Sonos Ace: headphones with home cinema functions
21/5/2024
Translation: machine translated
The Sonos Ace should be just as suitable for the home as it is for travelling. In addition to noise cancelling and a quick-charging function, it also has lossless audio and special features for home cinema.
Sonos is launching wireless over-ear headphones. This was already known due to a leak, but Sonos only released the details today.
The Sonos Ace features active noise cancellation and a transparency mode that Sonos calls "Aware Mode". Transparency mode does the opposite of noise cancellation: sounds are played back via the internal microphones so that they can be heard even when the headphones are on.
The headphones are connected via Bluetooth or USB-C. They support Bluetooth 5.4 and AptX Lossless. The much-criticised app is not required for operation, but can be used to adjust the sound with an equaliser. The Sonos Ace can connect to two devices simultaneously.
Source: Sonos
The headphones pause automatically when they are taken off and resume playback when they are put back on. The pads are made of artificial leather. According to Sonos, they should be particularly comfortable and lightweight, while at the same time shielding ambient noise well. Replacement pads are also available. The ear cups can be rotated horizontally for transport, but cannot be folded under the headband.
The battery has a capacity of 1060 mAh, which Sonos claims is sufficient for 30 hours of operation with active noise cancelling. With three minutes charging time, the battery lasts for three hours. It takes two hours for a full charge.
Extra functions for home cinema
Up to this point, the Sonos Ace sounds like just another pair of headphones, of which there are already several. The special feature of the Ace is that it can be seamlessly integrated into a Sonos home cinema system
At the touch of a button, the sound output can be switched between the soundbar and the headphones. The spatial impression should be maintained as far as possible. To achieve this, the Sonos Ace offers 3D audio with Dolby Atmos and head position tracking. As a result, the sounds in the home cinema should always come from the same place, even if you move your head slightly. With a new function called TrueCinema, the home cinema should also be spatially mapped to enable precise localisation with the headphones.
Source: Sonos
A compatible soundbar is required for the home cinema functions. At the moment, this is only the Sonos Arc. TrueCinema will also not be available at launch, but later this year.
The Sonos Ace is expected to be available from 5 June. It is available in two colour variants, black and matt white. The recommended retail price (RRP) is 499 francs and euros respectively.
Header image: Sonos
David Lee
Senior Editor
David.Lee@digitecgalaxus.chMy interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.