Sonos Arc Ultra Review

Overview

The Sonos Arc Ultra represents Sonos’ flagship standalone soundbar for 2024, serving as the direct successor to the 2020 Sonos Arc. While it retains a nearly identical physical footprint, the internal acoustic architecture has been completely revamped to deliver a 9.1.4 virtual surround sound setup, a substantial upgrade from the original Arc’s 5.0 layout. Its core value proposition centers on the new “Sound Motion” built-in subwoofer driver, which Sonos claims delivers double the bass of the previous model, alongside a new front-firing speaker array that enhances center channel clarity for crisp dialogue. Expert consensus consistently highlights that the Arc Ultra is a significant step up for movies, offering a wider, more dynamic soundstage and dramatically improved bass performance without requiring additional speakers. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity also marks a long-awaited feature addition, addressing a major gap in the original Arc.

Strengths

Immersive Spatial Audio and Bass

The most celebrated aspect of the Arc Ultra is its ability to create a genuinely immersive Dolby Atmos experience. Reviewers consistently report that the soundstage is significantly wider and more precise than the original Arc, with sound placement that feels more realistic and three-dimensional. The new Sound Motion driver is the star of the show, delivering bass that is not only more resounding but also significantly more controlled, tuneful, and better defined. While it isn’t vastly louder, the low end is much more articulate, allowing for deeper impact without muddiness. Experts note that the Arc Ultra can deliver a full 9.1.4 surround sound experience by itself, making it an exceptional option for those who want a high-end setup without adding a subwoofer or rear speakers.

Enhanced Dialogue Clarity

Sonos has specifically targeted center channel performance in the Arc Ultra, and the results are widely praised. The new front-firing array and custom colinear waveguides deliver crisp, distinct dialogue, making it a superior choice for dialogue-heavy TV shows and movies. Reviewers highlight that the clarity is a marked improvement over the standard Arc, with speech enhancement features that offer more control for users who prioritize vocal clarity. This makes the Arc Ultra particularly well-suited for viewers who often struggle to hear dialogue in complex movie soundtracks.

Robust Connectivity and Integration

The addition of Bluetooth 5.3 is a major functional upgrade, allowing users to stream audio from any device without Wi-Fi, a feature the original Arc lacked. Furthermore, the Arc Ultra integrates seamlessly with the broader Sonos ecosystem, including the Era 300, Era 100, and the new Sonos Ace wireless headphones. A standout feature is the ability to swap audio from the Arc Ultra to the Sonos Ace headphones with a single button press in the app, providing a convenient way to watch or game without disturbing others. The soundbar also supports AirPlay 2 and Wi-Fi playback for high-throughput streaming.

Trade-offs

No HDMI Passthrough

The most significant functional drawback of the Arc Ultra is the lack of HDMI passthrough. This means the soundbar cannot act as a hub for connecting other devices like a game console or streaming box to your TV; you must connect your TV directly to the soundbar and then use the soundbar’s HDMI output to connect to the TV, which is not possible. This limitation forces users to connect their TV’s HDMI ARC/eARC port directly to the soundbar, and any other devices must be connected to the TV’s HDMI inputs, potentially complicating cable management and setup for some users.

Limited Voice Assistant Support

While the Arc Ultra supports Amazon Alexa for playback control and smart home device management, it lacks support for Google Assistant or Gemini. This severely limits its utility for users who are deeply invested in the Google smart home ecosystem, as they cannot use voice commands to control their home devices through the soundbar. The absence of Google Assistant is a notable omission for a premium product in 2024, especially when competitors often offer multi-assistant support.

No DTS:X Decoding

The Arc Ultra does not support DTS:X decoding, meaning Dolby Atmos is the only high-quality spatial audio format it can fully utilize. While Dolby Atmos is the dominant format for streaming services and many physical media, the lack of DTS:X support means that users with DTS-encoded content will not experience the same level of spatial audio immersion. This limitation is particularly relevant for users who have a library of DTS-encoded movies or who rely on formats that are not exclusively Dolby-based.

