The DEFINITIVE Sonos Ace Review by an AUDIO ENGINEER
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- Опубликовано: 29 июн 2024
- The Sonos Ace is the first pair of Bluetooth headphones from the popular soundbar and speaker maker. As an audio engineer, I reviewed and tested the Sonos Ace to evaluate its sound quality, microphone performance, ANC (active noise cancellation), Transparency mode, and more. You'll find out if you should buy the Sonos Ace or not.
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▶ Watch the unlisted video comparing the Default EQ with my Custom EQ • Sonos Ace Custom EQ Sa...
WATCH MORE
▶ Sonos Ace Showcase (Please Watch to Support me!): • They Finally Did it! T...
▶ Playlist of all of my Audio Reviews: • Sound Theory - Audio T...
▶ Discussing Codecs, Drivers, tuning, and the Nothing Ear with DMS: • The NEW Nothing Ear & ...
▶ Reviewing the World's Best Headphones • AUDIO ENGINEER Tries t...
▶ The Definitive Sony WH-1000XM5 Review and Comparison: • THE DEFINITIVE Sony WH...
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:49 Hardware, Comfort, and Interactions
4:07 Mic & Call Quality Tests
5:15 ANC & Transparency Mode Tests
7:27 Battery & Connections
8:39 Software & Sonos Theater TV Audio Swap
11:12 Spatial Audio and Tests
13:55 Sound
15:23 Sound Sample
16:43 A notable Bug
17:23 Should You Buy the Sonos Ace?
18:30 Is the Sonos Ace for me?
19:35 Disclosures
DISCLOSURES
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I utilize affiliate links and may receive a commission from them, and at times may receive items for review from various brands. Despite that, I promise to always provide an honest & unbiased review because you deserve the best.
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What do you think about Sonos Ace? Would you buy them or is it a pass? Also, how about those POV Spatial Audio shots?! 🤘
▶ Find the BEST Price on the Sonos Ace: geni.us/JSJP *Affiliate Link
▶ Get access to my CUSTOM EQ for the Sonos Ace and More: ruclips.net/user/thisistechtod...
▶ Watch the unlisted video comparing the Default EQ with my Custom EQ ruclips.net/video/fpuCX3Jx3gU/видео.html
Bought a pair of Sonos Ace a little over a week ago. Just suggest a few issues that are not mentioned in the video:
1. The quality control is not great. I noticed some sound leak from the right ear, only to find out that the right ear cushion is not as thick and plush as the left ear cushion. I went to the store for a replacement, and even the replacement right ear cushion they offered had the same problem. In the end, I had to take the right ear cushion from a demo unit in the store.
2. Rattle sounds from the right side. After one or two hours of wearing, the right side would start to generate rattle sounds during vibrations (mainly from walking). If I turn off the headphone, the sound would disappear. But if I immediately turn on again, the sound comes back.
3. Popping sounds during bus rides. If the bus hits some bumpy roads, there would be strong popping sounds coming out the headphone. This is only present under ANC mode.
3 is a common thing in a lot of headphones and earbuds. Even the Bose QCE II and Ultra do that and they have the best ANC out there! It's because it's trying to suddenly reduce the spike in SPL or volume of the noise. I think that is within spec/margin for most products out there.
The other two I haven't experienced, and I have two units. I'm sorry you are experiencing that. I hope you were able to get it resolved and hope that it isn't a widespread issue.
It’s time to update the vs video…. airpods max Vs Sonos Vs Sony Vs Bose ❤
A LOT of people have been experiencing the rattle sounds exactly on the right side ,me included.
I ended up returning them and decided to wait for the AirPods Max 2 instead.
@@Brian-jp3wt Good to know that I am not the only one having this issue. I spent an hour talking to Sonos chat service yesterday. The technical support, while being very patient and nice, ended up suggesting me to turn off the ANC. Or schedule an exchange with retailer. I haven't decided what to do about it.
@@Brian-jp3wt best decision
I'm a musician and audio engineer and for me sound is the most important thing. And I can't understand why anyone would like the sound of the Sonos, especially considering the price.
Definitely requires an EQ to get it within range, for sure.
so what do you recommend?
It is just your opinion.
I’ve been waiting for this review!
Much appreciated!
Good job with the video, appreciate your attention to quality and detail, leaving in that test despite demonetisation shows you not only care about money but also making high quality content. My money is on your channel growing quite large in the coming years.
You set the benchmark for headphone reviews! Are you still an audio engineer or is YT your main job?
Thank you! That's a fair question. RUclips has certainly taken over, but my years of experience as an Audio Engineer greatly surpass my years for RUclips. I'm still active for Mixing, just not as much as RUclips now, which I would argue is still being an audio engineer but in a different capacity.
