SONOS Arc Ultra & Sub 4 Tested: What You NEED to Know Before Buying!

[@MadAudiofficial]

PLEASE READ BEFORE COMMENTING 1) Be kind and courteous to one another in the comments.it's fine to have different opinions, Remember that we are not all the same! 2) No URLs or # Please; It will be delete it automatically by KZbin! 3) For Daily Content, News from the Audio World and my Blog Please visit my social accounts: linktr.ee/madaudio

[@MrBigal1575]

Thank you for this through detailed video. You answered all my queries regarding the Arc Ultra. Now I have to find a way to see my Arc by the holidays.

[@MadAudiofficial]

Thx for watching 👍🏽

[@DarkSideDiving]

Amazing review. Thanks for putting in the work. Just subscribed :-)

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@DarkSideDiving Thanks for watching and your support✌🏽

[@st3llin416]

The entire setup with the Era300 and Sub 4 is quite expensive. How does it compare to a wired HT system of similar value?

[@MadAudiofficial]

Great question! If you build a home theater, for example, with a Denon AVR-X3800H and a 5-channel speaker setup from Klipsch or the new Q Acoustics 3000C series, along with an SVS PB-1000 subwoofer, you should be able to stay within a $3,000 budget. While you’d lose some Atmos capabilities, you’d get much better overall sound quality. Of course, you’ll need to allocate time to install everything, set up the cables, and run the calibration, but it’s definitely worth it in my opinion!

[@st3llin416]

@@MadAudiofficial thank you very much for your help👍🏻

[@MadAudiofficial]

@ thx for watching 👍🏽

[@qkhuve]

I work as a freelance musician but also a seller at a hardware store which sells Sonos among many other things. I've also gotten an introduction to this product by Sonos themselves. This will be an interesting watch!

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@qkhuve Let me know what you think about this ✌🏽

[@qkhuve]

@@MadAudiofficial From my listening experience it is really great with voice clarity, no matter where you sit, and the bass is as you pointed out really impressive for its size! Other than that I'm not too convinced personally, but for anyone having the Sonos system already or wants an easy and substantial upgrade to the TV-speakers it is a great choice!

[@Nightcall411]

Great video! Question, could you provide the settings that you used for your Arc Ultra, sub gen 3, and your era 300, please.

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@Nightcall411 Apart from running the calibration with TruePlay, I didn’t adjust any other settings. The key is in properly positioning the subwoofer, front it’s not always best place!

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@Nightcall411 I forgot to mention, also the placement of the soundbar and the rear speakers (like the ERA 300) is very important. If possible, position the soundbar at ear level, It should be free to project sound upwards and sideways. The surround speakers also need to be placed correctly. I recommend checking out the Atmos manual, which you can find online!

[@renardfields2975]

Hi. Where did you get those stands for the Era 300’s? Thanks

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@renardfields2975 Take a look on Norstone web page!

[@drewphilip]

On the Sonos website, it states clearly that the ultra sound bar comes with the sound optical adapter

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@drewphilip was not inside 🤷🏾

[@drewphilip]

@@MadAudiofficial oh I believe you, it’s just that I suspect that maybe you got a box that didn’t have it. I just ordered the unit myself the whole setup.

[@giacintorenta7579]

Thank you for the video. I have Sonos Arc + Era 300 surrounds + dual sub (Gen 3 + Gen 2). Would upgrading to Ultra be an incremental or material upgrade? Also considering that I will have to give up one sub as Gen 2 not supported in dual sub with Ultra. Thank you!

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@giacintorenta7579 Upgrading to the Sonos Ultra would likely be a material upgrade, also considering the loss of one subwoofer (Gen 2) due to compatibility issues with the Ultra. From my experience with the Arc Ultra, I’ve found the improved fluidity and enhanced clarity of dialogue particularly impressive. So, it’s not just about the bass, the midrange performance will also see noticeable benefits.

[@SwallCloud]

how would you compare them to the samsung 995D?

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@SwallCloud I’ve never tested the Samsung HW-Q995, but I’m definitely considering it because it offers great value at its price point. A complete setup for under $1,500 is really appealing to me!

[@SwallCloud]

​@@MadAudiofficial Thanks. I wonder what is the most efficient between the complete samsung set and the sonos + surround + woofer (just like the samsung). Sonos will be more expensive obviously, just targeting the efficiency here.

[@darrencheng5595]

I have Ambeo Max as my main theatre setup and Ambeo Plus in my bedroom, still struggling to swap the Ambeo Max to full Sonos setup as the Sennheiser has no surround option. My mainly focus is sound quality, since you have the Ambeo Plus, what do you prefer between the ARC Ultra and Ambeo Plus?

