Will Sonos Ever Add a 12 Volt DC Trigger to Connect, Connect Amp?

  • 29 May 2019
  • 8 replies
  • 1692 views

It's been several years that I have asked Sonos about adding a 12 Volt DC Trigger or Changing the Standby Light or Standby Voltage so that End Users with External Amplifiers can have a reliable method of turning on and off the external amplifier when not in use. Niles makes devices that can measure lights on devices that trigger the amp but Sonos light doesn't change enough when it's in Standby mode. Same thing with Xantech, SpeakerCraft, Furman and other companies that make similar control devices! I know I am not alone with this request, maybe if there is enough discussion here in the forum we can collectively get results!

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8 replies

The Connect amp is no longer sold, so I assume you mean it's replacement, the Sonos Amp. Regardless, I don't think Sonos is ever going to look at 12 V triggers as it's old tech, and there are more advanced means for a device to control another device. In the case of the Connect for example, he can be used with an amp that will turn on automatically when it sense a signal from the input. Alternatively, you can pair the Connect with a receiver that 'works with Sonos'. In a broader sense, smart home protocols can be used much more extensively with custom routines to do all sorts of activities based on the occurrence of an event. Although not nearly as mature as many people eventually wish it will be, I think Sonos will focus efforts here rather than older tech.
Sorry to say but, no I am not talking about connect amp, just connect! Your statement is very wrong about 12 volt turn on to external Amplifiers, it is very much still in use and is basically the defacto standard in most commercial environments as well as in high end residential environments! It sounds like you're just defending Sonos for some reason. I am an installation specialist by trade, I work with many distributed audio systems in the industry and I am stating a fact that Sonos will not address this issue!
But the Sonos isn't designed or intended for commercial environments, nor does Sonos seem to be pointed at high end residential. They appear to be appealing to the masses, not to the "audiophile" segment of the market.

I understand that it doesn't suit your desires, but I think what Danny and I are saying is that you shouldn't expect any substantial effort by Sonos to meet this "requirement" you have. We can all agree that we don't think that Sonos will address this, but I'm not convinced we can state it as a fact, unless we're the CEO of Sonos, and in the planning meetings.
Userlevel 7
Badge +22
Not what you want but I'd bet you could build a 12 volt relay controller on something like a Raspberry Pi either using the existing audio input or for more reliability the digital audio outputs and a TOS input card on the Pi.
Not what you want but I'd bet you could build a 12 volt relay controller on something like a Raspberry Pi either using the existing audio input or for more reliability the digital audio outputs and a TOS input card on the Pi.

hi Stanley_4,

if you have the time/inclination to explain a bit more how this could be done, or point me to some instructions, i am all ears.
please and thank you?

my connect is hooked up to a big old school amp that powers outdoor speakers around the pool, but it requires keeping that big amp powered up 24/7. i have a spare pi but am not experienced in what you describe.

Mr.B
There is a device that will add a 12V trigger to the Connect. It is called "Bobwire DAT1".
Userlevel 7
Badge +26
The replacement for the Connect, called the Sonos Port was just announced, and it includes a 12V trigger for connected devices.
Userlevel 2
There is a device that will add a 12V trigger to the Connect. It is called "Bobwire DAT1".

I can confirm that the Bobwire DAT1 works. Had it sent from the US to the EU country in which I live. Have had it running for a month and it solves the problem with activation at low volumes and it works flawlessly. The setup is easy and it's a clean solution, except for the standby usage of the small device itself combined with the standby usage of the amp. I still turn off the amp (NAD C275BEE) by hand sometimes when I know I am not going to use it for a while.