Price and Comparisons

Launched on October 29, 2023, the Sonos Arc Ultra is priced at £999 / $999 / AU$1799. While this puts it at £100 / $100 / AU$300 more than the original Arc, the older model is currently available at significant discounts in many regions, which could be an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

It’s crucial to note that the Arc Ultra is competing against some serious contenders in the soundbar market. The award-winning Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 is priced at £1399 / $1400 / AU$1795 but can often be found at a discount. Another popular choice is the Samsung HW-Q990D, which retails for £1499 / $1400 / AU$1999 and includes a wireless subwoofer and surrounds. When fully equipped with a sub and surround speakers, the Arc Ultra's price can climb to £2426 / $2561 / AU$4366, which raises the question of whether it offers enough value.

Design Features

At first glance, distinguishing the Arc Ultra from the original Arc might be tricky. However, the redesigned touch controls on the back of the top chassis signal some thoughtful enhancements. The familiar play/pause and volume controls remain, but now there's a dedicated area for easy accessibility. The Arc Ultra is slightly wider and lighter than its predecessor, and it features a sleek, grille-dominant façade that enhances its aesthetic appeal while ensuring sound dissemination in all directions.

It's important to note that the Arc Ultra won't perform optimally if it’s placed in a confined space or among obstructions, as sound may be blocked from the upper drivers.

Powerful Performance and Features

The Arc Ultra boasts an impressive 9.1.4-channel configuration, an upgrade from the original's 5.0.2 setup. With 15 Class D amplifiers powering 14 custom-designed drivers, including a unique 'Sound Motion' woofer that promises to double the bass output, this soundbar aims to elevate your audio experience. The technological innovation behind the Sound Motion driver lies in its ability to push more air and create an overall richer sound profile while minimizing mechanical vibrations.

However, while the sound quality is superior, it’s disappointing that DTS support is still absent, and the soundbar relies solely on Dolby Atmos for spatial audio. Moreover, the Arc Ultra lacks dedicated HDMI inputs, a design choice that could hinder connectivity for users with multiple devices.

Encouragingly, Bluetooth support has been introduced, and the renowned Trueplay calibration process is now available for Android users, ensuring that everyone can fine-tune their audio experience.

Sound Quality: A Game-Changer

Diving into the sound quality, the Arc Ultra makes a compelling impression right out of the box. After a calibration session, the difference when playing music becomes evident. Tracks sound more vivid, with improved clarity and tightness in bass performance. This audio system has been engineered for impressive audio precision, tonality, and agility.

During tests with films, particularly with scenes from "Blade Runner 2049," the Arc Ultra captured the deep undertones of the soundtrack with remarkable control and presence. The soundbar offers a thrilling cinematic experience, with sound effects being distinctly placed in the auditory space around the listener.

Comparatively, the original Arc may still be a competent soundbar, but it pales in sound imaging and detail when placed alongside the Arc Ultra. While competitors like the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 offer a unique sound profile, the choice should ultimately be based on personal preference, given the slight variations in audio delivery.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

In conclusion, the Sonos Arc Ultra is a formidable soundbar that fulfills its promise of superior sound quality and innovative technology. While its bass response may not vastly surpass the original Arc, its enhanced control and overall sound experience elevate it to new heights. Beware, however, of its lack of HDMI inputs, as that might be a dealbreaker for some users.

If you’re looking for a premium Dolby Atmos experience and don’t mind spending a bit more, the Sonos Arc Ultra could very well be your gateway to a cinematic audio journey.