Immersive sound showdown: bose soundbar ultra vs. sonos arc – which rules the home theater?
What To Know
- However, the Bose Soundbar Ultra takes it a step further with its proprietary TrueSpace spatial audio technology, which aims to deliver a more immersive and realistic experience.
- The Bose Soundbar Ultra works with other Bose smart speakers and soundbars, while the Sonos Arc is part of the Sonos ecosystem, allowing you to create a whole-home audio experience.
- The Sonos Arc also handles dialogue well, but its emphasis on spatial accuracy sometimes sacrifices a bit of clarity in favor of a more immersive sound experience.
The world of home audio has been abuzz with the recent releases of two highly anticipated soundbars: the Bose Soundbar Ultra and the Sonos Arc. Both devices promise an immersive and cinematic sound experience, but which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Bose Soundbar Ultra against the Sonos Arc, examining their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Features: A Battle of Giants
Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio
Both the Bose Soundbar Ultra and Sonos Arc support Dolby Atmos, the latest surround sound technology that creates a multi-dimensional soundscape. However, the Bose Soundbar Ultra takes it a step further with its proprietary TrueSpace spatial audio technology, which aims to deliver a more immersive and realistic experience.
Voice Control
Both soundbars integrate seamlessly with voice assistants. The Bose Soundbar Ultra supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, while the Sonos Arc works with Alexa and Apple Siri. This allows you to control the devices hands-free, making it easy to adjust volume, skip tracks, or even search for content.
HDMI eARC
HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) is a crucial feature for connecting soundbars to TVs. Both the Bose Soundbar Ultra and Sonos Arc support HDMI eARC, which enables high-bandwidth audio transmission and allows for uncompressed Dolby Atmos sound.
Multi-Room Audio
If you want to expand your home audio system, both the Bose Soundbar Ultra and Sonos Arc can be integrated into a multi-room setup. The Bose Soundbar Ultra works with other Bose smart speakers and soundbars, while the Sonos Arc is part of the Sonos ecosystem, allowing you to create a whole-home audio experience.
Performance: Immersive Sound vs Cinematic Realism
Sound Quality
The Bose Soundbar Ultra boasts a powerful 7.1.2-channel speaker system with five front-facing drivers, two upward-firing speakers, and two side-firing speakers. The result is a wide and enveloping soundstage that fills the room with rich and dynamic audio.
The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, employs an 11.1.4-channel speaker system with 11 drivers facing forward and four upward-firing speakers. This setup provides a more precise and immersive sound experience, with excellent clarity and spatial accuracy.
Bass Response
Both soundbars deliver impressive bass response, but the Bose Soundbar Ultra has a slight edge in this department. Its larger drivers and dedicated subwoofer produce deeper and more impactful bass, making it ideal for movies and music with heavy basslines.
Dialogue Clarity
Dialogue clarity is crucial for enjoying movies and TV shows. The Bose Soundbar Ultra employs a center channel speaker dedicated to reproducing dialogue, resulting in clear and intelligible speech even at low volumes.
The Sonos Arc also handles dialogue well, but its emphasis on spatial accuracy sometimes sacrifices a bit of clarity in favor of a more immersive sound experience.
Design: Aesthetics and Convenience
Size and Appearance
The Bose Soundbar Ultra is a relatively compact soundbar measuring 48.5 inches in length. Its sleek and minimalist design complements modern home interiors. The Sonos Arc is slightly larger at 45 inches long, but its curved shape and fabric grille give it a more sophisticated and elegant look.
Placement Options
Both soundbars can be placed on a TV stand or mounted on the wall. The Bose Soundbar Ultra comes with built-in mounting brackets, while the Sonos Arc requires a separate wall mount.
Remote Control
The Bose Soundbar Ultra includes a dedicated remote control with backlit buttons and a clear layout. The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, relies primarily on its mobile app for control, although it also comes with a basic remote for essential functions.
Value: Premium Price, Premium Performance
Price
The Bose Soundbar Ultra retails for $1,199, while the Sonos Arc is priced at $999. Both soundbars are premium devices, and their price reflects their high-end features and performance.
Warranty
The Bose Soundbar Ultra and Sonos Arc both come with a one-year limited warranty. This covers any defects in materials or workmanship, but it does not include accidental damage or misuse.
Which One Is Right for You?
The choice between the Bose Soundbar Ultra and Sonos Arc ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize immersive sound with deep bass and clear dialogue, the Bose Soundbar Ultra is an excellent choice. If you value spatial accuracy, multi-room audio, and a sleek design, the Sonos Arc is a worthy contender.
Final Verdict: The Battle of the Titans
Both the Bose Soundbar Ultra and Sonos Arc are exceptional soundbars that deliver an unparalleled home audio experience. The Bose Soundbar Ultra excels in bass response and dialogue clarity, while the Sonos Arc impresses with its spatial accuracy and multi-room capabilities. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific priorities and budget.
Common Questions and Answers
Q1. Which soundbar has a better soundstage?
A. The Bose Soundbar Ultra has a wider soundstage, while the Sonos Arc has a more precise and immersive soundstage.
Q2. Does the Sonos Arc support TruePlay tuning?
A. Yes, the Sonos Arc supports TruePlay tuning, which uses your iPhone to calibrate the soundbar to your room’s acoustics.
Q3. Can I use the Bose Soundbar Ultra with a non-HDMI TV?
A. Yes, the Bose Soundbar Ultra has an optical audio input for connecting to older TVs that do not have HDMI.