Sonos CONNECT Product Guide
(Formerly ZonePlayer 90)
Introduction
The SONOS CONNECT (formerly ZonePlayer 90) is designed to be used with an external amplifier. It contains both analog and digital outputs, allowing easy connection to your existing audio equipment.
- Use a SONOS CONNECT to listen to music in a room with an existing amplifier, such as a home theater system or family room stereo.
- Use it in your home office with a computer or powered speakers.
- It's ideal for distributed audio systems driven from a central amplifier with home-run speaker wires.
Getting Started with Sonos
New to Sonos?
Setting up your Sonos system is straightforward (details are in the Quick Start Guide):
- Connect one Sonos component (BRIDGE, CONNECT, PLAY:3, PLAY:5, CONNECT:AMP) to your broadband router using an Ethernet cable.
- Place other Sonos components in your desired rooms.
- Install the software and follow prompts to add components and set up music file access.
- Add a Sonos controller to your music system.
Adding to an existing Sonos system?
Sonos systems expand easily room by room. To add this CONNECT to an existing system, refer to "Adding to an Existing Sonos System" on page 5.
Your Home Network
To access Internet music services, Internet radio, and digital music stored on your computer or Network-Attached Storage (NAS) device, your home network must meet these requirements:
Network requirements
- A high-speed DSL/Cable modem, or fiber-to-the-home broadband connection is required for proper playback of Internet-based music services. Satellite Internet may lead to playback issues due to fluctuating download rates.
- If your modem is not a modem/router combination and you want automatic online updates or streaming from Internet-based music services, you must install a router. Purchase and install one if needed.
- If you plan to use a Sonos controller application on an Android™ smartphone, iPhone, iPod Touch®, iPad®, or other tablet, a wireless router is likely necessary. Visit faq.sonos.com/apps for more information.
- Connect at least one Sonos component to your home network router via Ethernet to enable wireless connections for other components.
- For optimal performance, connect the computer or NAS drive containing your music library to your home network router using an Ethernet cable.
Compatible operating systems
- Windows® XP SP3 and higher
- Macintosh® OS X 10.6 and higher
Note: Visit faq.sonos.com/specs for the latest system requirements and supported operating system versions.
Sonos Controllers
You can use any Sonos controller with the SONOS CONNECT:
- Sonos Controller for Android: Download the free Sonos app from the Android Market™ by tapping the Market button on your smartphone or tablet.
- Sonos Controller for iPhone or iPad: Download the free Sonos app from the App Store by tapping the App Store button on your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, or download from iTunes®. (If downloading from iTunes, sync your device before the Sonos logo appears.)
- Sonos Controller for Mac or PC: Install using the CD-ROM provided with your Sonos component.
- SONOS CONTROL (CR200) or CR100.
For the most current list of Sonos controllers, visit www.sonos.com/products.
SONOS CONNECT Front
Diagram Description: The front panel features a Status Indicator Light, a Mute button, and Volume Up (+) and Volume Down (-) buttons.
On/Off
Use a Sonos controller to select Pause All from the ROOMS pane. Your Sonos system is designed for continuous operation with minimal electricity use when idle. The Pause All feature stops music playback in all rooms.
Status indicator
- Flashes white: Powering up or connecting to your Sonos system.
- Solid white: Powered up and connected (normal operation).
The indicator shows the component's status. You can toggle the white light on/off during normal operation. For details, see the online help system or visit faq.sonos.com/led for a full list of status indications.
Mute button
- Solid green light: Sound is muted.
- Rapid green flash: Household mute/unmute is in progress.
- Slow green flash: Sonos component is connecting to your music system.
Press the Mute button to mute or unmute the component. Press and hold for 3 seconds to mute or unmute all Sonos components in your household.
Volume up (+) / Volume down (-)
Press these buttons to adjust the volume.
SONOS CONNECT Back
Diagram Description: The rear panel includes two Ethernet switch connectors, AC power input, Analog audio in, Analog audio out (fixed/variable), TOSLINK® digital audio out, and Coaxial digital audio out.
