Sonos Arc Ultra: The Ultimate Soundbar for Music Lovers?
The Sonos Arc Ultra has arrived, promising to be the brand's most premium soundbar yet. But does it live up to the hype? While offering impressive sound quality, particularly for music, it might not be the best choice for hardcore movie enthusiasts. Let's dive into the details to see if this soundbar is the right fit for your home audio setup.
What's New with the Arc Ultra?
The Sonos Arc Ultra replaces the original Arc, introducing several enhancements. Key upgrades include dedicated bass drivers, automatic room calibration for both Android and iOS devices, and Sonos’ Sound Motion technology which aims to deliver a deeper, more powerful bass response in a smaller package. One notable design change is the more pronounced control bar at the rear. The new model also replaces the Smart Soundbar 900 for the Smart Soundbar Ultra. However, these improvements come at a cost, with a $100 price increase compared to the already premium price tag of the original Arc.
Sound Performance: A Tale of Two Halves
Reviews suggest the Arc Ultra excels in music playback. It provides excellent bass for a standalone soundbar without a separate subwoofer. Vocals are crisp and clear, dynamics are well-handled, and low frequencies are certainly present. Tested against the original Arc and the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, the Arc Ultra showcased more refined sound for music, offering better grip on dynamics and heftier bass. However, critics note that if cinema is your main goal, the original Arc might deliver a more immersive and fun experience with movies, thanks to its room-filling sound. Early reviews have shown that the Arc Ultra delivered a more specific placement of audio elements rather than the sprawling soundstage for which the Arc was known.
Features and Functionality
The Sonos Arc Ultra boasts Dolby Atmos compatibility, a 9.1.4 speaker layout, and seamless integration with the Sonos multiroom system. However, it notably lacks DTS-X decoding, though the Arc Ultra incorporates Sonos' Speech Enhancement to clarify spoken dialog, voice control via Amazon Alexa (but no longer Google Assistant), HDMI eARC, and Apple AirPlay2. HDMI CEC allows you to use your TV remote, while the Sonos app grants access to music sources and streaming services. One of the innovative features to come out of the launch of the Sonos Ace is Sonos TV Audio Swap, which lets users toggle sound between the headphones and the soundbar.
The Downsides
One primary drawback is the absence of HDMI In ports, making users reliant on the Sonos app for content navigation. Some reviewers also express disappointment over the lack of an EQ setting within the app. Additionally, the price point places the Arc Ultra firmly in the premium category, making it a significant investment for most consumers.
Who Should Buy the Sonos Arc Ultra?
The Sonos Arc Ultra is an excellent choice for those deeply invested in the Sonos ecosystem and prioritize music listening. Its refined sound, robust bass, and seamless integration make it a compelling option. However, if you are mainly a movie buff and seeking the most immersive cinematic experience, the original Arc (if still available and discounted) might be a more budget-friendly and enjoyable alternative. Also, if the lack of Google Assistant compatibility is a deal breaker, consider your options carefully.
Will you be upgrading to the Sonos Arc Ultra? Share your thoughts and preferences in the comments below!
