With a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 141 reviews, the Sonos Ace headphones feature custom-designed drivers, spatial audio, and active noise cancellation. Let’s dive into what makes these headphones stand out and whether they live up to the hype.
As an audiophile with over 20 years of experience, I was eager to test the Sonos Ace headphones. The first thing that struck me was the exceptional sound quality. The custom-designed drivers and spatial audio created a three-dimensional soundstage that was truly immersive.
The comfort level of these headphones is remarkable. The plush memory foam ear cushions and extendable headband provided a bespoke fit, allowing for hours of wear without discomfort. The active noise cancellation effectively blocked out external sounds, enhancing my listening experience.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the Sonos Ace headphones is truly exceptional. Custom-designed drivers tuned by industry-leading producers, engineers, and artists provide a high-fidelity sound experience unparalleled in the market. Whether you’re listening to classical, rock, or electronic music, the audio clarity and depth are remarkable. Spatial audio technology creates a hyperrealistic three-dimensional soundstage, immersing you in your music like never before. Lossless audio streaming over Bluetooth and USB-C ensures that you get the purest audio quality possible. This feature alone makes these headphones a top choice for audiophiles.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is a significant factor when choosing headphones, and the Sonos Ace does not disappoint. The plush memory foam ear cushions and an extendable headband offer exceptional comfort and a bespoke fit. Even after hours of continuous use, the headphones remain comfortable, with no ear fatigue. However, some users have noted that the fit can be a bit tricky; the headphones may not stay in place if you look up or down or lie down. This minor issue aside, the overall comfort level is top-notch, making these headphones suitable for long listening sessions.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Sonos Ace headphones is their impressive battery life. With up to 30 hours of battery life with Active Noise Cancellation enabled, these headphones can last for days on a single charge. Rapid charging is another excellent feature, giving you 3 hours of battery life in just 3 minutes of charging. This is particularly useful for those who are always on the go and need a quick power boost. The ability to charge and listen simultaneously, either with a USB/Bluetooth connection or just the USB-C connection, adds another layer of convenience.
Active Noise Cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a crucial feature for many headphone users, and the Sonos Ace excels in this area. The ANC effectively blocks out external sounds, providing maximum immersion in your audio experience. This makes them ideal for use in noisy environments, such as during a daily commute or in a busy office. Additionally, the Aware mode lets you hear what’s going on around you without having to take off the headphones. This balance between isolation and awareness enhances the overall user experience, making these headphones versatile for various settings.
Connectivity
The Sonos Ace headphones offer versatile connectivity options. They support lossless audio streaming over both Bluetooth and USB-C, ensuring high-quality sound whether you’re connected wirelessly or wired. The headphones are equipped with Bluetooth 5.4 and FULL aptX Lossless support, making them compatible with the latest devices. However, some users have reported difficulties with initial setup and firmware updates. Despite these minor issues, once connected, the Bluetooth connection remains stable, and the audio quality is excellent. The ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously adds to the convenience.
Build Quality
The build quality of the Sonos Ace headphones is impressive. They feel sturdy and well-constructed, with no signs of cheap materials. The ear cups are attached magnetically, making them easy to remove and clean. The anti-fingerprint coating on the headphones works well, keeping them looking clean and new. The carrying case also feels premium, adding to the overall high-quality feel. Users have praised the durability and premium feel of these headphones, making them a reliable choice for daily use.
User Interface and Controls
Navigating the Sonos Ace headphones is straightforward, thanks to their intuitive touch controls. Users can easily adjust volume, skip tracks, and activate the Aware mode with simple gestures. The touch-sensitive controls are responsive and user-friendly, making it easy to manage your listening experience on the go. However, some users have noted that the app can be a bit cumbersome, especially during initial setup and firmware updates. Despite this, the overall user interface is clean and efficient, enhancing the user experience.
Compatibility
Compatibility is a strong suit for the Sonos Ace headphones. They work seamlessly with a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. The ability to connect via USB-C or Bluetooth adds flexibility, allowing you to use the headphones in different scenarios. However, some advanced features, such as the ability to toggle sound from a Sonos ARC soundbar, currently require an Apple device for setup. This limitation may be a drawback for Android users, but the headphones still offer a wide range of functionalities across various platforms.
Additional Features
The Sonos Ace headphones come packed with additional features that enhance the overall experience. Head tracking is a neat feature that adds a new dimension to watching movies or gaming, providing a more immersive experience. The headphones also come with a USB-C to audio jack cable, allowing for versatile connectivity options. Users have appreciated the attention to detail, such as the magnetic ear cups and the high-quality carrying case. These small but significant features add to the overall value of the product.
Value for Money
At a price point of $449.00, the Sonos Ace headphones are a premium product. While they may be on the higher end of the price spectrum, the features and quality they offer justify the cost. From exceptional sound quality and comfortable fit to impressive battery life and advanced features, these headphones provide excellent value for money. They are particularly suited for audiophiles and those who demand the best in audio technology. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the overall package is compelling, making these headphones a worthwhile investment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Sonos Ace Wireless Over Ear Headphones deliver on their promise of high-fidelity sound and comfort. The advanced features like lossless audio streaming and rapid charging make them a top choice for serious listeners.
While some users had issues with fit and specific functionalities, the overall performance and build quality make the Sonos Ace a worthy investment for those seeking premium audio quality. Highly recommended for audiophiles and music lovers.
Questions & Answers:
Question: Can these headphones connect to aptX Lossless with iOS devices?
Answer: Yes, but you will need to purchase an extra dongle from brands like Floogoo or Eppfun to connect wirelessly at the highest Bluetooth transmission rates.
Question: What is the battery life of the Sonos Ace headphones?
Answer: The headphones offer up to 30 hours of battery life with Active Noise Cancellation enabled and can be rapidly charged for 3 hours of use in just 3 minutes.
Question: Do these headphones support simultaneous charging and listening?
Answer: Yes, you can charge the headphones and listen simultaneously either with a USB/Bluetooth connection or just a USB-C connection.
The Review
Sonos Ace
Sonos Ace Wireless Over Ear Headphones deliver on their promise of high-fidelity sound and comfort. The advanced features like lossless audio streaming and rapid charging make them a top choice for serious listeners.
PROS
- Exceptional sound quality with high-fidelity and spatial audio
- Long battery life with up to 30 hours of use and rapid charging
- Comfortable design with plush memory foam ear cushions and extendable headband
CONS
- High price point at $449 may be prohibitive for some users
- Fit issues may occur when looking up or lying down
- Some features may not work as expected on non-Apple devices