Answered

Sonos Arc - Metallic Sound

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M
Userlevel 5
Badge +7

Ok, third post on this thread. I finally sat down and re-tuned with an iPhone 6 running 12.0.2 (previously ipad pro 11” and iPad Air 2). I also decided to just sit on the couch and wave the phone around a bit rather than walk around. 

This is the first time I feel like the life wasn’t sucked out of the sound, and there is now some ok midrange. I can actually listen to music without it being distracting. I’ve only been through a few songs, but I’m more and more convinced that the right EQ can produce a good sound from the arc.

That doesn’t mean I’m ready to say I’m totally happy with it, and I’m still mulling over a return. I don’t like the lack of communication from Sonos. A few simple thing would go a long way:

  1. At least acknowledge how the arc sounds very different from other sonos speakers, that this is very disappointing to many customers, and open a dialogue about what can be done. 
  2. Talk about what, if any, investigation is going into why trueplay seems to be producing wildly different results. 
  3. Talk about providing more control over the system. Trueplay + Bass/Treble is fine for a default mode, but why not have an advanced mode with a proper manual EQ? Even if that would take a while to build, just say it’s coming. 

Totally agree, the sonos manager introduced himself however long ago and then never came back with anything since, more indication of what is going on in the background would put a lot of people at ease. @Scott - Sonos (11 days to be exact)

B
Userlevel 2
Badge

Ok, third post on this thread. I finally sat down and re-tuned with an iPhone 6 running 12.0.2 (previously ipad pro 11” and iPad Air 2). I also decided to just sit on the couch and wave the phone around a bit rather than walk around. 

This is the first time I feel like the life wasn’t sucked out of the sound, and there is now some ok midrange. I can actually listen to music without it being distracting. I’ve only been through a few songs, but I’m more and more convinced that the right EQ can produce a good sound from the arc.

That doesn’t mean I’m ready to say I’m totally happy with it, and I’m still mulling over a return. I don’t like the lack of communication from Sonos. A few simple thing would go a long way:

  1. At least acknowledge how the arc sounds very different from other sonos speakers, that this is very disappointing to many customers, and open a dialogue about what can be done. 
  2. Talk about what, if any, investigation is going into why trueplay seems to be producing wildly different results. 
  3. Talk about providing more control over the system. Trueplay + Bass/Treble is fine for a default mode, but why not have an advanced mode with a proper manual EQ? Even if that would take a while to build, just say it’s coming. 
B
Userlevel 3
Badge +1

I've got my fingers crossed on the B&O Stage.  You're right no sub or DTX-T, but at least it has DTX which Sonos can't seem to provide.  After conversing with others who have heard both I'm pretty confident it will sound much better  than either the Playbar or Arc with subs.  We'll see.

D

This review may have already been posted here but one more but honest.  I'm surprised by the early reviews that did not notice anything, probably paid by sonos and I will always be critical in the future.  Check out this video.  
 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4VZxAC4BdTE&feature=youtu.be

A
Userlevel 2
Badge +2

Just a follow-up to my last comment. I have noticed that the dialog sounds more metallic when playing a movie in Atmos. It's also more pronounced on certain apps. For instance. Disney + has a really big problem with low audio. It sounds like they are over compressing the audio. So I have to turn the volume up +10 more than on other apps. There is a big difference in the dialog with too much treble when playing a Disney + Marvel or Star Wars movie in Atmos. There is still a small treble problem when playing the same movie in Dolby Digital plus, without atmos. The metallic sound is reduced when not using Atmos. So far the majority of audio problems seem to be from certain apps, especially disney +.

I'm curious what streaming apps are people in this thread using to test the Arc? 

Are there more who had the courage to send back and dare to buy a new Arc?  is that the way to solve it maybe I should look into it.

I sent mine back with 5 days to go.  Sticking with my Playbar for now, but I just ordered a B&O Beosound Stage.   From reviews I've read everyone seems to really love it.  Quite pricey though.

