The Arc Ultra offers a 9.1.4 channel configuration with 14 drivers, including a built-in subwoofer, delivering a precise and detailed sound profile. Its minimalist design is slightly more compact, measuring 117.8 cm in width, 7.5 cm in height, and 11.06 cm in depth, and weighing 5.9 kg. However, it lacks HDMI passthrough and DTS support, which might be limiting for some setups.
In contrast, the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 features a 7.0.2 channel setup with 13 speakers, including up-firing and side-firing drivers, beam tweeters, and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Its design is more expansive, measuring 130 cm in width, 6.4 cm in height, and 11 cm in depth, and weighing 5.5 kg. The Bar 9 includes HDMI 2.1 input with 4K/120Hz passthrough, which is helpful for gamers, and offers a more open and spacious soundstage. However, some people have noted that its deep bass can occasionally be over-pronounced, and I will be testing this soundbar in this review to experience the bass response.
Specs Comparison
The Sonos Arc Ultra features a 9.1.4 channel configuration with 14 drivers, including seven tweeters and six midrange drivers, all powered by 15 Class-D amplifiers. This setup aims to create a comprehensive surround sound experience. Its dimensions are approximately 117.8 cm in width, 7.5 cm in height, and 11 cm in depth, with a weight of around 5.9 kg. Connectivity options include HDMI eARC 2.1, Bluetooth 5.3, and Wi-Fi 6, facilitating seamless integration with various devices. The Arc Ultra also supports voice control through Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, enhancing user convenience.
In contrast, the BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 features a 7.0.2 channel setup with 13 speaker units, including up-firing and side-firing drivers, beam tweeters, and a new 2-way speaker design. This configuration is designed to deliver expansive and immersive audio. The soundbar measures approximately 130 cm in width, 6.4 cm in height, and 11 cm in depth, and weighs around 5.5 kg. It offers HDMI 2.1 input with 4K/120Hz passthrough, which is particularly beneficial for gamers seeking high-resolution and high-frame-rate support. The Bar 9 supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced formats, catering to a wide range of audio preferences. Additionally, it includes 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology, aiming to create a more immersive listening environment.
Table Comparison
| Feature | Sonos Arc Ultra | Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 |
| Audio Channels | 9.1.4 | 7.0.2 |
| Amplifiers | 15 Class-D digital amplifiers | S-Master HX digital amplifier with 585W total power output (each active driver receiving 45W) |
| Drivers | 14 drivers: 7 tweeters, 6 midrange drivers, 1 built-in subwoofer | 13 drivers: 2 up-firing, 2 side-firing, beam tweeters, 2 front tweeters, 2 woofers, 1 center tweeter, 4 passive radiators |
| Power Output | Not specified | 585W total power output |
| Frequency Response | Enhanced bass with improved articulation and extension | Starts from 60Hz |
| Connectivity | HDMI eARC 2.1, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6, Apple AirPlay 2 | HDMI eARC, HDMI 2.1 input with 4K/120Hz passthrough, Optical input, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control | Not specified |
| Sound Calibration | Trueplay tuning (available for iOS and Android devices) | 360 Spatial Sound Mapping with self-calibration |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 117.8 x 7.5 x 11.0 cm | 130.1 x 6.4 x 11.3 cm |
| Weight | 5.9 kg | 5.5 kg |
| Power Consumption (Idle) | 4.6 Watts | Not specified |
Sound Comparison
The Sonos Arc Ultra and the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 gave me two very different listening experiences when I tested them with Oppenheimer and Avatar: The Way of Water. The Arc Ultra, with its 9.1.4 layout and 14 drivers, created a wide and smooth soundstage that made ambient details feel more natural. In Oppenheimer, during the Trinity test sequence, the layering of sound was controlled but intense—dialogue came through clearly while the low-end build-up felt grounded without being overbearing. I also appreciated the balance during quiet scenes where subtle sounds like footsteps or environmental cues [wind, rustling papers] had space without getting lost. Trueplay tuning adapted nicely to my room and I didn’t feel the need to add a subwoofer, which made it feel like a clean all-in-one setup.
