How to Create a Stereo Pair with Sonos Speakers

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

This guide will help you create a stereo pair from two of your Sonos speakers, so the two will provide a stereo listening expirience.

Before You Begin:

Sonos Controller App
Both of your Sonos Speakers must be setup first, and you must have the Sonos App installed on your smartphone or tablet.

Sonos

Supported Speakers

The following Sonos speakers can be stereo paired:

Sonos One

Sonos One

Sonos One SL

Sonos One SL

Sonos Play:1

Sonos Play:1

Sonos Play:3

Sonos Play:3

Sonos Play:5

Sonos Play:5

Sonos Move

Sonos Move

Sonos SYMFONISK

Sonos SYMFONISK

2. Optimal Speaker Placement for Stereo Pair

The following tips and hints are not hard and fast rules, but rather guidelines to help you get the most out of your Sonos speakers in a stereo pairing.Placing Distances

Sonos recommends you place your speakers about eight to 10 feet apart, and about eight to 12 feet from where you like to listen.

Diagram showing distances between speakers and person listening

Orientation for Play:3 and Play:5 Speakers

The Sonos Play:3 and Play:5 speakers have a rectangular shape, and can be either placed horizontally or vertically.

Vertical Orientation

A vertical orientation creates a small, but excellent stereo area; about the size of a chair.

Play:5 Vertical

Horizontal Orientation

A horizontal orientation creates a stereo area that's about couch sized.

Play:5 Horizontal

3. Create a Stereo Pair

  1. Open the Sonos App, and select More.
Sonos

Menu
  1. Select Settings.
Settings
  1. Select Room Settings.
Settings menu with Room Settings highlighted.
  1. Select the room you'd like to set up your Stereo Pair in.
Room settings.
  1. Select Create Stereo Pair.
Room settings with Create Stereo Pair highlighted.
  1. A brief introduction is displayed, select Next.
Stereo Pair introduction with Next highlighted.
  1. Select the second speaker you'd like to make a Stereo Pair with.
Select other speaker to pair dialog with second speaker highlighted.
  1. A prompt asking you to push a button on the speaker the left is shown. Go to the speaker you want to be on the left, and push the button indicated. In this example, the + Volume Up button.
Stereo Pair identify Left by pushing a button.
  1. Your Stereo Pair is created, select Done.
Stereo Pair complete with Done highlighted.

4. How to Separate a Stereo Pair

If you wish to separate a stereo pair, do the following:

  1. Open the Sonos App, and select More.
Sonos

Menu
  1. Select Settings.
Settings
  1. Select Room Settings.
Settings menu with Room Settings highlighted.
  1. Select your paired room. It will have (L+R) next to it.
Room Settings with room with Stereo Pair highlighted
  1. Select Separate Stereo Pair.
Room Settings with Separate Stereo Pair highlighted.
  1. You will be asked to confirm, select Yes.
Remove Stereo Pair prompt with Yes highlighted.