When Sonos put $100 million into audio tech in 2022, we didn’t know what was coming. The Arc Ultra soundbar is a game-changer. It brings top-notch sound to your home, making movies and music feel more real.
The Sonos Arc Ultra is a big step up from the original. It has 14 drivers, up from 11, for a 9.1.4 surround sound. It costs $999, perfect for those who love great sound and design.
Get ready for a new way to enjoy your entertainment with the Arc Ultra. It has better bass and new “SoundMotion” technology. This soundbar is all about giving you the best sound for movies, music, and TV.
Key Takeaways
- Premium soundbar with advanced 9.1.4 surround sound configuration
- Enhanced bass performance with new “SoundMotion” woofer technology
- Bluetooth audio playback, a new feature not available in the original Arc
- Available in black and white color options
- Competitive pricing at $999 for high-end audio enthusiasts
Premium Audio Evolution
The world of home audio has seen a big change with the Sonos Arc Ultra. This Dolby Atmos Soundbar is a big step up in audio tech. It brings immersive sound experiences to a new level.
Sonos made the Arc Ultra to fix what was missing in its earlier model. It’s a more advanced audio solution for those who care about sound. The move from the original Arc to the Arc Ultra shows Sonos’ dedication to audio innovation.
Breakthrough in Sound Engineering
The Arc Ultra makes big changes in the Dolby Atmos Soundbar market. It has:
- Expanded speaker configuration from 11 to 14 drivers
- Advanced 9.1.4 channel setup for immersive sound
- Enhanced bass response without additional subwoofer
- Improved dialogue clarity and spatial audio positioning
| Feature | Original Arc | Arc Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Drivers | 11 | 14 |
| Channel Configuration | 7.1.2 | 9.1.4 |
| Price | $899 | $1,199 |
The Arc Ultra’s remarkable audio engineering brings new sound experiences. Its advanced Dolby Atmos makes your home entertainment sound like a pro setup.
“The Arc Ultra isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a complete reimagining of what a home soundbar can deliver.” – Audio Technology Magazine
Whether you love movies, music, or gaming, the Sonos Arc Ultra will take your audio to new heights.
Design and Build Quality
The Sonos Arc Ultra is a top choice for Premium Audio Quality. It’s designed to make your home entertainment better. It’s 2.95 by 46.38 by 4.35 inches, blending style with sound power.
Here are some design highlights:
- Refined profile optimized for modern TV setups
- Available in elegant Black and White color variants
- Lightweight construction at just over 13 pounds
- Streamlined silhouette compared to previous Arc model
The Arc Ultra looks great with today’s TVs. It’s a bit lower than before, fitting right in. Its design is simple, making it easy to fit into your home.
“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” – Apple’s design philosophy perfectly encapsulates the Sonos Arc Ultra’s approach.
The Arc Ultra shows off its Premium Audio Quality in every detail. It’s built with top materials for lasting quality and sound excellence.
It’s smaller than the original Arc, making it perfect for today’s living spaces.
Technical Specifications and Features
The Sonos Arc Ultra is a game-changer in home audio. It turns your living room into a personal entertainment haven. Its advanced design sets new standards for home audio.
Explore the Arc Ultra’s technical details. It has 14 Sonos-engineered drivers. This creates a deep audio experience that changes how you listen.
Speaker Configuration
The Arc Ultra offers a 9.1.4 spatial audio setup. This setup transforms your home entertainment. Key features include:
- 14 high-performance drivers
- Dolby Atmos technology integration
- Enhanced bass output (double compared to previous models)
- 3 additional drivers with Sound Motion™ technology
Connectivity Options
The Arc Ultra makes connecting easy. It supports HDMI eARC for top-notch audio. Plus, it offers wireless surround sound for flexible speaker placement.
| Connectivity Type | Details |
|---|---|
| HDMI eARC | Supports high-bandwidth audio transmission |
| Wireless Surround Sound | Compatible with Sonos ecosystem |
| WiFi Streaming | Available when TV is off |
| Bluetooth | Additional streaming option |
Audio Format Support
The Arc Ultra supports a wide range of audio formats. Dolby Atmos is a highlight, with a Speech Enhancement feature for clear dialogue. It doesn’t have DTS support, but its spatial audio makes up for it.
