Audio T Verdict
The Sonos Line-In Adapter is a tiny accessory, but it opens up some of the most useful possibilities within the current Sonos range. Plug it into the USB-C connection of a compatible Sonos speaker and you can add a conventional analogue source such as a turntable, CD player, cassette deck or tuner to a modern wireless multi-room system.
For vinyl listeners in particular, this is where products such as Era 100 and Era 300 become considerably more interesting. Connect a turntable with the appropriate phono stage and the record can play through the speaker beside it or be shared with compatible Sonos products elsewhere around the house.
There are a couple of things to remember. This is a line-level input rather than a phono stage, the required 3.5mm or RCA-to-3.5mm audio cable is not included, and it should not be treated as a generic USB-C headphone adapter. It is a purpose-designed Sonos accessory for bringing analogue audio into compatible Sonos products.
Sonos Line-In Adapter 3.5mm to USB-C
The Sonos Line-In Adapter converts a conventional 3.5mm analogue audio connection into the USB-C line-in format used by selected current Sonos speakers.
Once connected, traditional audio sources can become part of the Sonos ecosystem, allowing them to play through the connected speaker or be distributed to compatible Sonos rooms around the home.
- Official Sonos Line-In Adapter
- 3.5mm analogue input
- USB-C connection to compatible Sonos speaker
- Creates a line-level analogue input
- Compatible with Sonos Era 100
- Compatible with Sonos Era 100 SL
- Compatible with Sonos Era 300
- Compatible with Sonos Play
- Compatible with Sonos Move 2
- Suitable for turntables with suitable phono amplification
- Suitable for CD players
- Suitable for cassette decks
- Suitable for tuners
- Suitable for portable audio devices
- Suitable for other line-level analogue sources
- 16-bit / 44.1kHz analogue-to-digital conversion
- Sonos multi-room distribution
- Line-In Autoplay support
- Adjustable Source Level
- Adjustable Audio Delay
- Black and White options
- 100mm length
- 6g weight
- Auxiliary audio cable sold separately
Add Analogue Audio to Sonos
The purpose of the Line-In Adapter is simple: it allows a conventional analogue audio source to be connected to selected Sonos products that use USB-C rather than a traditional 3.5mm or RCA line input.
This creates a bridge between physical music sources and the Sonos wireless ecosystem.
Possible sources include:
- Turntables
- Phono stages
- CD players
- Cassette decks
- FM or DAB tuners
- Portable music players
- Computers with a suitable analogue audio output
- Other compatible line-level audio equipment
Current Sonos Compatibility
The current Sonos Line-In Adapter is officially specified for:
- Sonos Era 100
- Sonos Era 100 SL
- Sonos Era 300
- Sonos Play
- Sonos Move 2
This is broader than the original Era-only positioning of the accessory, so the current product name has appropriately been simplified to Sonos Line-In Adapter.
Check Compatibility Before Ordering
A USB-C socket on another Sonos product does not automatically mean the Line-In Adapter will work with it. Use the adapter only with models that Sonos currently identifies as supporting USB-C line-in.
Sonos Era 100
The Sonos Era 100 is one of the most natural partners for the Line-In Adapter.
Connect the adapter to Era 100's rear USB-C socket and add the appropriate audio cable to bring a turntable, CD player or other traditional source into the system.
Sonos Era 100 SL
The current Sonos compatibility list also includes Era 100 SL.
The same Line-In Adapter can therefore add analogue source connectivity to the microphone-free version of Era 100.
Sonos Era 300
The Sonos Era 300 also requires the adapter when connecting a conventional analogue source.
This allows spatial streaming and traditional physical formats to coexist within the same premium wireless speaker system.
Sonos Move 2
Move 2 includes a USB-C connection that supports the Sonos Line-In Adapter.
You can therefore bring an analogue source into Move 2 when the speaker is being used around the home, while retaining the freedom to use it as a portable WiFi and Bluetooth speaker at other times.
Sonos Play
The current Sonos product listing also specifies compatibility with Sonos Play.
The Line-In Adapter provides the same basic function: a 3.5mm analogue source is converted for connection to the speaker's compatible USB-C interface.
Connect a Turntable to Sonos
Turntable integration is one of the most popular applications for the Line-In Adapter.
You will normally need:
- A compatible Sonos speaker.
- The Sonos Line-In Adapter.
- An RCA-to-3.5mm stereo audio cable.
- A turntable with a built-in phono stage, or a separate external phono preamplifier.
Why a Turntable May Need a Phono Stage
A conventional phono cartridge produces a much lower output than a normal line-level audio source.
It also requires the appropriate phono equalisation before being connected to a normal line input.
