© Sonos
Sonos, the American premium audio giant, recently the pillar of a very in-depth partnership with Ikea, is making a remarkable entry into the headphone market with the Sonos Ace. This first, highly anticipated model promises a high-end audio experience, faithful to the brand's reputation. But will the Ace manage to find a place for itself against already well-established competition, including the latest Sony headphones, Bose QuietComfort or Apple's AirPods Max?
The Sonos Ace is positioned as a high-end wireless circum-aural headset, with active noise reduction, high-quality audio quality and an elegant design. It targets demanding audiophiles, looking for versatile headphones for daily use, both at home and on the go.
With the Ace, Sonos is leveraging its sound expertise to offer a particularly high-end audio experience. The headset is intended to be easy to use and comfortable, to accompany the user throughout the day. Even if we can criticize it for the absence of little extras, such as simplified pairing as offered by certain competitors on Android, iOS or even both ecosystems.
© Sonos
The Sonos Ace is offered at price of €499, a price that places it directly in competition with high-end headphones on the market, such as the Sony WH-1000XM5 (€419.99), the Bose QuietComfort 45 (€399.99). It is a little cheaper than the AirPods Max offered by Apple (€579).
The headset is available for pre-order exclusively on the official Sonos website since May 21, 2024. The first deliveries are scheduled for June 5, 2024. It should also be available by then. #8217;summer at the main resellers of electronic products in France, such as Fnac, Darty, Boulanger, or even Amazon – at the end of the pre-order period.
To find the best price, it is advisable to compare the offers from different resellers, monitoring possible promotions or introductory offers .
The Sonos Ace stands out for its compatibility with the aptX Lossless and Apple Lossless high-resolution audio codecs, ensuring optimal audio quality for Android and iOS smartphone users. It also has a comfortable battery life of up to 30 hours with active noise reduction. When deactivated, battery life can reach 50 hours.
© Presse-citron
Here are the main technical characteristics of the Sonos Ace:
- Type: Wireless over-ear headphones.
- Active Noise Reduction: (ANC) with Transparency mode and Spatial Audio/Dolby Atmos.
- Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Lossless, Apple Lossless.
- Autonomy: Up to 30 hours with ANC, up to 50 hours without ANC.
- Charging: USB-C (fast charge: 3 hours of listening in 10 minutes of charging).
- Wired mode: Sonos has provided a wired connection (USB- C) with your device, allowing increased bitrate and therefore a truly lossless audio playback experience.
- Application: Sonos S2.
- Other features:
- Headphone detection.
- Controls
- Customizable equalizer.
- Multi-point Bluetooth.
- 8 microphones for optimal call quality.
- 40mm speakers.
Sonos has always focused on the audio quality of its products, and the Ace does no exception. The headphones promise a balanced sound signature, with deep bass, clear mids and precise highs. Spatialization is also highlighted, thanks to head movement tracking technology which creates an immersive 3D audio experience.
The active noise reduction of the Sonos Ace is announced as very effective, even if it perhaps does not reach the level of certain competitors such as the Sony WH-1000XM5. The headset's eight built-in microphones also contribute to excellent call quality, isolating the user's voice from ambient noise.
Un full test of the Sonos Ace is underway at Presse-citron, and we will be sure to share our impressions with you as soon as possible.
Sonos Ace design: the perfect balance between sobriety and elegance
© Presse-citron
The Sonos Ace adopts a sober and elegant design, in line with the brand's other products. It is available in two colors: matte black and off-white. The materials used are quality, with a stainless steel headband and faux leather earpads. The headphones are also relatively lightweight (312 grams), making them comfortable to wear, even during long listening sessions.
© Presse-citron
Good point: according to a first handling by one of our journalists, the pads are detachable, allowing them to be easily changed if they are damaged. Compared to other high-end headphones like Apple AirPods Max, the design of the Sonos Ace is more discreet and less ostentatious. It is aimed at those looking for an elegant and timeless helmet, which will not go out of style over the years.
© Presse-citron
The Sonos Ace therefore seems to have all the assets to appeal to demanding music lovers. It remains to be seen whether the audio quality and noise reduction will live up to expectations, and whether the headset will succeed in standing out against already well-established competition.
< blockquote>
📍 To not miss any news from Presse-citron, follow us on Google News and WhatsApp.