Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar

Amazing soundbar even without a sub or surround speakers. The app is bad though.

Perfect sound quality

Nearly four and half years ago I reviewed SONOS ARC. I still own one of them and in every respect it functions like a new one, a testimony to its performance and durability. I purchased SONOS ARC ULTRA from Clicktech Retail Private Limited. Unit was well packed and delivered on time.ULTRA is an improved version of the ARC. Unlike ARC, ARC ULTRA is equipped with 9.1.4 system, implying 14 drivers; 6 mid bass, 7 tweeters and 1 mid bass woofer. It is also equipped with 15 class D amplifiers. The most significant design change in ULTRA is the inclusion of “ SOUND MOTION TECHNOLOGY “ (SMT ), a patented system acquired by SONOS from “MAYHT “ company in the year 2022. SMT allows accommodation of small speakers in a limited space, such as a sound bar, allowing delivery of impressive bass. Additionally SMT also contributes to improved speech enhancement. ULTRA is slightly larger and wider than ARC. It is also equipped with a microphone switch and a Bluetooth switch at the rear ( page 1). Only ONE HDMI (eARC) connection is provided. Power and HDMI cables are supplied. Plugs directly in to 220 V without a need for a transformer.CONNECTION to TV: Ensure that you have downloaded SONOS app available for android and apple devices. Once the soundbar is connected to eARC, app will recognize the soundbar . Software should be updated. If you have purchased a new add on speakers, such as sub 4 the app will recognize. However if you are interested in adding an existing speaker such as SUB Gen 3 sonos app will not recognize it. I describe below the way to pair for example sub gen 3. Open the app and select “ADD SPEAKERS and COMPONENTS “ option. You must factory reset the sonos sub gen 3. Unplug the power cable, press “join” button on the sub and plug in the sub at the same time and release the join button only after noticing a flashing orange light. Orange light will turn to flashing green light. The sub should be connected to your cell phone, easiest way is to use NFC. App will direct you how to connect through NFC. Now the app will show the presence of sub gen 3, update the sub and follow the directions given on the app. Ensure ULTRA and SUB are included in the same room. Once pairing is done under “settings” you should notice both ultra and sub gen3. Follow similar procedure to add surrounds. Fortunately you can pair even older models of sub as well as surround speakers with ULTRA.Another new provision in ARC ULTRA is automatic connection to TRUEPLAY ( both android and apple devices ). This will allow automatic room calibration and certainly helps if surrounds are also used. Tastes will differ but I am giving below the settings I use. Sound bar equalization at +4 (page 2) , sub settings at +5, under surrounds TV level and music level to + side and music play back to “full” (page 3) . Set speech enhancement to ‘medium” (page 4) and ensure the TV autoplay is ON (page 5). Set TV dialog sync to mid point. Volume levels must be adjusted on the app. It can also be done on the soundbar using the volume control. THE SOUND FROM ULTRA IS INCREDIBLE. IT IS WELL DETAILED, EXCELLENT BASS AND THE NOTES ARE WELL DISPERSED. I definitely recommend adding a sub and surround speakers especially if you constantly watch action movies. I cannot comment on DOLBY ATMOS because I did not notice in my set box transmission of dolby atmos.BLUETOOTH function works perfectly and indeed a boon to listen to the music stored in compatible devices without turning “ON” TV. It shows up in the app in blue color and allows directly volume control.LIMITATIONS1. SONOS app is not as user friendly as is required. It is certainly better than before and needs further improvement especially when preowned equipment is needed to be paired with new equipment.2. I experienced problems to pair the soundbar with my SONY BRAVIA 65 inch TV. Occasionally the soundbar will not pair. I need to turn OFF and switch ON again both the TV and soundbar. I cannot say this is specific to SONY TV.3. After TRUPLAY tuning soundbar looses contact with TV. You need to turn OFF the soundbar and turn it ON again.4. Soundbar will not decode DTS-X5. Voice assistant will not function in India, despite this function is made available by SONOS in several Asian countries6. Only one HDMI connection is provided. This is a setback if you wish to connect directly to soundbar other HDMI enabled devices. There is no provision for “optical” connection unless you purchase an adapter cable from SONOS. This cable was provided with SONOS ARC without any cost.7. Soundbar is expensive. However its discounted price of Rs 84999/- favorably compares with prices in other countries including USA.VERDICT: I have no hesitation to recommend this sound bar especially for those who are buying a soundbar for the first time. SONOS equipment is built to last for a long time.

Loved it!

Great Soundbar, Sound is Premium and clean. No distortion in high volume.Rear Atmos definitely needs the Sonos 300. But its good without it.