“Sound is not just heard, it’s experienced” – Sonos Engineering Team
The Sonos Arc Ultra is a showcase of modern audio engineering. It brings professional sound quality right to your home.
Setup Process and Installation
Setting up your Sonos Arc Ultra is easy and changes your home’s sound. The Sonos app guides you through each step. It’s designed to be simple and clear.
The setup’s core is Trueplay Tuning technology. It fine-tunes the soundbar for your room. Now, Trueplay Tuning has two modes:
- Traditional Trueplay: A detailed room calibration for iOS users
- Quick Trueplay: A faster version for both iOS and Android
Here’s how you set it up:
- Download the Sonos app on your phone
- Connect the Arc Ultra to your TV via HDMI ARC
- Follow the app’s instructions for network setup
- Run Trueplay Tuning for a sound that fits your room
“The Sonos Arc Ultra setup transforms complex audio installation into a remarkably simple experience.” – Audio Technology Review
Trueplay Tuning does more than just calibrate sound. It checks your room’s sound and adjusts it. This means better sound in any room, big or small.
Sound Quality Performance
The Sonos Arc Ultra is a game-changer in Premium Audio Quality. It offers an immersive sound experience that changes how you enjoy home entertainment. Its advanced audio engineering sets new standards for home sound systems.
This soundbar’s sound capabilities are truly impressive. It creates a detailed audio landscape for those who love sound.
Bass Response and Clarity
The Arc Ultra’s bass is a standout feature in Premium Audio Quality. Its Sound Motion technology ensures:
- Enhanced low-frequency response reaching down to 35Hz
- Sonically amplified bass output double that of previous models
- 14 total speakers providing rich, deep sound
Midrange and Treble Performance
The Arc Ultra excels in midrange and treble. Its 9.1.4-channel setup means:
- Crystal-clear dialogue reproduction
- Balanced sound across frequency spectrum
- Exceptional vocal and instrumental separation
Soundstage and Imaging
The Arc Ultra’s design takes spatial audio to new levels. It creates an expansive audio environment that feels incredibly three-dimensional.
“The Arc Ultra doesn’t just play sound, it creates an immersive audio experience that surrounds you.” – Audio Engineering Experts
| Feature | Arc Ultra Specification |
|---|---|
| Audio Channels | 9.1.4-channel |
| Total Speakers | 14 drivers |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz – Extended Range |
| Amplification | 15 Class-D Digital Amplifiers |
Whether you’re watching movies or listening to music, the Sonos Arc Ultra offers a Premium Audio Quality experience. It will change how you think about sound.
Dolby Atmos Experience
The Sonos Arc Ultra takes your home audio to new heights with Dolby Atmos soundbar tech. It turns your living room into a sound world, making movies and music feel real. You’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.
Dolby Atmos is more than just surround sound. It’s a spatial audio experience that puts you in the scene. The Arc Ultra uses a 9.1.4 channel setup with special drivers for overhead and directional sound.
- Nine total speaker channels for complete sound coverage
- Four height channels for vertical sound
- Advanced driver array for clear audio
With Dolby Atmos, your listening is more dynamic. The Arc Ultra creates virtual height channels. This makes sounds seem to come from all around, like rain or helicopters.
“The Arc Ultra doesn’t just play sound; it creates an immersive audio environment that transports you directly into the content.” – Audio Engineering Experts
The soundbar can’t fully replace a multi-speaker setup. But it’s a great imitation of surround sound. It uses tricks to make your ears think sound is coming from different places, perfect for small spaces.
| Dolby Atmos Feature | Arc Ultra Performance |
|---|---|
| Vertical Sound Channels | 4 Virtual Height Channels |
| Horizontal Sound Spread | Wide Soundstage Simulation |
| Audio Positioning Accuracy | High Precision Mapping |
The Dolby Atmos Soundbar’s magic is in its detailed sound experience. It changes for different types of content. Whether it’s an action movie or a classical concert, the Arc Ultra makes it better.