@ThisIsTechToday
Hi
Loved this video which was straight to the point unlike others that just talk for the sake of talking
Are these better than the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones?
The reason I ask is because I'm hearing impaired and the Bose QC 45's are just about decent enough for me but wonder if these would sound better just for music (I don't care about ANC or transparency modes as my hearing loss is bad enough to not notice those differences)
Also I have a Samsung s24 ultra phone and wouldn't mind a decent eq setting if I bought these
Why can’t IPhone users get your custom eq?
iPhone doesn't support systemwide EQ apps@@billmulvihill8452
@@billmulvihill8452 cause you first need to buy an android phone.
Well I used to be sad about Jim's review room ending . Now this is a solid replacement and a few steps up from that. Plus you really are enthusiastic! THE BEST JOB ON AIDIO REVIEWS ON THE WHOLE RUclips! I HOPE YOU GET SOME HUGE REWARD FOR WHAT YOU DO or else, the world is just weird!
Other then that I'm here for the product, although Sennheiser momentum 4 remain my endgame headphones. It's over for me. But i like to keep informed.
Oh, wow. Thank you so much for the kind words!
Great review. I agree totally on the TV audio swap audio limit being far too low. Hopefully they can allow us to make it louder via a firmware update.
I hope so! It would be great if they're listening to reviews and feedback to improve it.
You're killing it with these reviews man. Can't think of anyone else who does it better.
Thank you so much! It is greatly appreciated. Please share it with others. It helps SO much!
Try Flossy Carter he does headphone reviews & is followed by millions !!
@stuartmills7481 I love floss and the white shoes, but followers are a vanity metric. I disagree with Floss' audio reviews more than not. No one can be an expert in everything, including me. I wouldn't say his audio reviews are his strength, but his others are great!
Finally a review that calls out the right ear static issue. It really annoys me as is most noticeable when playing podcasts or using for meetings. Thank you!
Glad I could represent the experience well. I hope they can fix it!
This is such a helpful review, thank you
Glad it was helpful!
@@ThisIsTechToday they are arriving today!
Very happy with my Ace! Ticks many boxes for me. Sound, ANC, comfort (perfect weight and clamping force for me), tactile buttons. Max volume level might be an issue for someone, but still okay for me, my ears probably are thankful for that eventually. Price is fair for launch time, my Bose QC Ultra and B&W Px7S2 were on same level when launched. Soundwise, I do like the clear, dry bass a lot. Balanced and it is definitely there when needed and not dominating all the time.
Oh, yeah, the volume is fine for music with more than people should use. I find that movies/tv is a touch low.
Great review once again. Will you do a comparison video with other popular Bluetooth headphones?
That’s the plan. I’m trying to gauge when I should do it as I don’t know if there will be new AirPods Max coming out soon or not.
@@ThisIsTechToday cool, make sense. Either way you are really doing great reviews ! Quickly becoming one of my favorite youtube channels!
Thanks!
Got them for father's day.. freaking love them!
Awesome! They're so neat. What color did you get??
for you or your father? 😂
A very good review thanks, I would like to ask if you've noticed any improvement after the latest firmware update to it, also for some reason I feel like the removing detection isn't working at all for me, like when I remove the headphones the music keeps playing despite having that feature enabled on my iPhone and Sonos app.
Sorry to hear you're having those issues! I haven't myself, but I can be mindful of it as I continue to use it. As for changes, the volume is much better in TV Swap mode! Yay!
Can't emphasize enough how in-depth yet comprehensible your reviews are, thanks for making the lives of casual audiophiles a bit easier!
P.S. On the note of EQ-ing, does EQ-ing Bluetooth headphones from third-party apps such as Wavelet and Poweramp damage the drivers of the headphones in the long run? Seen something about that from Reddit and I didn't want to risk damaging my headphones so I've always stuck with the official music apps. Thanks!
Hey, big fan here! Would be really interested to hear your thoughts about the Bose QC Ultra and the B&W PX8. And a video about comparing bluetooth codecs (LDAC, aptx lossless, aac..) would be really interesting! Noone really seems to know if it's voodoo or actually makes a difference.
A Bose QC Ultra review is in the plans. As for Codecs, my discussion with DMS covers that!
The NEW Nothing Ear & Nothing Ear (a): Sound Review by an Audiophile and Audio Engineer
ruclips.net/video/I6FQrWE2NfI/видео.html
The Sonos 300 did the same static thing. when it was released. Also excellent review!
ohh. Did they fix it? I hope so. Thanks!
