Hands-On With the Sonos Arc Ultra

At a combination Apple tech-loaded household with Sonos speakers, I'll simply preface the impending 300+ bash-a-rama posts to follow by saying that I have no trouble whatsoever with the updated app AND, for the majority of the time, Apple people don't even have to use the app at all: Mac app is still the same old one, Airplay works just fine, E-arc connection to a TV means the TV controls the system (or AppleTV by proxy), etc.

I know some people have had issues, so my "just fine" experience is not entirely representative of everyone... but what is about to follow is also not representative of everyone.

Unlike the HPs-or-bust mentality/defense, Sonos already has full home theater setups, fully worked out. This bar + twin 300s for surround + maybe the Sub if you want deep bass is a highly-rated, wireless surround sound setup (check objective sources) that actually puts "surround" sound behind you (your ears can certainly tell) and delivers deep bass. Arc can deliver left & right stereo like HPs PLUS center channel too... which is very important for dialogue in a surround sound setup. HPs have no such options, nor are there even any rumors of any such things.

Sonos already also works with about everything ('https://support.sonos.com/en-us/services') (including Apple Music and Siri via HomeKit ('https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/use-siri-to-control-sonos-speakers')) vs. being heavily locked down. Airplay "just works" too ('https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/stream-airplay-audio-to-sonos').

I'd passionately argue for the Receiver + dumb speakers setup- which is still the only option to deliver TRUE ATMOS in any room- over this... but this setup for the "must own a soundbar" crowd definitely yields a great sounding system without having to route speaker wires that are required in the traditional setup. I've set up a few of these for friends and have consistently been impressed with the audio quality... far better than ANY set of just 2 physical speakers that I've heard. Myself: traditional Receiver-based, with wires and "dumb speakers"... but I choose to use Sonos speakers in places that others use HPs, like rooms where I want music but do not already have speaker wire runs at the ready.

Now open the umbrella, because here comes the endless rain. ☔

9.1.4 Spatial Audio is glorified Binaural Audio on a channel strip. Without actually spatial placing speakers in and around the perimeter volume of a room you will not capture actual Spatial Audio. What you are capturing his is algorithmic delayed audio attempting to interpret how the mind will compensate and generate a synthetic version.

Then there is the absurd price.

I love the irony of putting the word audiophile in a review for a soundbar.

At a combination Apple tech-loaded household with Sonos speakers, I'll simply preface the impending 300+ bash-a-rama posts to follow by saying that I have no trouble whatsoever with the updated app AND, for the majority of the time, Apple people don't even have to use the app at all: Mac app is still the same old one, Airplay works just fine, etc.

I know some people have had issues, so my "just fine" experience is not entirely representative of everyone... but what is about to follow is also not representative of everyone.

Unlike the HPs-or-bust mentality/defense, Sonos already has full home theater setups, fully worked out. This bar + twin 300s for surround + maybe the Sub if you want deep bass is a highly-rated, wireless surround sound setup (check objective sources) that actually puts "surround" sound behind you (your ears can certainly tell) and delivers deep bass. Arc can deliver left & right stereo like HPs PLUS center channel too... which is very important for dialogue in a surround sound setup. HPs have no such options, nor are there even any rumors of any such things.

Sonos already also works with about everything ('https://support.sonos.com/en-us/services') (including Apple Music and Siri via HomeKit ('https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/use-siri-to-control-sonos-speakers')) vs. being heavily locked down. Airplay "just works" too ('https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/stream-airplay-audio-to-sonos').

I'd passionately argue for the Receiver + dumb speakers setup- which is still the only option to deliver TRUE ATMOS in any room- over this... but this setup for the "must own a soundbar" crowd definitely yields a great sounding system without having to route speaker wires that are required in the traditional setup. I've set up a few of these for friends and have consistently been impressed with the audio quality... far better than ANY set of just 2 physical speakers that I've heard. Myself: traditional Receiver-based, with wires and "dumb speakers"... but I choose to use Sonos speakers in places that others use HPs, like rooms where I want music but do not already have speaker wire runs at the ready.

Now open the umbrella, because here comes the endless rain. ☔

Great post. Same here. I have had 0 issues with the updated app. In fact, like you said I rarely use it, as an Apple everything user.

Love the new Ultra. Have it paired with two rear 300’s and a Gen 3 Sub. Also - purchased a Gen 4 sub, but have not tried it yet. May keep it as a second sub.

Think the Arc Ultra is a great update over the Arc and glad I purchased it. Good job Sonos!

Bought one of these and love it. Dialog is much improved over the previous Arc.

Our Sonos system works amazing. Didn't even notice the app changes because we don't use it. The TV is what controls the arc, sub and rear speakers. On anything else it is streamed via the Spotify or other similar apps.