Sonos Playbar

The optical cord that came w playbar no longer stays in. I've had to tape it into place. Are there any optical cords that can solve this w/o tape? Plug in and stay in?

Sounds like the tab on the connector has somehow broken off. I have never had this problem. You should simply be able to order a replacement cable to solve the problem.

[ R Chadwick Jun 04, 2020 ]

[ JAMES Jun 04, 2020 ]

All of my components are hooked up to my A/V receiver and a single HDMI cable goes from it to the tv. The Playbar will connect to the tv via the included optical cable. Will this setup work? The owners manual makes it sound as if you can't use an A/V receiver and must connect every device directly to the tv. That just doesn't seem logical because there typically aren't very many HDMI ports on the back of televisions and even if there were you'd end up with a bunch of super long cables trying to reach all of your components. Some clarification would be much appreciated before laying out all that cash for the 5.1 system. Thank you in advance for your answers.

So far I have not had that problem.

[ Katherine Jun 04, 2020 ]

[ FRED Apr 07, 2020 ]

how fast dose internet speed need to be? the ad say high speed internet how fast?

Are you trying to use the Playbar in conjunction with other speakers connected to the A/V receiver? Or are you replacing the speakers and just using the A/V receiver as a switch? It might be possible if your receiver can pass through the audio signal to the TV. Typically it would just send the audio signal directly to the connected speakers. You might need to use a HDMI switch like this: https://www.crutchfield.com/I-rET1c290/p_120H5X1SW4/Metra-ethereal-CS-HDM5X1SW4.html You can call and chat with one of our friendly product advisors about potential limitations and the best gear for your setup. https://www.crutchfield.com/I-rET1c290/S-SUliZgSTXG7/support/ContactUs.aspx

[ CASEY Apr 26, 2020 ] Staff

[ Ralph Oct 24, 2019 ]

Is this sonos soundbar compatible with apple TV 4K?

Hi Ralph, thank you for your question. High-speed internet connection via your high-speed DSL/Cable modem, or fiber-to-the-home broadband connection, is all that will be required for use of the Sonos Playbar. If you only have Satellite Internet access, you may experience playback issues due to fluctuation in download rates.

[ JESSICA Nov 05, 2019 ] Staff

I don't know. All I know is we have high speed internet and the Sonos system we have works great!

[ David Nov 05, 2019 ]

My internet is 24mbps and works great. It's usually running at like 15-17mbps

[ Daniel Nov 05, 2019 ]

[ Donald Mar 13, 2019 ]

6 answers

Have no idea as our tv is probably 20 years old. But the sound bar sounds great.

[ George Mar 14, 2019 ]

Yes, through optical output from your TV

[ JOSEPH Mar 13, 2019 ]

Yes, Video does run through the sound bar. Just the sound from TV through an optical cable. Hope that helps.

[ AMELIA J. Mar 13, 2019 ]

I hooked it to a Samsung 4K and it worked fine. I don't know why it wouldn't be compatible with an Apple. To be sure you might check with the retailer.

[ RANDY Mar 13, 2019 ]

Playbar only connects to an optical audio device, which apple tv does not support, but your TV might. Otherwise, you may want to check out the Sonos Beam, which has HDMI support

[ Andrew Mar 13, 2019 ]

The Sonos Playbar does not support HDMI directly it does support optical sound which can easily be plugged into your TV.

[ PAUL Mar 13, 2019 ]

Does it switch to 2 channel mode when playing music? If not, does it just matrix a center signal?

[ Jaime Feb 18, 2018 ]

What am I missing, if anything, as far as sound quality going from a Marantz NR1508 A/V receiver and LCR speakers... to this SONOS Playbar with sources (BDP, TiVo,..) connected to LG OLED TV via HDMI and the digital audio output via optical to Playbar? Does it recognize/support all the latest hi-resolution audio formats; DTS HD, Dolby Digital/Atmos, TrueHD,..etc? I plan on eventually upgrading to SONOS 5.1 w/ SUB and Play 1 SAT's.

The PLAYBAR will decode the Stereo/PCM format into a left front and right front channels directly from the 2 channel Stereo provided and will decode a matrixed center, right rear, left rear, and subwoofer channel from the audio signal. So, no there is no "stereo mode" for playing music.

[ Ryan Feb 22, 2018 ] Staff

I don't know as I bought it for a gift and don't have access to it any longer

[ GLENNON Feb 19, 2018 ]

[ DARRYL Jul 11, 2017 ]

Will this work with my 2017 LG OLED55B7P TV via optical audio output - support multichannel/5.1 surround sound? I've read that some TV's can't send digital surround sound formats through the optical output.

