STACK #242 December 2024

TECH REVIEW

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eARC port, download the newly refreshed Sonos app, and follow the prompts. Trueplay tuning will cleverly scan a room’s layout for sound optimisation, and once the soundbar is active, the Sub 4 can be simply paired via the app. The best location A large open room results in a wider soundscape, while the simulated surround process of bouncing audio off the walls and ceiling can be more immersive in a smaller space like a media room. Either way, the directional effect is remarkable. The Sub 4 can be placed upright, on its side, or slid beneath the couch to really feel the rumble from the dual,

REVIEW

The latest home theatre audio gear from Sonos is a killer combination that elevates bass to new heights. Words Scott Hocking SONOS ARC ULTRA SOUNDBAR + SONOS SUB 4

inward facing woofers pulsing within.

The sound Equipped with seven angled tweeters – including two upward firing ones for height channels – the Arc Ultra fully immerses you in 9.1.4 channel spatial audio, with an adjustable centre channel to boost dialogue (although we found the factory setting to be sufficient). Simulated surround sound can often be hit and miss, but the Arc Ultra excels at delivering multi-channel audio with distinct front, side and rear channel separation. And with the Sub 4 handling the lower end, we noticed greater detail in the Ultra’s mid-range. If you’ve been using TV speakers, or are upgrading from a smaller soundbar, the vastly expanded soundscape will be a revelation. Bass, treble, and sub levels can be easily

S onic specialists Sonos are renowned for premium audio gear and acoustic innovation, and the next generation of their popular Arc soundbar and wireless Sub – the Arc Ultra and Sub 4 – deliver the ultimate shake-the-room experience when paired together. The look The Arc Ultra is a great fit for large TVs, and slim enough so as not to obstruct the lower bezel, creating pleasing home theatre uniformity. It can also be wall mounted if required.

Discreet touch controls are mounted at the top rear for play/pause and track selection, along with a handy volume slider. Sporting a matte finish and wraparound grille for directional audio, the Arc Ultra is an attractive addition to a home theatre setup and is nicely complemented by the sculptural Sub 4 (sold separately). The innovation Some soundbars can deliver middling bass without the added punch of a separate subwoofer, but the Arc Ultra more than holds its own at the lower end, offering double the groundbreaking Sound Motion tech, which significantly reduces the size of the transducer (the bit that converts electric current into sound waves), enabling more powerful bass from smaller internal components. And when linked to the Sub bass output of its predecessor. It’s the first soundbar to utilise

tweaked in the app’s EQ, which also includes adjustment for spatial audio height channels. There's also a Night Sound option to reduce loudness during late night binges or, alternatively, the audio can be seamlessly switched from the soundbar to a pair of Sonos Ace headphones for private listening. Music is also elevated by this combo’s sonic punch, with tracks mixed for spatial audio gaining an extra dimension. And the Ultra’s dedicated Bluetooth button allows easy pairing with devices for streaming playlists. The bottom line The Sonos Arc Ultra and Sub 4 is one of the best home theatre audio combos we’ve tested to date, delivering everything you’d expect from a premium sound system – and then some. Movie buffs and audiophiles alike will relish the spatial audio immersion and prominent bass, and owners of the original Arc can confidently upgrade.

4, movie sound mixes and music come to life with a deep and resonant presence.

The simple set-up One of the things we love about Sonos gear is its simplicity of set up and use. Connect the Arc Ultra to the TV’s HDMI

32 DECEMBER 2024

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