Skip to main content

How to Connect and Stream from a CloudBox Using Sonos Line-In Adapter

Learn how to connect your CloudBox to Sonos Era 100, Era 300, or Move 2 speakers using the Sonos Line-In Adapter. This guide covers the cables, setup steps, and how to enable playback in the Sonos app for stable, uninterrupted streaming.

Dustin avatar
Written by Dustin
Updated this week

Many Sonos speakers now feature a line-in option, allowing you to connect your CloudBox directly for reliable, high-quality streaming. This method provides a more stable connection than app-only playback since the CloudBox continues streaming locally even if your internet or Wi-Fi experiences interruptions.

The following Sonos products support line-in connections using the Sonos Line-In Adapter (USB-C to 3.5 mm):

What You’ll Need

Before getting started, make sure you have:

  • A CloudBox streaming device (powered on and connected to your network)

  • One of the supported Sonos speakers (Era 100, Era 300, or Move 2)

  • A Sonos Line-In Adapter (available from Sonos or Crutchfield, approx. $20 USD)

  • A TRRS-to-RCA cable (included with the CloudBoxes)

  • An RCA female to 3.5 mm TRS adapter

Connect the CloudBox to Your Sonos Speaker

  1. Plug the TRRS end of the CloudBox’s audio cable into the CloudBox audio output.

  2. Attach the RCA female to 3.5 mm TRS adapter to the RCA ends of the CloudBox cable.

  3. Connect the 3.5 mm end of that adapter into the Sonos Line-In Adapter.

  4. Plug the Sonos Line-In Adapter into the USB-C port on your Sonos Era 100, Era 300, or Move 2 speaker.

This creates a direct, wired connection between your CloudBox and Sonos speaker.

Enable Line-In in the Sonos App

Once the devices are connected:

  1. Open the Sonos app on your mobile device.

  2. Go to Browse → Line-In.

  3. Select your speaker (Era 100, Era 300, or Move 2).

  4. Choose Play Now to begin streaming Pandora CloudCover from your CloudBox.

For easier playback in the future, you can also enable Autoplay when the speaker detects a line-in signal:

  • Go to Settings → System → [Your Sonos Speaker] → Line-In → Autoplay Room, and select the desired room.

Adjust Line-In Settings (Optional)

If needed, you can fine-tune audio and input behavior in the Sonos app:

  • Source Level: Adjust if the audio is too quiet or distorted.

  • Audio Compression: Turn on “Compressed” for smoother performance on busy networks.

  • Room Grouping: Group the line-in audio across multiple Sonos speakers.

Important Notes

  • The Sonos Line-In Adapter is required for these models; it is sold separately.

  • Line-in cannot be used when a speaker is configured as part of a surround setup.

  • This setup is best for standalone or primary zone playback, where uninterrupted audio is most important.

Need Help?

If you need assistance setting up your CloudBox or configuring your Sonos speaker, our support team is here to help:

Did this answer your question?