nothing goes right a Falling like a big win. That's exactly what Sonos wanted from the new Arc Ultra. Built on the bones of the already great Sonos Arc (9/10, Wired recommends), is ultra thinner, clearer, bassier and more immersive for just $100 more, and it's the first product to launch in Sonos' bug-free app-environment.
there are software bugs Disturbed Sonos App Since the company revamped it with the release of its first headphones, the Ace (8/10, Wired recommends), earlier this year. It's the bug that keeps on giving. In my review period I encountered another issue where the bar disappeared from the app after linking a new sub 4 and a pair of Era 300 speakers (9/10, Wired recommends) in a surround system.
Thankfully, the problems finally seem to be resolved. After a simple power cycle, I experienced over a week of error-free operation, which, combined with the lack of similar reports online, led me to approach my problems with caution. The Ultra is now stable and responsive for me, while its sound prowess keeps it at the forefront best soundbar I've been testing all year.
finely thinned
Sonos has always provided a great unboxing experience, and the Arc Ultra continues to live up to that. The minimalist packaging gives way to a sleek, perforated matte tube of massive proportions that looks eerily familiar to the original Arc.
There are a few changes made to it, including a 3-inch shorter height to sit more comfortably under the TV and a wider stance that extends to more than 46 inches. A plate on the back hosts venting for the amplifiers and Sonos' latest touch controls, which include play/pause, song skip, voice controls, and a granular volume slider to match the in-app version. Like all Sonos speakers, the Ultra comes in traditional black or white.
Photograph: Ryan Vaniata
Within the cylindrical shell are 14 individually powered drivers (three more than the Arc), including seven tweeters, six midrange drivers, and a new “Sound Motion” woofer for bass. You'll get support for all major Dolby audio formats, including lossless Dolby Atmos, and support for DTS surround (Sonos says it's not a “licensed decoder”), but not 3D Atmos rivaling DTS:X.