Premium Price and Expansion Costs

At $999, the Arc Ultra is a costly proposition, and the price can increase considerably if users wish to expand the system with a dedicated subwoofer or rear speakers. While the soundbar performs exceptionally on its own, the full potential of the 9.1.4 setup is best realized with additional components, which can push the total cost to around $3,600. For budget-conscious buyers, the high entry price and the potential for additional costs may be a deterrent, especially when compared to more affordable alternatives that offer similar core features.

Specifications

Who Should Buy It

The Sonos Arc Ultra is an ideal choice for movie enthusiasts and music lovers who prioritize high-quality, immersive audio and are willing to invest in a premium soundbar. It is particularly well-suited for viewers who watch a lot of dialogue-heavy content, as its enhanced center channel clarity delivers crisp, distinct speech. The soundbar is also perfect for those who want a powerful, all-in-one solution without the need for additional speakers, as it can deliver a full 9.1.4 surround sound experience on its own. If you are already part of the Sonos ecosystem, the Arc Ultra’s seamless integration with Era speakers and the Sonos Ace headphones makes it a compelling upgrade.

However, the Arc Ultra is not the best choice for budget-conscious buyers or those who require HDMI passthrough for their setup. The lack of HDMI passthrough can complicate cable management and limit connectivity options for users with multiple devices. Additionally, if you rely heavily on Google Assistant for smart home control, the absence of this feature will be a significant drawback. For those who have a library of DTS-encoded content, the lack of DTS:X support may also be a concern. If you are looking for a more affordable alternative, consider the Sonos Arc (original) or the Samsung Q990C, which offer similar core features at a lower price point.

The Bottom Line: Sonos Arc Ultra

The Sonos Arc Ultra is a top-tier Dolby Atmos soundbar that delivers a significantly more immersive and powerful audio experience than its predecessor, with enhanced bass, clearer dialogue, and a wider soundstage. While it lacks HDMI passthrough and DTS:X support, its performance for movies and music makes it a worthy upgrade for those who prioritize sound quality.

Alternatives Worth Considering

FAQ

Is the Sonos Arc Ultra worth the upgrade from the original Arc? Yes, for most users, the Arc Ultra is a significant upgrade due to its improved bass, clearer dialogue, and wider soundstage. The addition of Bluetooth and the 9.1.4 virtual surround setup make it a compelling choice for those who want a more immersive experience.

Does the Sonos Arc Ultra support DTS:X? No, the Arc Ultra does not support DTS:X decoding. It only supports Dolby Atmos for high-quality spatial audio.

Can I use the Sonos Arc Ultra with Google Assistant? No, the Arc Ultra only supports Amazon Alexa for voice control. It does not support Google Assistant or Gemini.

Is the Sonos Arc Ultra good for music? Yes, the Arc Ultra is excellent for music, with a balanced default sound profile that lends itself well to both music and movies. The improved bass and clarity make it a versatile choice for all types of audio content.

Does the Sonos Arc Ultra have HDMI passthrough? No, the Arc Ultra does not have HDMI passthrough. This means you cannot connect other devices to the soundbar and then to your TV; you must connect your TV directly to the soundbar.

Sources

• Sonos Arc Ultra - Sound Advice Review
• Sonos Arc Ultra review - Soundbars - What Hi-Fi?
• Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar Review - RTINGS.com
• Sonos Arc Ultra Review: Rich Spatial Sound In A Premium Soundbar
• Review: Sonos Arc Ultra - FlatpanelsHD
• Sonos arc ultra review, upgrading from arc. : r/sonos - Reddit
• Sonos Arc Ultra Review: The Dolby Atmos Soundbar To Beat?
• Sonos Arc Ultra - Long Term Review - YouTube
• Sonos Arc Ultra Home Cinema Review: Watch Before You Buy!
• Sonos Arc Ultra Review: Soundbar Rocks for Music, Less ... - CNET