The world of home audio has never been more exciting, with advancements in technology leading to the development of innovative soundbars that promise to elevate our entertainment experience. Two of the most popular soundbars in the market today are the Sonos Ray and the Sonos Arc. Both are high-end soundbars from the same brand, but they cater to different needs and preferences. In this article, we’ll delve into the features, specifications, and performance of both soundbars to help you decide which one is better suited for your home entertainment setup.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design and build quality, both the Sonos Ray and the Sonos Arc excel. However, they have some key differences.
The Sonos Ray is a compact soundbar designed to fit seamlessly into smaller living rooms or bedrooms. It measures 22 inches wide, 3.7 inches tall, and 4.7 inches deep, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. The Ray’s compact size doesn’t compromise on its build quality, with a sturdy plastic body and a sleek, matte finish.
On the other hand, the Sonos Arc is a larger soundbar designed for bigger rooms and more immersive sound experiences. It measures 45 inches wide, 3.4 inches tall, and 4.5 inches deep, making it a more substantial piece of equipment. The Arc’s larger size is matched by its premium build quality, with a robust plastic body and a sleek, glass-filled polycarbonate grille.
Both soundbars have a sleek and modern design that will complement any home decor.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is where both soundbars truly shine. However, they cater to different audio preferences.
The Sonos Ray is designed for more intimate listening experiences, with a focus on clarity and detail. It features two Class-D digital amplifiers, one tweeter, and two mid-woofers, producing a frequency response of 50 Hz to 20 kHz. The Ray’s sound signature is more balanced, with a focus on vocals and instrumentals. It’s an excellent choice for smaller rooms, where a more subtle sound is preferred.
The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, is designed for more immersive sound experiences, with a focus on power and presence. It features 11 Class-D digital amplifiers, three tweeters, and eight mid-woofers, producing a frequency response of 30 Hz to 20 kHz. The Arc’s sound signature is more dynamic, with a focus on bass response and cinematic immersion. It’s an excellent choice for larger rooms, where a more dramatic sound is desired.
The Sonos Arc’s more extensive driver array and larger size give it a significant advantage in terms of sound quality, but the Ray holds its own in smaller rooms.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both soundbars offer a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Apple AirPlay 2. However, there are some key differences.
The Sonos Ray has two HDMI eARC ports, one HDMI ARC port, and an optical audio input. It also supports Sonos’ Trueplay technology, which allows for automatic room tuning and calibration.
The Sonos Arc has three HDMI eARC ports, one HDMI ARC port, and an optical audio input. It also supports Sonos’ Trueplay technology, as well as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X encoding.
Both soundbars have robust connectivity options, but the Arc’s additional HDMI eARC port and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X make it a more future-proof choice.
Smart TV Integration
Both soundbars are compatible with a range of smart TVs, including those from Samsung, LG, and Sony. However, the Arc has more extensive integration with certain TV brands, including Samsung’s QLED and SUHD TVs.
The Arc also supports Samsung’s Q-Symphony technology, which allows for simultaneous audio playback between the soundbar and the TV’s speakers. This creates a more immersive sound experience, with the soundbar handling the lower frequencies and the TV’s speakers handling the higher frequencies.
The Arc’s more extensive smart TV integration makes it a better choice for those with high-end TVs.
Additional Features
Both soundbars have a range of additional features that enhance their overall performance.
The Sonos Ray has a built-in microphone, allowing for voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. It also has a sleep timer, automatic software updates, and a range of EQ presets.
The Sonos Arc has a built-in microphone, allowing for voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. It also has a sleep timer, automatic software updates, and a range of EQ presets. Additionally, it has a feature called “Speech Enhancement,” which enhances dialogue clarity in TV shows and movies.
Both soundbars have a range of useful features, but the Arc’s Speech Enhancement feature gives it an edge in terms of dialogue clarity.
Price and Value
The Sonos Ray and the Sonos Arc are both premium soundbars, but they cater to different budgets and preferences.
The Sonos Ray is priced around $699, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.
The Sonos Arc is priced around $999, making it a more substantial investment.
The Ray is an excellent value for its price, but the Arc’s more extensive features and better sound quality make it a better choice for those willing to spend more.
Conclusion
So, is the Sonos Ray better than the Sonos Arc? The answer ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for a compact soundbar with a more balanced sound signature and a lower price point, the Sonos Ray is an excellent choice.
If you’re looking for a more immersive sound experience with a focus on power and presence, and you’re willing to spend more, the Sonos Arc is the better option.