The Sonos Line-In Adapter does not provide this function.
The Line-In Adapter Is Not a Phono Stage
If your turntable does not contain its own phono preamplifier, connect the turntable to a suitable external phono stage first. The phono stage output can then connect to the Sonos Line-In Adapter.
Turntables With a Built-In Phono Stage
A turntable with a switchable or permanent line-level output can connect more directly.
Set the turntable to its line-level output mode where applicable, connect its analogue output to an RCA-to-3.5mm cable and plug that cable into the Sonos Line-In Adapter.
Turntables With an External Phono Stage
If you prefer a separate phono preamplifier, connect the turntable to the phono stage normally.
The line-level output from the phono stage can then feed the Sonos adapter.
This gives you considerably more freedom to choose the phono stage and cartridge independently of the Sonos speaker.
Share Vinyl Around the House
Once the turntable enters the Sonos system through line-in, the source is not necessarily limited to the speaker physically connected to the adapter.
Line-in can be selected within the Sonos app and played through compatible Sonos rooms elsewhere around the home.
This means a turntable in one room can provide the source for a grouped Sonos system in several rooms.
One Turntable, Multiple Sonos Rooms
You only need the analogue source connected to one compatible Sonos line-in product. The Sonos system can then distribute that source to other compatible rooms over the network.
Connect a CD Player
A CD player with standard RCA analogue outputs can connect using an RCA-to-3.5mm cable.
The CD player's left and right outputs feed the cable, which connects to the 3.5mm socket on the Sonos Line-In Adapter.
You can then listen through the attached speaker or select the source elsewhere in the Sonos system.
Connect a Cassette Deck
A cassette deck with line-level RCA output can be connected in exactly the same basic way.
This provides a useful route for bringing older analogue recordings into a modern wireless system without needing a separate conventional amplifier in the same room.
Connect a Tuner
Traditional FM, DAB or other tuners with analogue line outputs can also be connected.
Once the tuner is selected as the line-in source, its audio can be distributed throughout compatible Sonos rooms.
Connect a Portable Audio Source
Devices with a conventional 3.5mm analogue audio output can connect using a standard stereo 3.5mm cable.
Because source output levels vary, the Sonos app allows the line-in Source Level to be adjusted if required.
The Audio Cable Is Not Included
The Line-In Adapter provides the 3.5mm input socket and USB-C connection, but Sonos does not include the audio cable between the source and adapter.
The required cable depends on your source:
Source With RCA Outputs
- Use an RCA-to-3.5mm stereo cable
- Typical for CD players
- Typical for phono stages
- Typical for tuners
- Typical for cassette decks
Source With 3.5mm Output
- Use a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm stereo cable
- Typical for portable players
- Some computers
- Some older phones and tablets
- Other suitable analogue devices
Auxiliary Cable Sold Separately
The Sonos Line-In Adapter does not include an RCA-to-3.5mm or 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable. Choose the correct cable for the output provided by your source equipment.
3.5mm Analogue Input
The socket on the adapter is a conventional 3.5mm stereo analogue line input.
The other end terminates in USB-C for connection to a supported Sonos speaker.
Analogue-to-Digital Conversion
The incoming analogue signal needs to become part of the digital Sonos network before it can be played or distributed around the home.
The Sonos Line-In Adapter therefore converts analogue audio to digital at 16-bit / 44.1kHz.
16-bit / 44.1kHz
44.1kHz is the familiar sampling frequency used by Compact Disc audio, while 16-bit defines the digital word length of the converted signal.
This is the standard format Sonos specifies for its analogue line-in connections and adapters.
Not a Passive USB-C Dongle
The Line-In Adapter should not be confused with a simple physical plug converter.
Its job includes converting incoming analogue audio into the digital format expected by compatible Sonos products.
This is one reason an ordinary USB-C headphone adapter should not be assumed to provide the same function.
Use the Correct Sonos Line-In Adapter
Many USB-C headphone adapters are designed to perform the opposite task: converting digital USB audio into analogue sound for headphones. The Sonos Line-In Adapter accepts analogue audio and sends it into a compatible Sonos product. A generic headphone dongle should not be assumed to work.
USB-C Does Not Mean USB Audio From a Computer
The adapter is designed around an analogue 3.5mm source.
It should not be treated as a conventional USB audio interface for directly connecting the digital USB output of a computer, phone or streamer.
Select Line-In in the Sonos App
After everything is connected, start the external source and open the Sonos app.
Line-In appears within the available sources, allowing you to select the connected analogue device for playback.
Line-In Autoplay
Sonos can also be configured to begin playback automatically when the connected product detects an incoming line-in signal.
