Sonos soundbar comparison guide: ray vs. arc – which one should you choose?

The world of home audio has been revolutionized by soundbars, offering an immersive and cinematic sound experience without the clutter of multiple speakers. Sonos, a leading name in premium audio, has two standout soundbars that have captured the attention of audiophiles: the Sonos Ray and the Sonos Arc. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of the Sonos soundbar Ray vs. Arc, comparing their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Aesthetics

The Sonos Ray and Arc exhibit distinct design philosophies. The Ray is a compact and discreet soundbar, measuring 559 x 95 x 71 mm and weighing 1.96 kg. Its sleek, minimalist design seamlessly blends into any home décor, making it an unobtrusive addition to your entertainment setup.

In contrast, the Sonos Arc is a more substantial soundbar, measuring 1142 x 87 x 116 mm and weighing 6.25 kg. Its curved shape and premium materials exude an air of elegance and sophistication. The Arc is designed to be a centerpiece of your home theater system, making a bold statement in any room.

Audio Performance

Sound quality is the heart of any soundbar, and both the Ray and Arc deliver exceptional audio experiences. The Ray features a two-channel stereo setup with two custom-designed mid-woofers and two tweeters. This configuration provides a clear and balanced soundstage, with crisp highs and a well-defined midrange.

The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, boasts a more advanced 5.1.2-channel surround sound system with 11 custom-designed drivers. This includes three tweeters, four mid-woofers, two up-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, and two side-firing speakers. The Arc delivers an immersive and enveloping sound experience, creating a cinematic atmosphere in your home.

Dolby Atmos Support

Dolby Atmos is a cutting-edge surround sound technology that adds an extra dimension to your audio experience. The Sonos Arc supports Dolby Atmos, which means it can reproduce sounds from above and around you, creating a truly immersive soundscape.

The Sonos Ray does not support Dolby Atmos, which limits its ability to deliver the same level of spatial audio as the Arc. However, for most users, the Ray’s stereo soundstage is still capable of providing a satisfying audio experience.

Room Correction and Trueplay

Room acoustics can significantly affect the sound quality of a soundbar. The Sonos Ray and Arc feature advanced room correction and Trueplay tuning technology to optimize their performance for your specific listening environment.

Trueplay uses a smartphone or tablet to measure the acoustics of your room and adjust the soundbar’s sound profile accordingly. This ensures that you enjoy a tailored audio experience that is perfectly balanced and free from unwanted resonances or distortions.

Multi-Room Audio and Connectivity

Both the Sonos Ray and Arc offer multi-room audio capabilities, allowing you to connect them to other Sonos speakers throughout your home. This allows you to create a whole-home audio system that seamlessly fills every room with music or sound.

The Ray and Arc support Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and HDMI ARC connectivity. The Arc also features an optical audio input for legacy devices.

Voice Control and Smart Features

The Sonos Ray and Arc offer convenient voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can use your voice to play music, adjust the volume, and control other smart home devices.

Additionally, both soundbars support Apple AirPlay 2, which allows you to stream audio directly from your Apple devices.

Price and Value

The Sonos Ray is priced at $279, while the Sonos Arc retails for $899. The price difference reflects the significant difference in features and performance between the two soundbars.

The Ray offers a great value for its price, providing an excellent stereo sound experience and a range of smart features. The Arc, on the other hand, is a premium soundbar that delivers an immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound experience and a host of advanced features.

Which Sonos Soundbar is Right for You?

The choice between the Sonos Ray and Arc depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a compact and affordable soundbar with a clear and balanced sound, the Ray is an excellent choice.

If you’re seeking an immersive and cinematic audio experience with Dolby Atmos support and advanced features, the Arc is the soundbar to go for. Its premium design and exceptional performance make it a worthwhile investment for home theater enthusiasts.

Wrapping Up: Choosing the Sonos Soundbar that Elevates Your Entertainment

Both the Sonos Ray and Arc are exceptional soundbars that offer a range of features and performance levels. The Ray is a great value for its price, providing a satisfying stereo sound experience and a range of smart features. The Arc, on the other hand, is a premium soundbar that delivers an immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound experience and a host of advanced features.

Ultimately, the best Sonos soundbar for you depends on your individual needs and budget. Consider the size of your room, the type of content you listen to, and your budget to make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which soundbar is better for small rooms, the Ray or the Arc?
A: The Sonos Ray is a more suitable choice for small rooms, as its compact size and stereo soundstage are well-suited for near-field listening.

Q: Can I expand the Sonos Ray to a surround sound system?
A: No, the Sonos Ray does not support surround sound expansion.

Q: Which soundbar has better voice control capabilities?
A: Both the Ray and Arc offer voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, providing equal voice control capabilities.