So, the Sonos Arc is a solid soundbar with a bunch of features, but it does come with a few hiccups. One thing that pops up a lot in our research is the lack of Bluetooth connectivity. It mainly relies on Wi-Fi for music streaming, which might feel a bit restrictive if you're someone who loves direct Bluetooth streaming between devices.
Wi-Fi streaming does have its perks, like syncing with other devices over your network, but if you're looking for the straightforward device-to-device connection that Bluetooth offers, it might feel like a bit of a letdown. Many folks are caught off guard by this since Bluetooth is pretty common in other soundbars at a similar price point.
If you're team Apple, the Arc throws you a bone with Apple AirPlay 2, letting you wirelessly stream audio from your Apple gadgets without any messy cables. People seem to appreciate this, but if you're not using Apple devices, you'll need to figure out another way to connect.
In case having multiple connectivity options is high on your list, it might be worth checking out soundbars that have Bluetooth. It's helpful for households with a mix of devices.
On the bright side, if you're already in the Sonos ecosystem, the Arc fits in seamlessly. Its Wi-Fi setup supports high-quality streaming and can sync sound across different rooms with other Sonos speakers. So, if you're into the whole Sonos experience, the strong Wi-Fi might just balance things out for you.
Bottom line: If Bluetooth is a dealbreaker, you might want to consider other options. But if Wi-Fi streaming and Sonos integration are what you're after, the Arc might still win you over.
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More Answers
If you're still curious about the Sonos Arc, here are some other answers you might find interesting:
So, the Sonos Arc is a solid soundbar with a bunch of features, but it does come with a few hiccups. One thing that pops up a lot in our research is the lack of Bluetooth connectivity. It mainly relies on Wi-Fi for music streaming, which might feel a bit restrictive if you're someone who loves direct Bluetooth streaming between devices.
Wi-Fi streaming does have its perks, like syncing with other devices over your network, but if you're looking for the straightforward device-to-device connection that Bluetooth offers, it might feel like a bit of a letdown. Many folks are caught off guard by this since Bluetooth is pretty common in other soundbars at a similar price point.
If you're team Apple, the Arc throws you a bone with Apple AirPlay 2, letting you wirelessly stream audio from your Apple gadgets without any messy cables. People seem to appreciate this, but if you're not using Apple devices, you'll need to figure out another way to connect.
In case having multiple connectivity options is high on your list, it might be worth checking out soundbars that have Bluetooth. It's helpful for households with a mix of devices.
On the bright side, if you're already in the Sonos ecosystem, the Arc fits in seamlessly. Its Wi-Fi setup supports high-quality streaming and can sync sound across different rooms with other Sonos speakers. So, if you're into the whole Sonos experience, the strong Wi-Fi might just balance things out for you.
Bottom line: If Bluetooth is a dealbreaker, you might want to consider other options. But if Wi-Fi streaming and Sonos integration are what you're after, the Arc might still win you over.
Setting up the Sonos Arc is generally pretty straightforward. It's mainly designed to connect through Wi-Fi or Ethernet, which works great if you're into having a multi-room audio setup with Sonos gear.
But if you're looking for Bluetooth, you'll need to look elsewhere since the Arc doesn't support it. Some folks find that a bit limiting, especially if they like to stream directly from a device without using a network. But if you're cool with using your home network for streaming, it should be fine.
The process starts with downloading the Sonos app on your smartphone or tablet, which walks you through everything step by step. If you're on Apple, you'll be happy to know it supports AirPlay 2, so streaming from your iOS devices (as long as they’re on the same network) is a breeze.
For Android users, you'll have to rely on Wi-Fi streaming options or compatible music services.
If Bluetooth is a must-have for you, alternatives like the Vizio Elevate or products from brands like Bose and Sony might be better suited since they often include both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options.
Overall, if you're planning on getting deep into the Sonos ecosystem or want to enjoy high-quality streaming with smart features, setting up the Arc should be pretty seamless and satisfying.
Yep, the Sonos Arc does indeed support Dolby Atmos. This feature aims to give you a rich, enveloping audio experience by projecting sound all around you, even from above. According to the manufacturer, the Arc uses Dolby Atmos tech to create what they call a 3D sound ideal for a home theater environment.
To really make the most of Dolby Atmos with the Arc, it's best if your TV supports eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). This provides the bandwidth needed for top-notch audio formats like Dolby Atmos via HDMI. But don't worry if your TV doesn't have eARC; you can use the included HDMI to optical adapter with older TVs, though the sound quality might not be quite the same.
From what we've found, the Sonos Arc has eleven high-quality speakers, including ones that point upwards to help recreate that surround sound vibe. It's all about enhancing your audio experience with richer sounds.
Keep in mind, though, that how much you enjoy Dolby Atmos will depend on whether you're using compatible content and if your setup supports this format. Not all streaming services have Dolby Atmos content yet, so it's a good idea to check what's available.
Reviewers generally love how the Sonos Arc improves the home viewing experience with its impressive sound depth and spatial accuracy. It captures everything from the smallest background noises to the big, booming sounds of an action scene, making your listening experience feel quite cinematic.
While many folks find the Arc performs superbly on its own, adding extra Sonos gear like a subwoofer or rear speakers can take it up a notch—especially in bigger rooms where you might want more bass and robust surround sound.
Overall, people seem pretty happy with the Arc standalone, but you've got options to enhance it if you're aiming for a full home theater setup.
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