Thanks for your question. For information on comparing two or more models I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences and help you make the best choice for your system and your budget.

[ KENNETH Jul 13, 2017 ] Staff

[ DARRYL Jul 11, 2017 ]

Will this work with my Wi-Fi, or do I have to connect it via ethernet to the DSL modem or Apple Airport Express, if it's the only SONOS speaker in the house? I plan on adding SUB and Play 1 SAT's later.

I've heard that as well... I have a Vizio set and it was able to pass through the 5.1 audio signal. I chanced it and bought the playbar anyway without knowing because I really liked how it sounded. If you're really considering it, you might want to look up hdmi arc pass through boxes with optical out as a contingency in case it is not working the way you want.

[ REUBEN ELIJAH C Jul 11, 2017 ]

Hi Darryl. I had the same concern when I bought my Sonos Playbar. Some TV do not send a digital Dolby 5.1 signal through digital optical out. I recommend that you check you TV specs. It should be clearly listed. I also recommend you check with Sonos. I have Sony and Samsung TV and it works perfect with Playbar. The LG OLED should support Digital Dolby out. However it's always good to verify it. Also, sometimes the set top box provided by the cable provider has stereo output as default that needs to be changed as well. Good Luck.

[ Purvang Jul 11, 2017 ]

I have a 2015 LG that works great with the playbar, (2) play 3, and sub setup via an optical output.

[ JOSH Jul 11, 2017 ]

[ DARRYL Jul 10, 2017 ]

Why does it require an Optical cable w/ TV? So wireless use via Wi-Fi is only for playing music from mobile devices, as well as transmitting HT audio to SONOS SUB and SAT (Play 1) for 3.1/5.1 surround sound?

Yes, it will work with your wifi. I would recommend the sub with the playbar.

[ Thinh Jul 12, 2017 ]

It will work on WiFi just fine, no needed hardwired connection. I use the PLAYBAR, SUB, and 2 PLAY 1s in my setup with no Ethernet hard wire connection, all WiFi.

[ RYAN Jul 11, 2017 ]

It must be connected to the WiFi modem. Additional Sonos components connect wirelessly to the playbar.

[ Lori Jul 11, 2017 ]

[ DARRYL Jul 10, 2017 ]

Will this work inside a media cabinets open/center speaker shelf?

That is to connect a record player directly to the sound bar

[ BETTY Jul 21, 2017 ]

The only direct connection between your TV or DVD player (or other device that supports optical connection) is an optical toslink connection. To stream music, you must have a Sonos network in your home. The network will support all their other products - Play 1,3,5 etc. Then get the Sonos app and you can play music anywhere those speakers are located, directly from your mobile devices. Hope this helps -

[ Richard Jul 12, 2017 ]

The optical cable is the most efficient means to transmit audio from the TV. You want the fastest connection to avoid audio lag when watching TV; you don't want every show looking as if it was dubbed.

[ RYAN Jul 11, 2017 ]

[ DARRYL Jul 10, 2017 ]

Is there a setting on the PLAYBAR to enhance voice. Seems some movies background sound is so loud we can't hear the voices? thank you in advance.

I use mine in a media center cabinet and the sound improves when I pull it forward as far as possible to get the sides of the soundbar away from the enclosure. I am toying with the idea of extending the shelf for more separation.

[ Vern Jul 11, 2017 ]

[ Liz May 14, 2017 ]

Does the BRIDGE need to be located near the sound bar, or can it be located in he basement, where my Internet/router is located..??

Yes there is. You are looking for speech enhancement. It is in a sub menu

[ DAVID May 15, 2017 ]

Yes there is, in the Sonos app (at least on Android, don't know about iOS).

[ CLAYTON May 15, 2017 ]

[ Freddie Apr 29, 2017 ]

4 answers

Location of the bridge only matters if it causes you to lose connection. Test it in the basement and if it works there you are golden

[ HAROLD Apr 29, 2017 ]

It can be located anywhere. It needs to plugged into your router and as long as your within reasonable Wi-Fi range it will be fine. Sonos no longer needs a bridge by the way. I still use mine because that is how it was originally set up. Good luck.

[ PETER Apr 29, 2017 ]

No, I don't believe so. My bridge is on the other side of the house from my sound bar. It is next to my router.

