TV doesn’t really care what device they’re coming from, only that it’s an HDMI signal. The CEC ‘electronics’ inside the TV takes the standard HDMI audio and reflects it to a different pin set back out via the ARC/eARC port to the Sonos. 

The CEC ‘electronics’ are responsible for communicating to each HDMI device what is connected, and what type of signals it can receive. The Sonos tells the CEC system several things. That it is an audio sink connected, what types of audio it can play, and what volume it has been set at. The CEC then passes whatever parts are necessary/appropriate to other devices that are connected via HDMI (that are CEC compliant). More information here. 

Bruce
Airgetlam
Airgetlam
August 2, 2025

The key difference in your two examples is the insertion of an AVR. If that AVR doesn’t pass CEC data correctly, then the PS5 won’t get appropriate data from the CEC system in the TV (and ultimately from the Sonos). 

One of the challenges, I suspect, in many people’s thinking, is the inherent challenge of text, in which you express the connection linearly. As I would do, as well, no slight intended. In fact, the CEC system is more of a ‘hub’, which takes data from multiple HDMI (digital both ways, in and out, which is why CEC doesn’t work with optical) and then passes the appropriate data back to whatever device has been registered as needing ‘that data’. 

Bruce
    PapareyAuthor
    Contributor I
    August 2, 2025

    The key difference in your two examples is the insertion of an AVR. If that AVR doesn’t pass CEC data correctly, then the PS5 won’t get appropriate data from the CEC system in the TV (and ultimately from the Sonos). 

    One of the challenges, I suspect, in many people’s thinking, is the inherent challenge of text, in which you express the connection linearly. As I would do, as well, no slight intended. In fact, the CEC system is more of a ‘hub’, which takes data from multiple HDMI (digital both ways, in and out, which is why CEC doesn’t work with optical) and then passes the appropriate data back to whatever device has been registered as needing ‘that data’. 

    Sounds like i need to get hold of an Arc and give it a try before I buy. 

    Stanley_4
    Stanley_4
    Grand Maestro
    August 2, 2025

    Sonos has a good try and return if not happy warranty. Watch the expiration date for your country!

      buzz
      buzz
      Grand Maestro
      August 2, 2025

      CEC will likely get confused in this setup because there are two TV’s. You will probably need to install a CEC blocker to at least one of the TV’s.

      AjTrek1
      AjTrek1
      August 2, 2025

      You’re getting a lot of advice that mentions a lot of what if’s. At this point if you already have the Sonos components go ahead and try the connections. If not I’d start with a Beam 2 as it’s smaller and cheaper to run a test. If the test fails to work just return. 

      Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
      buzz
      buzz
      Grand Maestro
      August 2, 2025

      With CEC Blockers(s) installed, since there is no need for simultaneous TV operation, this will work, but it might be a little clumsy to operate. 

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