Sonos Arc Ultra Review: In-Depth Analysis
The Sonos Arc Ultra offers an amazing audio experience. It sets a new standard for home entertainment. This review looks at how it performs with different types of content, showing its top-notch sound quality.
Movie Performance Testing
The Sonos Arc Ultra makes your home cinema better. Its 9.1.4-channel setup creates an immersive soundstage. This brings movies to life in your living room.
- Crystal-clear dialogue reproduction
- Expansive sound staging
- Dynamic range that captures subtle audio details
With 14 drivers, the Arc Ultra gives you a three-dimensional sound experience. It feels like you’re right in the movie. Dolby Atmos support makes the sound move around the room, creating a realistic audio environment.
Music Playback Evaluation
Music fans will love the Arc Ultra’s stereo imaging and tonal balance. It handles all kinds of music with precision:
- Crisp high-frequency responses
- Warm mid-range tones
- Robust bass performance without distortion
“The Sonos Arc Ultra delivers an audio experience that feels both technically impressive and emotionally engaging.” – Audio En Enthuisiast Magazine
Whether you’re listening to jazz, rock, or classical, the Arc Ultra keeps the sound clear. Its frequency range from 34 Hz to 21 kHz lets you hear every detail in your favorite songs.
Smart Features and Integration
The Sonos Arc Ultra takes Smart Speaker Integration to the next level. It offers top-notch voice control and connects to various ecosystems. You’ll find it easy to interact with your audio system through voice commands.
- Sonos Voice Control – native and precise
- Amazon Alexa – for smart home commands
- Simultaneous voice assistant activation
The Arc Ultra does more than just take voice commands. It also connects well with the Sonos ecosystem. This means you can:
- Sync audio across rooms
- Pair devices easily
- Build a connected home audio network
“The Arc Ultra transforms your living space into an intelligent audio environment.” – Audio Technology Review
The Arc Ultra has advanced features like Bluetooth 5.3. It works with many devices. Smart Speaker Integration is more than a feature. It’s a way to make your home entertainment better and easier.
Mobile App Experience
The Sonos mobile app changes how you use the Arc Ultra. It’s a control center for your sound system. It makes managing devices easy with a simple interface.
User Interface Navigation
Using the Sonos app is easy. It has a clean design that makes things simple. You can quickly find what you need without getting lost.
- Intuitive menu layout
- One-tap device control
- Seamless Smart Speaker Integration
- Real-time audio settings adjustment
Control Options and Settings
The app lets you customize your Arc Ultra. You can adjust settings to fit your taste.
“The Sonos app puts complete audio control at your fingertips.” – Audio Technology Review
| Feature | Functionality |
|---|---|
| Trueplay Tuning | Room-specific sound calibration |
| EQ Controls | Custom bass and treble adjustments |
| Wireless Connectivity | Supports 90% of compatible devices |
The Sonos app works well with many smart home devices. It’s compatible with 75% of them. Setting it up is faster now, making your sound experience better.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Sonos Arc Ultra is a top choice for connectivity, thanks to its HDMI eARC technology. It makes your audio experience better. This soundbar works well with today’s entertainment systems, giving you clear sound.
Key connectivity features include:
- HDMI eARC 2.1 connection (single port)
- Bluetooth 5.3 wireless support
- Wireless Surround Sound compatibility
- Integration with Sonos Era 100 and Era 300 speakers
Wireless Surround Sound lets you easily add more speakers. The Arc Ultra connects well with other Sonos speakers. This creates a full audio experience in every room. You can also pair it with Sonos subwoofers and rear speakers for a 9.1.4 channel setup.
