Sonos Arc Ultra

If you are really into sonos it can be a good option . Otherwise , based on my experience i will say that after 8 years of sonos due to all the issues that i have seen in the last year with the app / connectivity , i would not recommend any investement into sonos . 

The ARC-Ultra with Era300-Rears (w/o Subs) will be a stunning TV-Sound-experience including Atmos. But looking back over the last few years, I can no longer recommend Sonos in good conscience. Do you really want to invest in a company with an uncertain future ? Please inform yourself well about the known and ongoing problems with the software. This forum and the internet is full of information about it.

Dirk

Thanks for the food for thought.

I can see how if once burned twice shy, however I hope to reap the benefits of a revamped and recalibrated system. I know about the past application problems and am ready move forward. 

I’ve not heard an Arc Ultra, but I can give my opinion on the Arc.  

It’s a soundbar.  It’s not going to give you the soundstage of separates, no matter how much DSP is applied.  It’s main function is to give good sound in a compact package with less wires and less units strung about.  That said, the Atmos effects are great if you have the proper room (8-10’ flat ceilings, sitting 8-12 feet from the screen).  I personally keep the dialog enhancement on at all times, but I have tinnitus issues (too many punk rock shows as a yute) and besides, the Ultra is supposed to improve dialog.  All in all, I don’t miss my separates at all, and I had a pretty extensive Denon/SVS system.  This one is just cleaner looking, and sounds 95% as good.

As to the app issues, I have none, and haven’t had any since day 1 of the overhaul.  I know I’m a unicorn to some, but that’s the way it’s been for me.

Thanks for your impressions.  Over time I’ve found myself following subtitles when I couldn’t follow the dialogue.  So, dialogue enhancement would be a plus.

As for having a flat ceiling….two beams and a light fixture prevent that possibility. 

I’m not sure a couple beams and a light fixture will cause much interference.  I was speaking more about slanted ceilings or high vaults preventing the reflection of the up-firing signal from reaching the seating area.

 I would wait for reviews from well respected reviewers.  Also read here and at Reddit for user feedback.

Just to add...I have three (3) Arc’s and have been extremley satisfied. My main setup is Arc with dual subs and Era 300’s surrounds. As @jgatie mentioned room size is important not just for Sonos but any soundbar and I dare say separates as well.

My room (measured in Feet) is 25’ (L) x 18’ (W) x 8’ (H). For Dolby Atmos it’s perfect. Just watched Alien:Romulus and to my ears I was transported to a commercial theater. I could also feel the LFE’s.

I’m getting and Arc Ultra as I can’t image it being on par with the current Arc...just much better! Besides Sonos has a liberal return policy and most retailers offer at least 15 days. The Sonos return policy varies by country due to applicable consumer law. So read the T&C’s for your region or call Sonos Sales.

FTR...I’ve had none of the devastating app issues put forth in various posts. 

Here are two pre-release opinion/review by Peter Pee.  He’s considered a reliable source for all things Sonos.