[ Paul Apr 29, 2017 ]

I have mine next to the router, ticket away out of sight. One floor and several rooms away from bar and sub. Never had a problem.

[ BRIAN Apr 29, 2017 ]

I am considering this to replace a large center channel. My question is this.. Can this be used as a center chanel with the rest of the theater system receiver and speakers? and also be able to be used with just the tv when 5.2 is not needed or wanted..? Thanks.

[ EARL BENJAMI Feb 26, 2017 ]

How do I know if my current Internet connection will support a Sonos system (PlayBar and 2 Play1s)?

The play bar works really well. I like the fact that with sonos you can build your system and add on at any time. First I purchased the play bar then added the sub then the two rear surround speakers. The play bar works as three speakers ( center channel, front right and front left) when complete with the 5.1 system.

[ LINDSAY Feb 28, 2017 ]

This is not really a replacement for a center channel. It can replace a center channel and a left and right front speaker. It also can NOT be combined with the rest of our system. This is a powered sound bar that works and sounds amazing. I CAN, however, be used in a 5.1 set up but ONLY using other SONOS products for the subwoofer and the real channel speakers. Amazing system if used to its full capabilities.

[ WALTER Feb 28, 2017 ]

I don't think it is a 1:1 replacement of a center channel. It is more suitable for someone like me who had a high powered surround sound that was never turned up and wanted a simple system that worked with my other Sonos speakers. It will not compete with a 7.1 or high end 5.2 system

[ Benjamin Feb 28, 2017 ]

[ RONALD Nov 24, 2016 ]

Can this be mounted on any universal wall mount? I already have my TV mounted on a bracket to the wall. They sell a speaker bracket that attaches to that wall mount. Will that work?

As long as you have a broadband internet connection, it will support any configuration of Sonos speaker(s). You will need a Sonos Bridge, which acts as the Sonos speakers' connection to your router either wirelessly or through an ethernet connection.

[ Robert Dec 01, 2016 ]

HI. I am a Sonos user and love the product. As far as I know there is not any restrictions. You just need to purchase the sonos wireless box that hooks directly to your router and all your sonos products work wirelessly

[ RONALD Nov 30, 2016 ]

[ Laura Feb 25, 2016 ]

When it says it doesn't play old iTunes AAC files, does that mean if I have old iTunes albums on my iPod and try to play through Sonos via bluetooth they won't work?

I recommend using the Sonos mount for the playbar because the Sonos stuff comes in some unique shakes/sizes relative to other speakers. The manufacturer could probably tell you though

[ Christopher Feb 26, 2016 ]

[ ALEC Feb 24, 2016 ]

can both the tv and the sound bar sit on a cabinet?

I think it will work. I used to stream audio directly over bluetooth from either phone or computer without a problem. You should also be able to plug the mini-in directly and play audio that way.

[ Siochain Dec 12, 2018 ]

I have never tried to play via Bluetooth on SONOS, since I never knew it supported Bluetooth, but if you used Bluetooth, the item connected is normally just functioning as a speaker, not a player,

[ BYRON Feb 24, 2016 ]

[ STEPHEN Jan 28, 2016 ]

8 answers

Yes, but youll have to put the playbar in front of the tv stand, and depending on the height of the stand, the playbar may block the bottom of the TV picture. I have a book under my TV Stand to raise the screen up enough to clear the playbar

[ BRIAN Jan 31, 2016 ]

Yes

[ DANIEL Jan 29, 2016 ]

see no reason why it can't.

[ GARY Jan 29, 2016 ]

Yes, they can both sit on a cabinet. Depending on the depth of the TV base the cabinet should probably be at least 2 feet deep.

[ Michael Jan 29, 2016 ]

Depends how bit your TV and your cabinet are, but provided they are sufficiently sized, there is no reason they can't. The sound bar does not have to be mounted, and indeed mine is not.

[ PETER Jan 29, 2016 ]

I have a Samsung tv and the sonos sound bar. They both fit on my tv stand fine. I changed my setup now and mounted the tv on the wall and have the sound bar on the tv stand by itself. It's up to you.

[ ALAN Jan 29, 2016 ]

Yes

[ GEORGE Jan 29, 2016 ]

Yes, that is exactly how mine is set up.

[ MARK Jan 29, 2016 ]

How do I add BOOST to Play Bar and two SONOS 1 speakers?

[ Kay Dec 30, 2015 ]

Can I use another bass module with sonos soundbar?

