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Question

High-pitched “beep / whine” noise from Sonos Five LINE-IN when using a turntable

  • February 10, 2026
  • 4 replies
  • 42 views
T

Hi everyone,

I’m experiencing a high-pitched “beep / whine” noise when using the LINE-IN on my Sonos Five, and I’m hoping for some advice.

Setup:
- Turntable with built-in phono preamp
- External phono preamp also tested (same result)
- RCA → 3.5mm cable into Sonos Five LINE-IN
- LINE-IN source level tested from low to high
- Audio Compression: Auto / Compressed (no change)
- Autoplay ON/OFF tested
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices nearby minimized
- Different cables tested
- Different power outlets tested

What happens:
- A faint but clearly audible high-frequency “beep” or electronic whine
- Noise is present even when no record is playing
- Noise level changes depending on LINE-IN source level and volume
- More noticeable during quiet passages or when volume is raised

Important note:
When I disconnect the LINE-IN cable from the Sonos Five, the noise disappears completely.
This makes me think it’s related specifically to the analog LINE-IN path.

Questions:
- Is this a known issue with Sonos Five LINE-IN?
- Could this be a grounding or impedance issue with turntables?
- Is there any recommended setting or hardware configuration to avoid this?
- Or could this indicate a faulty LINE-IN circuit?

I really like the sound quality otherwise, but this noise makes it difficult to enjoy vinyl playback.

Any insights or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!

4 replies

Airgetlam
  • Airgetlam
  • February 10, 2026

I’d suspect a grounding issue on the line in. Try plugging in a disconnected cable to see if the whine exists without the turntable. 

And then call Sonos Support to discuss it.

When you speak directly to the Support staff, they have tools at their disposal that will allow them to give you advice specific to your network and Sonos system.

Bruce
    buzz
    • buzz
    • February 10, 2026

    Is there a difference if you remove power from the turntable?

      Stanley_4
      • Stanley_4
      • Grand Maestro
      • February 10, 2026

      Is it possible to reverse the wall plugs in the socket? Do one at a time and see if anything changes 

        U
        Forum|alt.badge.img+6
        • User117655
        • Prodigy I
        • February 11, 2026

        I would say almost definitely a ground/short issue with the line in cable/source. Try another cable if you can and/or try a cable on its own, not connected to a source. If you hear no hum 'shorting' the + & - on the source end of the cable (not necessarily recommended) with a finger/thumb will likely reintroduce the hum. 

        Definitely investigate the cable and source for good connections and internal plug 3.5mm & rca wiring & shield integrity. If everything is good then maybe the Five has a dodgy 3.5mm socket.

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