- Ethernet switch connectors (2): Use Category 5 Ethernet cable to connect to a router, computer, or NAS device. LED indicators: Flashing Green (network activity), Yellow (link connection).
- AC power (mains) input (~100-240 V, 50-60 Hz): Connect using the supplied power cord.
- Analog audio in: Use a standard RCA audio cable to connect audio outputs from a separate component (e.g., CD player) to the SONOS CONNECT's analog audio inputs.
- Analog audio out (fixed/variable): Use a standard RCA audio cable to connect the Sonos component's analog audio outputs to the audio inputs on a separate component (e.g., amplifier or home theater receiver).
- TOSLINK® digital audio out: Use a TOSLINK optical audio cable to connect the SONOS CONNECT's digital audio output to the audio inputs on a separate component (e.g., amplifier or home theater receiver).
- Coaxial digital audio out: Use a digital coaxial cable to connect the Sonos component's coaxial digital audio output to the audio inputs on a separate component (e.g., amplifier or home theater receiver).
Adding to an Existing Sonos System
Easily add more Sonos components anytime. Use the SONOS CONNECT's audio outputs to connect to a home theater, computer, powered speakers, or amplifier. Utilize structured wiring for wired connections or the built-in wireless technology.
- Connect the power cord and plug in the SONOS CONNECT. The Mute button and Status indicators will begin to flash.
- Choose a connection method:
Connect to a home theater or amplifier
- For digital inputs: Use a TOSLINK® optical audio cable or a digital coaxial cable to connect the SONOS CONNECT's digital output to the receiver's digital input.
- For analog inputs: Use a standard RCA audio cable to connect the SONOS CONNECT's analog audio output to the receiver's audio inputs.
- Select the correct input channel on the receiver. Refer to "Controlling the volume from your home theater or amplifier" for volume settings.
Connect to a computer or powered speakers
- To your computer: Use a stereo mini to RCA Y-adapter audio cable (1/8-inch stereo miniplug to dual RCA male connectors) to connect the Sonos component's analog audio output to the computer's audio input.
- To powered speakers: A Y-adapter audio cable (1/8-inch stereo miniplug to dual RCA male connectors) may be needed to connect the computer's speakers to the Sonos component's audio outputs. If your speakers have a male 1/8-inch stereo plug, use a female-to-female coupler between the speaker plug and the Y-adapter cable.
- Skip this step for wireless connections; proceed to step 4. For wired connections, connect a standard Ethernet cable from your router or another Sonos component (or a live network wall plate) to an Ethernet switch connection on the back of the Sonos component.
- Select an addition method:
- Using a handheld Sonos controller: Navigate to Settings -> Add a Sonos Component and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Using the Sonos Controller for Mac or PC: Navigate to Manage -> Add a Sonos Component and follow the prompts.
For more information on connecting audio devices, visit faq.sonos.com/cables.
Line-In
Stream audio from external sources like CD players or portable music players through Sonos using the audio-in connections. The device is automatically detected once plugged in.
- To connect a CD player or similar source: Use a standard RCA cable to connect to the analog Audio In ports on the back of your SONOS CONNECT.
- To connect a portable music player: Use a 1/8 inch mini-stereo to RCA audio cable. Connect the mini-stereo end to the portable device and the RCA end to the Audio In port on the Sonos component.
Using a handheld Sonos controller:
- To play music from a line-in source: Select Line-In from the Music menu, choose the source, and select Play Now.
- To rename the device: Select Room Settings from the Settings menu, choose the Sonos component, then tap Line-In Source Name. Select or type a new name.
- To adjust the line-in level: Select Room Settings from the Settings menu, choose the Sonos component, then tap Line-In Source Level. Select a new level.
Using the Sonos Controller for Mac or PC:
- To play music from this source: Select Line-In from the MUSIC pane, click ▶️ next to the music source, and select Play Now.
