May 22, 2024, 10:02 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Headphones are really just small speakers, aren’t they? With the Ace, multiroom expert Sonos is now introducing its first own headphones–and upsetting some existing customers with a new app.
The speaker manufacturer Sonos is entering the headphone business. With the Ace model, the U.S. company known for its multiroom systems is targeting the high-end market. However, the headphones also integrate seamlessly into the existing Sonos sound system.
Transmit audio via WiFi from the soundbar
Sonos draws on its audio expertise in the smart home sector for the Ace. In the home WiFi, users can transfer audio from a Sonos soundbar directly to the headphones at the push of a button. The advantage is that multichannel audio formats like Dolby Atmos are processed on the soundbar, and more audio track information is transmitted to the headphones than would be possible with Bluetooth. Sonos also promises a surround sound feature with subtle head tracking, which is supposed to work similarly to Apple’s 3D audio in AirPods Pro and Max. The feature, called TrueCinema, is expected to be available later this year.
Multiple sound modes and about 30 hours of battery life
Otherwise, you can listen to 3D sound, as with other headphones, via binaural mixes transmitted by the output device. The 40-mm drivers in the ear cups were specially developed for the Sonos headphones. Eight microphones work for active noise cancellation and the “Aware” mode, which lets ambient sounds through. The battery is supposed to last 30 hours of audio playback or calls–with ANC turned on. And three minutes on the charger should secure three hours of battery life.
To customize settings and the equalizer, the use of the new Sonos app is required. This is not well received by many customers because important functions like alarms or the ability to play music from local sources are missing. Sonos promised to restore them “in the coming months” in the new app.
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Thoughtful design and “Content Key”
According to Sonos, special attention was paid to ensuring that the headphones are lightweight and can be worn for a long time. The weight is 312 grams. For comparison, Apple’s AirPods Max with their aluminum ear cups weigh about 385 grams. Speaking of Max, Sonos took inspiration from the design. The Ace has removable, magnetic ear pads–practical. The case itself also holds the contents in place with magnets.
Sonos completely forgoes touch controls and instead relies on a physical slider and a button on the right ear cup. The company calls the slider “Content Key.” It is used to control music playback and volume. By pressing and holding, the headphones take over audio from a Sonos soundbar.
Sonos Ace coming in early June
The Sonos Ace is compatible with iPhones and Android smartphones. If the latter is a newer model with Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive, the Ace can take advantage of the better quality of the audio codec. The headphones are available for pre-order now for 499 euros, with sales starting on June 5.