HomePod What Would The Outcome Be If… Home Theater Question

[Itinj24]

Building a home theater from scratch. This is my first time dabbling in something like this so trying to keep it simple. Not wanting to go too crazy with all kinds of receivers and amps but I’ve pretty much settled on the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc. It includes an Arc sound bar, a Gen 3 Sub (full size) and a pair of Era 300’s for the rear.

Since Apple limits the home theater setup to a pair of full size HomePods at best… What could I expect if I add a stereo pair of full size HomePods to the Sonos set up described above? The HomePods will be audio defaulted to an AppleTV. Will this screw everything up with the Sonos setup or will it enhance it? Perhaps looking to add them to some shelving along side the TV, above the level of the Sound bar. Maybe even out by the ends of the TV console (Gonna be a very wide console, like 97”)

Please talk to me like I’m a third grader lol. I’m not very savvy in this stuff but want to keep the smarts (HomeKit/AirPlay) of a Sonos/Apple setup. Curious if the Sonos setup and a stereo pair of HomePods will play nicely together. TIA.

 

[waw74]

more speakers doesn't necessarily mean better sound, especially if you're using 2 different systems that operate completely independently. you're more likely to wind up with muddy sound.

if you use default audio the the HomePod, it won't output to the tv anymore. you can output to the TV and airplay to the HomePods, but the HP will be stereo only. (or default the HomePod and send stereo to the sonos via airplay )

main thing for video would be the center channel, where most of the dialogue comes out, by adding the pair of HomePods, you're now making them also out put the center, but it will be spread out,

also sync between the systems, it's fine for audio in multiple rooms, but you might notice it in the same room.

take the money you were going to spend on HomePods, and buy sonos for other rooms. If you want to be able to yell out to siri, get a HomePod mini.

 

[Itinj24]

more speakers doesn't necessarily mean better sound, especially if you're using 2 different systems that operate completely independently. you're more likely to wind up with muddy sound.

if you use default audio the the HomePod, it won't output to the tv anymore. you can output to the TV and airplay to the HomePods, but the HP will be stereo only. (or default the HomePod and send stereo to the sonos via airplay )

main thing for video would be the center channel, where most of the dialogue comes out, by adding the pair of HomePods, you're now making them also out put the center, but it will be spread out,

also sync between the systems, it's fine for audio in multiple rooms, but you might notice it in the same room.

take the money you were going to spend on HomePods, and buy sonos for other rooms. If you want to be able to yell out to siri, get a HomePod mini.

Thank you, waw. Can always count on you for a detailed reply. I’m already balls deep in HomePods around the house but still have three OG’s sealed in original box that I’m looking to purpose. Wanted a little something more for the home theater than just a pair of HomePods.

For the most part, the HomePods have been good. Some crappy software releases here and there but mostly good experience. No hardware malfunctions yet with none OG’s and eight Minis. When/if these do crap out, I’ve thought about exactly what you said. Sonos around the house with sprinkles of HomePod Minis for HomeKit voice control.

 

[srl7741]

Hmm? You didn't mention the type and size of room the new system is going in? That can make a difference.

 

[Itinj24]

Hmm? You didn't mention the type and size of room the new system is going in? That can make a difference.

It’s not a symmetrical room but I’m splitting it up into two sections with no wall separating the two. A theater section and a game room section. The theater section is approx 177” x 157” (14.75’ x 13’) rectangular so roughly 192 sq/ft.

The game room section on the other side is larger but has a rounded corner.

Here are some photos. The theater is on the side of the sliding door however, my wife and I are still debating if we should put it on the larger side to the right. This floor of the house is partly underground.

I was more curious though if the two stereo HomePods defaulted to the AppleTV and the Sonos system would be compatible together and not so much sound quality wise. I do understand that’s an important aspect though. Main curiosity is if the systems would allow the combination. Also keeping in mind, I’m not looking for earth shattering movie theater quality audio. Just something to watch some movies, NHL games and play Xbox with my son that’s better than just a stereo pair of HomePods.

PS- Pay no attention to the ugly flooring. It’s getting replaced lol.

 

[srl7741]

The Sonos Ultimate will work much better in that space. If it was a 15x15 bedroom or something like that I would push two stereo pair of second generation homePods. That's gonna be NICE when done.

 

[Itinj24]

The Sonos Ultimate will work much better in that space. If it was a 15x15 bedroom or something like that I would push two stereo pair of second generation homePods. That's gonna be NICE when done.

Yeah, I hope so, thanks. We bought this house in 2020 and been wanting to to this since but other renovations took priority. So you’re implying that the Sonos system and two HomePods would play together nicely?

I was thinking also to put the two HomePods there on standby for just casual watching when the kids are sleeping. Plus my master bedroom/bathroom is directly above and takes up that whole area of the theater and game room. Don’t need to rattle the wife while she’s sleeping either lol.

I still have three OGs sealed in box that I was saving for this renovation (two in theater and one in that game room to the side). In the three years we’ve been here, they discontinued the OG and released a 2nd gen lol.