Sonos Ace Over-Ear Headphones Hands-On & First Listen!
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- Опубліковано 21 вер 2024
- Sonos today announced the launch of the Sonos Ace, the company's long-rumored over-ear headphones that are designed to compete with the AirPods Max. We were able to spend some time with the Sonos Ace last week, getting a firsthand look at the design and sound quality.
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Reminds me of the demo I had of the Bose noise cancelling headphones years ago. In the store I was trying them on, listening to music, then it tells you to take them off and it turns out it's been blasting airplane noise at you the whole time. A brilliant demo design, especially for an airport electronics store, I ended up buying them immediately.
Maybe off-topic, but huge kudos to the thumbnail designer, is absolutely perfect!
Agreed :)
fresh af
Fr
lighting setup looks good buddy.
Thanks!
Currently they do not explicitly mention anywhere that allows 2 Ace headphones to swap sound from a single soundbar (despite Sonos selling a pair of Ace for a discounted price) but the assumption based on the fact the Ace cannot be grouped or set as a separate room, is enough proof for now that the Ace cannot share a connection with another Ace to the same soundbar.
This product is perfect for those already invested in the Sonos ecosystem, especially if you already own the Arc, living alone or for someone who likes to keep watching TV late into the night living in close proximity to others such as family or neighbors in a thin-walled apartment.
I wish, from a Mac source, how does it pairs with apple ecosystem, past the “it pairs well with your iphone”. A lot of these doesn’t handle multiple devices or can’t handle videocalls (looking at you senheiser) on mac, even pairing well with the iphone. Should be interesting, as it compares with air pods pro, to know if its hassle free as well
I’ll let you know more when I get my review unit!
@@macrumorsgot an update?
Kind of ridiculous that the Sonos App gives an adjustable EQ to the headphones but not for there speakers. Unless adjustable EQ means just bass and treble
Probably they will bring this feature to the rest of the lineup
*their
@@dexterieThanks for the GrAMMer CorECTion🤨
I think it’s only adjustable bass and treble.
It should be more!
Released only days after their worst controller app update ever - howls of protest from loyal fans - and they don't have WiFi so you can't stream your music collection to them. It's a NO from me and I suspect, many others... Share price is falling.
not waiting for airpods max 2 anymore. this looks sleek!
They look CLEAN AND GORGEOUS. I'm so used to touch controls tho, but these could change things.
As someone who owns a Sonos Arc I’m really interested in these. Love the idea of being able to switch the audio to my headphones. With AirPods Max it would only work with my AppleTV, with this set up it would work with every device connected to my TV. I’ll wait for Dan’s full review but I can see me buying these later in the year 😊 Will be my first premium headphones and primarily for watching streaming content.
How big and deep are the earcups compared to the Airpods Max? Are they good for big ears?
Will it connect to the device Im using instantly, or all at the same time?
Thank you Sonos for physical buttons!
Yes the button that controls everything is honestly fantastic
I love to see a comparison with the B&W PX8
same as PX8 owner I know the PX8 will be the better build/luxury feel but curious about sound quality
Noticed you're wearing the Toledano & Chan during the "commercial break". Cracking watch!
If the latency really is low, these could be very interesting gaming headphones, at least for single player.
It's not that simple.
Bluetooth headphones/earbuds all have different levels of latency per operating system.
Example:
On Android you could get like let's say 100ms of latency but in iOS you could get 150ms. On Windows you could get like 200ms. On MacOS you could get something else. It's not the same experience across all devices you connect the Bluetooth headphones/earbuds to.
Just because a pair of Bluetooth headphones/earbuds have low latency on Android for gaming, that doesn't mean it'll have low latency for Windows gaming or PS5/Xbox Series gaming.
That's not how it works.
Any transparency? Compare to Airpods max?
Thinking of the white pair.
What make model of stand is that?
Sanus
Damn these things are beautiful 😍
Curious if they sound better than the Sennhieser Momentum 4
Same here. I have the M4's but so far nothing sounds better yet
I hope they support Sonos Amp at some point. I have an outdoor speaker setup in my backyard. These headphones would fit well in that ecosystem.
