Choosing the perfect home theater system can be overwhelming, especially with so many high-end options available. This detailed comparison pits two leading contenders against each other: the Sonos Arc Ultra system and the Sony Bravia Theater Quad system. Both offer immersive Dolby Atmos sound and boast impressive feature sets, but their approaches to achieving cinematic audio differ significantly. We'll delve into the specifics of each system, examining their sound quality, connectivity options, ease of setup, and overall performance in both music and movie playback. This in-depth analysis will help you determine which system best aligns with your needs and budget.This review focuses on a side-by-side comparison, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each system. We’ll explore the differences in their speaker configurations, examining the Sonos Arc Ultra’s powerful soundbar and separate surround speakers versus the Sony Bravia Theater Quad’s unique four-speaker setup. We’ll also analyze their respective software and auto-calibration features, comparing the performance of Sonos Trueplay and Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. Ultimately, this comparison aims to provide a clear understanding of which system offers the superior listening experience for movies, music, and overall home theater enjoyment.
Pros And Cons
- Warm and rich sound.
- Excellent center imaging.
- More forgiving with speaker placement.
- Supports advanced DTS formats.
- Supports Bluetooth 5.2, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Sony's LDAC codec.
- More consistent sound quality across various speaker placements.
- Subwoofer integration is not as seamless as the Sonos system.
- Does not support Chromecast Audio.
- Seamless subwoofer integration.
- Excellent bass output (especially with dual subwoofers).
- Enhances both the back and width of the front soundstage for stereo music.
- Superior bass for movies and TV.
- Offers a comprehensive whole-home music listening solution.
- Built-in voice control.
- Handles stereo audio via HDMI differently than wirelessly, limiting surround speaker use for some stereo music sources.
- Does not support advanced DTS formats.
- Less forgiving with speaker placement than the Sony system.
- Sounded thin compared to the Sony system in music playback (potentially due to TruePlay).
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System Overview and Pricing
This comparison focuses on two high-end home theater systems: the Sonos Arc Ultra system and the Sony Bravia Theater Quad system. The Sonos setup includes the Arc Ultra soundbar, the Sonos Sub 4 (with a Sub 3 also available for comparison), and two Sonos Era 300 speakers for Dolby Atmos surround sound. The Sony system consists of the Bravia Theater Quad and the SW5 subwoofer.
Pricing is competitive, with both systems falling within a similar range. The Sonos system typically costs between $2200 and $2500, while the Sony Bravia Theater Quad with the SW5 subwoofer ranges from $2400 to $2800 depending on retailer and sales. The price difference isn't significant, making the choice more about feature preferences.
Speaker Design and Technology
The Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar boasts 14 drivers (seven tweeters, six mid-range drivers, and a built-in subwoofer) for a claimed 9.1.4 audio experience. The Era 300 speakers add further surround capabilities with strategically placed tweeters and side-firing woofers. Sonos’s Trueplay auto-calibration system optimizes sound for your specific room.
The Sony Bravia Theater Quad employs a different approach with four low-profile, wall-mountable speakers. Each speaker features a three-way forward-firing array with a tweeter, mid-base driver, and woofer, plus an upward-firing driver for Atmos effects. Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology aims to create an optimized sound field regardless of speaker placement.
Connectivity and Audio Formats
Both systems offer HDMI eARC/ARC input for connection to TVs. The Sony Bravia Theater Quad adds a significant advantage with an extra HDMI input for direct connection of additional devices. Wireless options include Bluetooth 5.2, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Sony’s LDAC codec (Sony only).
The Sonos system offers similar wireless options (Bluetooth 5.3, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect) but lacks LDAC. A key difference lies in how each system handles stereo audio. Sony provides a consistent approach, enhancing the sound stage with surround speakers. Sonos's handling of HDMI stereo audio is more restrictive, limiting the use of surround speakers unless the source is wireless.
Sound Quality Comparison: Music
Music playback was tested extensively using AirPlay 2, Apple Music, and various other sources. The Sonos system, particularly with the Sub 4, delivered a seamless and impressive bass response, integrating well with the soundbar and Era 300 speakers. The system also offered an enhanced stereo image beyond the soundbar's limitations.
However, the Sony Bravia Theater Quad surprised with a warmer, richer sound, and superior center imaging, even surpassing the Sonos system in this aspect despite the Sonos soundbar having a dedicated center speaker. The Sonos system was negatively affected by the Trueplay auto-calibration in this instance, unlike many previous tests.
Sound Quality Comparison: Movies and TV
For movies and TV, the differences in fidelity are less pronounced. The Sonos system's processing shines, making it a compelling choice especially for users who prioritize surround sound effects. Its ability to incorporate dual subwoofers for enhanced bass performance is a notable feature. The bass from Sonos subs is consistently described as tighter, faster, and more pleasant.
However, the Sony Bravia Theater Quad demonstrates superior flexibility with speaker placement. Its spatial sound mapping technology results in a consistently excellent sound experience regardless of unconventional speaker positioning. The Sony system also generally performed better in Atmos dome effects. While dialogue clarity was excellent on both systems, the phantom center channel on the Sony system stands out.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Both the Sonos Arc Ultra and Sony Bravia Theater Quad systems offer exceptional home theater experiences, each excelling in different areas. The Sonos system is superior for whole-home audio integration and is more forgiving for users who have the ability to optimize the speaker placement. Its robust bass performance and seamless integration are impressive. However, the music quality is subpar compared to the Sony system.
For music enthusiasts who prioritize superior audio fidelity and a warmer, richer sound, the Sony Bravia Theater Quad is the clear winner. Its superior center imaging, spatial sound mapping technology, and flexible speaker placement make it highly versatile. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual priorities and listening preferences.