Essentially, you pair them in the Sonos software. If you purchased from us, I recommend giving our technical support a call as they can help you through this setup. If it was purchased elsewhere, you can still get our support on setup through one of our paid support packages.

[ JASON Jan 02, 2016 ] Staff

[ Alan B Aug 16, 2015 ]

My current setup is that everything comes to my AV receiver and from there HDMI to TV for video and the audio to wired speakers from the receiver. Can I connect the Soundbar to my receiver via an optical cable and get rid of the wired speakers? And I would also like to add 2 PLAY 1 in rear to get 3:1

I bought the Sonos bass module and love it. Great system addition. Not sure about adding another type of sub; you would probably need to power it with a separate receiver, and you would need the Sonos Connect to integrate all the pieces.

[ JAMES A Aug 17, 2015 ]

I am not able to answer this question.

[ CRAIG Aug 17, 2015 ]

[ Chinmay Mar 12, 2015 ]

What placement options are supported or recommend for the sound bar? Should it always be positioned so the wider edge faces the room and the narrow edge faces up/down? Or can I lay it flat (in front of the tv) wide edge facing up and still get good sound? I want to lay this on my tv stand but am worried about the ~5" width blocking the bottom of my TV.

I'm planning to split the fiber optic audio signal from TV to a sound bar with Play 5's in the rear and component system with 6.1. The end result is a casual theatre sound for everyday and 6.1 for the big action movies. Either setup probably allows internet radio to flow through the soundbar and rear channel speakers when TV is off.

[ Charlie Mar 14, 2015 ]

Thank you for your response George. I definitely don't want wired speakers. Looking at other question/answers and product information it seems that everyone is connecting the Playbar to the TV but I was wondering if it is possible to connect it to my AV receiver.

[ Chinmay Mar 13, 2015 ]

You don't need wired speakers with the playbar.I use the playbar as my main source of audio and have other Sonos wireless speakers as my secondary audio.

[ GEORGE Mar 13, 2015 ]

[ JimC512 Dec 12, 2014 ]

5 answers

Hi Jim, You can place the sound bar an which way and get amazing sound. I have mine laying flat in front of my flat screen. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Keith

[ KEITH J Dec 16, 2014 ]

I have mine positioned in front of my TV, laying flat as you describe. The sound is still great. The bar has an IR sensor on the right side and a repeater in the rear that allows it to repeat commands from my remote to the TV's IR sensor. If they did not have this, I'm sure the TV's IR sensor would be blocked by the speaker. This setup is not perfect, though because I think it forces me to repeat a button press on the remote, occasionally. Still, it is not a deal breaker and I still love the speaker.

[ Christopher Dec 16, 2014 ]

If your screen is on any stand whatsoever, you should have plenty of clearance. I have an lg 46' and my playbar sits at least three inches below the bottom of the TV screen.i lay mine as shown here.

[ JOHN Dec 15, 2014 ]

Our playbar looks like it was built to lay flat with the wide side up as it appears in the picture.

[ CRAIG Dec 15, 2014 ]

thats how i use mine flat in front just like the picture its a little higher than 3an1/4 " have it paired up with two play ones sounds great to us never really used it with out the play ones as a stero im maybe getting the sub woofer to finish it off hope it helps u

[ SUSAN B Dec 15, 2014 ]

I don't want to buy both the soundbar and a Play 5, but am curious about the fidelity of the soundbar for music when compared to the Play 5 (or other music-only speaker from Sonos). Can the soundbar provide decent music fidelity in a sizable room?

[ DAVID Dec 10, 2014 ]

8 answers

Hi Dave I consider the Sonos soundbar to be great for music output. I have 4 Sonos Amps, the soundbar, and 2 play threes. I am pretty picky and I have never considered needing any enhanced sound in the room where the TV is. Two other thoughts... -buy the soundbar through Crutchfield and if you don't agree, Crutchfield's no-quibble return policy is there for you. -maybe silly, but with the soundbar you can play the TV sound through any other Sonos component. This is useful when there's sports events, etc and you can play teh sound throughout other rooms or outside.

[ STEPHEN Dec 16, 2014 ]

I just use it for my big screen tv so I can't answer your question about music fidelity...sorry!

[ ROGER Dec 13, 2014 ]

Yes, the player sounds just as good if not better than a play 5. Now, 2 Play 5's in stereo pair will blow the playbar out of the water! But then again, 2 playbars in stereo pair will blow 2 Play 5's out of the water.