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@darrencheng5595 Why are you struggling, to lean on Sonos, when as you said Sennheiser doesn’t offer surround options? I’ll share my answer to a similar question: for a soundbar and subwoofer combo, I personally prefer the Ambeo Plus, as I find it more neutrally tuned. However, as a standalone option, the Arc Ultra is probably the most competitive, complete, and versatile out there. For a full setup, I’d go with Sonos as well Sennheiser’s lack of surround support is a significant limitation, as you mentioned!

[@paulonunes9049]

​@@MadAudiofficialGood morning Can I have your opinion on a subwoofer.. I have a Sennheiser Ambeo plus soundbar and I have the financial possibility to buy a subwoofer from Perlisten.. I am hesitating between the r210s or the r212.. What do I. Advise you.. I saw in one of your videos.. That you have a d12s.. What do you think?? Kind regards Paulo

[@MadAudiofficial]

@ I’ve never tested the Ambeo Plus with a wired subwoofer, and unfortunately, I no longer have the Ambeo Plus, so I can’t speak to the potential results. However, what I can confidently say is that Perlisten subwoofers are among the best home theater subs available out there, no question about it!

[@paulonunes9049]

@@MadAudiofficial I might take the R210s subwoofer.. It's the one that tempts me the most.. Thank you for your response.. That's nice

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@paulonunes9049 I did a review of the D12s btw👍🏽

[@jsch6178]

Any thoughts on how Arc Ultra compares with Bose Smart Ultra system?

[@GOLFADDICT65]

Hi great review I just ordered the BEAM 2 + Mini Sub + ERA 100's its for a 12 x 12 foot room that has 7.5 foot ceiling this is my first Sonos so will this sound good enough for the size of my room ? was more affordable than the ARC ULTRA + GEN 4 SUB + ERA 300's your thoughts ? thx cheers from Canada

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@GOLFADDICT65 thx, is a small room so should be fine👍🏽

[@GOLFADDICT65]

@@MadAudiofficial THX for your response cheers

[@erief06]

hello what would be your choice between sonos arc ultra and ambeo plus thank you😊

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@erief06 For soundbars, I prefer the Sennheiser Ambeo Plus with its more neutral tuning, especially when paired with a subwoofer. However, for a complete setup, I’d go with the Sonos Arc paired with the Era 300s, since, at the moment, you can’t add surround speakers to the Sennheiser system. As for standalone soundbars, the Sonos Arc Ultra has no competition at the moment, is simply stunning!

[@erief06]

Merci pour votre réponse et votre analyse très pertinente ! Vous êtes un testeur à part ! Bravo, continuez!

[@MadAudiofficial]

@ Thx for sharing this👍🏽

[@rct8884]

Thanks for sharing the story about Hayht, very interesting on the innovation that these two gentlemen created.

[@MadAudiofficial]

@ I found the story very interesting, so I extended the video a bit, but I couldn’t not mention it.

[@jplewis007-yt]

The original arc and a sub 3 or just the new arc ultra ? Which is best for £1k

[@MadAudiofficial]

It depends. Do you need it for movies, music, or both? What’s more important to you, deep bass for action films or better clarity and intelligibility for dialogue?

[@PhilippeCJR]

I notice toooo much volume difference between scenes. Setting the volume right, but in some other scene volume is way too loud. When setting volume lower, then is other scene I cant hear clearly. Anyone noticing this also? Any solution? Its with Netflix on my LG oled. ultra+sub4

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@PhilippeCJR It’s called Dynamic. Try enabling the Dialogue Enhancement feature from the smart app. 👍🏽

[@PhilippeCJR]

@MadAudiofficial i have that already on all the time, ar medium. Doesnt make anything better on my issue ;)

[@MadAudiofficial]

@ strange, what you mean with volume getting too loud? Bass?

[@PhilippeCJR]

@@MadAudiofficial i think all the levels, just overal too loud. Like in the evening when the kids are at sleep, ane then you want to lower the tv volume. Bit then after the loud scene, volume is too low again, overall.

[@heyevanletsgo3911]

Hello!! Can anyone answer this question? I have a sub gen 3 I have it on +7 for the bass now my arc ultra the bass is at zero. Do I need to change that

[@mrgold3591]

I swapped my v1 Arc for the Arc Ultra with dual Gen 3 subs and Fives. I did the iphone advance Trueplay and still adjusted the subs and Arc bass up to the +5 to +7 range. I have a very large great room to fill with bass.