Between the Bose QC Ultra and the Sonos, which one would you recommend?
I'm curious, you seem to have spent a lot of time with Spatial Audio even though you consider it a gimmick. I'm just looking for someone to test the difference between having AptX Lossless or not since that feels much more valuable to me as a feature and I haven't seen anyone test it. I know tuning is important but so is link robustness and being able to deliver the sound at full quality.
Hey, dude! I've wanted to test this out myself and have talked with Qualcomm on how that might be possible to do and if I can get some information and data from him. Generally, I would say that most people do not notice the difference in sound quality, especially those who are older because we lose our ability to hear higher frequencies as well.
I suppose the best way to describe is that a poorly tuned headphone will only sound more obviously poorly tuned in lossless. 🤣 It doesn't make it sound better.
I'm still trying to figure out how to best show off the comparisons through the medium of RUclips though. I haven't quite cracked it and need some resources from Qualcomm to keep making progress on it. Maybe someday!
When is the earbuds comparison video coming out, I’m really looking forward for that.
Earbuds comparison? For which earbuds?
@@ThisIsTechToday the one you stated in your Sennheiser momentum 4 true wireless video. I believe you said it would come out in a month in that video.
For working out it is superb. I like using it more working out at the gym with the Sonos than the AirPod max and Sony Xm5. It holds onto your head a lot better.
Oh, yeah, way better than the AirPods Max. They're soooo heavy. 😅
Feels like watching a video from the past. It’s not the video. You just keep looking younger. 😊
Haha. Thanks.
Maybe I'm missing something but correct me if I'm wrong. Isn't their Sonos arc soundbar integration feature weak, since anyone with a fire stick can connect their earphones and headphones to it?
I think I addressed that.
Finally! Looking to make a headphone upgrade from my Bose Q45 and wanna compare these and Sony XM5 to others. Leaning towards Sony but needed to be certain. Thanks for the video!
I appreciate your anticipation!
If you consider the horrible WH-1000XM5, then you should also consider the Technics EAH-A800 for £199 which destroys the Sonys.
attilab, are you really going to go through all the comments and leave negative and toxic comments? If so, please stop.
I got this 323$ along with 4 year geek squad protection. For this price , these headphones have hit it out of the park. I and enjoying this at work and workouts. ❤
How did u get it this cheap?
Wow, that's a steal! Nicely done!
@@PalashHolkar_I need to know this as well
When? Where?
@@rodneymontgomery1346 we all need to know 😂
People really need to watch this channel.
Thanks! Please share it with others.
Funny enough I am watching the video on the Sonos Ace 😂
Haha, nice. How are you liking them?
@@ThisIsTechToday They are not bad! I really like them
Should I buy the Sonos ace or wait for the Airpods Max 2?
I'm completely in apple ecosystem, but I'm looking for the best soundquality. Mostly I listen to Spotify with my Iphone.
What do you recommend?
I honestly have no idea. I can't give a suggestion on something that I don't know for sure if it exists, and if it does, what it is like. The AirPods Max benefits from ecosystem where you can move to various Apple devices seamlessly.
@@ThisIsTechToday But thank you for responding. I appreciate it🙏
Definitely wait for the Max 2!!
Don’t go near SONOS unless you like customer service heartach (not open on weekend)
@@KarolyKrausz ok
Absolutely LOVE them over my dying BOSE Quiet Comforts !
Do you recommend use of DAC (questyle M 12i) with ace.
Do you know a good equalizer for iPhone? I’m sticking with my Bose QC ultra headphones!
I’ve been trying to find one myself. If you find one that is a global preset, let me know!
If Sonos were to provide a better EQ customization in their app, will you be doing a custom EQ for the app too? (for us iPhone users) Or how about within the Spotify app perhaps?
It depends. That's the hard thing. Even Sennheiser with it's 5 and EQ doesn't give me enough flexibility. Wavelet got me a good chunk of the way there, but even then, there are some frequencies in the high end I'd clean up. My current custom EQ was for the overall best where I fixed the glaring issues, but also boosted some problem frequencies. It's a hard thing to balance in light of limited controls.
Okok...your vids are super good
Haha. Thank you!
Gotta be one of the best reviewers
Thank you so much!
Are you going to do a review of the Creative Aurvana Ace 2. With their xMEMS
Probably not.
I am very disappointed you can’t use 2 pairs simultaneously as a couple.
Does anyone know if this is something that can be added in the future?
My 2 pairs are ready to be returned, really want to keep them.
Question ❓ on my android i have apx adaptive audio. And now sonos aces.
