After years of anticipation, Sonos has finally unveiled its very first headphones: the Sonos Ace. For this inaugural model, the brand strikes hard with ultra-versatile WiFi, Bluetooth and multi-room compatible headphones. With Dolby Atmos support, they promise a three-dimensional audio experience with both music and movies, and can even complement a Sonos soundbar.
Sonos Ace: WiFi, Bluetooth and wired
A pioneer of multi-room with its connected speakers, and having conquered the world of soundbars, the American manufacturer is now tackling wireless headphones, where it intends to establish itself among the leading brands. To set itself apart, the new Sonos Ace headphones offer a unique solution that can work equally well with WiFi, Bluetooth or wired connections. At home, their WiFi connection provides access to the entire Sonos ecosystem, with the possibility of enjoying streaming services, web radios or tracks shared on the network. Outside, Bluetooth takes over for direct streaming from a smartphone. Finally, a wired connection via USB-C or mini-jack ensures perfect compatibility with all audio sources.
Sonos Ace: Dolby Atmos
The Sonos Ace wireless headphones are compatible with Dolby Audio and Spatial Audio technologies, offering three-dimensional sound for tracks mixed in these formats on platforms such as Tidal, Amazon Music and Apple Music. However, the real strength of these headphones lies in their ability to synchronize with a Sonos Beam or Sonos Arc soundbar, allowing you to enjoy the same immersive sound experience without disturbing those around you. Simply wear the headphones and press the dedicated button to automatically send the TV sound to the headphones in Dolby Atmos. This feature is ideal for a true cinema experience, even late at night. What’s more, dynamic head tracking enhances immersion by adapting the sound reproduction to the user’s movements.
Sonos Ace: audio design
The audio design of the Sonos Ace headphones uses a 40mm dynamic transducer specifically designed by the brand’s engineers for this model. It is mounted in a bass-reflex enclosure with port to optimize bass power. To adapt to each user, the sound signature of these headphones can be easily customized from the Sonos mobile app thanks to the built-in equalizer. To ensure high-quality sound, the Sonos Ace support Lossless audio formats, as well as Bluetooth aptX HD. Finally, active noise cancelling effectively blocks out ambient noise to immerse you in the heart of music and movies.
Sonos Ace: design and comfort
The Sonos Ace have a modern, minimalist design reminiscent of the Apple AirPods Max headphones. Their stainless steel headband adapts perfectly to all heads, and features generous padding. The earcups are also copiously padded and are combined with an innovative mechanism to equalize pressure and enhance passive isolation. As a result, the Sonos Ace headphones are extremely comfortable and can be worn all day long. What’s more, their extremely long 30-hour battery life means you’ll never be let down. When you’re in a hurry, a charge of just 3 minutes provides up to 3 hours of autonomy.
Sonos Ace: price and availability
Unveiled today, the Sonos headphones will be available for pre-order from May 28, 2024 for delivery from June 5. Priced at €499, they will be a strong competitor to the more expensive Apple AirPods Max. A very promising model which will be tested on the blog very soon.
Alongside the announcement of the Sonos Ace headphones, the American manufacturer also presented its new portable WiFi and Bluetooth speaker: the Sonos Roam 2. Replacing the popular Sonos Roam, it has all the functions of the latter, while making configuration easier.
Read more: Sonos Roam 2: the new portable speaker
