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Sonos Arc Ultra Sound

  • January 9, 2026
  • 4 replies
  • 67 views
P

Hi everyone,

I can’t seem to catch a break with the Arc Ultra. The first two units I received had the distorted sound issue. I’ve now received my third unit — the distortion is gone, but I think I may have another problem but wanted to check with the community.

The left side of the speaker sounds noticeably flatter and less punchy than the right, with a clear difference in bass output. I tested this by playing music through the Sonos app and running my hand across the speaker — the right side pushes out significantly more air, while the left feels much weaker, almost as if most of the bass is coming from the right.

I’ve also noticed a slight echo sound when watching videos on YouTube via my Apple TV 4K which is connected to my Samsung TV. Is this normal behaviour or do I need to do something to prevent this from happening? I’ve already changed the output to passthrough on my TV as I’ve read that should be done to let the Arc Ultra handle the sound?

I’ve run both standard and advanced Trueplay tuning, but it hasn’t made any difference 

Is this normal behaviour, or does it sound like another faulty unit that needs replacing?

Thanks

Best answer by Airgetlam

Hard to tell just from description. It might be best to submit a system diagnostic within 10 minutes of experiencing this problem, and call Sonos Support to discuss it. Don’t post the resulting diagnostic number here, their lawyers get sensitive about GDPR.

There may be information included in the diagnostic that will help Sonos pinpoint the issue and help you find a solution.

When you speak directly to the Support staff, they have tools at their disposal that will allow them to give you advice specific to your network and Sonos system.

4 replies

Airgetlam
  • Airgetlam
  • Answer
  • January 9, 2026

Hard to tell just from description. It might be best to submit a system diagnostic within 10 minutes of experiencing this problem, and call Sonos Support to discuss it. Don’t post the resulting diagnostic number here, their lawyers get sensitive about GDPR.

There may be information included in the diagnostic that will help Sonos pinpoint the issue and help you find a solution.

When you speak directly to the Support staff, they have tools at their disposal that will allow them to give you advice specific to your network and Sonos system.

Bruce
    P
    • PH17
    • Author
    • Contributor I
    • January 9, 2026

    If you put your ear against the speaker and move along it from right to left can you notice a clear difference in bass production?

    The left side of the speaker is very flat and drowned whilst the right side is more punchy and pronounced and seems to be the side producing all bass and punchiness of the sound from the bar?

    Airgetlam
    • Airgetlam
    • January 9, 2026

    Again, call Sonos Support to discuss it. This forum has no ability to replace it, if it is faulty.
     

    It also could be other things, such as the source being watched/tested, the TV signal via HDMI, the cable, or the Arc Ultra itself. 

    Bruce
      F
      • Fodalo
      • Lyricist II
      • January 9, 2026

      Post your results when you have a solution or if this is normal. Thanks PH17

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