Hi great review I ordered the BEAM 2 +Sub Mini + ERA100's then sent the Beam 2 back without even opening it and ordered the ARC ULTRA I will try hooking the ULTRA + Sub Mini + ERA 100's together and see how it sounds Arc by itself and then with the other speakers hopefully theres a difference this will be in a 12 x 12 foot room with 7.5 foot ceilings As i was writing this my ARC ULTRA showed up at the door I am excited to hear the system set up in the future i might add the Gen 4 Sub and the ERA 300's depends we will see cheers from Canada
Impressive review, thank you! Tech Radar’s presentation is beautifully executed and choreographed. It takes so much effort to provide polished You Tube content, and this review sets the standard. A+
@ meanwhile quality content is still on physical media. Even if physical media is out, there will be eventually lossless audio track on streaming services.
@@No_cap_yo most 4K and 2K blu rays have DTS Master Audio and DTS X. Only the most recent disks are being shipped with Atmos. Streaming audio is compressed.
I believe Sonos has said this was a bug, and they shouldn't work with Play:1. So I hope your setup doesn't stop working, but maybe brace yourself. Sorry…
Want to enter the world of Sonos and are debating what to go for budget-wise: beam 2 + sub mini + era100 or just arc ultra? In terms of price, the whole set comes out like Arc Ultra alone...
That's really a question of whether you want surround sound now or later, and I think only you can answer that question! You can add surround to the Arc Ultra in the future, of course, but can you wait…? I personally would get the Arc Ultra and build from there, but it's a very tight decision.
I have arc ultra(no sub). The problem I noticed is when I play a UA-cam video which has audio 5.1 I can’t hear anything until I increase the volume to 50+ I played interstellar movie in UA-cam which is free and has 5.1 audio channel😊 any help on how to fix this?
Double check in the smartphone Sonos App to make sure it isn't displaying PCM stereo when playing UA-cam. It could be a UA-cam app setting or TV setting issue. I had to set my LG OLEDs to bitstream (or pass through) instead of PCM or Auto. I have Prime Video for certain NFL games. The game audio is in PCM stereo if I access Prime Video within Xfinity cable box; but, Dolby 5.1 if I use the SmartTV Prime streaming app (Only does this with NFL and not Prime streaming shows).
Value wise you've got to go with the q990d. You can get the q990d for 1500 with a woofer and two rear speakers right now directly from Samsung. That would run you about 2600 for the same setup for the sonos. It also has 2 2.1 HDMI pass through. Can't imagine spending this much on a sonos and not having pass through. It also doesn't include dtsx support where the 990d does. Just my two cents. You can also find the q990d for even cheaper on websites like woot.
The Q990D is definitely better value. It’s really just about whether you want four boxes in your room, compared to the all-in-one Arc Ultra. If you’re good with it, I’d get the Q990D. (The complete complete Sonos surround setup with Era 300 and Sub 4 sounds a little better than the Q990D, but is double the price…)
@ Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it. I just want a good soundbar to replace my Bose SoundTouch 300 Soundbar and sub. I just want the best option/quality of the two, even if I have to buy separate pieces to complete my setup.
Thank you for the video -> I have Arc + Era 300 + dual sub -> upgrading to Ultra will mean I cannot use one of the sub anymore -> would the “upgrade” in such setting be incremental?
Same setup, in the same predicament with having to buy a new sub. May want to try to either use a Sonos upgrade coupon for the set (arc + sub 4) or see if they’ve got any deals on Sub 3’s on EBay. I too have no plans of going back to 1 sub 😂
I just upgraded my v1 Arc to the Arc Ultra with dual Gen 3 subs and Fives as rear surrounds. I was able to add both subs back when I upgraded (remove subs and surrounds first, replace Arc, then re-add subs one at a time and rears as a pair, and iPhone Trueplay).
Yeah, it’ll be a trade-off. You’ll get clearer dialogue and a slight improvement to the Atmos surround effect, but you’ll lose the more distributed bass. I think I would probably stick with what you have, unless you’ve really been thinking that you want better speech and that maybe the second Sub was overkill anyway!
The Bravia Quad is very impressive - we have it in for review right now. It's definitely a strong competitor to a full Sonos surround system, and that flat shape is useful, but it's a shame it doesn't have a real center channel unless you have a Sony TV.
sad because of how not amazing it sounds. it's not bad, but with the title of "best" the expectations are it should be better than not bad, which is ok. It is very crisp and clear
The big problem with the Sonos app is not the initial setup but rather living with it daily. Using streaming services through the app sucks big time. The lag, bugs and lack of previously available features is driving people crazy.
