Sound quality:
Sonos's Arc Soundbar delivers sound quality that falls in the Very Good range. The bass has good impact and goes fairly deep, but is a bit prominent and somewhat boomy. Midrange is fairly even, but is somewhat grainy, and a bit hazy. Treble is extended, but is somewhat subdued and smeared. Does a decent job recovering room ambience of recordings, but sounds a bit congested. The two channel sound field has good height and extends somewhat beyond sides of the speaker array, and not much of a sense of depth.
There was no significant difference in sound quality between the HDMI, optical, and WiFi inputs.
The system can provide satisfying volume in a medium sized room.
Sound Modes (Stereo)
The Voice Enhancement and Night sound mode settings had a noticeable effect on the sound.
Multichannel
When Dolby Digital 5.1 channel program material is played back the width and height of the sound stage expands, and depending on the program material extends well beyond the width and speakers and up to the ceiling of a typical room.
Sound Modes (Multichannel)
The Voice Enhancement and Night sound mode settings had a noticeable effect on the sound.
Dolby Atmos
When playing Dolby Atmos material the width and height of the sound stage expands and depending on the program material can fill the front end of the room; audio imaging can extend to the sides and up and above from the front of the room to almost directly overhead depending on the program material, but there was no rear surround effect, and sounds that should have been in the rear come from the front.
Sound Modes
The Voice Enhancement and Night sound mode settings had a noticeable effect on the sound.
TV ease of use: Excellent overall.
Features ease of use: Excellent overall.