Autoplay is disabled by default but can be enabled within the relevant Line-In settings.
This is particularly convenient with physical sources such as a turntable or CD player because you can simply start playing and allow the Sonos room to switch automatically.
Choose an Autoplay Room
The Sonos Line-In settings allow an Autoplay Room to be selected.
This determines which room automatically begins playing when a signal is detected.
You can also configure whether grouped rooms are included and set the preferred Autoplay volume.
Name Your Source
The Source Name setting allows the connected device to be given a recognisable description within Sonos.
Rather than seeing only a generic Line-In source, you can identify it according to its use, such as:
- Turntable
- CD Player
- Cassette
- Tuner
- Portable Player
Adjustable Source Level
Different analogue sources can produce very different output levels.
Sonos therefore provides an adjustable Source Level within its line-in settings.
A strong source requires less gain, while a quieter source may benefit from a higher setting.
If Line-In Sounds Too Quiet
First make sure the source is producing a proper line-level signal. If it is, check the Source Level within the Sonos Line-In settings rather than simply increasing the overall Sonos volume excessively.
Audio Delay
Sonos also provides an adjustable Audio Delay for line-in.
A slightly greater delay can help improve reliability when the analogue source is being distributed to several grouped Sonos rooms.
This gives the system more time to buffer and synchronise the incoming audio across the network.
Why Line-In Is Not Intended for Television
That buffering and network distribution is one reason Sonos specifically says USB-C line-in is not intended for TV use.
Television audio needs particularly tight synchronisation with the picture, and the line-in path is designed for music sources rather than acting as a low-latency home cinema connection.
Do Not Use This as Your Main TV Connection
If you want Sonos sound for television and films, use a compatible Sonos soundbar or Sonos Amp rather than connecting the TV's analogue output to an Era speaker through the Line-In Adapter.
Better Sonos Products for TV Sound
For television use, consider products designed specifically around low-latency home cinema audio:
Line-In and Sonos Surround Speakers
Era products configured as dedicated rear surrounds become part of the home cinema room rather than operating as normal independent speakers.
Line-in is therefore disabled while compatible Era speakers are being used in surround mode.
Line-In Is Disabled on Era Surrounds
If an Era 100, Era 100 SL or Era 300 is being used as a dedicated rear surround speaker, its line-in connection is unavailable. Remove the speaker from the surround configuration if you need to restore normal line-in operation.
What if I Have a Stereo Pair?
For normal stereo music use, a compatible line-in source can be introduced through the Sonos product and reproduced through the stereo pair as part of the same Sonos room.
You do not need one adapter for each loudspeaker simply because there are two speakers in the stereo pair.
One Adapter Per Connected Analogue Source
The adapter is associated with the physical analogue connection rather than with every Sonos room that eventually plays the source.
Once the source enters Sonos through one compatible product, the network can distribute it elsewhere.
Line-In Audio Compression
Sonos provides system-wide Line-In Audio Compression settings for balancing audio quality against network load.
The recommended Automatic mode normally uses uncompressed audio but can switch to compressed transmission if network conditions require it.
A Compressed setting can reduce network demand when line-in audio is being sent to several rooms, although this comes with a reduction in audio quality.
Automatic Compression Is the Sensible Starting Point
For most installations, leave Sonos on its Automatic setting initially.
If line-in audio begins to skip or stop when several rooms are grouped, increasing the Audio Delay or changing compression can improve reliability.
Line-In Adapter or Combo Adapter?
Sonos also offers a Combo Adapter for compatible products.
Sonos Line-In Adapter
- 3.5mm analogue line input
- USB-C connection
- For turntables, CD players and other analogue sources
- Compact and simple
- No Ethernet connection
- Ideal if analogue input is all you need
Sonos Combo Adapter
- Analogue line-in capability
- Ethernet network connection
- USB-C connection to compatible Sonos product
- Useful for hard-wired networks
- Useful when line-in and Ethernet are both required
- Larger and more versatile accessory
Which Adapter Should I Choose?
If you simply want to connect a turntable, CD player or other analogue audio source, the Line-In Adapter is the straightforward and lower-cost solution.
If the speaker also needs a wired Ethernet network connection, the Combo Adapter is the more appropriate choice.
Black or White
The Sonos Line-In Adapter is available through Audio T in Black and White.
Its compact dimensions mean it remains fairly discreet either way, but choosing the matching finish can make the cable installation look neater around Era 100 or Era 300.
Compact 100mm Length
The adapter measures approximately 100mm / 3.94 inches long.
