A New Era for Sonos Audio
Sonos has officially pulled back the curtain on the Ace Ultra, its latest high-end entry into the competitive premium headphone market. As the follow-up to the original Ace, the Ultra is positioned as a powerhouse device, packed with new hardware and advanced software capabilities that signal a major push for the brand.
The announcement coincides with the reveal of the Sonos 27 OS, which promises a deeper level of integration across the company's entire audio lineup. For users already invested in the Sonos ecosystem, the Ace Ultra is designed to be more than just a pair of headphones—it is an extension of the home theater experience.
Under the Hood: Specs and Upgrades
The Ace Ultra is built on a foundation of performance-driven hardware. Sonos has equipped the device with custom-designed 40mm drivers, aiming for a sound profile that rivals industry veterans like Sony and Bose. Notably, the hardware transitions to the Headphone Engine 2, allowing for a quick, one-button link to your existing home Sonos system.
- Battery Life: Up to 35 hours with Active Noise Cancellation enabled.
- Connectivity: Features Bluetooth 6.0 and support for Qualcomm aptX Adaptive Lossless audio.
- Noise Cancellation: Next-generation adaptive ANC utilizing a 10-microphone array.
- Charging: Rapid USB-C charging, providing 3 hours of playback from a 3-minute charge.
- Weight: 322 grams.
Integration and the Sonos Ecosystem
The core differentiator for the Ace Ultra is the 'direct link' capability. By integrating with the new Sonos 27 OS, users can seamlessly hand off audio from their home system to their headphones with a single button press. This ecosystem synergy is a clear attempt to lock in current Sonos customers while offering a compelling reason for newcomers to switch.
The $449 Sonos Ace Ultra is equipped with new Sonos-designed 40-millimeter drivers and upgraded adaptive noise canceling.
— David Carnoy, CNET