What wpuld be your recommendation for a streaming service for high quality? 🙏
First, thanks for becoming a member! I'd alway go with the highest quality and it'll literally adapt to the highest denominator per program and service.
@@ThisIsTechToday I'm currently with apple music but wondering if tidal better
Do you plan on reviewing the bose qc ultra by any chance?
Yup! Hard to keep up with everything, haha. Trying!
@@ThisIsTechToday i can imagine! Keep up the good work
Sonos has movie theater experience. Maybe not with Apple products but these are great with my Samsung S24 ultra. I brought the airpod max back , I brought the sony mx5 back and got these and they are really great
I love them. I had the sony mx 5 feels really cheap. I had the airpod max only good for Apple I'm sick of the Apple Orchard. I used my apple max on the train heard everything . Sonos are very nice and clear haven't been on the train yet but these are really great.
Sad that this amazing video got demonitized
I know, it’s a bummer! That one shot was too good to not include. It worked out perfectly.
I don’t know if the most recent firmware fixed the volume in cinema mode but I find myself turning it down to 80%.
It did!!
The connection between Arc and Ace when swapping audio is WiFi actually. Yes, it drains the battery faster and that's the reason it's only used when doing TV swap.
When I asked they gave a statement saying it wasn't. This must be a change in the new update. They didn't tell me about this. I'll have to double check.
Is it so i need and a Apple phone as wel as a snapdragen Android phone to have lossless audio for listening and connecting to my Arc?
Lossless audio is not available at all on with the TV Audio Swap feature.
Please suggest which one should I buy:--- Sony xm5 or sonous Ace
Sonos Ace.
Alright, I'm super confused now...
What's the point and advantage of the audio swap feature between the Ace and the Arc? Is there any benefit of this, instead of a direct connection with the TV? It only takes one click as well.
Personal audio. Don’t want to wake up people? Listen to it on the headphones.
@@ThisIsTechToday
I understand but I said above, I can also connect the headphones directly with the TV, without the need of an additional soundbar.
I covered that in the video as well. It’s not as seamless and easy. I’m not saying it’s justified and for the price, but it is the reason. It’s in the video.
@@ThisIsTechToday I watched your video, that's why I asked this. Mmm, it's quite seamless to me on my Momentum 4 and QuiteComfort Ultra. Only 1 click in the Sennheiser Smart Control or Bose app to switch the output to my tv and not needed any own branded soundbar. Just the tv itself. That's why I don't understand.
Just got a pair and the basically get the job done when it comes to playing music but AirPods Max beats them when it comes to noise cancellation and awareness mode. I do love the fact that Sonos are much lighter on your head and look more sexier than the Max
I agree. I think the trade off is totally worth it.
I would like to buy the Bose Ultra or the Sonos ACE. Sound is a priority, which one do you recommend out of the two?
Neither. If sound is at all a priority for you then the only real option is the Focal Bathys. Both the Bose and the Sonos are consumer-focused feature-first headphones, with great noise cancelling and transparency but pretty mediocre sound for the price. The only wireless ANC headphones that sounds anywhere decent are the Bathys, from a reputed audiophile company.
@@Mrappbrain966 thanks for the reply. I have the Bowers & Wilkins for the office/home. I realize that the two have a worse sound. But I would like a little OverEar Headphones for on the go and ask which of the two sounds better,
Yeah, if you want more audiophile sound, the Bathys is indeed a great option. I have a really big in-depth comparison and review of them with the Sony XM5, AirPods Max, and Bose NC700 that you can check out here! ruclips.net/video/Go8361YJe_o/видео.html
@@Mrappbrain966
I can buy 2 QuiteComfort Ultra Headphones and a QuiteComfort Ultra Earbuds for the Bayhys price tag, or 2 Sonos Aces.
So no, the Bathys isn't an alternative.
I love how my comments keep getting deleted.
I would love to hear your opinion Sennheiser Momentum 4
What would u go for Sonos ace or Sennheiser momentum 4 THANKS 🙏
I would go for Sonos ace because it's far more well-rounded with good ANC and transparency. Sennheiser falls behind quite a bit there.
@@ThisIsTechToday
Thanks mine turned up today an have put your custom EQ settings on them ☺️
Awesome! How are you liking them so far and especially the EQ?
@@ThisIsTechToday love them an the EQ is awesome just wondering what is best streaming service to use. I have apx adaptive audio on my android
Your custom EQ takes out the mud.
It really does! It feels like a completely new headphone to me.
@@ThisIsTechToday that is quite common. I often find that headphones are rubbish out the box and sound amazing after EQ adjustments
Indeed.
I bought an open box Ace 4 days after it was released for essentially 20% off.
