I compared my Sonos Arc Ultra with an unlikely soundbar rival, and it went down to the wire

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In case you have $1,000 to spend on a soundbar, there are compelling choices to select from. Since its late 2024 launch, the Sonos Arc Ultra has been on the prime of the heap on this worth vary, however there are new opponents that give Sonos a run for its cash. The Marshall Heston 120, for instance, gives a singular design, cool options, and comes at the very same worth because the Sonos Arc Extremely.

Additionally: 5 ways to instantly boost your soundbar audio quality (without spending a dime)

Whereas Sonos sticks to the design established order with glossy, trendy components, Marshall challenges the norm with daring, distinct design language. Sonos gives choices for the tech-savvy, digital ecosystem fan, whereas Marshall retains its give attention to offering an extended checklist of wired, analog selections for music followers. 

Nevertheless, regardless of their placing variations, each soundbars ship an distinctive audio expertise. So, is one higher than the opposite? I’ve extensively used each the Marshall Heston 120 and the Sonos Arc Extremely and outlined their professionals and cons that will help you determine.

Specs

You can purchase the Marshall Heston 120 if…

1. You need a design that enhances your furnishings

The Sonos Arc Extremely is a glossy and classy soundbar, however if you would like a design that is cool, then the Marshall Heston 120 is the way in which to go. An awesome design is definitely form of necessary in a soundbar – it is one thing that is going to dwell out within the open, in your front room, for all to see. Certain, I care extra about audio high quality than design, however I would like one thing that is going to make a press release with out being excessive.

Additionally: Marshall’s first soundbar rocks as a mainstream alternative – Here’s my take

The Heston 120 walks that line completely. It leans on Marshall’s signature aesthetic, with a great-looking fake leather-based on its sides, and a textile mesh masking on the entrance and prime. It is adorned with the Marshall emblem and knobs on the highest for its controls. It seems to be superior and distinctive with out trying foolish. 

2. You want bodily controls

Bodily controls most likely aren’t the most necessary controls for a soundbar, as you may use your distant extra. However in the event you like utilizing bodily controls whenever you’re listening to music in your soundbar, then the Heston 120 is the way in which to go. It has knobs on the highest, like its amplifiers, and so they feel and appear nice. To be clear, the Sonos Arc Extremely has bodily controls too, and so they work completely nice. However they are not as satisfying to make use of as these on the Heston 120.

3. You need numerous wi-fi options

Sonos is thought for integrating with good houses, and it does so nicely — however it does not connect with as many audio ecosystems because the Marshall Heston 120. Each have Apple AirPlay 2 help and Spotify Join help, so in the event you’re in these ecosystems, you may get what you want with each. Nevertheless, the Heston 120 builds on that with extra companies.

With the Heston 120, you may get help for Google Solid, which helps in the event you’re within the Google ecosystem. You will additionally get Tidal Join, so in the event you’re a Tidal consumer, you’ll take heed to music simply. 

You can purchase the Sonos Arc Extremely if…

1. You need higher spatial audio

Each soundbars supply wonderful audio and may ship deep and highly effective bass with strong response within the excessive finish. However the Sonos Arc Extremely positively has the sting. Its audio response is a bit more detailed, and its bass will get barely deeper than Marshall’s. 

Along with the marginally higher frequency response, the Sonos Arc Extremely gives a extra immersive audio expertise. Each soundbars can ship strong immersion with drivers that use reflections to simulate encompass sound. However Sonos has extra expertise with that form of good audio expertise, and it exhibits within the Arc Extremely, which, by itself, can get comparatively immersive when enjoying content material that helps Dolby Atmos and encompass sound.

2. You need to increase your system

Perhaps you do not need to use your soundbar alone — wherein case, the Sonos Arc Extremely is definitely the higher selection. The Marshall Heston 120 helps wired subwoofers, and Marshall gives one in-house-made sub, however that is it.

The Sonos Arc Extremely can connect with different Sonos audio system wirelessly, and you’ve got extra choices. There are two Sonos subwoofers you’ll be able to select from, together with various totally different audio system you may use as encompass audio system — just like the Sonos Period 100 or Sonos Period 300. Sonos even sells bundles with these audio system, permitting you to get a full encompass sound system proper out of the field. 

Additionally: Here’s why Sonos’ TV Audio Swap is my all-time favorite headphone feature

The Sonos Ace headphones have a non-public listening characteristic constructed for Sonos soundbars, additional increasing the Sonos system ecosystem. I’ve used a Sonos Arc Extremely with two Sonos Period 300 audio system and a Sonos Sub 4 for a while, and I’ve to say, it is a fairly superior setup.

3. You may have different Sonos audio system

Even in the event you do not plan on immediately connecting different Sonos audio system to your Sonos Arc Extremely, the ecosystem impact can nonetheless play a task when you have different Sonos audio system. Having the ability to handle your entire wi-fi audio system in a single ecosystem makes it simpler to stream audio throughout them, particularly in the event you use the Sonos app to take action. It additionally means which you can join them collectively down the road in the event you so select. 

For instance, you may use two Sonos Period 100 audio system in numerous rooms however then hyperlink them collectively to type a stereo pair for extra immersive audio. Or, within the case of the Arc Extremely, you may transfer to a bigger dwelling and determine that you just need to use these audio system as encompass audio system in your front room. 

Options to contemplate