Contributor I

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Volume “fullness” lacking

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I recently purchased a Sonos Five and have not found it to be particularly loud. I do not listen to my music at very high levels, however, I was surprised that even when the slider is half way—as in the photo below—it is not as immersive or room-filling as I expected. I was curious how others find the volume level or if I’m missing something here?

I like to listen to my music, not be deafened by it. Certainly when I slide the volume up to ¾ it gets plenty loud, as measured by pure output of sound, but I do not find that it has the same fullness or presence of my 20 year-old stereo bookshelf speakers. The clarity is very good, and modern music is fine, but in the subtleties of classical music I’m afraid I find it lacking the fullness I’m seeking. Any thoughts or tips?

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ForwardKnowledgeAnswer

Contributor I

I’d like to report back some good news. I received the replacement Five in the mail today and after setting it up and listening to a few sample tracks, I can definitively say that the sound is much more what I was thinking it would be. At only 25% volume, the sound is quite full, lively, and robust. It’s well balanced in the room and I expect it to get better over the next several days since I just completed the Trueplay a few hours ago. I’m now really looking forward to getting a second Five to create a stereo pair in the near future!

(As for my question about the Move, I believe that it has more to do with the sound mixing of certain audio books and/or the weaker support and integration from Audible’s side.)

I’d like to thank the forum as you were my first line of defense; and I’d especially like to thank Sonos support as well: They were prompt, polite, patient, and really helpful with my issue.

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ForwardKnowledgeAuthor

Contributor I

My Five is set up in a room that is only approximately 12’ by 12’, and I’m seated about 5 or 6 feet away. Even at 100% volume it is not intolerable (classical music) in that it does not blow me out of the room. Mind you, I’m not the kind of person who likes to listen to my music on full blast. On the contrary, I prefer lower levels of sound, but a good deal of power, such that I can hear the subtleties and complexities of the music.

(Unfortunately, I seem to also be having similar performance (or lack thereof) from a Move which I just purchased last week as well--so I’m wondering if might possibly be a software issue.)

In any case, I opened a ticket and did a diagnostics test with a Sonos rep online, who helped me do a reset but to no avail, so it’s likely that we will have warranty it with a replacement.

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ForwardKnowledgeAuthor

Contributor I

I am curious: Has anyone else experienced this with their Five, or all of you getting very loud sound output at less than 50%? I’d especially like to know if it is different for classical music and audio books?

It seems every classical music track I stream from iTunes needs to be played at least at 50% and more often than not at 75% to adequately hear the music.

For my Move, when listening to audio books via Audible, it needs to be at least 75% if it’s to compete with my kids talking normally in the next room over (door open) or in the shower. (And 100% is not “too loud” at all)

This can’t be normal?

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ForwardKnowledgeAuthorAnswer

Contributor I

I’d like to report back some good news. I received the replacement Five in the mail today and after setting it up and listening to a few sample tracks, I can definitively say that the sound is much more what I was thinking it would be. At only 25% volume, the sound is quite full, lively, and robust. It’s well balanced in the room and I expect it to get better over the next several days since I just completed the Trueplay a few hours ago. I’m now really looking forward to getting a second Five to create a stereo pair in the near future!

(As for my question about the Move, I believe that it has more to do with the sound mixing of certain audio books and/or the weaker support and integration from Audible’s side.)

I’d like to thank the forum as you were my first line of defense; and I’d especially like to thank Sonos support as well: They were prompt, polite, patient, and really helpful with my issue.

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Leo_Fa

Contributor I

Hi,

I’m having exactly the same problem with my Sonos five. I received my speaker 4 days ago and I’m trying to convincing myself that i need to adopt to it ( volume 50% and above) I have multiple Sonos one and sub and Arc so i know how Sonos sound is.

could you please tell me how to fix this issue?

Thank

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