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MikeBac
MikeBac
Contributor I
Nov 7, 2026 5:04 PM UTC
Question

Soundbar play with different eq from pc vs nas server

My Soundbar play music with different eq from PC vs NAS. I prepare my songs with PC using as EQ control optical cable to Soundbar. I set my preferences in tonality but when play saved songs from NAS via home wifi connection, music have less high frequency. Why is this difference? Thank you.

7 replies

Airgetlam
Airgetlam
Nov 7, 2026 5:42 PM UTC

Two different ‘inputs’. One, via optical, uses the EQ settings as a filter, the other is direct access to the music digital data. The Sonos direct connection to the NAS doesn’t touch your EQ settings. You’d need to save the EQ settings as data embedded in the digital data for them to be the same. 

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Bruce
    MikeBac
    MikeBacAuthor
    Contributor I
    Nov 8, 2026 5:25 AM UTC

    Thank you for the immediate response. To ensure I fully understand: I use the same EQ setting on my Sonos system whether I’m using the soundbar as a monitor for my virtual studio or listening to music from my PC (via iTunes, Classic Player, or any other player). The tonality of the music remains consistent whether it’s coming from the PC or a NAS to the Sonos (acting as a monitor via the optical TV input). However, when playing directly from the NAS over Wi-Fi, the sound is different—even though I’m using the exact same EQ settings. Should I use the default EQ setting while working on mastering, and then switch to my preferred EQ setting afterward?

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    Stanley_4
    Stanley_4
    Grand Maestro
    Nov 8, 2026 5:59 AM UTC

    Try turning off the EQ settings for your optical outputs and only use the Sonos EQ controls.

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      Airgetlam
      Airgetlam
      Nov 8, 2026 5:49 AM UTC

      I would, yes. You’re still using two different ‘inputs’ to the Sonos. The optical is being modified by the settings on your desktop’s output, and being carried over to the Sonos, where any Sonos settings are then (also) applied.
       

      However, when playing directly via the Sonos, it’s reading the file directly from your NAS, and skipping the modifications made when the optical output is being used. So you’re then ‘skipping’ any EQ the optical output is applying, and only duplicating the Sonos EQ settings, which are applied at the Sonos’ output. 
       

      Using the optical, you’re essentially using two EQ systems, the first is part of the output of the optical signal from your desktop. The Sonos is using one system, it just depends on what it’s being fed. 

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      Bruce
        MikeBac
        MikeBacAuthor
        Contributor I
        Nov 8, 2026 7:25 AM UTC

        Ok, will try all option possible and will post the results. Thank you ! 😉🥂

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          MikeBac
          MikeBacAuthor
          Contributor I
          Nov 8, 2026 12:13 PM UTC

          I found a small preset in the Windows sound settings, under the optical section. I set it to "none," and now everything is perfect. Thanks again for the help. Mike.

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