Progress in the world of home theatre systems is slow yet steady. Unlike smartphones and headphones, where the advent of generative AI has revolutionised the user experience, home theatre systems have to rely solely on pure hardware engineering, with only a little help from software. Sonos, a key name in the world of premium audio products, has once again raised the bar with the Arc Ultra soundbar.
Building on the success of the original Arc soundbar, this new flagship model promises a more immersive and refined audio experience for movies, music, and gaming. The Arc Ultra is designed to be the centerpiece of a home theater system, offering advanced features and a sophisticated design that promises to justify its high-end price point. Sonos sells it in India at a price of Rs 99,999, thus positioning it as a serious contender in the luxury soundbar market.
For our review, we paired the Arc Ultra soundbar with the new Sonos Sub 4 subwoofer. This combination aims to provide not just powerful sound, but a truly cinematic experience that fills the room with detailed and dynamic audio.
But is it worth buying, even for the most hardcore audiophiles? Let’s find out.
Design
The Sonos Arc Ultra continues the company’s tradition of minimalist and elegant design. It features a sleek and elongated chassis with a new, finely perforated grille that wraps around the entire unit. This design choice is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, allowing the sound to disperse evenly. The build quality feels solid and durable while imparting a sense of premium.
As with most soundbars, the Arc Ultra is designed to sit discreetly on a media console or be mounted on a wall below a TV, blending nicely into any modern living space.
Setup convenience
As with all Sonos products, the setup process for the Arc Ultra is remarkably user-friendly. If you are comfortable handling heavy audio gear and can spare a few minutes to attach the HDMI and power cables, the process is easy. The following steps are handled entirely through the Sonos app on your smartphone or tablet. The app guides you step-by-step, making it easy to connect to your Wi-Fi network and TV.
A key feature is Sonos’s Trueplay tuning technology, which uses the microphone on your phone to analyse the room’s acoustics and calibrate the soundbar for optimal performance. This ensures you get the best possible audio quality regardless of your room’s layout.
Connectivity
The Arc Ultra maintains a streamlined approach to connectivity. The primary connection to your TV is via a single HDMI eARC port, which is crucial for passing through high-resolution audio formats, including Dolby Atmos. This simple, one-cable setup makes integration effortless. For wireless connectivity, the soundbar connects to your home Wi-Fi network and supports Apple AirPlay 2 for seamless audio streaming from your devices.
Performance
The performance of the Sonos Arc Ultra is where it truly shines. The soundbar delivers a wide, expansive soundstage with a convincing sense of height and depth, thanks to its support for Dolby Atmos. Dialogue is a standout feature, as it is consistently clear and easy to understand, even in busy action scenes. The Arc Ultra produces a rich and detailed audio profile, handling both subtle atmospheric effects and explosive sequences with impressive control.
For music, it delivers a balanced and engaging performance, making it a versatile device for both movies and audio enjoyment.
Sonos Sub 4 makes it a bassy heaven
The Sonos Sub 4, which is a Rs 84,999 addition, is a smaller subwoofer unit that ends up being a perfect companion to the Arc Ultra. The unit produces deep and impactful bass that you can feel without distorting the audio experience. The Sub 4 integrates wirelessly with the soundbar, and the Sonos app ensures a seamless pairing and tuning process. The bass it produces is tight and controlled, never muddying the midrange or highs of the soundbar.
Verdict
The Sonos Arc Ultra is a fantastic soundbar for those who prioritise a premium and high-fidelity home theater experience. Its elegant design, simple setup, and great performance with Dolby Atmos make it a top-tier choice. While the price is a significant investment, its impresses with its ability to deliver an immersive and cinematic sound. Additionally, its seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem makes it a worthwhile purchase.
For the absolute best performance, pairing it with the Sub 4 is highly recommended, as it elevates the system to another level.
