Sonos has introduced the new Sonos Arc Ultra premium soundbar that debuts the brand’s transducer technology called Sound Motion.
Sound Motion reduces the size of the transducer while enhancing bass. Sonos says Arc Ultra delivers up to double the bass of its predecessor, with a 9.1.4 spatial audio experience via Dolby Atmos. There’s also advanced Speech Enhancement for more levels of control, and a new centre channel architecture helps to maximize voice clarity so it’s easier to follow dialogue. Choose the preferred level of dialogue clarity in the Sonos app.
The new architecture features 14 Sonos-engineered drivers, including a Sound Motion woofer and a cluster of tweeters with waveguides on both ends. You can tune it with Trueplay as with previous generation Sonos speakers, which is available now for both iOS and Android devices.
Enjoy easy set-up with the HDMI eARC connection and control the speaker with a compatible TV remote, the Sonos app, Sonos Voice, or Amazon Alexa. There are also touch controls in a ledge behind the soundbar to prevent visual distraction. Additional, the soundbars includes Bluetooth line-in.
Employing a curved matte finish, the soundbar is slimmer, nicely mounting under a large TV and not obstructing the TV bezels when placed on a credenza. The wrap-around grille extends around the back of the speakers so sound can travel in every direction.
Complementing the new soundbar is the Sonos Sub 4, the next generation of its subwoofer with a refreshed design and internals. It boasts dual custom woofers and faces inwards, which Sonos says creates a force-canceling effect that neutralizes distortion. With increased processing power and memory along with new Wi-Fi radios for better connectivity, it also sports a sculptural shape that maintains much of its predecessor’s aesthetic. But there’s an updated matte finish in Black and White and a profile that’s easy to stand upright, lay on its side, or tuck under the couch. Pair two subwoofers together for maximum bass. Sub 4 is compatible with previous generations of Sub.
Sonos is also continuing to improve its app with the latest software update with features catering to new Sonos customers for system identification, the set-up of new devices, and the ability to group Sonos devices together. For current Sonos customers, the update will reintroduce 90% of the new app’s missing features, with further additions on the way..
“We’ve worked tirelessly to resolve the most critical app issues and most requested legacy features,” says Patrick Spence, CEO of Sonos. “We have reached a level of quality that gives us the confidence to launch our extraordinary new products. As we laid out in our commitments, we will continue to improve the software regularly, and are determined to make the Sonos experience better than it’s ever been.”
Arc Ultra and Sub 4 will be available beginning on October 29, 2024 for US$999 and US$799.