Will be interesting to see how it fares to current top tier soundbars. My only concern is that it favors wall-mount vs TV stand.

No support for DTS-X and from what I can see mediocre reviews. They say it doesn’t need a sub and hopefully it doesn’t because there isn’t an option to add one. $2250 CDN is major hooch for a sound bar. I hope it works for you and I can understand some people’s frustration with the ARC. Not sure what the right answer is for those who are unhappy. There are thousands of positive reviews of the ARC from the general public, most of the professional reviewers seem to like it. Peter Pee on YouTube seems to like it although admittedly it’s not perfect. I believe there will be more updates that will make the ARC what it was meant to be. I’ve also read that the Playbar had a rocky start when it was introduced. It appears Sonos work to make it better worked. I’m a first time Sonos owner. I want to add more Sonos equipment to my home but I will admit that is on hold for now. My setup of the ARC, Gen 3 sub (just added it yesterday after returning my Gen 2 to Best Buy) and two one SL’s is impressive as it sits. Had some friends over yesterday and they were very impressed with what they heard out of this set up. I admit I had a higher expectation of Sonos and while I am impressed I expect better and believe it will be improved on. 

G
Badge

why has this thread been marked as “Answered” when the problem still very much exists?

K
Userlevel 1
Badge

Just a follow-up to my last comment. I have noticed that the dialog sounds more metallic when playing a movie in Atmos. It's also more pronounced on certain apps. For instance. Disney + has a really big problem with low audio. It sounds like they are over compressing the audio. So I have to turn the volume up +10 more than on other apps. There is a big difference in the dialog with too much treble when playing a Disney + Marvel or Star Wars movie in Atmos. There is still a small treble problem when playing the same movie in Dolby Digital plus, without atmos. The metallic sound is reduced when not using Atmos. So far the majority of audio problems seem to be from certain apps, especially disney +.

I'm curious what streaming apps are people in this thread using to test the Arc? 

Are there more who had the courage to send back and dare to buy a new Arc?  is that the way to solve it maybe I should look into it.

I sent mine back with 5 days to go.  Sticking with my Playbar for now, but I just ordered a B&O Beosound Stage.   From reviews I've read everyone seems to really love it.  Quite pricey though.

Cool let me know how u like the B&O.  Almost purchased one but afraid no rear surround so movies might not be immersive enough for me.  

B
Userlevel 2
Badge +1

Just a follow-up to my last comment. I have noticed that the dialog sounds more metallic when playing a movie in Atmos. It's also more pronounced on certain apps. For instance. Disney + has a really big problem with low audio. It sounds like they are over compressing the audio. So I have to turn the volume up +10 more than on other apps. There is a big difference in the dialog with too much treble when playing a Disney + Marvel or Star Wars movie in Atmos. There is still a small treble problem when playing the same movie in Dolby Digital plus, without atmos. The metallic sound is reduced when not using Atmos. So far the majority of audio problems seem to be from certain apps, especially disney +.

I'm curious what streaming apps are people in this thread using to test the Arc? 

Are there more who had the courage to send back and dare to buy a new Arc?  is that the way to solve it maybe I should look into it.

I sent mine back with 5 days to go.  Sticking with my Playbar for now, but I just ordered a B&O Beosound Stage.   From reviews I've read everyone seems to really love it.  Quite pricey though.

Will be interesting to see how it fares to current top tier soundbars. My only concern is that it favors wall-mount vs TV stand.

B
Userlevel 3
Badge +1

Just a follow-up to my last comment. I have noticed that the dialog sounds more metallic when playing a movie in Atmos. It's also more pronounced on certain apps. For instance. Disney + has a really big problem with low audio. It sounds like they are over compressing the audio. So I have to turn the volume up +10 more than on other apps. There is a big difference in the dialog with too much treble when playing a Disney + Marvel or Star Wars movie in Atmos. There is still a small treble problem when playing the same movie in Dolby Digital plus, without atmos. The metallic sound is reduced when not using Atmos. So far the majority of audio problems seem to be from certain apps, especially disney +.

