How to Set Up a Sonos Amp

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

The Sonos Amp is an amplifier for passive speakers, bringing the Sonos experience to your own non-Sonos speakers. It brings all the Sonos music services, functionality, and ease of use to any speakers it's connected to in your home. Similar to other Sonos speakers, the amp is capable of receiving voice control commands from microphone-enabled devices, such as the Sonos One.

This guide will cover how to connect speakers to your amp, attach an external audio device if desired, and how to get it powered up and connected to the Sonos app.

Tools You'll Need:

• Speaker wire to connect your speakers to the amp
• Audio cables to connect an external device with (if desired)

Supplies You'll Need:

• Zip ties
• Any other consumable supplies
• Comment out supplies section if no supplies are necessary

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Before You Begin:

• Have the speakers and any external audio device you wish to connect to your amp handy.

The Sonos Controller app must already be installed.

• How to Install the Sonos Controller App

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2. Connect Speakers to the Amp

Your speaker’s power rating should be at least 55W for 8 ohm speakers, and at least 100W for 4 ohm speakers. Don’t connect speakers rated at less than 4 ohms.

1. Using the provided banana plugs, unscrew the bottom of the banana plug until the speaker wire hole is exposed.
   

1. Insert the stripped end of the speaker wire into the hole, and then tighten the bottom of the banana plug so that it holds the speaker wire firmly. Connect the red(+) positive and black (-) terminals from each speaker to the corresponding terminals on the Amp. Mismatching of polarities will result in weak central sound, and a distorted sense of sound direction.
   

1. Repeat to install the other speaker wires.
2. To install a subwoofer, just connect the cable to the correct out port.
   

3. Add an Analog Audio Device to Your Amp (Optional)

Your Sonos Amp also has Line In connections available. You can connect an audio device using standard left and right analog audio connections if you wish. This could be anything from an MP3 player, CD player, record player, etc.

Connecting an external audio device is not required to use your amp. If you have no device to connect to your amp, this step can be skipped.

Connect a standard analog cable from your audio device to the left & right IN ports.

4. Power On the Amp

Using the supplied power cable, connect one end into the rear of your amp, and the other end into an available power outlet.

5. Connect the Amp to the Sonos App

Install the Sonos Controller AppBefore connecting your Sonos devices to the app, you need to, well, download the app!

iOS Devices

Sonos Controller App
If you are viewing this guide on your iOS device this link will allow you to jump directly to Sonos Controller App in the App Store and install it immediately.

• Sonos Controller App

1. Open the App Store.
   

1. Type in "Sonos Controller" in the search bar.
2. Find Sonos Controller in the search results and tap on GET.
   

1. Tap on Install to start download.
   

Android Devices

Sonos Controller App on Google Play
If you are viewing this guide on your Android device, or have your Google account linked on your Android device and your browser, this link will allow you to jump directly to the Sonos Controller in the Google Play Store and install it immediately.

• Sonos Controller App

1. Open Play Store.
   

1. Search for "Sonos Controller for Android" and tap on the app.
   

1. Tap Install to start downloading the app.
   

1. Once installed, tap Open.
   

Connect to the Sonos App

1. Open the Sonos app.
   

1. Select Set up a new Sonos system.
   

1. Sign into your existing Sonos account, or select Create account to create a new one.
   

1. Select Continue to proceed with the setup process.
   

1. Select Standard setup for your Sonos Amp to continue.
   

1. Select Next to proceed with Standard setup.
   

1. Your Sonos Amp should already be powered on. Ensure that it is, and select Next to proceed.
   

1. You should eventually see a green flashing light on your Amp. Once you do, select Continue to proceed.
   

1. The Sonos Controller app will begin searching for your Amp.
2. The Sonos Controller app should have determined you are attempting to setup a Sonos Amp.
3. The Sonos Controller app will then begin configuring your Amp.
   

1. The Sonos Amp is now ready to begin its network setup process. Select Next for instructions on how to proceed.
   

1. You will be asked to connect your mobile device to a temporary network called SONOS in order to proceed with the setup process.
   

1. Open your Wi-Fi settings, and select the Sonos network.
   
2. Select Settings.
   

1.  
2. Select WiFi.
   

1. Select Sonos from the list.
   

1. Return to the Sonos app.
   

1. The Sonos Amp is now connected to your home network.