Upgrade Your Home Audio: Sonos Arc Ultra vs Sonos Arc – A Comparative Review

Introducing the Sonos Arc Ultra: A Game-Changing Soundbar Upgrade

The Sonos Arc Ultra is the latest addition to the soundbar family, boasting impressive upgrades that elevate audio performance to the next level. For those already familiar with the original Arc, it’s natural to wonder – is the new price tag worth it? Let’s dive in and explore the changes that make the Arc Ultra a must-have upgrade.

Price: $999 / £999

The Arc Ultra comes with a higher starting price tag than its predecessor, but retailers have been quick to slash prices on the original Arc, making it a more affordable option. As of December 2024, the original Arc is available for as little as £589 in the UK.

Design: Same but Improved

The Arc Ultra retains the same sleek, long design as the original, available in black or white finishes. However, the new engine has brought significant improvements under the hood.

Audio Formats and Connectivity:

Features Sonos Arc Sonos Arc Ultra
Audio formats Stereo PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos (Dolby Digital Plus), Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Multichannel PCM, Dolby Multichannel PCM, DTS Digital Surround Stereo PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos (Dolby Digital Plus), Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Multichannel PCM, Dolby Multichannel PCM, DTS Digital Surround
HDMI HDMI eARC HDMI eARC
Wireless support Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth
Voice Control Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control
CPU Quad Core 1.4 GHz A-53 Quad Core 4 x A55 1.9GHz
Drive units Three tweeters, eight midwoofers Seven tweeters, six midwoofers, Sound Motion woofer

Immersive Sound Experience

The Arc Ultra boasts the same level of immersive sound as its predecessor, with a greater emphasis on dialogue clarity, smoother transitions, and a more cohesive overall audio experience.

Verdict: Worth the Upgrade?

The Sonos Arc Ultra is a significant improvement over the original Arc, particularly in terms of dialogue clarity and bass performance. While some aspects, such as the lack of full DTS support and limited HDMI ports, remain unchanged, the enhanced audio capabilities make the upgrade worthwhile. If you’re already invested in the Sonos ecosystem, the Arc Ultra is a natural step up. For those considering a new soundbar, the Arc Ultra is a solid choice for its ability to deliver a more immersive experience.

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