- To change device settings: Select Manage -> Settings (PC) or Sonos -> Preferences -> Room Settings (Mac). Choose the Sonos component from the Room Settings drop-down list. Click the Line-In tab and update settings.
A default line-in level is automatically assigned. If the volume is too low, you can select a higher line level for this device. (Note: Higher levels may cause sound distortion.)
Line-in encoding settings
Line-in encoding determines how Sonos processes incoming data from line-in sources. The default setting is automatic, providing optimal playback. Sonos recommends keeping this default.
Usage guidelines:
- Use Uncompressed if: You require optimal performance with home theaters or the highest sound quality (this requires more network bandwidth).
- Use Compressed if: You are connecting more than 4 rooms wirelessly or are operating in an environment with heavy wireless interference and experiencing dropouts.
To change the line-in encoding setting:
- Handheld controller: Navigate to Settings -> Advanced Settings -> Audio Compression.
- Sonos Controller for PC: Navigate to Manage -> Settings -> Advanced Settings.
- Sonos Controller for Mac: Navigate to Sonos -> Preferences -> Advanced Settings.
For more information on connecting audio devices, visit faq.sonos.com/cables.
Line-out
Controlling the volume from your home theater or amplifier
To control volume exclusively from your home theater or amplifier, set the SONOS CONNECT's line-out level to Fixed:
- Handheld controller: Navigate to Room Settings, select the component, then select Line-Out Level and choose Fixed.
- Sonos Controller for PC: Navigate to Manage -> Settings, select the component, then choose Fixed from the Line-Out Level drop-down on the Basic tab.
- Sonos Controller for Mac: Navigate to Sonos -> Preferences -> Rooms Settings, select the component, then choose Fixed from the Line-Out Level drop-down on the Basic tab.
Note: When line-out is set to Fixed, volume and equalization settings cannot be adjusted using a Sonos controller.
Controlling the volume from your Sonos system
- Set your home theater or amplifier's volume to a typical listening level.
- If the line-out level is not currently set to Variable, change it:
- Handheld controller: Navigate to Room Settings, select the component, then select Line-Out Level and choose Variable from the drop-down on the Basic tab.
- Sonos Controller for PC: Navigate to Manage -> Settings, select the component, then choose Variable from the Line-Out Level drop-down on the Basic tab.
- Sonos Controller for Mac: Navigate to Sonos -> Preferences -> Rooms Settings, select the component, then choose Variable from the Line-Out Level drop-down on the Basic tab.
- Use a Sonos controller to adjust the volume for music playback.
- Optionally, readjust your home theater system or amplifier's volume to align the controller's volume range with your typical listening range.
Playing Music
Use any Sonos controller to select music from the Music menu (handheld controller) or MUSIC pane (Mac/PC).
Radio
Sonos offers access to thousands of free Internet radio stations and broadcast programs globally. To select a station, simply choose Radio and pick a station.
Music services
Music services are online stores or platforms selling audio content by song, audiobook, or subscription. Sonos supports various services; see www.sonos.com/howitworks/music/partners for a current list. (Service availability may vary by country; check individual service websites for details.)
To add a subscribed music service:
- On your handheld controller, touch More Music from the Music menu.
- Select the desired Sonos-compatible music service.
- Select "I already have an account." Enter your music service username and password, then touch Done. Your credentials will be verified.
Once verified, the music service will appear on the Music menu for easy access.
Free music service trials may be available. If a trial is visible on your More Music menu, touch it. Select "I'm new to [music service]" and follow the prompts to activate. Subscribe after the trial period to continue listening.
Music folders
Sonos can play music from any computer or network-attached storage (NAS) device on your home network that has shared music folders (e.g., your iTunes library). You can add or remove folders from this list.
To manage your shared folders:
- Add a new folder: Navigate to Settings -> Manage Music Library -> Music Library Setup -> Add New Share.