Tried Sonos Ace in a store in Stockholm today 🎉. I love the feel of them on my head BUT was so disappointed that the ANC did not block out any of the vocals or guitarr from a song playing on a stereo in the background of the store!!! All other noise disappered with the ANC on but the total clarity on those mid-to high notes actually made it impossible to hear the lyrics of the music I played in the Ace from my iphone. I even had to ask the store assistant to turn the other music off, because it was not possible to tell anything about the Ace’s audio. The store assistant was so surprised!! They then tested their other pair of Ace and came back to me and admitted that they too had this malfunction. I had planned to preorder these but went out of the store in confusion. I cannot buy headphones that makes it harder to hear my music than with any other brand pair. Has someone else exoeriensed this? Is this a kniven problem with the ones Sonos sent out for try-out’s today?
Best design on a pair of wireless headphones I’ve seen so far!
Please review the strength of the headphone hinge.
I’ve been asking for these for the last 10 years!
Does this support Spatial Audio for Movies and TV? That’s the major reason I use AirPods Pro
This would be very important to me as well. If not supported will be a deal breaker
Looks absolutely amazing. Great design by Sonos. Looks astronomically better than the Apple ones.
In my opinion, the assumption that metal is inherently superior to plastic in terms of quality overlooks the practical considerations behind the use of durable yet lightweight materials in most headphones. While there may be a perceived association between metal and premium quality, this does not always translate into practical advantages. Weight is another factor often associated with perceived quality, but it is important to consider that headphones are items that are worn and carried, sometimes for extended periods, making excessive weight less desirable.
In addition, metal is susceptible to dings, scuffs, and general wear and tear over time. This, combined with a colored finish, will not withstand everyday use and abuse as well as plastic, which is more resilient. Furthermore, the flawed storage method of the AirPods Max increases the risk of wear, while the lack of forethought for cables (or their inclusion) presents another issue entirely within the apple ethos.
The AirPods Max continues to face criticism for its high price point, which is difficult to justify for those outside the Apple ecosystem who may miss out on certain features. While Sonos' 3D audio offering may be subject to criticism in term of "gated festures", this still pales in comparison to Apples approach and may well be moot if you aren't in the Sonos ecosystem. Whike the jury is still out on sound quakity, it provides excellent value for premium ANC headphones that retain most of their features regardless of the connected phone. Additionally, Sonos' expertise in audio technology makes this a strong first attempt in a segment that has received more attention and care than the AirPods Max and its frankly idiotic travel case. The lack of a competitive price point from Apple or any significant price reduction, coupled with other notable drawbacks, positions the AirPods Max as a less appealing choice for many consumers at its current price of nearly 600 USD.
In conclusion: I'm very eager to see verdicts on sound quality from the Ace series and if they play their cards right (pun unintended) Apple, Bose, and Sony should be rightly on the guard with this product.
Last time I recall true lossless is only via DAC or a traditional wired connection no? Has the technology changed where you can get lossless wirelessly?
Wireless audio is at the point where it's only slightly worse than wired but it heavily depends on the brand and supported tech. My samsung buds2 pro's sound horrible on my PC because windows doesn't support the custom samsung codec but they sound insanely good on my phone or tablet
LDAC has also been available for years
While Sony seems to be doing big things with their successor to the HT-A9, I'm not aware of any Sony headphone that will interact with their soundbars the way the Ace is designed to work with the Arc. Looking forward to the full review.
I have waited for these headphones for over a year now. Since it was only just a rumor. I have Bose QC2 from 2018 and havent upgraded. If i was going to upgrade it would be for these. Thats why i have been waiting. Im still going to wait after the release, see how it compares to Sony and Bose. If they are at least on par with them, im getting these!
sound wise they should be comparable or slightly better but thats about it. If you are wanting to use them as a separate zone in Sonos app or have lossless audio then no dice.
Literally the same
Is everyone assuming this or is it so obvious that no one is mentioning it? The Ace will also work as a separate entry on the Sonos app correct? If one wants to be walking around a house, apt or any Sonos enabled wifi (Sonos net et al) one will be able to choose Ace as a different speaker or room, is that correct? or is this exclusively a device to headphone situation and one of the reasons why he compares it so much to Apple;s product? Different users, different needs.
