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Bang & Olufsen speakers with Sonos: a real volume knob
Many Bang & Olufsen owners have connected their speakers to Sonos through a Sonos Port to keep enjoying them with streaming. The sound is great; what gets lost is the simple gesture of turning the volume. Here’s how to get it back.
Beolab and other active speakers on a Sonos Port
Active speakers have their own amplification, so all they need is a line-level signal with the volume already set. A Sonos Port on variable output does exactly that: it sends everything playing on Sonos to your speakers, and Sonos sets the volume.
- Connection: depending on the Beolab model, through its line input or with an RCA-to-Power Link cable or adapter.
- Key setting: in the Sonos app, set the Port’s line-out level to “Variable”.
- Power-on: many active speakers switch on automatically when they detect a signal.
The same applies to other active or studio speakers: Genelec, KEF, Dynaudio, Adam Audio, Neumann, Audioengine…
What you lose: the knob
With this setup the volume is only controlled from the Sonos app. Your speakers’ original remote no longer works for music coming from the Port, and there’s no dial at hand. For gear chosen precisely for its design and feel, that’s a shame.
knobeast: a dial for your speakers
knobeast is a physical volume knob for Sonos: a box with a big knurled dial and a small screen. It talks to the Port over your Wi-Fi, so it can live wherever you like: by the sofa, on a sideboard or on the wall.
- Turn for volume, press to pause.
- Screen with room, volume and now playing.
- Configurable maximum volume: your speakers stay safe.
- Printed in the colour that best suits your room.
knobeast is an independent project, not related to Bang & Olufsen or Sonos. Their products are mentioned only to explain compatibility.
FAQ
Can I keep using my Bang & Olufsen remote?
For sources arriving on other inputs, yes. For music coming from the Sonos Port, Sonos sets the volume — that’s where knobeast comes in.
Does it work with passive Bang & Olufsen speakers?
Passive speakers need an amplifier. You can use a Sonos Amp, or a Port with an amplifier; either way knobeast controls the Sonos volume.
knobeast: the physical volume knob for Sonos
Ready-to-use kit for €149, or build your own: it’s open source.