The Sony Bar 9 has a slightly different sound presentation and soundstage. Its 7.0.2 configuration with 13 drivers and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping gave me a more spatial and slightly theatrical presentation. During Avatar: The Way of Water, the water and jungle scenes had a clear sense of direction, and the side-firing and up-firing drivers pushed sound further out into the room. The 585W total power added more volume headroom and I could feel that during action-heavy scenes. That said, the low end leaned a bit heavy at times. In larger sequences with explosions or deep drums, the bass felt a little loose, even though the overall clarity was strong. I also liked the inclusion of HDMI 2.1 passthrough, which let me switch to gaming without adjusting anything in my setup.
Between the two, I think the Arc Ultra felt more refined across a wider range of content. It handled speech, environmental effects and music in a more balanced way without pulling my attention to specific parts of the mix. The Sony Bar 9 was exciting and worked well for blockbuster content and gaming, especially with the added HDMI inputs and powerful driver setup. Personally, I would go with the Arc Ultra because it gave me a more consistent and cinematic experience across both dialogue-driven scenes and immersive sequences, and it didn’t ask for much in terms of extra components or space.
Design Comparison
The Sonos Arc Ultra features a minimalist and sleek aesthetic, measuring approximately 118 cm in width, 7.5 cm in height, and 11 cm in depth, with a weight of around 5.9 kg. Its elongated form factor is complemented by a matte finish and a perforated grille that wraps seamlessly around the entire body, giving it a modern and unobtrusive appearance. The touch-sensitive controls are subtly integrated on an upward-facing panel at the rear, maintaining the clean lines of the design. However, I found that this positioning required a slight reach when the soundbar was placed under my TV.
In contrast, the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 is slightly larger and measures about 130 cm in width, 6.4 cm in height, and 11 cm in depth, and weighing approximately 5.5 kg. Its combination of smooth plastic construction and a fabric grille on the front gives it a premium look and feel. The rounded front corners and fabric cover make the Bar 9 look much softer and more discreet. However, I noticed that the fabric is prone to collecting dust and may require regular cleaning to maintain its pristine appearance. The touch controls are conveniently located on the top panel, providing easy access for adjustments. The overall build quality is excellent, with tight seams and a sturdy construction that exudes durability.
In my setup, the Arc Ultra’s larger dimensions made it more prominent beneath the TV, which could be a consideration for those with limited space. The BRAVIA Theater Bar 9’s more compact size allowed it to fit more discreetly into my entertainment area. Both soundbars exhibit high-quality craftsmanship, but the choice between them may come down to personal preference regarding design aesthetics and the specific spatial constraints of one’s living room.
The Verdict?
After spending some time with both the Sonos Arc Ultra and the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9, I think they each bring something different to the table depending on what kind of listener you are. The Arc Ultra offers a 9.1.4 channel setup with 14 drivers and strong integration into the Sonos ecosystem, which made it really easy for me to get everything up and running without needing extra equipment. The soundstage feels expansive and balanced, and even without external subs or rears, it handled movie soundtracks like Oppenheimer and Dune with depth and control. Its compact design fit comfortably under my TV, and I liked the cleaner look and the Trueplay tuning [especially now that it works on Android too].
The Sony Bar 9 came across as more aggressive in sound. It has 13 drivers in a 7.0.2 configuration and uses 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, which gave me a bigger sense of width during scenes in Avatar: The Way of Water. The extra HDMI 2.1 input with 4K/120Hz passthrough is great for gaming, and the 585W total output gave me more volume headroom. But I also felt like the bass could get a bit much at times and the overall tuning leaned toward flash over subtlety. Personally, I would go with the Arc Ultra. It felt more consistent across different types of content and delivered a cleaner, more natural experience without asking for much in return. If I had to pick one for everyday viewing and movie nights, that’s the one I’d choose.