I'm curious what streaming apps are people in this thread using to test the Arc? 

Are there more who had the courage to send back and dare to buy a new Arc?  is that the way to solve it maybe I should look into it.

I sent mine back with 5 days to go.  Sticking with my Playbar for now, but I just ordered a B&O Beosound Stage.   From reviews I've read everyone seems to really love it.  Quite pricey though.

B
Userlevel 3
Badge +1

The video is very interesting. It’s a bit frustrationg to spend $800 on a product that doesn’t work as advertised and the fix is to buy another another $700 product????

I don’t doubt the sub is a nice product but one reason I spent more on the Arc was to not have to buy a sub. 

 

 

Don’t think the sub fixes it. I have a sub and my arc sounds terrible

Same with mine, just a terrible “transistor radio” sound from my Arc. 

A
Userlevel 6
Badge +6

On 7 July, I ordered Sonos entertainment set comprising of Arc + Sub Gen 3 + pair of Play one SL through SONOS. 10 July, received the sub gen 3. On 13 July received the Arc and pair of Play One SL. 

I came from Playbar + Sub gen 2 (sold) + pair of Play:1 (sold).

Today (13 July), I tested the Sonos ARC on its own.

Connect Sonos ARC through HDMI-ARC on my Sony Bravia KDL-EX55-720 (10 years old TV).

Impressive is all I can say. Loving it. :kissing_heart:

Dolby Digital 5.1 is the best I can get due to age of TV. 

Will add in surround and sub gen 3 tomorrow. 

Can’t wait. 

 

 

These types of reports make me think more and more that these MUST be some defective Arc hardware out there!

Also possible that different people have different expectations. Not everybody is a critical listener. If Sonos knew something we don’t (like a hardware problem), they would have stopped the shipment of Arcs to prevent further damage. Who knows? 

It is for sure Sonos dropped the ball with Arc release.
 

Different people definitely has different expectations. 

I like 2 doors car. Wife likes 7 seat car/van. :joy: 

I am not a critical listener, if I am one, I would setup a proper theater environment to properly enjoy the sound system.  

Just by watching movie with Sonos Arc on its own, I can hear the sound bouncing off my left and right. That in itself is already better than Playbar. 

It’s going to get better tomorrow when I connect up the surround and Sub. 

Looking forward to get a Sony X95H…. that will elevate it further with Dolby Atmos…. 

 

Glad it worked out for you. Have fun !

 

B
Userlevel 2
Badge +1

On 7 July, I ordered Sonos entertainment set comprising of Arc + Sub Gen 3 + pair of Play one SL through SONOS. 10 July, received the sub gen 3. On 13 July received the Arc and pair of Play One SL. 

I came from Playbar + Sub gen 2 (sold) + pair of Play:1 (sold).

Today (13 July), I tested the Sonos ARC on its own.

Connect Sonos ARC through HDMI-ARC on my Sony Bravia KDL-EX55-720 (10 years old TV).

Impressive is all I can say. Loving it. :kissing_heart:

Dolby Digital 5.1 is the best I can get due to age of TV. 

Will add in surround and sub gen 3 tomorrow. 

Can’t wait. 

 

 

These types of reports make me think more and more that these MUST be some defective Arc hardware out there!

Also possible that different people have different expectations. Not everybody is a critical listener. If Sonos knew something we don’t (like a hardware problem), they would have stopped the shipment of Arcs to prevent further damage. Who knows? 

It is for sure Sonos dropped the ball with Arc release.
 

Different people definitely has different expectations. 

I like 2 doors car. Wife likes 7 seat car/van. :joy: 

I am not a critical listener, if I am one, I would setup a proper theater environment to properly enjoy the sound system.  

Just by watching movie with Sonos Arc on its own, I can hear the sound bouncing off my left and right. That in itself is already better than Playbar. 