@ Spotify. Not sure though the problems are mainly related to the streaming service. Feels like the Sonos app is crap right now. It used to be quite good before the upgrade to version 2 but since then it's full of bugs and poor performance. Although they managed to fix some of the worst. Not fully there yet though.
@@_TheRealGod I see, yes app needs improvement, although I haven’t experienced any issues which is why I asked what you stream, I only use Apple Music though. I think Sonos in general works better with Apple
@ That's an interesting thought. I have contemplated moving to Apple Music but not done so. There could be other benefits when you already pay for iCloud etc. Maybe time... 👍
@@_TheRealGod they offer a family plan thing for $25-30 which includes Apple News music and arcade, you can share with I think 4 ppl. Also if you are into physical records, Sonos works really well with Victrola record player, lossless. I just got it and it’s really good so far
The difference with Sub Mini will be subtle (you'd definitely want to turn up the Sub Mini's bass level in the app, which I already recommended people do with the original Arc). You'll get more diffused bass from the Sub Mini, though. I'd suggest starting with just the Arc Ultra and see what you think on its own, and then see if you can get the Mini in a Black Friday/end of year sale if you feel it's lacking.
Sadly, I couldn’t get them in at the same time for a direct comparison, but I’m hoping to do this in the future. The Theater Bar 9 is definitely better if the whole HDMI passthrough thing is a problem, or if you want DTS:X/HD support.
Finally, the height channel has been reviewed. Thanks!
Hi great review I ordered the BEAM 2 +Sub Mini + ERA100's then sent the Beam 2 back without even opening it and ordered the ARC ULTRA I will try hooking the ULTRA + Sub Mini + ERA 100's together and see how it sounds Arc by itself and then with the other speakers hopefully theres a difference this will be in a 12 x 12 foot room with 7.5 foot ceilings As i was writing this my ARC ULTRA showed up at the door I am excited to hear the system set up in the future i might add the Gen 4 Sub and the ERA 300's depends we will see cheers from Canada
Impressive review, thank you! Tech Radar’s presentation is beautifully executed and choreographed. It takes so much effort to provide polished You Tube content, and this review sets the standard. A+
Thank you so much! We really appreciate you giving us your time, too 👍
DTS X and Master Audio are must have for 4K Blu Ray and regular Blu Ray players. It’s disappointing that they aren’t supporting lossless nor DTSX.
lol. Physical BluRay is on its way out. Sonos and the general population recognises that. Therefor that's what they are forecasting and marketing for.
@ meanwhile quality content is still on physical media. Even if physical media is out, there will be eventually lossless audio track on streaming services.
4ks audio is Dolby, which it supports
@@No_cap_yo most 4K and 2K blu rays have DTS Master Audio and DTS X. Only the most recent disks are being shipped with Atmos. Streaming audio is compressed.
DTS-HD contains also DTS without HD stream, can this the Sonos do?
They do work with the original play:1. Been using it in a surround set-up
I believe Sonos has said this was a bug, and they shouldn't work with Play:1. So I hope your setup doesn't stop working, but maybe brace yourself. Sorry…
Does it have an optical port? In case you dont have a hdmi arc?
Want to enter the world of Sonos and are debating what to go for budget-wise: beam 2 + sub mini + era100 or just arc ultra? In terms of price, the whole set comes out like Arc Ultra alone...
That's really a question of whether you want surround sound now or later, and I think only you can answer that question! You can add surround to the Arc Ultra in the future, of course, but can you wait…? I personally would get the Arc Ultra and build from there, but it's a very tight decision.
I have arc ultra(no sub). The problem I noticed is when I play a UA-cam video which has audio 5.1 I can’t hear anything until I increase the volume to 50+ I played interstellar movie in UA-cam which is free and has 5.1 audio channel😊 any help on how to fix this?
Double check in the smartphone Sonos App to make sure it isn't displaying PCM stereo when playing UA-cam. It could be a UA-cam app setting or TV setting issue. I had to set my LG OLEDs to bitstream (or pass through) instead of PCM or Auto. I have Prime Video for certain NFL games. The game audio is in PCM stereo if I access Prime Video within Xfinity cable box; but, Dolby 5.1 if I use the SmartTV Prime streaming app (Only does this with NFL and not Prime streaming shows).
Great content and review. What your thoughts between this and the Samsung Q990D?
