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November 23, 2017
Question

Play I stereo pair does not go low enough - Parallel Universes proved?

  • November 23, 2017
  • 15 replies
  • 551 views
Since this keeps going around, I did a good test today for the 1 pair that sits on my desktop, from the desktop which is about as close as anyone would get to their units. I started the play of a well mastered album that delivers good sound levels - Buddy Guy/Living Proof. I moved the volume slider on the mac controller all the way to the left till the green light came on at the top of the units and started tapping to the right of the button, with each tap seeing a small movement of the slider to the right. It took me 3 taps to hear something, 4 to know it is music, and 5-6 to recognise the music.

I then repeated the same experiment, using the + button on the play units themselves. Essentially, the same result again, using taps and not presses - the latter result in rapid volume level increase. If I had to pick, I would say that the second results were very slightly louder than the first. Only if I had to pick.

So, why do so many complain that just one tap from mute using either route makes their 1 pair go too loud to be borne while going to sleep? And for music that arguably is quieter than Buddy shouting out the blues? I have heard claims that volume rises to 20% of max. By the way, Sonos claims that each tap of the kind I describe is 1 in 100 equal steps where the app is concerned, I don't know the claim for the hard button taps. I haven't counted if it takes 100 to get fully to the right, that isn't the point - I can accept the Sonos claim as correct as far as it matters without that effort.

I usually accept the sneering audiophile dismissal of my hearing as defective, but I am pretty sure that this isn't at play here. I don't need hearing aids and can hold normal conversations with everyone I meet.

So, do all those that have a complaint on this count have defective units? I know mine isn't a special one, because there are a few others like me here. Or are we living in parallel universes?
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15 replies

Prodigy II
November 23, 2017
I guess they could have a speaker with a component out of spec?
"I saw the Stooges and the MC5"
KumarAuthor
November 23, 2017
Yes, they could; but none have said anything here about having reported the issue to Sonos, and the Sonos response.
Local Superstar
November 23, 2017
I'm more inclined to think they're the same and not faulty (all my 1's are the same) and can't see why 5 or 6 'presses' would be needed to even know music was playing.
Go in a very quiet room and try it. As I've said before, I'd never describe a single press as 'loud' per se - but would say it's too loud to have next to me in bed. My wife next to me thinks it's too loud too and could pick out the song. 5 or 6 presses before being able to ascertain the music seems more abnormal (although more low level granularity may be more desirable!) than a single 'too loud' volume.
KumarAuthor
November 23, 2017
To clarify: I am content with how my units work in this aspect and would not change a thing about them.
pwt
Virtuoso
November 23, 2017
I did a quick experiment with my PLAY:1s. I have to say they're quite audible at one click up from zero (tried using the controller and the physical buttons), if one's head is in the vicinity of the speaker. I tested using a spoken word radio station.

If my speakers are representative, I can understand why there's a desire for a lower volume if they're placed on bedside tables.
4 x P:5 | Sub | 4 x P:1 | 3 x Connect | 2 x Boost | Connect:Amp | 2 x One | Amp | Move | Port | Era 300
KumarAuthor
November 23, 2017
See a couple of posts from a year ago on the second page of this thread that are in line with my experience: https://en.community.sonos.com/controllers-software-228995/lower-minumum-volume-level-6457485/index2.html

One can understand wildly divergent views on sound quality, or how user friendly the app is, but this?
pwt
Virtuoso
November 24, 2017
See a couple of posts from a year ago on the second page of this thread that are in line with my experience: https://en.community.sonos.com/controllers-software-228995/lower-minumum-volume-level-6457485/index2.html

One can understand wildly divergent views on sound quality, or how user friendly the app is, but this?


The divergence in opinions is odd. I guess we need some actual measurements instead of subjective descriptions.

I tested out of curiosity; I have no requirement for lower volume on my PLAY:1s, but they're not situated right next to my head.
4 x P:5 | Sub | 4 x P:1 | 3 x Connect | 2 x Boost | Connect:Amp | 2 x One | Amp | Move | Port | Era 300
KumarAuthor
November 24, 2017
It is odd; and IMO, the divergence is to an extent that does not need instruments for establishing it. I tried again when the room was as silent as it ever gets, at night; no change.
And I don't see anyone finding this as radically different as it has been claimed, to the extent that it bothers them, having sent a diagnostic to Sonos and therefore there is no Sonos response to one.
Also, most that have my experience and do not have a problem with it are not likely to post on the forums as is usually the case. So the count of those on either side of the divide being skewed in favour of those that have a problem is not useful data.
pwt
Virtuoso
November 24, 2017
Kumar -- just a thought -- what hardware version are your PLAY:1s? Mine are 1.20.1.6-2.
4 x P:5 | Sub | 4 x P:1 | 3 x Connect | 2 x Boost | Connect:Amp | 2 x One | Amp | Move | Port | Era 300
KumarAuthor
November 24, 2017
1.8.3.7-1. The difference may be relevant; only Sonos can say for sure.