Ultimately, both soundbars are exceptional choices, but it’s essential to consider your specific needs and budget before making a decision.
| Feature | Sonos Ray | Sonos Arc |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 22 inches wide, 3.7 inches tall, 4.7 inches deep | 45 inches wide, 3.4 inches tall, 4.5 inches deep |
| Sound Signature | Balanced, with a focus on vocals and instrumentals | Dynamic, with a focus on bass response and cinematic immersion |
| Connectivity Options | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Apple AirPlay 2, two HDMI eARC ports, one HDMI ARC port, optical audio input | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Apple AirPlay 2, three HDMI eARC ports, one HDMI ARC port, optical audio input |
| Price | $699 | $999 |
By considering the features, specifications, and performance of both soundbars, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that suits your home entertainment needs.
What is the main difference between Sonos Ray and Arc?
The main difference between Sonos Ray and Arc is their size and design. The Sonos Ray is a compact and affordable soundbar, while the Sonos Arc is a larger and more premium soundbar. The Ray is designed for smaller rooms and apartments, while the Arc is designed for larger spaces and home theaters. Additionally, the Arc has more drivers and amplifier power, which results in a more immersive and cinematic sound experience.
In terms of features, the Arc also has more advanced technology, such as Dolby Atmos and eARC support, which provides a more realistic and engaging audio experience. The Ray, on the other hand, is more limited in its features, but still provides a great sound quality and is more affordable. Ultimately, the choice between the two soundbars depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Is the Sonos Ray suitable for larger rooms?
The Sonos Ray is designed for smaller rooms and apartments, and it may not be suitable for larger rooms. While it can still provide a good sound quality in larger rooms, it may not be able to fill the space with sound as well as the Sonos Arc. If you have a larger room, you may want to consider the Arc, which is designed to provide a more immersive and cinematic sound experience.
That being said, the Ray can still be used in larger rooms, especially if you’re looking for a more affordable option. However, you may need to pair it with additional speakers, such as the Sonos One or the Sonos Sub, to get the best sound quality. Additionally, you can also consider using the Ray as a TV speaker and adding additional speakers to create a surround sound system.
Can I use the Sonos Arc as a TV speaker?
Yes, the Sonos Arc can be used as a TV speaker. In fact, it’s designed to provide a great sound quality for TV and movies. The Arc has a dedicated TV mode that optimizes the sound for TV and movies, and it also supports Dolby Atmos and eARC, which provides a more realistic and engaging audio experience. Additionally, the Arc also supports HDMI eARC, which allows you to connect it to your TV and other devices with a single cable.
However, keep in mind that the Arc is a more premium product, and it may be more than you need if you’re just looking for a simple TV speaker. If you’re on a budget, the Sonos Ray may be a more affordable option. But if you want the best sound quality and advanced features, the Arc is definitely worth considering.
Does the Sonos Ray support Dolby Atmos?
No, the Sonos Ray does not support Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos is a advanced audio technology that provides a more realistic and immersive sound experience, and it requires more drivers and amplifier power to work properly. The Sonos Ray is a more entry-level soundbar, and it doesn’t have the necessary hardware to support Dolby Atmos.
If you want to experience Dolby Atmos, you’ll need to consider the Sonos Arc, which has more drivers and amplifier power. The Arc also has more advanced features, such as eARC support, which provides a more realistic and engaging audio experience. However, keep in mind that the Arc is a more premium product, and it may be more than you need if you’re on a budget.
Can I pair the Sonos Ray with additional speakers?
Yes, you can pair the Sonos Ray with additional speakers to create a surround sound system or to add more sound to larger rooms. The Ray supports Sonos’ Trueplay technology, which allows you to pair it with other Sonos speakers, such as the Sonos One or the Sonos Sub. You can also use the Sonos app to pair the Ray with other Sonos speakers and adjust the sound to your preferences.
However, keep in mind that the Ray is a more entry-level product, and it may not have the same level of integration with other Sonos speakers as the Arc. The Arc, on the other hand, is designed to work seamlessly with other Sonos speakers, and it provides a more advanced and immersive sound experience.
Is the Sonos Arc worth the extra cost?
The Sonos Arc is a more premium product, and it has a higher price tag than the Sonos Ray. However, if you’re looking for the best sound quality and advanced features, the Arc is definitely worth considering. The Arc provides a more immersive and cinematic sound experience, and it has more drivers and amplifier power than the Ray.
Additionally, the Arc also has more advanced features, such as Dolby Atmos and eARC support, which provides a more realistic and engaging audio experience. If you’re willing to invest in a high-quality soundbar, the Arc is definitely worth the extra cost.
Can I use the Sonos Ray with a subwoofer?
Yes, you can use the Sonos Ray with a subwoofer to add more bass to your sound system. The Ray supports Sonos’ wireless subwoofer, which can be paired with the Ray to add more depth and bass to your music and movies. You can also use the Sonos app to adjust the sound and optimize it for your preferences.
However, keep in mind that the Ray is a more entry-level product, and it may not have the same level of integration with the subwoofer as the Arc. The Arc, on the other hand, is designed to work seamlessly with the subwoofer, and it provides a more advanced and immersive sound experience.