الوسم: Soundbars

The newly launched Sonos Arc Ultra boasts an impressive configuration of 15 amplifiers and 14 drivers, enabling this Dolby Atmos soundbar to deliver 9.1.4 channels of sound, as stated by the manufacturer. This marks a significant upgrade from the original Sonos Arc, which featured an 11-driver, 5.1.2 setup. While the increase in surround channels (from 5 to 9) and height channels (from 2 to 4) is noteworthy, the singular “1” at the center of the Arc Ultra’s channel arrangement may have the most substantial impact.

This middle .1 refers to the low-frequency effects (LFE) channel, traditionally managed by a dedicated subwoofer if available. This channel is crucial for creating the deep, immersive rumble we often associate with cinematic audio. Although the original Sonos Arc manages low frequencies reasonably well, it does so using the same drivers responsible for mid-range sounds. These drivers are not specifically tuned for LFE, which is why many Arc owners opt to purchase a Sonos Sub or Sub Mini, adding up to $799 to their overall system expense.

The Arc Ultra introduces an innovative “Sound Motion” driver, which features a four-motor, dual-membrane woofer. This design incorporates two membranes in a space typically allotted for one, enhancing its ability to produce bass. According to Sonos, this unique configuration provides the Ultra with “twice the bass” compared to the standard Arc.

The Sound Motion driver is built on proprietary technology that Sonos acquired through its purchase of Mayht, a Dutch audio company, in 2022. A 2020 article from audioxpress.com explains the mechanisms behind Mayht’s driver innovation.

What does “double” entail in this context?

Sonos elaborated to Digital Trends, stating, “When we refer to the Arc Ultra producing up to twice as much bass as the Arc, it indicates that at maximum volume, there is 6dB more low-end output. This enhancement means that the Arc Ultra can deliver richer dynamics and a more realistic sound experience.”

Interestingly, both the Arc and Arc Ultra maintain a low-end frequency response limit of 50Hz. While the bass won’t go lower in the Ultra, it will be amplified, providing a more impactful experience.

To gain further insight, I spoke with Hilmar Lehnert, who has extensive expertise with both Sonos and Mayht. He spent nine years at Sonos, serving as the audio technology manager for the last two years there. Following his departure in 2020, he advised Mayht until the acquisition.

I inquired whether directing lower frequencies towards the Sound Motion driver would enhance the performance of the other drivers. He agreed with confidence.

“Absolutely,” he confirmed. “This minimizes the movement required from the mid woofers, allowing their design and tuning to focus on enhancing spectral and spatial performance.”

Can the Sound Motion driver take the place of a subwoofer? Not quite. While it would be revolutionary if a single soundbar could fulfill both roles simultaneously, we aren’t there yet. Nevertheless, Sonos’ new driver technology is certainly closing that gap. For some users, it could transition the perception from merely wanting a subwoofer to genuinely needing one.

This isn’t unfamiliar territory for soundbars—other brands have made strides, such as the impressive bass output of the Klipsch Flexus Core 200—but it marks a milestone for Sonos soundbars. This advancement could help justify the Ultra’s higher price point.

Sonos enthusiasts might be feeling a bit underwhelmed as the company works to resolve issues stemming from its May app update. However, excitement is brewing over the anticipated release of the Sonos Arc Ultra. Recently, high-quality images of this upcoming Dolby Atmos flagship soundbar emerged on X (formerly Twitter) on September 17, showing a design similar to previously leaked, lower-resolution photos.

Arc Ultra ($999) https://t.co/z6sXvj2dAg pic.twitter.com/iuwG2vGXDv

— Arsène Lupin (@MysteryLupin) September 17, 2024

The individual behind the leak, known as Arsène Lupin (@MysteryLupin), named after the famous fictional French burglar, has consistently shared accurate leaked images in recent months, adding credibility to these recent Sonos revelations.

In the images, you can also spot another impending product, the Sonos Sub 4, which appears to mirror the current third-generation Sub, but sports a fresh matte finish.

Though Sonos hasn’t officially acknowledged the Arc Ultra, there have been reports suggesting it was inadvertently listed on the company’s website before being quickly removed. A report earlier this year by Bloomberg described a new soundbar under the code name “Lasso,” which is said to improve upon the existing Sonos Arc. Sources refer to the advanced technology behind this product as stemming from Dutch audio firm Mayht, acquired by Sonos in 2022.

The leaked photos depict a soundbar that closely resembles the existing Sonos Arc but appears slightly larger and features new top-mounted controls alongside a rectangular rear module that serves as the speaker base. This design allows the sides of the soundbar to seem to float when mounted on a surface.

Another image illustrates how the soundbar would appear when wall-mounted, accompanied by two Sonos Sub 4 units.

According to Lupin, the expected price for the Sonos Arc Ultra is $999, which reflects a $100 increase over the current Arc’s cost. However, Chris Welch from The Verge speculates it could be even higher, potentially reaching $1,199, a figure that aligns with the previous accidental listing on Sonos’s site.

As for when the Sonos Arc Ultra will be released, it might be soon. That said, it would be unwise for Sonos to introduce a new soundbar—or any fresh product—while still dealing with significant issues related to their app. Customer dissatisfaction stemming from the problematic update lingers, and any new product announcements could be met with skepticism. This isn’t the ideal environment companies aim to cultivate for a product launch.