[ VINNIE Dec 11, 2014 ]

Hi, I have both the Sonos Playbar and the Play 5 and I have to confess that I very rarely use the Play 5. The Playbar is at least on par with the Play 5 so if you want just one unit, my suggestion is to go with the Playbar. If you can find the resources for the subwoofer I would strongly recommend that also - I makes a big difference.

[ JAN S Dec 11, 2014 ]

Hi Dave. I have enjoyed my sound bar and play 5 for about a year now. I truly love both. I have the advantage of the sub woofer, and highly recommend that you purchase it with the sound bar. Both the play 5 and sound bar are fantastic, but as an audiophile (or at least I like to think I am) I found the addition of the sub unit essential. I had severe buyers remorse about the whole system until I opened the box and let the system fill my home with music. Though expensive, it is worth every penny. I have sold and installed High End home automation and music systems like Nuvo in many homes, I was stunned when one of my good customers showed me what he had put in his beach house and was more amazed when I found out what it cost vs. the 30 to 50k of other systems. I highly recommend Sonos for its seamless set up and expandability, but mostly the excellent customer service and top notch sound quality. Hope this helps, Happy Holidays!

[ ANTHONY D Dec 11, 2014 ]

The Playbar can fill most rooms with quality sound. It has a very diffuse sound field. The Play5 has great sound but lacks any appreciable stereo separation. I would consider buying two PLAY3 for good stereo sound. Any Sonos option would be augmented with the addition of the Sub.

[ MICHAEL Dec 11, 2014 ]

I have a sound bar connected to a TV and use it that way the majority of the time. However, I have used it for music and the fidelity of the sound bar is very good. The room that I have it in is around 700 sq ft. I do not have any other speakers connected to the system and the sound bar is very loud and clear. I have other Sonos components in other rooms of the house and the components are played through Bose speakers. The sound bar music quality is as good as these other players. I do not have a Play 5. I do have the smaller Sonos speaker (a Play 1?). The sound bar produces a much better sound than the all in one sonos speaker.

[ STEFFANIE Dec 11, 2014 ]

I own both the play 5 and sound bar. I have not compared them head to head but am very impressed with the fidelity of the sound bar. The sound bar and sub is a combination that can not be beat and leads to great video concerts. Sonos has recently upgraded the software for the sound bar leading even better tunes.

[ KEITH Dec 11, 2014 ]

The instructions have components connected directly to the TV for the SONOS Bar to work. Has anyone tried connecting components to an AV receiver then to the TV HDMI and have the Bar work?

[ Thomas Dec 02, 2014 ]

5 answers

You can connect to an AV receiver using the fiber connection but I haven't tried it myself. As for the HDMI, it also sounds workable but again I have mine connected directly to the TV.

[ ANDREW Dec 03, 2014 ]

My sound bar is connected directly to the LG flat panel LED TV with an optical cable and it works well. The cable box (Comcast) remote controls the TV and the Sound bar volume. I like simple systems so I have not added any other components to that particular setup.

[ DAVID W Dec 03, 2014 ]

The Playbar connects to your TV's optical audio-out. If whatever you connect to your TV feeds sound to the audio-out will play on the Playbar. So it is more a question about the capability of your TV then the Playbar

[ FRANK Dec 03, 2014 ]

Unfortunately I have the routine setup connected directly to the TV

[ GEORGE Dec 03, 2014 ]

There is an optical audio cable that needs to run from the play bar to the tv. So any audio you feed to the tv will play through the play bar.

[ ILENE Dec 03, 2014 ]

Can the sound bar be mounted upside down and not work properly? In other words is the a upside down/ right side up?

[ Chief sparkey Oct 13, 2014 ]

It seems I've lost my HD video after I connected and got my Sonos Plarbar up and running. Sound is great but cable video quality no longer HD... does that make sense to anyone?

You just want to make sure that the front area that says Sonos faces you. I don't really anticipate the sound being off if you had it flipped around. The location of your power outlet and how the cord runs from the bar to the outlet could be an aesthetic issue I guess.

[ JASON Oct 13, 2014 ]

We bought one for our summer house in Maine and it's worked well for almost 2 years now. I'm fairly certain you could mount this any way you want and it would still function properly. It's really just a big speaker that's solidly built, so it could be wall mounted, ceiling mounted, hung vertically, hung horizontally etc. The input/output jack connection area is at one end on the back side.

[ ANDREW Oct 13, 2014 ]

[ BradJ Jun 16, 2014 ]