Value wise you've got to go with the q990d. You can get the q990d for 1500 with a woofer and two rear speakers right now directly from Samsung. That would run you about 2600 for the same setup for the sonos. It also has 2 2.1 HDMI pass through. Can't imagine spending this much on a sonos and not having pass through. It also doesn't include dtsx support where the 990d does. Just my two cents. You can also find the q990d for even cheaper on websites like woot.
The Q990D is definitely better value. It’s really just about whether you want four boxes in your room, compared to the all-in-one Arc Ultra. If you’re good with it, I’d get the Q990D. (The complete complete Sonos surround setup with Era 300 and Sub 4 sounds a little better than the Q990D, but is double the price…)
@ Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it. I just want a good soundbar to replace my Bose SoundTouch 300 Soundbar and sub. I just want the best option/quality of the two, even if I have to buy separate pieces to complete my setup.
Thank you for the video -> I have Arc + Era 300 + dual sub -> upgrading to Ultra will mean I cannot use one of the sub anymore -> would the “upgrade” in such setting be incremental?
Same setup, in the same predicament with having to buy a new sub. May want to try to either use a Sonos upgrade coupon for the set (arc + sub 4) or see if they’ve got any deals on Sub 3’s on EBay.
I too have no plans of going back to 1 sub 😂
I just upgraded my v1 Arc to the Arc Ultra with dual Gen 3 subs and Fives as rear surrounds. I was able to add both subs back when I upgraded (remove subs and surrounds first, replace Arc, then re-add subs one at a time and rears as a pair, and iPhone Trueplay).
Yeah, it’ll be a trade-off. You’ll get clearer dialogue and a slight improvement to the Atmos surround effect, but you’ll lose the more distributed bass. I think I would probably stick with what you have, unless you’ve really been thinking that you want better speech and that maybe the second Sub was overkill anyway!
@ thank you
Sonos is the "Cat's Meow", but what about the Sony Bravia Quad? Wow, now that's the cat that ate the Canary.....
The Bravia Quad is very impressive - we have it in for review right now. It's definitely a strong competitor to a full Sonos surround system, and that flat shape is useful, but it's a shame it doesn't have a real center channel unless you have a Sony TV.
sad because of how not amazing it sounds. it's not bad, but with the title of "best" the expectations are it should be better than not bad, which is ok. It is very crisp and clear
Best review yet, top job thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
The big problem with the Sonos app is not the initial setup but rather living with it daily. Using streaming services through the app sucks big time. The lag, bugs and lack of previously available features is driving people crazy.
Curious, which streaming services are you using?
@ Spotify. Not sure though the problems are mainly related to the streaming service. Feels like the Sonos app is crap right now. It used to be quite good before the upgrade to version 2 but since then it's full of bugs and poor performance. Although they managed to fix some of the worst. Not fully there yet though.
@@_TheRealGod I see, yes app needs improvement, although I haven’t experienced any issues which is why I asked what you stream, I only use Apple Music though. I think Sonos in general works better with Apple
@ That's an interesting thought. I have contemplated moving to Apple Music but not done so. There could be other benefits when you already pay for iCloud etc. Maybe time... 👍
@@_TheRealGod they offer a family plan thing for $25-30 which includes Apple News music and arcade, you can share with I think 4 ppl. Also if you are into physical records, Sonos works really well with Victrola record player, lossless. I just got it and it’s really good so far
I dont have any soundbars. If i get this is it worth getting a sub mini with it too? i think the sub is too big for me
The difference with Sub Mini will be subtle (you'd definitely want to turn up the Sub Mini's bass level in the app, which I already recommended people do with the original Arc). You'll get more diffused bass from the Sub Mini, though. I'd suggest starting with just the Arc Ultra and see what you think on its own, and then see if you can get the Mini in a Black Friday/end of year sale if you feel it's lacking.
Looks like the timestamps are off... and emphasize the biggest flaw that is identified.
Dislike when brands price products the same in GBP and USD.
That does annoy me - agree!
The needles "tho" is everywhere 😩😞
The Sony theatre bar 9 is going for the same price now..isn’t that better than this?
No it is not.
Sadly, I couldn’t get them in at the same time for a direct comparison, but I’m hoping to do this in the future. The Theater Bar 9 is definitely better if the whole HDMI passthrough thing is a problem, or if you want DTS:X/HD support.
Snake 🐍 oil
every reviewer is talking the same talk -- thankfully you can return it