Watch Peter Pee’s video. It’s device to headphones.
they WILL NOT work as a separate entry in Sonos app. they are only a bluetooth headphone and their one trick is they can connect to the ARC soundbar only. They can not be controlled as a zone in sonos app either
The only advantage of these over all others is the Ace to Arc that’s what all of them should strive for
Does this connect to an Apple TV?
Look good. However, do they have automatic switching for different devices and auto head detection and the h2 chip?
Yes! It has auto switching, auto pairing and can be paired to two devices at once at any time. The headphones will later feature spatial tracking like AirPods and they have auto wear-detection to pause/play music as you dismount/mount the device! It doesn’t have the H2 chip however!
Is there a pairing button on this? How do you pair it with your iPhone or your Apple TV?
The tv pair feature works with the Sonos soundbar. They all connect together and then you just long press the content key and it will auto switch to your tv or your phone
Let me clarify, I don’t own a sound bar I just own an Apple TV iPhone, and an iPad Pro. I just wanna know how to pair these with those devices.
These are pretty enticing and they don’t look like a first gen model. I’d probably buy them over the Sony and AirPods Max once I try them out
Now the app issues are finally sorted I cannot wait
Does the Home Theater feature/button work with other ARC soundbars like Samsung
No, arc is just an audio return channel from your tv. When he says Sonos arc, he means their soundbar called the arc and not just a soundbar that supports arc hdmi. The headphones are connecting with the soundbar, unless Samsung were to push an update that allowed headphones to connect to it, I don’t think this would be possible. They could similarly partner with tv manufacturers, but features like auto muting the sound when you connect would be impossible to without changes to tv or sound bar software. You can connect them to any tv with Bluetooth though, it just won’t be as “seemless” I suppose
Does it work with Apple Music app or do I need to use the Sonos app (which I hate)?
It works with all Audio you can listen to with Bluetooth. You just pair it with the phone / tablet / etc. And you will hear every sound.
I want to know why you only got 10 minutes at an audio listening event?
Do you need a soundbar to experience atmos/spatial audio?
yes I believe so because without the ARC they are simply bluetooth headphones and do not connect as a separate speaker in Sonos app
I love line and I love how to do it very well I went to Apple is kind of missing half the mark on it. That’s the time but little bit better and I do like how it fall flat better than the old ones that used to have a pain sometimes.
Is there any information on if you could run two aces from your arc or are you limited to just one at a time?
This is a interesting point. I am curious if they decide to make this possible in the future.
@@Forestea23 I had the same thought as well, but I couldn't find any clear information on if the arc pairing was single or multiple ace headphones. So hopefully some review tests that.
@@Forestea23 apparently people have confirmed with chat support only one can connect with the arc, that seems like a flop to me.
My biggest complaint about the AirPods Max is connectivity. Random disconnections when I'm "too far away for too long" despite being within a reasonable range with no obstructions; no ability to simply handle a phone call while listening to UA-cam on my connected computer; random disconnections for no reason, which requires disconnecting the Bluetooth connection entirely...
Of all the headsets that should work SEAMLESSLY, it should be the airpods...but actually my Sony over the ear headphones to a much better job (hate the touch controls and poorer sound quality though). What a missed opportunity for Apple.
Quick question. Can you use Sonos Ace with Sonos app away from home wifi?
quick reaction. Stfu? and just buy a Bose.
that is the only way to use ACE is with Bluetooth. they do not support wi fi like your other sonos speakers. they can only connect to the ARC and that is their one trick
I was thinking about changing my pair of B&O H95 for Airpods Max 2 (when they arrive). But! My whole home is filled with Sonos - well, well, what do we have here?! (Voice of a man from Texas 😂)
these do not connect as a Sonos zone like your other speakers. they are solely a bluetooth headphone with no wi fi support other than connecting to ARC soundbar only.
@@slimerone Yeah I know and I am fully aware. Now I have sold my B&O, will be placing an order for Sonos Ace tomorrow. It is a first day in Norway for this.
@@DejanKrunic enjoy
They look really good, I hope the price isn't too crazy.
$450
Did I see Dan bumping some classics Protest the Hero? That was unexpected and made me like him that much more 😂
Protest the hero back in the Fortress days were soooooo good.
@@macrumors that album is one of the best albums I’ve ever heard! I’ve listened to it front to back 100’s of times!