It’s going to get better tomorrow when I connect up the surround and Sub. 

Looking forward to get a Sony X95H…. that will elevate it further with Dolby Atmos…. 

 

B
Userlevel 2
Badge +1

On 7 July, I ordered Sonos entertainment set comprising of Arc + Sub Gen 3 + pair of Play one SL through SONOS. 10 July, received the sub gen 3. On 13 July received the Arc and pair of Play One SL. 

I came from Playbar + Sub gen 2 (sold) + pair of Play:1 (sold).

Today (13 July), I tested the Sonos ARC on its own.

Connect Sonos ARC through HDMI-ARC on my Sony Bravia KDL-EX55-720 (10 years old TV).

Impressive is all I can say. Loving it. :kissing_heart:

Dolby Digital 5.1 is the best I can get due to age of TV. 

Will add in surround and sub gen 3 tomorrow. 

Can’t wait. 

 

 

These types of reports make me think more and more that these MUST be some defective Arc hardware out there!

I am from Australia.

Not sure if Sonos has different production batches for US, Europe and or Asia Pacific. 

Maybe do a poll and see which continent has more complain?

A
Userlevel 6
Badge +6

On 7 July, I ordered Sonos entertainment set comprising of Arc + Sub Gen 3 + pair of Play one SL through SONOS. 10 July, received the sub gen 3. On 13 July received the Arc and pair of Play One SL. 

I came from Playbar + Sub gen 2 (sold) + pair of Play:1 (sold).

Today (13 July), I tested the Sonos ARC on its own.

Connect Sonos ARC through HDMI-ARC on my Sony Bravia KDL-EX55-720 (10 years old TV).

Impressive is all I can say. Loving it. :kissing_heart:

Dolby Digital 5.1 is the best I can get due to age of TV. 

Will add in surround and sub gen 3 tomorrow. 

Can’t wait. 

 

 

These types of reports make me think more and more that these MUST be some defective Arc hardware out there!

Also possible that different people have different expectations. Not everybody is a critical listener. If Sonos knew something we don’t (like a hardware problem), they would have stopped the shipment of Arcs to prevent further damage. Who knows? 

It is for sure Sonos dropped the ball with Arc release.
 

J
Userlevel 4
Badge +1

On 7 July, I ordered Sonos entertainment set comprising of Arc + Sub Gen 3 + pair of Play one SL through SONOS. 10 July, received the sub gen 3. On 13 July received the Arc and pair of Play One SL. 

I came from Playbar + Sub gen 2 (sold) + pair of Play:1 (sold).

Today (13 July), I tested the Sonos ARC on its own.

Connect Sonos ARC through HDMI-ARC on my Sony Bravia KDL-EX55-720 (10 years old TV).

Impressive is all I can say. Loving it. :kissing_heart:

Dolby Digital 5.1 is the best I can get due to age of TV. 

Will add in surround and sub gen 3 tomorrow. 

Can’t wait. 

 

 

These types of reports make me think more and more that these MUST be some defective Arc hardware out there!

B
Userlevel 2
Badge +1

On 7 July, I ordered Sonos entertainment set comprising of Arc + Sub Gen 3 + pair of Play one SL through SONOS. 10 July, received the sub gen 3. On 13 July received the Arc and pair of Play One SL. 

I came from Playbar + Sub gen 2 (sold) + pair of Play:1 (sold).

Today (13 July), I tested the Sonos ARC on its own.

Connect Sonos ARC through HDMI-ARC on my Sony Bravia KDL-EX55-720 (10 years old TV).

Impressive is all I can say. Loving it. :kissing_heart:

Dolby Digital 5.1 is the best I can get due to age of TV. 

Will add in surround and sub gen 3 tomorrow. 

Can’t wait. 

