The Sonos Arc is the latest addition to Sonos’ lineup of wireless home sound systems. This sleek and compact soundbar promises to deliver an immersive audio experience, complete with Dolby Atmos support for a truly cinematic feel. But how does it perform in practice? Let’s dive in and explore the features, technical specifications, and overall value of the Sonos Arc.

Design and Build

The Sonos Arc is a beautifully designed soundbar that blends seamlessly into any home theater setup. Measuring 45 inches wide and just over 4 inches high, it’s compact enough to fit under most TVs without taking up too much space. The device itself is made from high-quality materials, with a durable aluminum finish that resists fingerprints and scratches.

One of the standout features of the Sonos Arc is its sleek LED lighting system. Located at the top of the soundbar, these customizable lights can be adjusted to match your mood or ambient lighting conditions. It’s a nice touch that adds an extra layer of visual appeal to this already impressive device.

Sound Quality

The Sonos Arc is designed to deliver exceptional audio performance, and it certainly delivers. With 11 drivers (including three mid-range speakers, two tweeters, and six woofers) and Dolby Atmos support, this soundbar can create an incredibly immersive experience for music, movies, and TV shows.

The Arc’s soundstage is expansive and detailed, with crystal-clear highs and deep, rumbling bass. Dialogue is crisp and clear, making it perfect for voice-heavy content like podcasts or video calls. And when it comes to surround sound, the Arc does a fantastic job of creating an almost 3D effect – you’ll feel like you’re right in the action.

Dolby Atmos Support

The Sonos Arc supports Dolby Atmos, which is a significant upgrade over traditional surround sound systems. This technology uses overhead speakers or virtualization to create a more immersive experience, with audio that seems to come from all directions. It’s an absolute game-changer for movie enthusiasts and gamers alike.

To take full advantage of Dolby Atmos, you’ll need to connect the Arc to a Dolby Atmos-enabled source device (like a 4K Blu-ray player or gaming console). The result is an incredibly immersive experience that will make you feel like you’re right in the thick of things.

Smart Speaker and Voice Assistant Integration

The Sonos Arc comes with built-in Amazon Alexa support, making it easy to control your soundbar using voice commands. You can ask Alexa to play music, adjust volume, or even change the lighting settings (if you have a compatible smart home system).

While this integration is convenient, it’s worth noting that Sonos has also committed to supporting Google Assistant and Apple AirPlay 2 in the future. This will give users more flexibility when it comes to voice control and multi-room audio.

Additional Features

The Sonos Arc includes several other features that make it a compelling choice for home theater enthusiasts:

• Wireless connectivity: The Arc can connect directly to your TV or soundbar via Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for cables.
• Multi-room audio: You can use the Arc as part of a larger Sonos system, with seamless integration across multiple rooms and devices.
• Auto-dimming lights: The LED lighting system can automatically adjust its brightness based on ambient light conditions.

Technical Specifications:

• Dimensions: 45 inches wide x 4.1 inches high x 3.7 inches deep
• Weight: 11 pounds (5 kg)
• Drivers: 11 total, including three mid-range speakers, two tweeters, and six woofers
• Power consumption: 150W
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI ARC, Optical input
• Compatibility: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Apple AirPlay 2 (future support)
• Operating system: Sonos OS

Conclusion

The Sonos Arc is an exceptional soundbar that delivers a truly immersive audio experience. With its sleek design, impressive sound quality, and seamless integration with popular voice assistants, it’s the perfect choice for home theater enthusiasts who want to take their viewing experience to the next level.

While it may be pricey (starting at $899), the Sonos Arc offers unparalleled performance, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about home audio.