This short flexible connection helps avoid placing excessive mechanical strain on the USB-C socket when a larger audio cable is attached.
Only 6g
At approximately 6g / 0.21oz, the adapter adds virtually no meaningful weight to the speaker installation.
This is especially useful when Era speakers are installed on their dedicated stands or wall mounts.
Using the Adapter With Era Wall Mounts
The official Era wall mounts have been designed with enough rear clearance to accommodate compatible Sonos USB-C accessories.
You can therefore retain line-in access when an Era 100 or Era 300 is wall mounted for normal music use.
Remember that line-in remains disabled if those speakers are configured as home cinema surrounds.
How to Connect the Sonos Line-In Adapter
- Make sure the compatible Sonos speaker has already been set up using the current Sonos app.
- Determine whether your analogue source provides RCA or 3.5mm audio output.
- Check whether a turntable requires a phono preamplifier.
- Connect the required RCA-to-3.5mm or 3.5mm-to-3.5mm stereo cable to the source.
- Plug the 3.5mm end of the audio cable into the Sonos Line-In Adapter.
- Insert the USB-C end of the adapter into the compatible Sonos speaker.
- Start playback on the source device.
- Open the Sonos app.
- Find Line-In under Your Sources.
- Select the connected source.
- Choose the Sonos room or group through which you want it to play.
- Adjust Source Level if the incoming signal is unusually quiet or strong.
- Enable Autoplay if you want playback to begin automatically when a signal is detected.
- Adjust Audio Delay or compression only if network performance requires it.
Recommended Turntable Setup
- Make sure the turntable is correctly set up and the cartridge tracking force is appropriate.
- If the turntable has no built-in phono stage, connect it to an external phono preamplifier.
- Connect the phono-stage or turntable line output to an RCA-to-3.5mm stereo cable.
- Connect the 3.5mm end to the Sonos Line-In Adapter.
- Plug the adapter into the compatible Sonos speaker.
- Start a record playing.
- Select Line-In in the Sonos app.
- Name the source Turntable if preferred.
- Adjust Source Level so the vinyl source has a sensible volume relationship with normal streaming playback.
- Enable Autoplay if you want Sonos to switch automatically when the record starts.
- Group other Sonos rooms if you want the record playing elsewhere around the home.
Key Features
- Sonos Line-In Adapter
- Official Sonos accessory
- 3.5mm analogue input
- USB-C Sonos connection
- Analogue-to-digital conversion
- 16-bit / 44.1kHz conversion
- Era 100 compatible
- Era 100 SL compatible
- Era 300 compatible
- Sonos Play compatible
- Move 2 compatible
- Turntable connectivity
- Phono-stage connectivity
- CD player connectivity
- Cassette deck connectivity
- Tuner connectivity
- Portable player connectivity
- RCA source compatibility with suitable cable
- 3.5mm source compatibility
- Sonos multi-room distribution
- Line-In source selection
- Source Name adjustment
- Source Level adjustment
- Audio Delay adjustment
- Autoplay support
- Autoplay Room selection
- Grouped-room playback
- Line-In Audio Compression support
- Not intended for TV
- Auxiliary cable sold separately
- RCA-to-3.5mm cable sold separately
- No built-in phono stage
- Black option
- White option
- 100mm length
- 6g weight
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sonos Line-In Adapter still current?
Yes. Sonos continues to list it as a current accessory.
What is the current product name?
Sonos now calls the accessory simply the Sonos Line-In Adapter.
What does the Sonos Line-In Adapter do?
It allows a compatible Sonos speaker with USB-C to accept a conventional 3.5mm analogue line-level audio source.
Which Sonos speakers currently support it?
Sonos currently lists Era 100, Era 100 SL, Era 300, Sonos Play and Move 2.
Does it work with Era 100?
Yes.
Does it work with Era 100 SL?
Yes.
Does it work with Era 300?
Yes.
Does it work with Move 2?
Yes.
Does it work with Sonos Play?
Yes. Sonos' current accessory page includes Sonos Play in the compatibility list.
Can I use it with any Sonos product that has USB-C?
No. Use it only with Sonos products that specifically support Line-In Adapter functionality.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes, providing the turntable output has been raised to line level by a built-in or external phono preamplifier.
Does the adapter contain a phono stage?
No.
What happens if I connect a normal turntable without a phono stage?
The signal will not be at the correct line level. Use a suitable phono preamplifier first unless the turntable already contains one.
Can I connect a CD player?
Yes. Use an appropriate RCA-to-3.5mm cable from the CD player's analogue outputs.
Can I connect a cassette deck?
Yes, providing it offers a suitable line-level analogue output.
Can I connect a tuner?