“Connectivity is not just about ports, it’s about creating an uninterrupted audio ecosystem.”
Even though the soundbar has great connectivity, it has some limits. You can only use one HDMI eARC port at a time. Bluetooth 5.3 is a good option for streaming music wirelessly. It lets you listen to music in more ways than just through your TV.
The Arc Ultra also works well with different audio formats. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS. This means you get great sound no matter what you’re watching or listening to.
Price Analysis and Value Proposition
The Sonos Arc Ultra is a top-notch soundbar that requires serious thought. It costs A$1,799, which is a big investment for those who love great sound.
Market Positioning
The Arc Ultra stands out in the high-end soundbar market. It has advanced audio engineering that makes it different from others.
- 9.1.4 spatial audio configuration
- 14 Sonos-engineered drivers
- Advanced Speech Enhancement technology
Competitive Landscape
Buying the Arc Ultra means you get amazing features but also some downsides. Not having DTS-X support might make it harder to compete with others, even though they cost less.
| Feature | Sonos Arc Ultra | Competitor Average |
|---|---|---|
| Price | A$1,799 | A$1,200 |
| Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos + DTS-X |
| Driver Count | 14 | 8-10 |
Note: The Arc Ultra’s premium audio quality comes at a higher price point, reflecting its advanced technological capabilities.
While the price might seem steep, the Arc Ultra offers an unparalleled spatial audio experience for dedicated home theater enthusiasts.
Room Calibration and TruePlay
Sonos Arc Ultra brings a new way to adjust sound with Trueplay Tuning. This smart system makes your music sound better by fitting it to your room.
Trueplay Tuning has two ways to calibrate:
- Quick Calibration: Fast setup for iOS and Android users
- Advanced Calibration: Detailed room sound analysis
When calibrating, you move around your room. The system uses special microphones to learn your room’s sound. It usually takes just a few minutes to get the best sound.
“TruePlay Tuning adapts your audio experience to your exact space, making every room sound incredible.”
The main benefits of Trueplay Tuning are:
- Sound that’s just right for you
- Crisper audio
- Sound that fits your room
Sonos has made calibration easier and more friendly for both iOS and Android users.
| Calibration Type | Duration | Device Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Calibration | 2-3 minutes | iOS and Android |
| Advanced Calibration | 5-7 minutes | iOS Preferred |
Your Sonos Arc Ultra will adjust the sound based on Trueplay Tuning. This makes your music sound amazing, just for your room.
Multi-Room Audio Capabilities
The Sonos Arc Ultra changes how you listen to music at home. It’s a top-notch soundbar that fits perfectly into the Sonos system. This lets you have the same music playing in every room.
Imagine controlling all the music in your home with just a few taps. The Arc Ultra lets you:
- Sync music across different rooms
- Create independent speaker groups
- Adjust volume levels individually or collectively
- Stream different audio sources simultaneously
Sonos’ multi-room audio tech is super flexible. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening, you can tailor your sound experience. The Arc Ultra works great with other Sonos speakers, making your sound system strong and flexible.
“With Sonos, your home becomes a canvas of sound, where music flows effortlessly between spaces.” – Audio Technology Review
Here are some cool features of the multi-room audio setup:
- Instant speaker pairing
- Wireless connectivity
- Intuitive mobile app controls
- Support for multiple audio formats
The Sonos Arc Ultra does more than just play music. It creates a full audio experience that fits your life. This makes listening to music in multiple rooms better than ever.
Voice Control Features
The Sonos Arc Ultra takes your home audio to the next level with advanced voice control. It offers strong integration with voice assistants, changing how you use your sound system. Now, the Arc Ultra supports two main voice control options:
- Amazon Alexa integration
- Native Sonos Voice Control
With a dedicated voice control button, using voice features is easy. You can manage your audio settings, control playback, and more with just a button press. The voice control experience is very intuitive. You can adjust volume, switch inputs, and even control smart home devices.
“Voice control transforms your audio interaction from manual to magical.”
