Multichannel audio stopped working with Sonos

[JimmyG 5]

I've been accumulating a collection of multi-channel audio (WAV format) that I've been successfully playing in Emby via my Nividia Shield TV devices for years.

For some reason, within the last year it stopped working with my Sonos system.  I initiate playback of the track and nothing happens.

I've been going through every setting possible (on all devices) and can't seem to get anywhere.

Before I pull more hair out, did something change at some point that I'm not aware of?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[Luke 42077]

 

Hi there, let's look at an example. Please attach the information requested in how to report a media playback issue. Thanks!

 

[JimmyG 5]

Hi Luke, I appreciate the fast response.  It's strange, it acts like it's playing.  Logs seem to indicate it's playing but the time sits at 0 and doesn't proceed.  Attaching the primary embyserver log file. No other log files were modified, only embyserver.txt.

Again, relevant info is I'm on an Nvidia Shield running Emby and passing through my TV to a Sonos sound bar with eARC.  Everything worked fine before but within the last year it stopped I'm wondering if Sonos made changes that is breaking something?

The last file I tried to play is at around 12:40 - Welcome to the Machine.  It's a multi-channel WAV file.  I have no issue with playback of movies, it's just these multi-channel audio files that stopped working.

Thank you!

 

embyserver(1).txt

[JimmyG 5]

Luke, I just wanted to point something out so that I don't waste too much of your time.  I have a surround receiver in another room (not Sonos) and have no issues with playback of these files there.  So it's likely not an issue with the Emby server or application, more likely a compatibility issue with Sonos.  Just wondering if this is a known issue and if there's anything that can be done to resolve whatever it is.  Thank you.

[JimmyG 5]

Luke, one last note for now.  Out of curiosity I converted the track to a 2 channel MP3 and this doesn't play as well.

So it doesn't appear to be a multi-channel issue.  No audio files appear to play through Emby to my Sonos environment.  So strange...

[JimmyG 5]

Luke, I sorted this out.  Music playback stopped working with Sonos using the bundled v2 app from the App Store for some reason.  Yet movie have no issues with audio.

It works with the sideloaded app via https://emby.media/emby-for-android.html

Out of curiosity, is there a reason why newer versions can't be added to the app store?

Thanks

[Luke 42077]

What do you mean by v2 app? Do you mean our app? It’s in the but the version is currently a behind the build on the website. But it’s in process of being updated.

[JimmyG 5]

Ok I understand.  One more question - I can add a new thread for this if you prefer although it's related to my struggles with surround audio playback.

I have two Nvidia Shields that I'm experimenting with, side by side on the same setup.  Surround audio is processing fine on the unit with v3.2.84 but the unit with 3.5.28 is downmixing the audio to stereo.  I can see this via my Sonos app as well - it shows 2 channel on one and 5.1 channel on the other.  I'd like to install the older 3.2.84 version on the other unit, just as a test to see if this fixes surround playback and to confirm it's not something else causing this.  Where can I find a direct link to download old versions - specfically 3.2.84 ARM64?  Much appreciated, thank you!

[JimmyG 5]

Disregard, I found an older version and there was no difference.  It turns out it was the HDMI cable.

[Luke 42077]

On 1/26/2026 at 9:15 PM, JimmyG said:

Disregard, I found an older version and there was no difference.  It turns out it was the HDMI cable.

Thanks for following up !