[@ovidiuandrei8087]

Loved this review 🙂. I myself come from an audiophile background (owned a couple of pretty nice systems based on Naim, Hegel and ProAc speakers) and wanted to hear the opinion of someone who's into this hobby. You mentioned lack of bass of Sub 4 compared to a big, true hi-fi subwoofer. I think a new Sonos subwoofer with Heartmotion speakers inside would be a game changer (or even a new Sub Mini with that technology). I honestly thought that Sub 4 would have the new drivers, otherwise this iteration just doesn't make any sense (faster CPU, more RAM - for what ? it's not a media streamer).

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@ovidiuandrei8087 It seems that Sonos has kept a card up its sleeve for the next subwoofer, we’ll see!

[@kenshinesca]

I thought the Arc Ultra only went down to 50hz? From the chart it looks like there is audible bass down to 30Hz. Not sure you would even need a subwoofer if it gets down that low. Granted I'm sure the sub would definitely help.

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@kenshinesca The standard Arc goes down to 50Hz, while the Arc Ultra reaches as low as 30Hz, pretty impressive! The Sub itself also reaches around 30Hz, but pairing it with the Arc Ultra makes the sound more dynamic and clean, with the added benefit of room correction. For example, I have a significant boost around 37Hz on the soundbar, but by adding a sub crossed over at 80Hz, I can flatten that 37Hz peak. Of course, this only works if the sub is positioned correctly in the room!

[@mrgold3591]

Noticed the Arc Ultra has more bass I can hear compared to v1 Arc when I upgraded. Added the Gen 3 subs and that provide bass I can hear and feel. May not need the sub if you don't watch action/Sci-fi movies or bass heavy music.

[@MrSelvin78]

Sir ..gr8 review...you are the only one who mention about tinny voice in Ultra too.i mean sibilance....for me still that is a headache even if it is considerably less than original Arc...lets see if sonos fix in 30 days

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@MrSelvin78 There have been some noticeable improvements with the Arc Ultra in this regard, it sounds more natural compared to the original Arc. However, there is still a slight touch of sibilance on vocals.

[@Nuri-f6t]

Thanks for the informative video. I am planning to upgrade to the Ultra and am considering: Due to my limited budget, here is my question on what is preferable: 1.) Arc Ultra + 2x Era 300 or 2) Arc Ultra + 2x Era100 + SUB3 What do you think for average home cinema and a little stereo music consumption?

[@DzFootK]

Arc Ultra + 2x Èra 300 - best combo et acheter plus tard un Sub4 quand le prix baissera

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@Nuri-f6t Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to test the Era 100, but both setups you’ve mentioned look really good. The Arc Ultra with the Era 300 already delivers plenty of bass. However, I’ll be going with a different setup-Era 100s paired with the Sub 3. Having the flexibility to place the sub wherever you want is truly a game changer!

[@Natak222]

- New Arc Ultra - 1x Used Gen 2 Sub - 2x Used Era 300’s Good thing about used speakers is they’re always in pristine condition

[@MadAudiofficial]

@ As far I know you have to go with Sub gen 3 ar least with Arc ultra!

[@Natak222]

@@MadAudiofficial Oh seriously? I coulda swore their forums said it’s compatible with even the gen 1 subs. I’ll double check

[@Gerrit-g5c]

Thank you for your in depth review. Good to have a review by someone who also has experience with classic hometheater systems and higher end stereo audio. Helps to put the overall quality of the Sonos setup in a better perspective. As you may know on Apple Music there is a lot of Spatial Audio (Dolby Atmos) content available. To play this content on my old classic Dolby Atmos home cinema I use the Apple TV 4 as the source connected via HDMI to my Marantz AV7704 preamp. In that way I am able to play spatial content in 5.2 surround. Remixed albums like many of The Beatles albums , The Doors and also current music sound in many cases impressive with more dynamics and detail compared to the stereo CD sources which have often have to much loudness mastered in. My question to you is do you have also tested the Sonos systems with Spatial Audio sources? ( As the Sonos ecosystem is so far the only one having a direct interface with Apple Music) And how it stand towards your classical Home theater set up? I am really interested in what your experiences would be in this use case.

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@Gerrit-g5c Thank you for your response. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to test Spatial Audio content specifically on the Sonos system, as I no longer subscribe to Apple Music or Tidal. My focus has mainly been on movies and stereo music reproduction. However, I can share that when I previously tried Tidal’s Atmos music on my reference home theater system (using a Denon AVR), I wasn’t particularly impressed by the results. While there is certainly potential in the format, I found the experience to be less impactful than I expected. That being said, Apple Music’s Spatial Audio may indeed offer a different experience, unfortunately, Denon and Marantz ecosystems don’t support direct playback of Apple Music’s Spatial Audio. I hope this helps clarify my perspective.