I’ve had to send my AirPods Max back 5 times in 1.5 years, and the latest replacement unit is already starting to fail. It has been the worst apple product I’ve ever owned. I do not wear them outside, or for long periods of time. I will be getting the Sonos headset.
And how much does that soundbar cost? An Apple TV + AirPods Max is less than €1000. (just checked € 748 for both on the official Apple store)
It will eventually be available to use with other Sonos soundbars. They have some more budget friendly options available.
@@macrumors eventually is a keyword. Look at their new app redesign and the many issue people are still having and issues are not set to be completely fixed until mid June. Sonos "trust us bro the features are coming but please spend $500 now for an incomplete product"
While I do think the Air Pods Max are the best looking out of all these headphones. This one is a close second and if its that much more comfortable, I may have to get these. Hopefully Apple makes some adjustments for their 2nd gen Air Pods Max.
They are FAR more comfortable. I do agree, AirPods Max do look better and feel more “premium” but it’s not like these feel cheap or anything. They are still very nice
Best looking headphones on the market. I always thought the AirPods Max looked odd and too fixated on using aluminum just to check off using metal even if it goes against user comfort. Plastic when used right does NOT mean it’s less premium. Sorry but does the plastic Sonos Arc mean it’s not premium? No
I agree. It does feel a little less premium in comparison but visually it’s great! And of course the most important aspect is comfort and these are very comfortable
I can’t speak to these out of experience, obviously, but the use of leather instead of fabric is a problem, sweaty ears aren’t fun. I also don’t like how small the cups look, the one big reason the Max are some of the most comfortable headphones I have ever worn is the depth of the ear cups. Almost every headset I have owned has pressed on my right ear (which is admittedly rather flappy) and this definitely looks like one of those.
Can I listen to lossless via Apple Music with my iPhone on these via Bluetooth?
no because there is no wi-fi support other than connecting to ARC sound bar
@@slimerone that sucks 😢
Not vía BT. You would have to connect with the cable.
I wish I could give this video-reviewer an extra like just for listening "Protest The Hero - Sequoia" Throne
If you have Sonos at home, they make sense. If you do not, I suspect they will never work as flawlessly as the AirPods Max. As previous comment indicated; Sonos' software and apps are TERRIBLE.
You use the same music apps for these headphones as you do with Bose, Sony Apple, etc. You only use their app to stream movies from the ARC only. IT’s Bluetooth headset primarily. I’m looking forward to testing these
The same can be said for Sony, but realistically, it is irrelevant since the use is contingent on Bluetooth, not an app, or 3rd party software besides the codec handshake from the headphones and your device. I have a pair of Sony WH 1000x M5s and have used the app a countable amount of times to either update the headphones or maybe tweak EQ settings. It isn't a huge deal of the app kinda sucks, but it is far worse, and it ultimately doesn't affect the product capabilities as far as pure sound quality. Idk, maybe it is a hot take, but I also see so many people brainwashed by software and fluid animations with a product that just doesn't hit the mark for the price point. Materials driving up costs aside, I see no reason why the Airpods max shoukd be anywhere near the 600 USD region positioned too high for most and awkwardly with true Hi-fi headsets compared to the average price of premium ANC headphones.
@@insertnamehere8723true, I dislike the new Sonos app and just really don‘t understand some software limitations (you can‘t do 3:1 using a soundbar and two front speakers, you must have them behind you) but the Sony app is again so much worse and yet they are still the best ANC headphones in my opinion.
Sucks can’t use it with my Apple TV
@@Tedwill-home That’s the problem; beyond letting an Arc decode your tv’s audio for you and requiring you stay put to listen, it doesn’t do anything special, and the things it does do it doesn’t sound like it does well.
You could buy a “Sonos-ready” turntable that integrates perfectly with your Sonos home setup; you would not be able to listen to that turntable with these headphones. That’s crazy.
Now the Sonos App works on the road?
