Sonos Arc Ultra: A Sound Investment in Immersive Home Audio
Sonos continues to push the boundaries of home audio, and the Arc Ultra soundbar is a prime example. Currently available in white for 19,990 Kč at Alza.cz – a significant discount of nearly 3,500 Kč – it presents a compelling option for those seeking cinematic sound without the complexity of a traditional home theater setup. The white version is also 2,500 Kč cheaper than the black.
Why the Sonos Arc Ultra Stands Out
The Arc Ultra is designed for users who desire a truly immersive audio experience, particularly with Dolby Atmos, without the hassle of multiple speakers. It boasts a completely new acoustic architecture, featuring 14 drivers, including the Sound Motion™ bass transducer. This technology promises double the bass performance of the previous Arc generation, delivering a 9.1.4 spatial audio experience.
The soundbar has received the What Hi-Fi? Award, a respected recognition within the audio industry. It also incorporates AI-powered speech enhancement with four adjustable levels, improving dialogue clarity during movies and shows.
Sound Motion™ and Practical Performance
The core innovation of the Arc Ultra is the Sound Motion™ technology. This specialized bass transducer, with its four motors and dual membranes, aims to deliver deeper bass in a compact form factor. Users report surprisingly powerful bass even without a separate subwoofer for typical movie and series viewing. However, a subwoofer remains beneficial for truly deep frequencies in action films or bass-heavy music.
The Arc Ultra supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS Digital Surround. Optimal Atmos performance requires connection via HDMI eARC and proper configuration of both the TV and any connected streaming devices to enable passthrough.
Connectivity, Control, and Dimensions
Connectivity options include HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and Apple AirPlay 2. Control is possible through the TV remote, touch controls on the soundbar itself, or the Sonos app for iOS and Android. The Sonos app also features Trueplay™ technology, which analyzes the room’s acoustics and automatically optimizes the sound.
The dimensions are 1,178 × 75 × 110.6 mm with a weight of 5.9 kg. It’s a relatively wide soundbar best suited for televisions 55” and larger. A wall mount is sold separately for approximately 2,290 Kč.
What Users Are Saying
The Sonos Arc Ultra currently holds a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Alza.cz (based on 60 ratings), with 93% of customers recommending it. The reported defect rate is very low, at just 0.79%. Users consistently praise the clarity of the sound, the immersive Dolby Atmos effect, and the surprisingly strong bass performance without a subwoofer. The ease of integration within the Sonos ecosystem is also frequently mentioned.
Criticism centers on minor details: the absence of a wall mount in the box, occasional issues with the Sonos app (particularly with Apple Music), and some users desiring even deeper bass without a subwoofer. One reviewer noted that upgrading from an older Arc with Era 300 and Sub might not be a dramatic improvement.
When the Arc Ultra Might Not Be the Right Choice
If budget is a primary concern, the Arc Ultra, priced around 20,000 Kč, may not be the best option. Sonos offers more affordable alternatives like the Beam (Gen 2) and Ray. If Dolby Atmos isn’t a priority, a simpler stereo soundbar might suffice. And if you prefer black, the additional 2,500 Kč cost should be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the Arc Ultra come with an HDMI cable? Yes, an HDMI eARC cable is included.
- Is a subwoofer necessary? While not essential, a Sonos Sub will enhance the bass performance, particularly for action movies and music.
- Can I control the Arc Ultra with my existing TV remote? Yes, it supports control via HDMI CEC.
- What is Trueplay™? Trueplay™ is a Sonos technology that optimizes the sound based on your room’s acoustics.
Pro Tip: Ensure your TV and streaming devices are configured to output audio in Dolby Atmos format for the best experience.
For those seeking a premium home audio experience with immersive sound and a sleek design, the Sonos Arc Ultra, especially at its current discounted price, is a compelling choice.