[@Gerrit-g5c]

@@MadAudiofficial If you use the Apple Music Player on your Apple TV connected via HDMI to your Marantz Cinema 40 and playing Spatial content the Marantz will decode it as a Dolby Atmos soundtrack. So there no need for Apple Music support on the Marantz/Denon Heos eco system. The Apple TV is an excellent streamer for Apple Music also playing Dolby Atmos / spatial audio. And you can remote control it from Apple Music app on an IOS device.

[@michael516]

I prefer movies from a physical media. Often sound is coded in DTS. Does the Ultra support high-res DTS like DTS-HD-MA and DTS:X? If not how is it downsampled?

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@michael516 as far I know The Sonos Ultra does not support high-res DTS formats. If DTS audio is input, it will be downmixed to a compatible format like Dolby Digital.

[@steffdia7080]

That's why it will remain bland. No truly 3D sound. Meaning it creates a fake 3D sound.

[@MohsinWadee]

I think you cannot connect different Subs to the Arc Ultra - if you're connecting two they must both be 3 or 4, you cannot mix.

[@MadAudiofficial]

Yes looks like is better don’t mix the sub generation!

[@mrgold3591]

You can connect any Gen of sub or sub mini to the Arc Ultra. You have to have a Gen 3 or 4 for dual subs with any gen for second sub (no dual sub option for sub mini).

[@rambow58]

Bro no disrespect where is your accent from? Great video by the way

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@rambow58 thx, Italy🤌🏾

[@zacharyspencer2285]

It’s good when it works. I got it worked great initially. Then an app update completely broke it and there was zero to little bass coming after the update. Then another update and it fixed it. Then another update broke it again lol.

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@zacharyspencer2285 I’ve heard about some issues with system upgrades, but it seems they’ve been addressed in the Ultra and Sub 4. Which generation do you have?

[@zacharyspencer2285]

@MadAudiofficial just the ultra arc in one room and the beam gen 2 and sub mini in another. Some of the updates I think confuse the system and make it believe there is a sub mini hooked up the arc ultra even though it's in a different room

[@MadAudiofficial]

@ thx for sharing 👍🏽

[@mrbill4256]

I would love to use my AppleTV, but I also like to rip my UHD BluRay's (so the kids don't destroy them) to my Plex Media Server and it doesn't pass through TrueHD. Yes, it works fine for streaming services, but the majority of what I watch is via my media server.

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@mrbill4256 thx for sharing 👍🏽

[@TheCdM1981]

The sub 4 is exactly the same sounding sub as the 3. Forget “prioritize.” There’s zero reason to buy one (unless you need a matte finish) if you have a 3 or a pair of 3’s.

[@damianmaze3874]

I don’t agree. Yes, they are basically build the same but the gen 4 has a much lower crossover at 80 hertz. The gen 3 crossover is at 110 hertz so the gen 4 is much more focused on the bass frequencies wich makes a big difference in sound quality but that’s just my humble opinion.

[@TheCdM1981]

@ there’s zero audible difference. The difference is so minimal your ear just won’t hear it.

[@damianmaze3874]

@@TheCdM1981 to me the biggest difference is in the crossover. Normal bass ends around 60 to 80 hertz. Our voices ar from 100 till 500 hertz so sometimes with the real deep male voices they get transmitted through the gen 3 as his crossover is at 110 hertz. To me the bass is much more clearer with the gen 4 but hey, at the end of the day both systems do the trick.

[@TheCdM1981]

@@damianmaze3874 not one reviewer has said they hear a difference yet. Only Peter Pee has showed there is a minimal difference with measurement tools. It’s not audible to the human ear. Spending money on a gen 4 when you have a gen 3 would be just spending money to spend it.

[@damianmaze3874]

@@TheCdM1981 than i must be the first. I sold my arc + gen 3 and upgraded to ultra + gen 4. The difference is day and night. Even my wife hears it. So to me the upgrade was money well spent.

[@dragonstone6594]

Cool video, but I don't think people who'll buy this product will sit through a 20 min video review. Even me who's into HiFi, found this video a bit too long. Just sharing my honest thoughts.🙂

[@MadAudiofficial]

@@dragonstone6594 thx for sharing, i will take it for sure in consideration for next time 👍🏽

[@pozega8157]

I did enjoy all the provided in depth information in this video and i bought the Arc Ultra with Era 300 today. If you’re a fan of Sonos or hifi products, your videos are enjoyable to watch and the length isn’t an issue

[@MadAudiofficial]

@ There was a lot to cover, and the story behind HeartMotion and the Scheek Brothers is really interesting. It was more of a video aimed at Sonos customers, but I can understand if some might find it a bit too long to watch.

[@MadAudiofficial]

@ thx for sharing this ✌🏽

[@grogu360]

so not really better than the sennheiser ambeo plus

[@gerrykelly4413]

Boring 🤷‍♀️