Kodi 18.5 - surround centre channel muffled

  • Hi forum members!

    I am running Kodi 18.5. (Librelec 9.2.0.) I am having some issues with surround sound. On my Sonos Playbar The center channel is muffled only on media with 5.1 surround sound.

    Since the problem occured all of a sudden, I am positive that my wires and settings are correct. For the purpose of this question, I will explain it.

    Sony TV and Playbar connected with optical cable. Raspberrry Pi 4 connected to TV via HDMI. Sony TV sends the sound to Playbar - audio out is Auto (not PCM)

    Important Audio settings in Kodi

    Audio output device: HDMI

    Number of channels: 2.0

    Allow passtrough: on

    Dolby Digital (AC) capable reciever on

    Enable Dolby Digital (AC3) transcoding - on

    Playbar is recieving 5.1 Dolby Digital signal. But, on 5.1. sources, center channel (vocal levels) are low.

    Is anyone experiencing the same?

    Will reseting my Libreelec configuration to default do the trick or do I need to install Kodi all over again?

    Thank you

    Neven

  • Try a real power cycle of all devices (pull the cord for >= 30 seconds).

    If the issue persist pull and plug all data cables.

    Finally try other HDMP ports and cables.

  • One by one device or all together?

    All together.

    Is it possible that optical cabe is semi faulty and has problems only with centre channel? I can no imagine that...

    HDMI, not SPDIF. Yes, it is unlikely to help but anyway worth to try.

    To be honest all three suggestions are not derived from the issue but do solve prblens from time to time.