You’ve just splurged money on the Sonos Arc soundbar, and now you are prepared for a deeper dive into ultimate audio. Great decision! This beauty is designed to take your sound game to the next level whether you’re binge-watching that interesting series or over your favourite songs. However, there are some things that you should know to unlock the magic of the Sonos Arc. In this post, we’ll break it down and tell you how to get the most out of your Sonos Arc!
1. Give It Lots of Space
The Sonos Arc isn’t just any old soundbar; it is a powerhouse of sound. If you want to let it shine, give it room to breathe. That means avoiding cramped little nooks where the sound will bounce off walls or other furniture. Ideally, you want it sitting on a TV stand or mounted to the wall, centred below your TV. Give it at least 2-3 inches of space on either side for the best acoustic performance, and let those upward-firing speakers do their thing. Your ears will thank you.
2. Set Your TV Up Correctly
Sonos Arc soundbar supports a wide range of TVs, but you will want to ensure everything is properly set up for the best experience. This means your TV should have HDMI ARC or eARC. You want this to allow the audio to pass directly between your TV and the Sonos Arc without missing any beats. Second, go into your TV and change the audio settings to turn off any in-built sound enhancements that can muddy things up. Let the Sonos Arc do its magic.
3. Do the Trueplay Tuning – and Do It Again If You Move the Arc
Trueplay tuning tunes the soundbar’s operation to your room’s specific acoustics. Here’s how to do it: after you have set up your Arc, take out your smartphone and follow the on-screen prompts in the Sonos app to calibrate the sound. It takes only a few minutes and makes a huge difference!
And one pro tip: if you ever move your Sonos Arc to another room or location, go through the Trueplay tuning again. The sound can be affected by even subtle changes in placement, so it is worth taking some extra time to recalibrate.
4. Make Use of Night Mode – But Don’t Forget to Turn It Off Again
Ever watched a late-night movie and strained to keep the volume low without having to miss any dialogue? That’s what Night Mode is for. The feature in the Sonos Arc soundbar compresses audio dynamic range, which means it amplifies quieter sounds while taming louder ones. That’s great for late-night binge-watching without waking the neighbourhood.
Just keep in mind that Night Mode is a Band-Aid solution. If you forget to switch it off the next day, you won’t get that full immersive experience during the action sequences of your favourite movies. So, use it as you need it, but don’t make it a setting that’s on by default.
5. Spring for a Pair of Surround Speakers, But Maybe Not the Sub
If you want to take your sound experience to the next level, you might be tempted to add more speakers to your setup. Surround sound is where the magic happens!
Adding a pair of Sonos surround speakers can create an enveloping audio environment that pulls you into the action. Those extra speakers can make a world of difference, whether you’re watching a thriller or listening to music.
Now, when it comes to adding a Sub, opinions differ. While the Sonos Sub adds extra punch to the low end, many audiophiles find that the Sonos Arc soundbar already delivers impressive bass. If you’re all about that immersive experience and can handle the extra investment, go for it! But if you’re just starting, try the Arc alone with surround speakers first to see how you like it.
Final Word
The Sonos Arc soundbar is an incredible addition to any home audio setup, but it shines brightest when you take a little time to optimise your experience. Give it space, set your TV up correctly, and make the most of Trueplay tuning. Don’t forget Night Mode for late-night sessions, and consider adding surround speakers for a truly cinematic feel. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the rich, immersive sound that the Sonos Arc is known for.