The Arc Ultra is a standalone soundbar with a 9.1.4 channel configuration, featuring 14 drivers, including seven tweeters and six midrange woofers, all powered by 15 Class-D amplifiers. This setup allows it to deliver immersive Dolby Atmos audio without additional components.
In contrast, the Sony Bravia Theater Quad comprises four discrete speakers and a control box, resulting in a 4.0.4 channel configuration. Each speaker houses a forward-firing woofer, midrange driver, tweeter, and an up-firing driver for overhead effects. However, the Sony system lacks a dedicated subwoofer, which may affect the depth of bass response.
Design-wise, the Arc Ultra’s sleek, minimalist aesthetic allows it to blend seamlessly into various decors, while the Sony system’s multiple components offer flexible placement options but require more space and setup considerations.
Specs Comparison
The Sonos Arc Ultra is a sleek, standalone soundbar measuring approximately 46.38 inches in width, 2.95 inches in height, and 4.35 inches in depth, and weighing about 13 pounds. It houses 14 drivers, including seven silk-dome tweeters and six midrange woofers, all powered by 15 Class-D amplifiers, configured in a 9.1.4 channel setup. This design enables it to deliver Dolby Atmos audio without additional components. Connectivity options include HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.3, offering versatility for various devices.
In contrast, the Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad comprises four wireless speakers and a control box, creating a 4.0.4 channel configuration. Each speaker features a 3-way design with a woofer, midrange driver, tweeter, and an up-firing driver for overhead effects. The system utilizes Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology to create up to 12 phantom speakers, enhancing the surround sound experience. However, it lacks a dedicated subwoofer, which may affect the depth of bass response. The system supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced formats, providing compatibility with various audio standards. Connectivity includes HDMI eARC, HDMI inputs, optical input, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, allowing for flexible integration with different devices.
I would say that the Sonos Arc Ultra’s single-unit design offers simplicity and elegance, appealing to those who prefer a straightforward setup without additional components. On the other hand, the BRAVIA Theater Quad’s multi-speaker arrangement caters to those seeking a more flexible and potentially expansive surround sound experience, though it requires more space and setup considerations.
Specs Comparison
Here’s a table comparison of the specs between the Sonos Arc Ultra and the Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad:
| Feature | Sonos Arc Ultra | Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad |
| Audio Channels | 9.1.4 | 4.0.4 |
| Total Power Output | Not specified | 504W |
| Drivers | 14 drivers: 7 tweeters, 6 midrange drivers, 1 built-in subwoofer | 16 drivers: each speaker includes a woofer, midrange driver, tweeter, and up-firing driver |
| Built-in Subwoofer | Yes (integrated) | No (optional wireless subwoofers available) |
| Up-firing Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos Support | Yes | Yes |
| DTS:X Support | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes (Bluetooth 5.3) | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (Wi-Fi 6) | Yes |
| HDMI Inputs | 1x HDMI eARC (2.1) | 1x HDMI IN, 1x HDMI OUT (eARC), S-CENTER OUT |
| Optical Input | No (requires adapter) | No |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control | Not specified |
| AirPlay 2 Support | Yes | Not specified |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 46.38 x 2.95 x 4.35 inches | Each speaker: 11.5 x 10.88 x 2.25 inches; with table stand: 11.5 x 12.13 x 5.13 inches |
| Weight | 13.01 pounds | Not specified |
| Power Consumption | Idle: 4.6W | On: 20W per speaker; Network standby: 1.1W per speaker; Control box: On: 13W; Network standby: 2.8W; Standby: 0.5W |
Sound Comparison
The Sonos Arc Ultra and Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad gave me two very different listening experiences when I tested them with Dune: Part Two, Interstellar, and Barbie. The Arc Ultra, with its 9.1.4 layout and 14 drivers, made a strong impression right from the start. In Interstellar, when the soundtrack swelled during the docking sequence, the sound had real presence and weight. I didn’t feel like I was missing height or surround effects even though everything was coming from a single unit. Dialogue stayed clear through heavy music, and the bass coming from the built-in Sound Motion woofer was more impactful than I expected [especially during the launch scenes]. The Arc Ultra felt tight and well-balanced with a natural sense of space.