It’s so worth it now.
Dang, that's a nice find!
Great review but its a deal breaker that using an android and won't connect to my arc so have to wait for an update? That's really poor by sonos as I thought they were more WiFi than Bluetooth based. Dissapointed
It certainly seems like they tried to get this out sooner than later, so that results in things like that. I do wish it had wifi as well, but it would have a notable impact on battery life, so they went with Bluetooth.
Danke!
Thank you! Your support is greatly appreciated. 😊
Well, my Sony 1000XM4's is the noise cancelling choice for me. I can stand on the corner of the busiest traffic induced intersection and almost not hear a thing. Not sure over the ear head phone can produce that kind of noice cancellation.
WH-1000XM4 or WF-1000XM4?
What do you think about senheiser momentum 4? Better than sonos?
They’re okay to decent. I find all of the consumer Sennheiser stuff to be a waste of the Sennheiser brand and reputation as an audiophile brand, and I say that as someone who has been paid to make content for them.
What bluetooth headphones do you recommend with the best sound about $500?@@ThisIsTechToday
I love my momentum 4s. So you have the sonos ace will be an upgrade in sound ?
The Atmos from apple musicis amazing on these way better than studio pro...these are the perfect airpodax alternatives
I agree!
As a sweaty guy I noticed the lack of breathability after 10mins in the store. Gonna wait for the airpods max 2.
I do hope they can fix that.
Buyers are not limited to the Sonos EQ app or a third-party app (such as the one you use) for Android. Mac users can enjoy EQ settings from the
window dropdown box. It works fairly well, although, probably not as well as your choice. However, it is an option. Good review! 🙂
Damn homie would be doin EAR phone reviews 😂 big ah ears
Love mine fully replaced my bose nc700...except for the gym. Bose is more suited to the gym rough and tumble. For walks and travel, these are tops for me
You know, I think you’re right.
I don't see any point why this one would be a better deal, especially now when the Bose QuiteComfort Ultra is on sale for £335.
@@attilab.2818 Wasn't looking for a better deal. I own two Bose models and not blown away by their sound QC2 and NC700. Wanted a premium feeling headphone akin to Airpod Max and a different sound. These are great for me
Bose build quality and feel is incredibly cheap, especially for the cost.
@ThisIsTechToday
They don't seem to be cheaply built for me, that is Sony's heritage.
The price of Bose products also includes a legendary customer service that cannot be said about Sonos.
Lack of breathability/heat build-up is unfortunately a deal breaker for me. Am able to wear Bose QC45 for hours.
Glad I was able to help you determine if it was a good fit or not for ya!
Anyone else while having noise cancelling on hear a wind noise in the right ear??
How do I use your custome eq? I’m on iOS!
There isn't a way on iOS. I wish I could find a way. 😭
@@ThisIsTechToday thanks for reply! I love playing with eq so I was excited
I watched this video listening on my Sonos ace lol
Haha. Nice!
@@ThisIsTechToday did you experience wind noise in one ear at all?
"In 1 ear and out the other"... boom boom.
yup yup
This is not what I wanted from the sonos Ace. As a detailer I have loud machines on and off daily. I wanted both my sonos speaker and headphones playing at the same time. Allowing me to remove my headphones and still hear the music when machines are turned off. So disappointing.
Decent review, but it really kills me when someone reports incorrect information. You do this here and with great confidence.
The Ace headphones DO have WiFi and it IS utilized only during TV audio swap. You state incorrectly that it is all over Bluetooth. It would be nice for you to somehow correct this.
I’ve literally heard conflicting things from Sonos and have seen it in other reviews. I have no idea anymore. I can’t “fix” it other than a pinned comment, but I don’t feel it is necessary because Sonos has provided a statement that it doesn’t support WiFi because of battery.
Edit: here’s a good Reddit thread on why it’s not feasible without a significant hit to battery.
www.reddit.com/r/sonos/s/WdhsVhbrXm
Make comparison man
It's coming, but not sure when. I don't want to make it and then an AirPods Max comes out right after.
Dude you lost so much weight since the last I saw you.
Yeah! I found out I was prediabetic in December. Lost 25 pounds since Jan! Gave up the simple carbs, already avoided sugar, but avoided it more, and went to one really big meal with tons of protein and veggies a day + snacks consisting of nuts and fruits. That did the bulk of it, but working out added some definition that I used to have before RUclips lol.
So …..Will these Sonos Murder Apple any day of the week????🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪
lol, no opposable thumbs. Can't hold a knife.
those headphones are trash!
care to be more constructive?
Sonos in every way is overrated extremely