Sonos Ace Headphones: A (Slightly) More Complete Package
Sonos’ entry into the headphone market with the Ace headphones was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. While their eye-catching design and airy sound impressed many, the company’s initial decision to limit the TV Audio Swap functionality to only the Sonos Arc soundbar left many feeling like the Ace was an incomplete product. This limitation, coupled with the $450 price tag, made it challenging for many to justify the purchase.
Now, however, Sonos has addressed this significant limitation, expanding the TV Audio Swap feature to include both generations of the Sonos Beam and the Sonos Ray, making the Ace considerably more appealing. This move allows more people to take advantage of this clever feature, making the Ace a more compelling option for those looking to seamlessly switch between listening to TV audio and music or calls on their headphones.
The Ace’s Appeal: Design and Features
The Sonos Ace boasts a sleek, minimalist design, sporting a clean, modern aesthetic with comfortable earcups and a lightweight build. This design, combined with the intuitive touch controls on the earcups, makes the Ace a user-friendly option for everyday use. However, its true potential lies in its unique TV Audio Swap feature.
This feature, initially limited to the Sonos Arc, allows users to effortlessly switch between listening through the Ace and the soundbar. Simply press and hold the Control Key on the headphone to seamlessly transfer the audio, making for a seamless transition between personal and shared listening experiences.
Beyond The Arc: Expanding Compatibility
Initially, this convenient feature was only accessible to users with the expensive Sonos Arc, making the Ace a niche product. Expanding compatibility to include the Beam and Ray, both significantly more affordable soundbars, significantly increases the Ace’s appeal.
This move demonstrates Sonos’ willingness to adapt to user feedback and opens the doors for a wider range of users to experience the convenience of the TV Audio Swap. Now, those looking for a high-quality, sleek headphone with the added bonus of effortless audio switching can do so without needing to invest in the most expensive option in Sonos’ product lineup.
Addressing the Criticisms: More Than Just a TV Audio Swap
However, it’s important to acknowledge that the Ace’s success relies heavily on its TV Audio Swap feature. Beyond this function, the Ace is a solid headphone, but it doesn’t stand out against the competition in terms of sound quality or feature set. While some praise the airy, detailed sound, others have found it lacking in bass, especially compared to other headphones in this price range.
Sonos recognizes the need for improvement and has acknowledged the concerns about its user app. The company publicly stated its commitment to revamping the app and making it more intuitive and efficient. This renewed focus on the user experience, coupled with the expanded compatibility for the TV Audio Swap feature, suggests that Sonos is listening to its users and aiming to create a more compelling product.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for the Sonos Ace?
The Sonos Ace’s entry into the headphone market initially felt somewhat incomplete. Limited functionality and its hefty price tag meant it was a niche product for a select few. However, the expanded compatibility with other Sonos soundbars coupled with the company’s commitment to improving their app suggests a more promising future for the Ace.
With the added flexibility of the TV Audio Swap feature, the Ace becomes a more compelling option for a broader audience wanting a high-quality, versatile headphone. However, it’s important to remember that while the Ace excels in design and the TV Audio Swap feature, it might struggle to compete head-to-head with other headphones in the $450 price range purely based on sound quality and feature set.
Ultimately, the success of the Sonos Ace hinges on whether Sonos can further develop the product and address its existing shortcomings. This includes improving the sound quality, expanding the feature set, and delivering a more user-friendly experience through the app. If Sonos manages to accomplish these goals, the Ace could become a more viable contender in the competitive headphone market, offering a compelling blend of design, functionality, and integration with the Sonos ecosystem.
