The world of home theaters has evolved significantly over the past decade, and Sonos has been at the forefront of this revolution. Two of their most popular soundbars, the Playbar and the Arc, have been vying for attention from audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike. If you’re currently using a Playbar and are considering an upgrade to the Arc, you’re likely wondering: is it worth it? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the features, specifications, and performance of both soundbars to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Soundbars
At first glance, both the Sonos Playbar and the Sonos Arc may seem like identical twins, but there are some subtle differences in their design and build quality. The Playbar, released in 2013, boasts a sleek and minimalist design that seamlessly blends into any living room setup. It measures 35.4 inches wide, 5.5 inches deep, and 3.3 inches tall, making it a great option for smaller spaces. The Playbar’s cabinet is constructed from high-quality plastic, with a matte finish that helps reduce fingerprints and scratches.
In contrast, the Sonos Arc, launched in 2020, takes a more modern and futuristic approach to design. Measuring 45 inches wide, 4.4 inches deep, and 3.4 inches tall, the Arc is slightly larger and more imposing than the Playbar. The Arc’s cabinet is crafted from a single piece of polycarbonate, giving it a more premium and cohesive look. The matte finish is replaced by a glossy, slightly curved surface that adds to the soundbar’s sleek and sophisticated appearance.
While both soundbars exude a sense of quality and sophistication, the Arc’s more modern design language and premium materials give it a slight edge in terms of build quality. However, the Playbar’s more compact size and understated design make it a great option for those who prefer a more discreet soundbar.
Sound Quality: Where the Arc Truly Shines
Sound quality is, of course, the most critical aspect of any soundbar. Both the Playbar and the Arc are capable of producing exceptional sound, but there are some significant differences between the two.
The Sonos Playbar features a 3.0 channel configuration, with six mid-woofers, three tweeters, and a single bass radiator. This setup provides a balanced soundstage with clear dialogue, decent bass, and a wide soundfield. However, the Playbar’s sound can sometimes feel a bit boxy and limited in terms of dynamics and immersion.
The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, boasts a more advanced 5.0 channel configuration, with eight woofers, three tweeters, and a pair of upward-firing drivers. This setup enables the Arc to produce a more immersive and three-dimensional soundstage, with better separation between instruments, clearer dialogue, and more pronounced bass. The Arc’s ability to decode and render Dolby Atmos and other object-based audio formats further enhances its sound quality, making it feel more cinematic and engaging.
In terms of sound quality, the Arc is hands-down the winner. Its more advanced driver configuration, combined with its ability to process advanced audio formats, makes it a more capable and immersive soundbar. If sound quality is your top priority, upgrading to the Arc from the Playbar is a no-brainer.
Additional Features: Where the Arc Pulls Ahead
In addition to its improved sound quality, the Sonos Arc offers several features that set it apart from the Playbar.
eARC and HDMI Compatibility
The Arc is equipped with an eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) port, which enables it to receive high-quality audio signals from compatible TVs and devices. This feature is particularly useful for those with 4K TVs or other devices that support eARC. The Playbar, on the other hand, relies on optical audio inputs, which can limit its ability to receive high-quality audio signals.
Multi-Room Audio and Wireless Connectivity
Both the Playbar and the Arc support Sonos’ proprietary wireless technology, allowing for seamless connectivity with other Sonos devices. However, the Arc takes this feature a step further with its built-in Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0 capabilities, making it easier to connect to and control the soundbar using your smartphone or tablet.
Voice Assistant Integration and Smart Home Compatibility
The Arc offers built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control the soundbar using voice commands. Additionally, the Arc is compatible with Apple’s AirPlay 2 and Apple TV+, making it a great option for those invested in the Apple ecosystem. The Playbar, on the other hand, requires a separate Sonos One or Beam speaker to enable voice assistant integration.
Upgrade Considerations: Is it Worth the Cost?
Upgrading from the Sonos Playbar to the Arc is a significant investment, with the Arc retailing for around $799 compared to the Playbar’s $699 price tag. So, is it worth the cost?
If you value sound quality above all else, the Arc is a worthy upgrade. Its advanced driver configuration and ability to process Dolby Atmos and other advanced audio formats make it a more capable and immersive soundbar.
If you have a 4K TV or plan to upgrade to one soon, the Arc’s eARC port and HDMI compatibility make it a more future-proof option.
If you’re invested in the Sonos ecosystem and want to take advantage of its multi-room audio capabilities, the Arc’s improved wireless connectivity and smart home integration make it a more attractive option.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or don’t plan to take advantage of the Arc’s advanced features, the Playbar remains a capable and affordable soundbar option.
