What To Know
- The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, is priced at $899, which is a significant investment but offers premium sound quality and features.
- If you’re looking for a compact and affordable soundbar with solid sound quality, the Sonos Ray is an excellent choice.
- Whether you choose the Sonos Ray or the Sonos Arc, you’re investing in a high-quality soundbar that will elevate your home audio experience.
Sonos, a leading brand in home audio, offers two exceptional soundbars: the Sonos Ray and the Sonos Arc. Both devices promise immersive sound experiences, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Sonos Ray and Sonos Arc, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.
Design and Aesthetics
The Sonos Ray is a compact and sleek soundbar, measuring 559 x 95 x 71 mm and weighing 2.25 kg. Its low-profile design allows it to fit seamlessly under most TVs. The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, is larger and more substantial, with dimensions of 1141.7 x 87 x 115.7 mm and a weight of 6.25 kg. Its curved shape and premium materials give it a sophisticated and modern look.
Audio Performance
Number of Channels
The Sonos Ray features a 2.0-channel configuration, providing clear and balanced stereo sound. The Sonos Arc, however, boasts a 5.1.2-channel system, which includes three front-facing speakers, two up-firing speakers for height channels, and a dedicated center channel for enhanced dialogue clarity.
Dolby Atmos Support
The Sonos Arc supports Dolby Atmos, an immersive audio format that creates a three-dimensional soundscape. With Dolby Atmos, you can experience sounds that seem to come from above, creating a more realistic and engaging listening experience. The Sonos Ray does not support Dolby Atmos.
Sound Quality
The Sonos Ray delivers impressive sound quality for its size, offering clear and detailed audio with good bass response. The Sonos Arc, however, takes sound performance to a whole new level. Its wider soundstage and more detailed soundscape provide a truly immersive experience, with crisp highs, rich mids, and deep, impactful bass.
Features and Connectivity
HDMI and Optical Inputs
The Sonos Ray has one HDMI input and one optical input, while the Sonos Arc has one HDMI input and one HDMI output with eARC support. eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) allows the soundbar to receive high-quality audio signals from compatible TVs, including Dolby Atmos.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Both the Sonos Ray and Sonos Arc support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Wi-Fi allows you to connect the soundbar to your home network and stream music and other audio content from various sources. Bluetooth enables you to wirelessly connect your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices to the soundbar for quick and easy audio playback.
Voice Control
The Sonos Ray and Sonos Arc are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri voice assistants. This allows you to control your soundbar, play music, adjust volume, and more using voice commands.
Room Correction
The Sonos Ray and Sonos Arc both feature Trueplay room correction technology. Trueplay uses your smartphone’s microphone to analyze the acoustics of your room and adjust the soundbar’s sound profile accordingly. This ensures optimal sound performance tailored to your specific listening environment.
Price and Value
The Sonos Ray is priced at $279, making it an affordable option for those looking to enhance their TV’s sound. The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, is priced at $899, which is a significant investment but offers premium sound quality and features.
Which Soundbar is Right for You?
The choice between the Sonos Ray and Sonos Arc ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a compact and affordable soundbar with solid sound quality, the Sonos Ray is an excellent choice. However, if you crave an immersive Dolby Atmos experience with exceptional sound performance and premium features, the Sonos Arc is the clear winner.
Key Points: Enhancing Your Audio Experience
Whether you choose the Sonos Ray or the Sonos Arc, you’re investing in a high-quality soundbar that will elevate your home audio experience. Both devices offer excellent sound quality and convenient features, but the Sonos Arc stands out with its immersive Dolby Atmos support and premium sound performance. By carefully considering the differences highlighted in this comparison, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your listening preferences and budget.
Popular Questions
Q: Which soundbar has better sound quality, the Sonos Ray or the Sonos Arc?
A: The Sonos Arc offers superior sound quality with its 5.1.2-channel system, wider soundstage, and more detailed soundscape.
Q: What are the key differences between the Sonos Ray and Sonos Arc?
A: The main differences include the number of channels, Dolby Atmos support, sound quality, size, and price.
Q: Do both soundbars support voice control?
A: Yes, both the Sonos Ray and Sonos Arc support Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri voice assistants.
Q: Which soundbar is better for smaller rooms?
A: The Sonos Ray is a more compact and affordable option, making it better suited for smaller rooms.
Q: Is the Sonos Arc worth the extra cost over the Sonos Ray?
A: If you prioritize immersive Dolby Atmos sound and premium sound performance, the Sonos Arc is worth the additional investment.