Yes.
Can I connect a computer?
A computer with a suitable analogue line or headphone output can be connected using an appropriate 3.5mm cable. The adapter is not a general-purpose USB Audio connection for taking digital USB sound directly from the computer.
Is an RCA cable included?
No.
Is a 3.5mm auxiliary cable included?
No. Sonos specifically states that the auxiliary cable is sold separately.
What cable do I need for a CD player or phono stage?
Most will require a stereo RCA-to-3.5mm cable.
What cable do I need for a source with a headphone-style output?
A stereo 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable will normally be appropriate.
What audio resolution does the adapter use?
Sonos specifies 16-bit / 44.1kHz conversion for the Line-In Adapter.
Is the adapter analogue?
The input is analogue. The adapter converts that incoming signal to digital so it can enter the Sonos system.
Will a normal USB-C headphone adapter work instead?
Do not assume so. Conventional headphone adapters are commonly designed to convert digital USB audio to an analogue headphone output, while the Sonos adapter needs to accept analogue audio into the speaker.
Can I plug a USB-C cable directly from my computer into Era 100 or Era 300?
The Line-In Adapter is designed for a 3.5mm analogue source rather than acting as a general plug-and-play USB Audio interface.
Can I use the adapter with my television?
Sonos specifically says USB-C line-in is not intended for TV use.
Why is it not recommended for TV?
The Sonos line-in path is designed around music-source distribution and includes buffering and adjustable audio delay. For television, use a Sonos soundbar or Sonos Amp designed for synchronised home cinema audio.
Can the connected source play in another room?
Yes. Line-in can be distributed to compatible Sonos rooms over the network.
Do I need an adapter on every Sonos speaker?
No. The analogue source only needs to enter through one compatible line-in product before it can be distributed through Sonos.
Can I use line-in with a stereo pair?
Yes, in a normal compatible stereo music configuration.
Can I use line-in when Era 100 or Era 300 is a surround speaker?
No. Sonos disables line-in when compatible Era products are operating as dedicated home cinema surrounds.
What is Line-In Autoplay?
Autoplay allows a selected Sonos room to begin playing automatically when an incoming line-in signal is detected.
Is Autoplay enabled by default?
No. It can be enabled within the Sonos Line-In settings.
Can I name my line-in source?
Yes. Sonos provides a Source Name setting.
Can I call it Turntable or CD Player?
Yes. Giving the source a meaningful name makes it easier to identify within the Sonos app.
What is Source Level?
Source Level adjusts the gain applied to the incoming analogue signal so devices with different output strengths can be matched more appropriately.
What should I do if my turntable sounds extremely quiet?
First check that it has a suitable phono preamplifier. A Source Level adjustment cannot replace the phono-stage amplification and equalisation required by a conventional cartridge.
What is Audio Delay?
Audio Delay provides additional buffering between the source and Sonos, which can improve reliability when line-in audio is being sent to grouped rooms.
Can I change line-in audio compression?
Yes. Sonos provides Line-In Audio Compression settings for balancing audio quality and network load.
What compression setting should I use?
Sonos recommends Automatic as the normal starting point.
How long is the adapter?
Approximately 100mm or 3.94 inches.
How much does it weigh?
Approximately 6g or 0.21oz.
What colours are available?
Audio T lists Black and White versions.
Does the adapter provide Ethernet?
No. Choose the Sonos Combo Adapter if you require both line-in and a compatible Ethernet connection.
What is the difference between the Line-In Adapter and Combo Adapter?
The Line-In Adapter provides analogue 3.5mm line-in only. The Combo Adapter adds compatible Ethernet connectivity as well as analogue line-in.
Related Sonos Products
Why Buy the Sonos Line-In Adapter From Audio T?
The adapter itself is simple, but working out what needs to connect to it is not always quite so obvious. Turntables may need a phono stage, different sources require different cables and the best Sonos settings can vary depending on whether you are listening locally or distributing analogue audio around several rooms.
Audio T can help make sure you have the correct adapter, cable and source equipment from the outset, whether you are adding vinyl to Era 100, connecting a CD player to Era 300 or building a complete multi-room system around traditional physical music sources.
- Sonos compatibility advice
- Era 100 demonstrations
- Era 300 demonstrations
- Turntable integration advice
- Phono-stage matching
- RCA and 3.5mm cable advice
- CD player integration
- Cassette and tuner integration
- Line-In setup guidance
- Source Level setup
- Autoplay configuration
- Multi-room source distribution
- Line-In versus Combo Adapter advice
- Sonos multi-room planning
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store for help connecting a turntable, CD player or other analogue source to your Sonos system.