In 2024, Sonos has faced some major hurdles, most notably the problematic rollout of their revamped mobile app. Despite this setback, the company has managed to bounce back with the release of the Sonos Arc Ultra — a soundbar that seeks to improve upon the already popular Arc model. At a premium price of $999, the Arc Ultra promises enhanced performance, superior bass, and a refined listening experience. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details.
Key Features of the Sonos Arc Ultra
- Price: $999
- Surround Sound: 9.1.4 (with virtual channels)
- Bass: Substantial improvements over the original Arc
- Drivers: 14 in total, up from 11 in the original
- Connectivity: Bluetooth support, AirPlay 2, and Wi-Fi 6
- Control: Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control, and Google Assistant (Google Assistant discontinued)
- Setup: Quick Tune for automatic room tuning
- Size: Slightly shorter and longer than the original Arc, designed for modern TV setups
Performance & Sound Quality: A Major Leap Forward
The Arc Ultra improves upon its predecessor in almost every aspect, with notable upgrades to both bass and clarity. The original Arc, while an impressive soundbar, lacked depth in the low-end, requiring additional subwoofers to create a fuller sound. The Arc Ultra addresses this with a new “SoundMotion” woofer, powered by innovative technology from Sonos’ acquisition of Mayht Holding. This speaker technology enables the soundbar to generate twice the bass output of the original Arc, all within a compact and elegant design.
Sound Motion Woofer Breakdown
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Distributed Motors | Displaces more air for enhanced bass |
| Aerospace-Grade Ribs | Helps power the motors while reducing the enclosure size |
| Voice Coils & Magnets | Four pairs of opposing magnets and coils provide bigger sound in a smaller package |
| Force-Cancelling Cones | Reduces vibration for clearer, more precise sound |
The result? A much more immersive sound, with better bass response that doesn’t require additional equipment in smaller to medium-sized rooms. For those looking for the ultimate experience, adding Sonos’ Sub 4 ($799) and Era 300 surround speakers will further elevate the setup.
Pros and Cons of the Sonos Arc Ultra
Pros:
- Improved Sound Quality: The bass is more substantial, and the clarity is enhanced, offering a dynamic listening experience.
- TruePlay Quick Tune: Automatic room tuning works for both Android and iPhone users, ensuring the soundbar performs optimally based on your space.
- Bluetooth Support: A much-requested feature that allows wireless audio streaming.
- Wi-Fi 6: Better wireless performance for a more stable and faster connection.
- Refined Design: Slightly smaller and better suited for modern TV stands.
Cons:
- Sonos App Bugs: Despite the hardware improvements, the software still has some issues, especially with system performance and connectivity.
- Limited DTS:X Support: Unlike some other premium soundbars, the Arc Ultra doesn’t support DTS:X.
- Higher Cost for Full Setup: While the soundbar alone is impressive, adding the Sub 4 and Era 300 speakers pushes the cost significantly higher.
- No HDMI Passthrough: You cannot plug in additional devices like game consoles or disc players without sacrificing an HDMI port on your TV.
Setup and Features: The Convenience Factor
Setting up the Arc Ultra is relatively straightforward, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. Sonos has replaced the touch controls with a new upward-facing panel that is better suited for handling the soundbar’s functions. You can still use voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Sonos Voice Control, though Google Assistant has been removed from the list of supported options.
A highlight feature is Quick Tune, Sonos’ automated room tuning system that uses the soundbar’s built-in microphones to optimize audio playback based on your room layout. This is particularly beneficial for Android users, as the original Arc required an iPhone for the more advanced TruePlay tuning.
Connectivity Options:
- Bluetooth: New to the Arc Ultra, providing more flexibility in connecting devices wirelessly.
- AirPlay 2: For easy streaming from Apple devices.
- Wi-Fi 6: Better wireless stability and performance.
- HDMI: HDMI ARC support but no passthrough.
Is the Sonos Arc Ultra Worth It?
The Sonos Arc Ultra is an excellent upgrade, delivering enhanced sound and improved bass without compromising on design. It’s ideal for those who want a premium, standalone soundbar without needing to add multiple subwoofers and surround speakers. The improvements in clarity, dimensionality, and depth over the original Arc are significant, especially for movie lovers and audiophiles who enjoy immersive sound.
However, if you’re on the fence about investing in a full Sonos surround setup, the overall cost can quickly become prohibitive, especially when factoring in the Sub 4 and Era 300 speakers. Moreover, Sonos’ software remains a sore point, with some users continuing to report issues with the mobile app.
Final Verdict
- Sound Quality: 9/10
- Design: 8/10
- Value for Money: 7/10 (especially with the full surround setup)
- Software: 6/10 (needs more stability)
The Sonos Arc Ultra is a powerful soundbar that raises the bar for what a single speaker can do in a home theater setup. While its performance excels, Sonos still needs to address its software issues and offer more flexibility in its ecosystem. If you’re looking for a premium experience and can look past the software hurdles, the Arc Ultra is undoubtedly worth considering. However, if you’re unsure about Sonos’ software stability, you may want to wait until further updates are rolled out.