The Sony Quad system has quite a different but interesting sound presentation. Its 4.0.4 setup uses four wireless speakers, each with their own up-firing drivers, midrange drivers, and tweeters. Watching Dune: Part Two, I could sense how the system was trying to stretch the space beyond the actual speaker positions using Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. During sandworm scenes or battles in the desert, the sound felt wide and there was good height perception, but without a dedicated subwoofer the low end felt lighter than what I heard from the Arc Ultra. That said, the placement flexibility was useful—I tried spacing the speakers in a wider layout and it helped with the sense of immersion. The Quad’s rendering of ambient effects, like wind or echo, had more directional separation compared to the Arc Ultra but didn’t hit as hard in terms of depth.
For casual watching like Barbie, both soundbars handled dialogue and musical transitions cleanly, but I found the Arc Ultra easier to live with. It’s more compact and yet gave me a fuller experience without needing to manage multiple speakers or wires. The Sony Quad system felt more experimental and spatially creative, which might appeal to someone who wants to play with soundstage placement, but it came with trade-offs—especially in low-end performance. Personally, I would go with the Arc Ultra. I think that its single-unit design, combined with real height channels and a solid low-frequency response, makes it better suited for both cinematic and everyday content.
Design & Setup Comparison
The Sonos Arc Ultra is a single-unit soundbar that measures about 46.38 inches wide, 2.95 inches high, and 4.35 inches deep, and it weighs around 13 pounds. It fit cleanly under my wall-mounted TV without blocking the screen or interfering with furniture placement. The matte finish and rounded edges gave it a clean presence without drawing attention. I found the touch controls easy to reach when placed on a media console and the grille design helped it look good whether it was on or off. It felt sturdy and required no external speakers or extra gear, which made setup straightforward and less cluttered.
With the Sony BRAVIA Theater Qua there are additional setup considerations for your home theater space. The system uses four wireless speakers and a control box, each speaker measuring roughly 11.5 inches wide and 12 inches tall. I had to think carefully about where to place them, especially since each one includes up-firing drivers for Atmos content. I tried a few different layouts—mounting them to the wall, placing them on end tables, and setting them up beside the couch. It definitely required more space than the Arc Ultra, and I needed power outlets near each speaker which limited placement options a bit. That said, the fabric finish and flat design helped the speakers blend into the room nicely when positioned well. The control box was small and easy to hide but still needed shelf space close to the TV.
Overall, I think the Arc Ultra makes more sense for someone who wants a clean and powerful setup without managing extra gear. It fit into my living room with zero fuss and felt more plug-and-play. The Sony system, while potentially more flexible with speaker positioning, asked for more planning and space. Personally, I’d go with the Arc Ultra for how naturally it fits into a shared living room without dominating the space. But if I had a more open room and wanted a modular layout with creative placement options, the Quad would offer that kind of flexibility.
The Verdict?
After spending time testing both the Sonos Arc Ultra and the Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad, I think they’re built for very different types of living room setups. The Arc Ultra offers a powerful 9.1.4 channel experience from a single bar that fit right under my TV without taking over the space. It has 14 drivers, including up-firing speakers and a built-in woofer, and the sound it delivered was immersive without needing extra gear. Watching movies like Interstellar or Top Gun: Maverick felt rich and detailed, and the simplicity of the setup made it ideal for a clean, modern living room. The sound was tight and well-balanced, and I appreciated the way it handled dialogue alongside big cinematic effects. It felt like something I could just drop into my setup and enjoy immediately.
The Sony Quad is a different experience. It’s a modular system with four wireless speakers that each include a woofer, midrange, tweeter, and up-firing driver. It created a more spread-out, spatial soundstage during action-heavy scenes, and it was fun to experiment with placement and hear how the sound changed. But it required more physical space, more setup time, and it didn’t have a built-in subwoofer, which I really noticed during bass-heavy sequences. Personally, I would go with the Arc Ultra. I think that for my space and the kind of mix I enjoy—clear dialogue, deep but controlled bass, and straightforward setup—it just makes more sense. If someone loves playing around with speaker positions and wants something modular, the Quad has its place. But overall, the Arc Ultra feels like the better all-around choice.