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TheHeadlessPoster
Enthusiast I
June 8, 2020

Arc Arrived - Initial Impressions

I was lucky enough to pick up my Arc preorder from a store in Sydney today. I’ve set it up and it’s paired with a Panasonic 65” GZ1000 (which only has ARC, not eARC). Here are some initial observations. 

  • Apple TV 4K - YES - confirming I’m getting Dolby Atmos via ARC while watching 4K iTunes movies
  • Built in Apps - YES I’m getting Dolby Atmos from built in apps such as Netflix and Prime
  • The Bass on the Arc surprised me. I’m adding a Sub Gen3 this week regardless - but I can see how some people won’t need to add a Sub for everyday viewing
  • The dialogue is very clear - I thought the speech enhancement was on by default when I first set it up cos it was very clear - but it wasn’t on, which was a pleasant surprise
  • With the GZ1000 I haven’t seen any lip sync issues yet on either FTA channels or from the Apple TV 4K

 

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      26 replies

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      mcconkeb
      Lyricist II
      June 10, 2020

      I tried everything you said. Everything checks out until I get to Immersive Audio. Only have stereo or DD 5.1. 

      Smartdrive
      Lyricist III
      June 10, 2020

      Got my Arc today. Samsung Q900R TV. No Atmos from Apple TV 4K (only DD) and internal apps (only DD+).

      Guess I am one of the unlucky ones.

      ftm
      Trending Lyricist I
      June 10, 2020

      I'm a bit underwhelmed.  2nd gen play 5 blows arc out of water when playing music.

      How do you find out what sound quality is coming through arc from tv.  My app just says tv

      mewantsonos
      Trending Lyricist I
      June 10, 2020

      Got my Arc today. Samsung Q900R TV. No Atmos from Apple TV 4K (only DD) and internal apps (only DD+).

      Guess I am one of the unlucky ones.

      I have Q90R and i get atmos on q90r soundbar and i think arc would be similar...your tv should produce atmos? have you checked the settings?

      VTENGR
      VTENGR
      Lyricist III
      June 10, 2020

      Got my Arc today. Samsung Q900R TV. No Atmos from Apple TV 4K (only DD) and internal apps (only DD+).

      Guess I am one of the unlucky ones.

      May be a dumb suggestion, but are you making sure that the content you’re watching is mastered in Dolby Atmos?  

      ggmogollon
      Enthusiast II
      June 10, 2020

      Have you tried any bass intensive clips or music with bass? Having muddy bass problems with my new arc.

      ftm
      Trending Lyricist I
      June 10, 2020

      Have you tried any bass intensive clips or music with bass? Having muddy bass problems with my new arc.

      Me too.  I think the bass is poor.  It's nowhere near as good as the play 5 as a music speaker.

      Looks like the sub will be needed 

      Smartdrive
      Lyricist III
      June 10, 2020

      Got my Arc today. Samsung Q900R TV. No Atmos from Apple TV 4K (only DD) and internal apps (only DD+).

      Guess I am one of the unlucky ones.

      May be a dumb suggestion, but are you making sure that the content you’re watching is mastered in Dolby Atmos?  

      I do yes. I am aware this is a Samsung problem (no eARC support, native TV apps not working with Atmos properly (allegedly botched with the latest TV firmware upgrade), etc.). I really like the Arc and is a good step up from the Playbar. Not regretting my purchase. I guess I am not alone though with owning a flagship Samsung TV not being able to use the Sonos Arc to it’s full potential. Until Samsung patches their TVs and offers eARC and or Sonos Arc supports LPCM at least (hopefully)

      BrewsterNJ
      Contributor I
      June 11, 2020

      I actually have the same impressions of the original poster. I have an LG OLED B7 series with Dolby Atmos via ARC. ATMOS is working well through Apple TV via Netflix, Disney Plus as well as items purchased from the ITUNES store. I do have an original Sonos SUB with 2 Play 3’s as surrounds. I find the speaker to be a greater improvement over the Playbar (better highs/better lows, dialog is clear and in sync with my television). I do have enclosed room as well with an 8ft ceiling (approx 15x15) and have the ARC mounted on a TV stand in front of my TV. After playing with it, I am a little surprised about the lack of Atmos content but I am sure that will start to change in the future (Disney Plus seems to have the most out of the streaming services). Overall, I am very pleased with the upgrade. 

      SOCalistic
      Renowned Enthusiast I
      June 12, 2020

      I'm a bit underwhelmed.  2nd gen play 5 blows arc out of water when playing music.

      How do you find out what sound quality is coming through arc from tv.  My app just says tv

      That is to be expected.  It’s still a soundbar.

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