- Remove a folder: Navigate to Settings -> Manage Music Library -> Music Library Setup. Touch the share you wish to remove, then select Remove Share.
Sonos indexes your music folders by categories like artists, albums, composers, genres, and tracks. If you add new music, update your music index to include it in your Sonos library.
- To update the index immediately: Navigate to Settings -> Manage Music Library -> Update Music Index Now.
- To schedule automatic daily updates: Select Schedule Music Index Updates and choose an update time.
Basic Troubleshooting
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Contact an authorized Sonos repair center for service. Opening the system poses an electric shock risk and voids the warranty. For assistance, contact Sonos Customer Support.
If a problem occurs, try the troubleshooting suggestions below. If issues persist or you are unsure how to proceed, contact the Sonos Customer Support team.
- Web site: Select Help -> Technical Support Website for direct access to the Support page. Visit www.sonos.com/support to access Forums, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) pages, or to request assistance.
- Email: support@sonos.com
- Text-Chat and Phone: Visit www.sonos.com/support/contact.
- US/Canada: ? +1.800.680.2345 (toll-free)
- United Kingdom: 0808 2346596
- If your country is not listed, please use the Text-Chat and Phone link to find the correct telephone number for your country.
SONOS CONNECT not detected during setup
Network or firewall issues can prevent your Sonos component from connecting to your system. For wireless components, try moving them closer together or temporarily wire the component to check for wireless interference. If you encounter this message when installing the first Sonos component (wired to your router), try the following steps to resolve the issue. If problems persist, contact Sonos Customer Support.
- Check the firewall: Firewall software on your computer may be blocking necessary Sonos ports. First, disable all your firewalls and try to connect again. If this resolves the problem, configure your firewall to work with the Sonos Controller for Mac or PC. Visit faq.sonos.com/firewall for additional information. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to step 2.
- Check the router: You can bypass your router's switch to identify potential router configuration issues by connecting Sonos as depicted in the illustration below (note that the Sonos component and the computer must still have Internet access in this configuration):
Diagram Description: A computer is connected via Ethernet to the SONOS CONNECT, which is then connected via Ethernet to a router, which is connected to a Cable/DSL modem.
- Ensure your cable/DSL modem is connected to the router's WAN (Internet) port.
- Temporarily remove any other components wired to your network.
- Connect an Ethernet cable from the computer directly to the back of the Sonos component, and then connect another Ethernet cable from the Sonos component directly to one of the LAN ports on your router.
- When making a change to your network configuration, you may need to power cycle the Sonos component by unplugging and replugging the power cord. If you are not using a router, visit faq.sonos.com/norouter for more information.
- Check the wiring: Examine the link/activity lights on both the router and the Sonos component. The link lights should be solid, and the activity lights should be blinking.
- If the link lights are not lit, try connecting to a different port.
- If the link lights still do not light, try using a different Ethernet cable.
Not all rooms are visible
This issue is likely caused by wireless interference. Change the wireless channel your Sonos system is operating on:
- Using a handheld Sonos controller: Navigate to Settings -> Advanced Settings -> Wireless Channel. Choose another wireless channel from the list.
- Using the Sonos Controller for PC: Navigate to Manage -> Settings -> Advanced Settings. On the General tab, select another wireless channel from the list.
- Using the Sonos Controller for Mac: Navigate to Sonos -> Preferences -> Advanced Settings. On the General tab, select another wireless channel from the list.
Changes may take several seconds to take effect. If music is playing, a short music dropout may occur during the wireless channel change.
Important Safety Information
- Read and keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings and follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a dry soft cloth. Household cleaners or solvents can damage the finish on your Sonos components.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that produce heat.
- Protect the power cable from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
- Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
- Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
- Refer all servicing to Sonos qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cable or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
- The Mains plug should be readily available to disconnect the equipment.
- ⚠️ Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
- Do not expose apparatus to dripping or splashing and do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.
? Important Note: To avoid damage to speakers, turn off the external amplifier before unplugging your SONOS CONNECT.
