Trueplay vs Audyssey: Room Correction on Soundbars

What room correction does on a soundbar

Room correction is a feature that adjusts a soundbar's audio output to account for the room it sits in. Walls, furniture, and the position of the bar all affect how sound travels. A room correction system uses a microphone to measure those effects and then applies filters to the audio signal.

On a soundbar listing, room correction appears as a feature word, often named after the brand's system. Sonos calls its system Trueplay, and Denon uses Audyssey. When you see these names, the listing is telling you the bar can measure its environment and adjust its sound automatically.

This article explains what Trueplay and Audyssey are, how their setup differs, and how to read them on a listing. It does not compare sound quality or claim one system performs better, because the catalogue has no data on that. For a broader view of soundbar features, see the best soundbar guide.

Sonos Trueplay as a listing term

Trueplay is Sonos's room correction technology. On a Sonos soundbar listing, the word Trueplay tells you the bar can tune itself to the room. Sonos describes Trueplay as adapting the sound to your unique surroundings, using a process that measures the room.

Setup for Trueplay uses a mobile device. You walk around the room while the device's microphone picks up test tones from the soundbar. The Sonos app guides you through the steps. This means you do not need a separate microphone; the phone or tablet does the measuring.

When you read a Sonos listing, Trueplay is a feature word that signals the bar can adjust to the room. It does not tell you the bar's channel layout or whether it comes with a subwoofer. Check the rest of the listing for those details. If you are comparing Sonos models, the premium soundbar guide can help.

Audyssey as a listing term

Audyssey is a room correction system used by Denon and other audio brands. On a Denon soundbar listing, the word Audyssey tells you the bar can measure the room and adjust its output. Denon positions Audyssey as part of its setup routine for optimizing sound.

Audyssey setup typically uses a supplied microphone that you place in the listening position. The soundbar plays test tones, and the microphone captures them. The system then applies filters to the audio. This is different from Trueplay, which uses your mobile device as the microphone.

On a listing, Audyssey is a feature word. It does not indicate the number of channels or whether the bar has a separate subwoofer. Look at the title and bullet list for those specifics. For help with subwoofer choices, see the separate subwoofer guide.

How setup differs between Trueplay and Audyssey

The main difference in setup is the microphone. Trueplay uses your mobile device, so you move around the room during the tuning process. Audyssey uses a dedicated microphone that stays in one place, usually at the listening position.

Both systems require you to follow the maker's instructions in the app or manual. The Sonos app walks you through Trueplay step by step. Denon's setup routine guides you through Audyssey. You do not need to understand the technical details to run either system.

When comparing listings, the setup method matters if you prefer one approach. Trueplay's walk-around method may suit a room where you want to capture multiple listening spots. Audyssey's fixed microphone is a more traditional approach. Neither is better; they are just different ways to measure the room. For more on placement, read the room size guide.

Reading room correction on a listing

Room correction is usually one word in a longer list of features. On a Sonos listing, you might see Trueplay alongside other terms like Dolby Atmos or HDMI eARC. On a Denon listing, Audyssey appears with similar feature words.

The presence of Trueplay or Audyssey does not tell you the soundbar's layout, subwoofer, or connections. Those are separate listing terms. For example, a Sonos bar with Trueplay might be a 5.1 system with a separate subwoofer, or a 2.0 bar without one. Check the title and bullet list for the full picture.

If a listing does not mention room correction, it may still have it, but the seller has not stated it. The catalogue only reflects what the listing says. When in doubt, read the maker's page for the model. For connection details, see the HDMI ARC vs eARC guide.

Choosing between Trueplay and Audyssey

You do not choose Trueplay or Audyssey directly; you choose a soundbar brand and model. Sonos soundbars come with Trueplay, and Denon soundbars come with Audyssey. Your decision is about the product, not the room correction system alone.

If you are considering a Sonos soundbar, Trueplay is part of the package. If you are looking at a Denon soundbar, Audyssey is included. Both systems aim to adapt the sound to your room, but the setup and the brand's other features differ.

For a first soundbar, either system is fine. For a second TV or a gift, think about the brand's ecosystem and the bar's other stated details, such as channels and connections. Room correction is one feature among many. Explore the best soundbar guide for a starting point.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

What is Trueplay on a Sonos soundbar?

Trueplay is Sonos's room correction system. It uses a mobile device's microphone to measure the room and adjust the soundbar's output to match. You run it through the Sonos app.

What is Audyssey on a Denon soundbar?

Audyssey is a room correction system used by Denon. It uses a supplied microphone placed at the listening position to measure the room and adjust the soundbar's audio output.

Which is better, Trueplay or Audyssey?

Neither is better. Both aim to adapt the sound to your room. The choice depends on the brand and model you are considering, not on one system being superior.

Do I need a separate microphone for Trueplay?

No. Trueplay uses the microphone in your mobile device. You walk around the room during setup, and the app guides you.

Does Audyssey require a separate microphone?

Yes, Audyssey typically uses a microphone that comes with the soundbar. You place it at the listening position and run the setup routine.

Can I use room correction on any soundbar?

No. Room correction is a feature that must be built into the soundbar. Look for the brand's system name, like Trueplay or Audyssey, on the listing.