I’m currently testing a pair of Sonos Ace headphones and I’ll have an in-depth review video for you next week. In the meantime, I can tell you that my first impressions of the Sonos Ace were very positive.
As I explained to Tim Gilbert on Sky News Australia Weekend Edition in the above video, “they are incredibly comfortable” and “the most comfortable headphones, over the ear, I’ve ever used.” I don’t expect that to change when review embargoes lift next week.
I don’t claim this lightly as there are many headphones out there but Sonos has done a fantastic job in getting the look and feel right. Let’s face it, there’s not much point in having great sounding headphones if they don’t feel comfortable. This very aspect has been the deal breaker for many otherwise excellent headsets.
Sonos Ace uses lightweight materials for a ‘pillowy soft’ memory foam interior wrapped in vegan leather. A custom headband and ear cups hide the hinge without catching on hair.
The Sonos Ace headphones are the most requested product in the company’s history. Now they are here. The over-the-ear Bluetooth headphones (not WI-FI) feature lossless and spatial audio, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Aware Mode.
All this for for A$699 from 5 June 2024.
SONOS ACE FEATURES
- Custom 40 mm dynamic drivers produce each frequency with impeccable precision and accuracy.
- Beamforming microphones enable noise cancellation and target your voice for crystal clear calls.
- The ported acoustic architecture enhances the bass response of each driver for greater depth.
- Lightweight memory-foam-lined headband features stainless steel arms that extend for a bespoke fit.
- Concealed hinges inside the ear cups create the perfect acoustic seal without catching on hair.
- Ear cushions are wrapped in a vegan leather that is designed for softness and durability.
But wait, there’s more. Sonos’ new TrueCinema technology allows you to take in a surround sound home theatre experience without household background noise interrupting. You can swap the TV audio from a compatible Sonos soundbar to Sonos Ace by tapping a button on the app. Spatial audio with Dolby Atmos and dynamic head tracking keeps you centred in the action. This experience will improve later this year when TrueCinema technology precisely maps your room then renders a complete surround sound output that will make you forget you’re wearing the Ace. This is pretty wild but at launch Sonos told me it will only work with one pair of Sonos Ace headphones. .
Sonos says you can listen or talk for up to 30 hours before needing a recharge. If you do need quick power hit, you’ll get 3 hours of battery life with from a 3 minute recharge using the included USB-C cable.
So the first impressions are good, we’ll know more next week.
If you can’t wait, you can preorder from Sonos right now.