Can you watch movies/TV shows with Atmos/Spatial Audio on iPhone/iPad using Sonos Ace? Otherwise AirPods will always win
I think Apple should have went with a traditional cans and should have went carbon fiber than the heavy aluminum whoever comes to this will definitely win a lot of consumers over for sure. We’ll see if anybody connects the dots what consumers want
bring it back to airpods max as much as you want. thats a main competitor. probably the sony ones too that everyone seems to love
I’ll probably do a comparison between all of them if people are interested
@@macrumors thanks that would be super useful cause i am highly likely to get one of the 3 - this, sony mx5's, or whenever the new airpods max come out presumably with usb c and hopefully some other improvements. also highly considering jumping into the 13 inch ipad air with pencil pro. the deletions/regressions on the current pro ipad turned me off a bit, but im also thinking Wifi 7 might be the time to go big when upgrading
Homie gets a like for playing protest the hero through these amazing headphones
I like how slim it is
"Lossless audio over bluetooth" is not a thing
Yeah, it’s not even high-res tho. Just CD quality
I have tons of Apple and Sonos products. For casual music listening In prefer Sonos (I have a hifi system for more analytical listening) but like others have mentioned the experience at the moment is garbage with the new app. I get constant music stops after 1-2 tracks. Until this is fixed I will avoid any new Sonos purchases.
You don’t have to use the app though if you don’t want to. Still will get the same great sound and everything.
I hope this is good for movies
From the small time I spent watching content, it was fantastic
Good time to say that they should better focus their attention on the app and not on creating new products.
Well I think these are very good headphones $450 is a big ask. I think $350 is more reasonable for these headphones
Listening music in Spotify that has a low quality audio in this kind of good heaphones is like ear bleeding for me
It’ll be this or the new sony xm6
These look nice
Hell no!! The AirPod max looks way better and it’s obvious where Sonos got its inspiration from 🙈
I wish people who wear glasses would review these. Glasses often ruin the seal of the ear cups and so degrade the quality of the ANC
I love sonos’s sound quality but the app and software sucks. Bug fixes through App update is also very late. With Apple, i can safely assume any bugs or glitches i would encounter will immediately be resolved in next week update.
But with sonos, its not the case😞
Looks nice 👌🏻 I’m looking forward to hearing them 😅👍🏻
Can it be connected directly to your Samsung TV instead of a buying a master bedroom home theater just invest into these.
They support LDAC? Maybe another🎉
They look great like a mid range AirPod max
Huh? This destroys airpods max
@@Crystaluser708they are plastic
@@PedroTawa ok and?
I don’t like the sound of APM, let’s see if Dino’s does better. Otherwise I’ll have to get the B&W
Nice!❤
any idea how these things will work with consoles -will i need a sound bar to get any joy?
I’ll answer that in my full review!
they are bluetooth only unless you have an ARC soundbar
Leatherettes and not leather. That’s a very important distinction.
i will not buy any more sonos products after this last forced update that all but bricked the system. the company has lost the plot. they should focus on their current customers rather than ditching them because they are focused only on new customers.
No Lossless audio for Iphone tho. Deal breaker.
There is if you use the cable connection.
They should focus on getting the stupid app to work or this is all useless. If you do want to compare them to Apple then that is probably the most important parameter
So did they just rip off the Max design then? Lol
Only thing worst than a apple ecosystem is a Sonos ecosystem
I was insanely disappointed in the air pod maxs for the price I think they’re terrible. I have a full Sonos system in my house these might make sense
they DO NOT connect to your Sonos app as another zone. They are strictly blue tooth only unless you have an ARC soundbar
Sony Ult
I would still stick with AirPods Max. I would be more interested in these if they worked with a soundbar, were open-backed to let in sound, and added the surround channel with the headphones. They would be more interesting as a companion device.
just get the momentum 4s
M&D's MW75 are better tbh, especially the Bugatti Edition.
Sonos is a brand that shouldn't exist. I do not understand why people constantly glaze Sonos when they have nothing special except being uniquely bad.
❤❤❤
Clone wars
Vegan leather ear cups make this a no go for me.
It’s vegan leather…
@@DMK.95 yeah that stuff ages horribly and is prone to breaking/chipping
For what it’s worth, you can easily replace them. They are magnetic and Sonos sells extras
What's with all the cheap plastic leather? At this price, I'm expecting high quality fabrics or actual leather. B&O headphones use metal, fabrics, and actual leathers. So weight isn't a valid reason for Sonos using cheap plastic leather,.
similar design to apple head phone i dont like it anyway.
Leather!? Oh, no! Apple just unfollowed. Hahahahah
Sorry it’s “vegan leather”
sonos pays more.