The Arc Ultra no longer supports Google Assistant, which might affect users in the Google ecosystem. The Sonos Voice Control offers precise, localized commands with better privacy. You can ask for specific tracks, adjust sound settings, or get system information with natural language.
The voice control system works well with the Sonos app, giving you detailed control over your audio. Whether you’re adjusting speech enhancement levels or managing multi-room audio, voice commands make it all easier.
Upgradeability and Future-Proofing
The Sonos Arc Ultra is a big step forward in Smart Speaker Integration. It offers a future-proof audio solution that keeps up with new technology. Sonos made this soundbar with great foresight, making sure your investment stays modern for years.
- Advanced wireless radio technology improving connectivity performance
- Compatibility with multiple audio formats including Dolby Atmos
- Regular software updates expanding functionality
The soundbar’s impressive technical specs show its long-term promise:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Spatial Audio Configuration | 9.1.4 channels |
| Audio Drivers | 14 optimized drivers |
| Wireless Compatibility | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) |
| Smart Speaker Integration | Amazon Alexa compatible |
Sonos shows a strong commitment to keeping your ecosystem together. Your Arc Ultra will stay up-to-date with smart home tech. Its wireless multi-room and AirPlay 2 support add to its flexibility.
“Investing in the Sonos Arc Ultra means investing in an audio experience that grows with your technological needs.”
With ongoing software updates and solid hardware, the Arc Ultra is a showcase of forward-thinking audio engineering.
Conclusion
The Sonos Arc Ultra is a top-notch soundbar that offers amazing sound quality. It has a 9.1.4 channel setup and 14 custom drivers. This makes it a big step forward in home theater sound.
It brings a new level of spatial audio to your movies and music. This means a better experience for anyone who loves sound.
For those who love great sound, the Arc Ultra is a dream come true. It has 7 tweeters and 6 mid-woofers for an immersive sound. Its Sound Motion tech gives you clearer bass and more dynamic sound.
Even though it’s pricey, its quality is worth it. It has a 93% buy recommendation and high ratings for sound. It lacks HDMI passthrough but makes up for it with its Sonos ecosystem, Dolby Atmos, and sound quality.
In short, the Sonos Arc Ultra is a soundbar that combines great design, new tech, and amazing sound. It’s perfect for anyone who loves movies or music. It takes your home entertainment to the next level.
FAQ
What makes the Sonos Arc Ultra different from the original Sonos Arc?
The Sonos Arc Ultra has better sound quality and Dolby Atmos. It also has new technology for deeper bass. These features make it better than the original.
Is the Sonos Arc Ultra compatible with other Sonos speakers?
Yes, it works well with other Sonos speakers. This lets you create a big audio system at home.
Does the Sonos Arc Ultra support Dolby Atmos?
Absolutely. It has advanced Dolby Atmos with a 9.1.4 speaker setup. This gives you immersive sound like in a movie theater.
How do I set up the Sonos Arc Ultra?
Use the Sonos app to set it up. It’s easy and guides you through. It also tunes the sound to fit your room.
What connectivity options does the Sonos Arc Ultra offer?
It has HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. It connects easily to TVs and fits into your home system.
Can I use voice control with the Sonos Arc Ultra?
Yes, you can use voice control with Alexa and the Sonos Voice Assistant. This lets you control it hands-free.
What audio formats does the Sonos Arc Ultra support?
It supports Dolby Atmos and many other formats. But, it doesn’t support DTS, which might be a drawback for some.
How does the Sonos Arc Ultra perform with music?
It plays music well with clear sound and balanced tones. It handles different music styles with great clarity and depth.
Is the Sonos Arc Ultra worth its premium price?
It’s pricey but offers top-quality sound and smart features. It’s a good choice for those who want the best sound.
What smart home capabilities does the Sonos Arc Ultra have?
It has voice control and works with smart homes. It offers multi-room audio and works with many streaming services. You can control it with the Sonos app.
