Audio specialist Sonos has upgraded its famous soundbar Sonos ARC with the new Sonos Arc Ultra. This latest-generation model is packed with new features for even more immersive Dolby Atmos sound over 9.1.4 channels.
The new Sonos reference
Since its beginnings in 2002, Sonos, a multi-room audio pioneer, has distinguished itself with products that combine efficiency, ease of use and sleek design. In 2020, the American brand revolutionized the soundbar market with the Sonos Arc(read the review), its first Dolby Atmos-compatible model, which quickly became an essential reference. This success was followed by the launch of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2), more accessible thanks to Dolby Atmos Virtual technology, and the Sonos Ray, a compact solution ideal for small spaces. With the Sonos Arc Ultra, the brand reinforces its high-end positioning by offering an even more powerful and immersive sound experience.
9.1.4 Dolby Atmos channels
While the Sonos Arc already succeeded in immersing us in the heart of the action with its 5.0.2 channels, the new Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar is even more ambitious, with 9.1.4-channel reproduction. To achieve this, it now incorporates 14 drivers (compared with 11 previously), some of which are oriented towards the ceiling to reproduce vertical effects. Another change is a very large woofer, featuring new Sound Motion technology, which promises to deliver deep, powerful bass in an even more compact format. To achieve this, it uses four motors and a double cone. The whole system is powered by 14 class D amplifiers to reproduce film and TV soundtracks with dynamism and power.
Wireless home theater
Like its predecessor, the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar can be combined with the brand’s various multi-room components to create a custom wireless home theater system. In particular, a pair of Sonos Era 100 speakers can be used for surround sound, or ideally the Sonos Era 300, which, in addition to surround sound, also reproduces rear Atmos effects thanks to dedicated drivers. Deep bass enthusiasts will be delighted by the Sonos Sub Mini subwoofer or the brand-new Sonos Sub (Gen 4), presented below. Finally, the Sonos Ace headphones can be paired for nighttime Dolby Atmos sessions.
Streaming and connectivity
Other features of the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar remain unchanged, with TruePlay automatic calibration, as well as various settings accessible from the mobile app. These include adjusting bass levels, activating Loudness or Night mode, and optimizing dialogue clarity with Voice Enhancement mode.
This app also offers the same streaming options as the brand’s connected speakers. You can access files shared over the local network, web radios and most streaming services such as Apple Music, Deezer, Qobuz and Spotify. Streaming can also be carried out via AirPlay 2 and now Bluetooth. Finally, connection to the TV is done via HDMI eARC/ARC or optical, thanks to the included HDMI/optical adapter.
Price and availability
The new Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar is now available to pre-order on Son-Vidéo.com, either on its own or as a pack. It will be tested shortly on the blog, and will be available for delivery at the end of the month. Prices are as follows:
- Sonos Arc Ultra alone: €999
- Sonos Arc Ultra + Sonos Era 100: €1,299
- Sonos Arc Ultra + Sonos Sub Gen 4: €1,690
- Sonos Arc Ultra + Sonos Era 300: €1,899
- Sonos Arc Ultra + Sonos Era 100 + Sub Gen 4: €1,990
- Sonos Arc Ultra + Sonos Era 300 + Sub Gen 4: €2,499
Sonos Sub Gen 4: the new wireless subwoofer
Sonos also took advantage of the announcement of the Sonos Arc Ultra to unveil its new wireless subwoofer: the Sonos Sub (Gen 4). Replacing the Sonos Sub (Gen 3), this fourth-generation model brings superior processing power and increased memory to optimize responsiveness and avoid any latency. The two 5 x 8″ (12.7 x 20.3cm) drivers have a force-cancellation design and face inwards to eliminate resonance and distortion.
As with the new woofer in the Sonos Arc Ultra, the two drivers in the Sonos Sub 4 use Sonos’ latest Sound Motion technology to deliver even more powerful bass, without increasing the size of the subwoofer. As a result, it remains relatively compact, measuring just 15cm wide, 38cm high and 40cm deep. It can be positioned vertically or horizontally, so it’s easy to fit it into any space in the room, whether alongside the TV cabinet, behind the sofa or directly under it. It can even be wall-mounted using the dedicated Mountson MS71 bracket.
The new Sonos Sub (Gen 4) subwoofer is also available to pre-order on Son-Vidéo.com at a price of €899, for delivery from October 29. It can be used with the new Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar, but also with any other Sonos soundbar or connected equipment running the Sonos S2 app.
