By: Ce Critic

Sonos has finally unveiled its much-anticipated Arc Ultra soundbar and Sub 4 subwoofer, aiming to take home theater audio to a new level. The original Sonos Arc received an 89% CE Critic score, which is still considered a positive reception. Here's a breakdown of the key features and specifications for tech enthusiasts:

Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar

• Breakthrough Sound Motion Technology: The Arc Ultra boasts a revolutionary transducer design called Sound Motion, acquired from Sonos' Mayht acquisition. This technology allows for significantly smaller drivers while delivering powerful, deep bass – a significant leap in audio engineering according to Sonos.
• Immersive 9.1.4 Spatial Audio: With 14 custom-designed drivers, including a Sound Motion woofer, up-firing and side-firing speakers, and a new center channel array, the Arc Ultra promises to create a captivating 3D soundscape with Dolby Atmos support.
• Advanced Speech Enhancement: A dedicated feature allows users to fine-tune dialogue clarity for improved intelligibility.
• Trueplay Tuning for Android: This long-awaited feature brings room calibration to Android devices, ensuring optimal sound performance for all users.
• Seamless Connectivity: The Arc Ultra offers Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI eARC, and AirPlay 2 compatibility for versatile streaming options.
• Sleek Design: Maintaining the Sonos aesthetic, the Arc Ultra features a slim profile with a matte black or white finish.

Sonos Sub 4 Subwoofer

• Enhanced Performance: The Sub 4 boasts increased processing power, memory, and a new Wi-Fi radio for a more robust connection and smoother operation.
• Dual Force-Cancelling Woofers: This design minimizes distortion for clean, powerful bass.
• Improved Efficiency: Sonos claims a near 50% reduction in idle power consumption compared to previous models.
• Versatile Placement: The Sub 4's rounded-square design allows for upright or on-its-side positioning to fit various room configurations.
• Matte Finish: The Sub 4 gets a sleek upgrade with a new matte black or white finish.

Availability and Pricing

• Both the Sonos Arc Ultra ($999) and Sub 4 ($799) will be available for purchase starting October 29, 2024, in black or white finishes. Pre-orders are now open.
• Sonos also offers bundles with both products and complete home theater kits that include the Arc Ultra, Sub 4, and Sonos speaker sets.

Competition

The Sonos Arc Ultra faces stiff competition in the premium soundbar market. Here's a quick comparison with some key rivals:

• Samsung HW-Q990D: Boasts a 9.1.4 channel configuration, object-based audio decoding, and multiple connectivity options. It currently holds a 95% CE Critic score.
• Sennheiser Ambeo Max: This immersive soundbar features a unique 3.1.3 channel layout with upward-firing speakers and advanced room calibration technology. It has a 93% CE Critic score.

Conclusion

The Sonos Arc Ultra presents a compelling upgrade for those seeking a powerful, immersive home theater experience with the convenience of the Sonos ecosystem. The innovative Sound Motion technology promises a significant leap in bass performance from a sleek soundbar design. However, its $999 price tag positions it firmly in the premium category, and it faces competition from established players with strong critical reception. Whether the Arc Ultra can dethrone the current leaders in the market remains to be seen, but it offers a promising combination of innovative technology, immersive sound, and seamless integration for Sonos fans.