 

A
Userlevel 6
Badge +6

Here is another video that confirms the problems with Arc

S
Userlevel 4
Badge +4

@sebas1509 I had the Bose ST300 bundle. I auditioned both the playbar and Bose when I initially bought Bose. Wide Soundstage and vocals of Bose was not match for Playbar. I found playbar to be more musical than Bose, however for movies and TV, my ears found Bose to be much better. Additionally the Airplay, HDMI and a great price for Bose was icing on the cake.

And if I understand your comment you say the Sonos Arc is superior than the Bose ST300 bundle you previously had? I think this is the predecessor to the Bose 700, correct me if I am wrong.

 

N
Userlevel 1
Badge +1

@sebas1509 I had the Bose ST300 bundle. I auditioned both the playbar and Bose when I initially bought Bose. Wide Soundstage and vocals of Bose was not match for Playbar. I found playbar to be more musical than Bose, however for movies and TV, my ears found Bose to be much better. Additionally the Airplay, HDMI and a great price for Bose was icing on the cake.

S
Userlevel 4
Badge +4

@arpatil1 On your suggestion I tried the tuning with iPhone 7 and honestly I do feel that the sound is thin or metallic anymore. I have tried both movies and music. I generally listen at level 40-50 that may be one of the reason. I havent found a reason to complain after my new trueplay settings. May be I am not able to hear the issues. I have the complete system with Arc, Surrounds and Sub. I had the surrounds, added Sub and Arc after selling my Bose Bundle. I have found the sound better than the Bose for sure. Could it be possible that you may have some hardware issues missed by Sonos QC. However, the one thing that I agree upon is the silence of Sonos team on this issue. This makes me feel nervous about the money I spent on Sonos. 

Out of curiosity which Bose bundle did you have? I sampled the bose 500 and 700 and thought playbar sounded better.

N
Userlevel 1
Badge +1

@arpatil1 On your suggestion I tried the tuning with iPhone 7 and honestly I do feel that the sound is thin or metallic anymore. I have tried both movies and music. I generally listen at level 40-50 that may be one of the reason. I havent found a reason to complain after my new trueplay settings. May be I am not able to hear the issues. I have the complete system with Arc, Surrounds and Sub. I had the surrounds, added Sub and Arc after selling my Bose Bundle. I have found the sound better than the Bose for sure. Could it be possible that you may have some hardware issues missed by Sonos QC. However, the one thing that I agree upon is the silence of Sonos team on this issue. This makes me feel nervous about the money I spent on Sonos. 

M
Userlevel 5
Badge +7

@Simon B 

Hi can you find out what is going on regards to this issue, its all gone very quiet from Sonos on this thread, but other threads are being replied to even tho this and the bass issue thread are much bigger.

 

thank you

K
Userlevel 3
Badge +1

Decision made: Arc will be returned. 

I was watching a movie last night. Halfway I turned off the Arc and watched further via the built TV-speakers. There was not a moment I was thinking off putting the Arc back on.. I think that says it all...

Someone on this forum nailed it:  “The Arc sounds like a built in TV-speaker with bass”. Utterly disappointed...

 

 

 

A
Userlevel 6
Badge +6
  1. Best Buy Arc sounds better than Amazon Arc
  2. Called Sonos support- wasn’t happy and but, the Arc fixed itself the next morning.
  3. Electricity went off and Arc is fixed when it came back on.
  4. Disabled wifi and now, the Arc sounds good now.

Please tell me you people are joking, right? 

Maybe you should read the whole text. Then you wouldn't write point number 4 :-)

Nice use of the edit button right there, mate. Saved the day.

IndustrialEcho
Userlevel 1
Badge

Is it possible that the different size speakers are playing a roll in less bass and tinny highs? My Playbar has a much bigger enclosure and I would imagine bigger woofers, midrange  and tweeters, although just not as many as the Arc.

In any case, sadly, I am returning it and going back to the Playbar. ….

Formerly with a Playbar, now with an Arc, but unfortunately, due to poor sound quality, soon back to the Playbar. / Sub / 2 Sonos Ones
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