Sonos, a company renowned for its high-quality audio products, faced a significant brand crisis in 2024 due to a disastrous rollout of a redesigned mobile app. The app was plagued with bugs, performance issues, and reduced functionality, sparking a wave of criticism from loyal customers and calls for the CEO’s resignation. This tumultuous backdrop sets the stage for the release of the Sonos Arc Ultra, a premium soundbar designed to reclaim the company’s reputation for excellence. The Ultra carries the weight of expectation, not only to deliver superior audio performance but also to restore customer confidence in a brand shaken by software missteps.
The Arc Ultra, priced at $999, aims to surpass its predecessor, the original Arc, in every aspect. While the original Arc offered impressive Dolby Atmos immersion, it suffered from weaknesses, most notably a lack of robust bass response unless paired with a separate subwoofer. The Ultra addresses this issue head-on, incorporating Mayht Holding’s innovative “SoundMotion” woofer technology acquired by Sonos in 2022. This new woofer boasts twice the bass output of the original Arc, achieved through a compact and efficient design employing lightweight motors, aerospace-grade aluminum ribs, and a force-cancelling cone system. This technological advancement also allowed Sonos to integrate more drivers into the Ultra, bringing the total to 14 compared to the original Arc’s 11, promising a wider and more dynamic soundstage.
Beyond the enhanced audio capabilities, the Arc Ultra incorporates several design and feature improvements. The touch controls have been relocated to the rear of the soundbar, aligning with the design of other recent Sonos speakers. A welcome addition is the Quick Tune feature, a simplified version of Trueplay room tuning that utilizes the soundbar’s built-in microphones, eliminating the need for manual calibration with a smartphone and extending this functionality to Android users. Furthermore, the Ultra now supports Bluetooth audio playback, a feature absent in the original Arc, and upgrades to Wi-Fi 6 for improved wireless performance. Notably, the Ultra retains the minimalist design philosophy of its predecessor, forgoing HDMI passthrough in favor of a simpler setup.
Testing the Arc Ultra in various configurations, including standalone, with the new Sub 4, and with the Sub 4 and Era 300 surround speakers, revealed significant improvements over the original Arc. Even without a subwoofer, the Ultra delivers a substantially more powerful and richer bass response, making it a compelling standalone option for smaller spaces. Beyond bass, the Ultra exhibits superior clarity, dimensionality, and depth, creating a more immersive and expansive soundstage. The improved height effects and overall sonic performance enhance both movie watching and music listening experiences. Adding the Sub 4 elevates the bass to another level, allowing the soundbar to focus on midrange and treble frequencies, while the inclusion of Era 300 surround speakers completes the full Sonos Dolby Atmos experience, albeit at a considerable cost.
Despite the impressive hardware, the lingering question remains: can the software be trusted? While the reviewer experienced a relatively smooth and bug-free interaction with the updated Sonos app during testing, acknowledging that others continue to encounter issues. Recent bugs affecting the Era 300’s surround sound performance underscore the ongoing challenges Sonos faces in stabilizing its software ecosystem. This lingering uncertainty casts a shadow over the Arc Ultra’s launch, raising concerns about the company’s ability to deliver a consistently reliable user experience.
The Sonos Arc Ultra represents a crucial step for the company in its journey to recover from the app debacle. The soundbar’s exceptional audio performance, incorporating innovative technology and thoughtful design improvements, positions it as a strong contender in the premium soundbar market. However, the company’s future hinges on its ability to address the ongoing software issues and regain the trust of its customer base. The Ultra’s success is not just about the product itself, but also about restoring faith in Sonos’ ability to execute and deliver on its promises. Only time will tell if this remarkable soundbar is enough to propel Sonos back to its former glory or if further missteps will further erode customer confidence.
The company faces a challenging road ahead, needing to demonstrate consistent software stability and innovative product development to fully recover. The Arc Ultra is undoubtedly a positive step, showcasing Sonos’ enduring strength in hardware engineering. However, the lingering software issues and the need to rebuild trust add layers of complexity to the Ultra’s reception. The company’s future success rests on its ability to learn from its mistakes, prioritize software stability, and deliver on its promise of a seamless and high-quality audio experience. The Arc Ultra, while an excellent product, represents only the beginning of this critical journey.