Conclusion: Level Up Your Home Theater with the Sonos Arc
In conclusion, upgrading from the Sonos Playbar to the Arc is a worthy consideration for those who value sound quality, advanced features, and future-proof compatibility. While the Playbar remains a solid option, the Arc’s improved design, sound quality, and feature set make it a more compelling choice for those looking to level up their home theater experience.
If you’re ready to take your home theater to the next level, the Sonos Arc is an excellent choice. Its exceptional sound quality, advanced features, and sleek design make it a worthy upgrade from the Playbar. So, what are you waiting for? Level up your home theater with the Sonos Arc today!
What are the main differences between Sonos Arc and Playbar?
The Sonos Arc and Playbar are both high-end soundbars designed to provide an immersive audio experience for home theaters. However, there are some key differences between the two. The Arc is a newer model that offers more advanced features and improvements over the Playbar. One of the main differences is the addition of Dolby Atmos support in the Arc, which allows for a more immersive 3D audio experience.
Another significant difference is the design and build quality of the two soundbars. The Arc has a sleeker and more modern design, with a more compact size that fits easily under most TVs. The Playbar, on the other hand, has a more boxy design and is slightly larger. The Arc also has a more premium feel, with a glass top and a more durable construction.
Is the Sonos Arc worth the upgrade from the Playbar?
Whether or not the Sonos Arc is worth the upgrade from the Playbar depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a more immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos support, then the Arc is definitely worth considering. Additionally, if you have a newer TV with HDMI eARC support, the Arc is a better choice since it can take full advantage of this feature.
However, if you’re happy with your current Playbar and don’t need the latest and greatest features, then sticking with what you have might be the better option. The Playbar is still a great soundbar that provides excellent sound quality, and it’s often available at a lower price point than the Arc. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade will depend on your budget and what you’re looking to get out of your home theater experience.
How does the Sonos Arc improve upon the Playbar’s sound quality?
The Sonos Arc improves upon the Playbar’s sound quality in several ways. First, the Arc has a more advanced amplifier and speaker design that allows for more precise and detailed sound reproduction. This results in a more immersive and engaging audio experience, with clearer dialogue and more robust bass.
Additionally, the Arc’s support for Dolby Atmos takes the sound quality to the next level. With Dolby Atmos, the Arc can create a truly immersive 3D audio experience, with sounds coming from all directions and elevations. This creates a more realistic and engaging audio experience that draws you into the action on screen.
What is HDMI eARC, and how does it benefit the Sonos Arc?
HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) is a feature that allows for higher quality audio to be sent from a TV to a soundbar or receiver. This feature is supported by newer TVs and allows for the transmission of higher quality audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
The Sonos Arc benefits from HDMI eARC because it allows the soundbar to receive the full range of audio formats supported by the TV. This means that the Arc can take full advantage of the TV’s audio capabilities, resulting in a more immersive and engaging audio experience. With HDMI eARC, the Arc can also receive audio signals at higher resolutions, such as 24-bit/192kHz, which results in even more detailed and nuanced sound reproduction.
Can I use the Sonos Arc with older TVs that don’t support HDMI eARC?
Yes, you can still use the Sonos Arc with older TVs that don’t support HDMI eARC. The Arc is backwards compatible with older HDMI standards, so you can still connect it to your TV using a standard HDMI cable.
However, keep in mind that you may not be able to take full advantage of the Arc’s features and capabilities with an older TV. For example, you may not be able to receive Dolby Atmos audio, and you may be limited to lower quality audio formats. Still, the Arc will still provide excellent sound quality, even with an older TV.
How easy is it to set up and use the Sonos Arc?
Setting up and using the Sonos Arc is relatively easy and straightforward. The Arc comes with a quick start guide that walks you through the setup process, and you can also use the Sonos app to help you get started.
Once you’ve set up the Arc, using it is a breeze. The soundbar comes with a range of preset modes and settings that allow you to customize the sound to your liking. You can also use the Arc with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control, making it easy to adjust the volume, change the input, and more without having to reach for the remote.
Is the Sonos Arc compatible with other Sonos speakers?
Yes, the Sonos Arc is compatible with other Sonos speakers, including the Beam, Playbase, and older Playbar models. This means you can easily integrate the Arc into an existing Sonos system, allowing you to create a whole-home audio experience.
You can use the Sonos app to group the Arc with other Sonos speakers, allowing you to control the volume and playback of multiple rooms from a single interface. You can also use the Arc as part of a Sonos home theater setup, adding additional speakers like the Sonos Ones or Fives to create a more immersive audio experience.