Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad
Score: 85/100
Sonos Arc Ultra
Score: 85/100Rankings
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad offers a premium wireless 4.0.4-channel system with advanced spatial audio and HDMI 2.1 gaming features, but it omits a subwoofer and relies heavily on app-based control.
The Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar paired with the Sub 4 delivers a premium 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos experience with rich, detailed sound and deep bass, while integrating tightly with the Sonos ecosystem via Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and eARC. Its sleek design and advanced calibration make it ideal for large-screen home theaters, though the lack of HDMI inputs and the heavy subwoofer are notable drawbacks.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
504 Wbest | — | |
1best | — | |
1best | 1best | |
5.2 | 5.3best | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.454 kgbest | 17.9 kg |
12 monthsbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.5 Wbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.3 |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Overall Weight (kg) | 0.454 kg | 17.9 kg |
Audio(2) | ||
Channel Configuration | 4.0.4 | 9.1.4 |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, Sony 360 Reality Audio | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Multichannel PCM, Stereo PCM, DTS Digital Surround |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Reviewers commend the Quad for its detailed, balanced audio and impressive spatial imaging, highlighting the 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and HDMI 2.1 support, while criticizing the lack of a subwoofer, limited EQ options and reliance on the app.
Users love the immersive, cinematic sound and easy wireless setup, especially the automatic room calibration, but many note the missing subwoofer, the need for the app, and the bulkiness of the speakers.
Professional reviewers praise the Arc Ultra for its clean, precise, three-dimensional soundstage, deep expressive bass, and effective Trueplay calibration, but criticize the lack of HDMI inputs and native DTS support, noting that height effects may be underwhelming without ideal room conditions.
Everyday users love the crystal-clear dialogue, powerful bass, and sleek look, while frustrations focus on missing HDMI inputs, occasional app freezes, subtle Atmos immersion, and the Sub 4's heft.
“the best sound system I ever owned”
“Rich, detailed sound with deep, tuneful bass”
“Trueplay makes the room sound perfect, even on Android”
