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TECH REVIEW

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Below the Content Key is a button to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Aware mode. You’ll find a USB-C port and the power/ Bluetooth pairing button on the left cup. Sound of music The sound is absolutely bang-on, as you’d expect from a brand with this audio heritage. The Ace soars across pop, rock, and jazz, delivering a consistent and detailed soundstage with just the right amount of bass for these ears. Audio tweaks for treble and bass can be found within the Sonos app, but we’d be surprised if the out-of-the-box preset didn’t tick all of your sonic boxes. The music automatically pauses when you remove the headphones, too. The Ace supports lossless audio with a compatible device and spatial audio that uses head tracking tech to create surround sound in whatever direction you move your noggin, creating a great sense of audio immersion. ANC is very good and works well on public transport and a stroll through the city, blocking enough noise to keep you in ‘the zone’. The Aware mode is also exceptional, capturing and subtly amplifying environmental sound. Multipoint functionality allows connection to two separate devices at once, so you can jump from your desktop to your smartphone without reconnecting. Movie magic The TV Swap function on the Sonos Ace is an absolute highlight here. Essentially, it transfers the sound from a compatible Sonos soundbar directly to the Ace. This is only possible with the high-end Sonos Arc for now, but support for the company’s other soundbars is purportedly coming. The Sonos Ace supports Dolby Atmos, and it’s here where the spatial audio comes into its own, creating a true surround sound cinematic experience. The opening 20 minutes of Saving Private Ryan in 4K through these headphones is phenomenal. It’s a superb feature! Battery life Expect just over 30 hours from a single charge. If you run flat, a fast-charge three minute boost will gift you a 10% charge that will see you through three hours. And Sonos’s inaugural headphones certainly live up to expectations. The wireless Ace is well designed and boasts top-tier features, including the standout TV Swap. A versatile set of cans that sound excellent across all entertainment formats. If you want the top of the shelf, this is it! the battery is replaceable. The wrap

REVIEW

If you’re looking for the Ace of wireless headphones, you may have found it. Words Paul Jones ACES HIGH

T wenty years ago, Sonos redefined the audio space when it engineered – and released – a system of interconnecting wireless speakers that could be integrated throughout the home. The company has since produced brought something different – a pair of headphones. We recently got our hands on a pair of the wireless over-ear Sonos Ace. First impressions Premium. That’s all we can think of as we wrestle the headphones out of the sustainable packaging. From the band to the ear cups, they scream top-shelf build quality. Design details Sleek in design and feel, the earcups are really low profile. Where the band joins the cups, a concealed hinge allows movement for a close fit, whatever the head shape, and ensures a solid acoustic fit. When laid flat, they slip into a thin case made from recycled plastic for easy storage. Comfort considerations In a word, faultless. The memory foam a succession of quality speakers and soundbars, but this year has

padding on the headband and the earcups provides exceptional comfort even over durations of wear, and the cups seal tightly around the ear without being uncomfortable. In control If you like physical controls – as we do – then you’re in luck! The Ace is controlled entirely by buttons, and we’re okay with that. There’s little room for error when you’re toggling buttons. On the right-hand earcup is a multi designated control called a Content Key. It acts as a volume control by sliding up and down. Press it once to play and pause, twice to skip forward and back, and three times to return.

Over-ear Bluetooth 5.4 ANC Spatial audio Multipoint TV Swap Battery: Up to 30 hours USB-C charge & connect 3.5mm to USB-C cable

12 JULY 2024

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