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I intend to replace my old Bose surround sound setup with a Sonos Arc Ultra, but I’m trying to understand if I need to buy rear speakers and/or bass unit. Sonos support seems to think the soundbar alone should be sufficient but I am skeptical. The room is 16’ x 20’ with a cathedral ceiling that is 13’ high at the peak. The 65” TV is in one corner and must stay there (or so my boss tells me), and the sound bar can be easily placed on the cabinet with the TV. Do I really need rear speakers and/or bass unit?  Also there are three exposed beams in the room about 8’ above the floor so rear speakers could be mounted there BUT it’s somewhat a pain to do that as I’d have to run power up there. Help!!

In my opinion, the virtual surround and bass generated by a soundbar pales in comparison to having actual surrounds and a sub.

I’d absolutely agree with ​@jgatie. It does need a sub and surrounds - my living room is similar dimensions to yours (with the TV in one corner like you, through necessity, but no cathedral ceiling) and benefits greatly from that extra power.

But also to note that surround speakers should be at ear height, and slightly behind and to each side of the listening/viewing area (on speaker stands if no available furniture). So mounting them 8 feet high would not provide the optimum surround, and might create an odd soundscape. Era300s might be okay at that height, but I’d not recommend it.

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