Sonos confirms DSP fixes improve bass after firmware update

A firmware update sparked a Reddit debate about bass changes, ending in a rare admission from Sonos.

Sonos acknowledges DSP tweaks improve bass after firmware update

A recent firmware update prompted users on the r/sonos subreddit to report stronger bass and altered sound on several Sonos models. Posts described noticeable changes after installation, with fans noting improvements that persisted across devices like Beam 2 and other speakers. The online discussion showed a split between those who felt the sound had changed and skeptics who suspected a placebo effect.

Initially, a Sonos representative named Keith argued that the update did not modify the sound profile, fueling the online disagreement. After days of back-and-forth, Keith returned with an admission: there were small DSP fixes in the update that affected how lower frequencies were represented. The episode highlights how technical tweaks can change listening experience and how public perception can evolve in real time on social platforms. It also touches on broader questions about how a company communicates product changes, especially as it faces upcoming price increases and heightened scrutiny from customers and investors.

This case shows how software and DSP tweaks can influence perceived audio quality, shaping a brand narrative as much as any hardware change. It also reveals the tension between engineering transparency and marketing strategy. When a company later confirms adjustments after an initial denial, it can restore some trust, yet it also invites questions about what else might be modified behind the scenes. As Sonos navigates price increases, clear, timely communication becomes part of the product experience rather than an afterthought. The Reddit thread becomes a microcosm of how consumer chatter can outpace formal messaging and influence public perception.

Highlights

The next firmware cycle will tell us if these tweaks are a one-off improvement or a sign of deeper software-driven fine tuning.