Sonos' first high-end wireless headphone is the S$699 Sonos Ace
- by autobot
- May 21, 2024
- Source article
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We've but now it's here and in the flesh. Sonos has just entered the high-end wireless headphone space with their . Like most high-end wireless headphones, the Ace features to block external noise, as well as an " " (transparency mode) to mix in ambient sounds when desired. The sleek design of the headphones is reminiscent of the Airpods Max ( ) and uses premium materials like stainless steel for the headband, and memory foam wrapped in vegan leather for the ear cushions. Weighing in at , the ear cushions give a good seal around the ears and the ear cups can pivot and rotate freely to fit the shape of the user’s head. However, like the and the Airpods Max, It comes with a carrying case made of 75% recycled felt from plastic bottles. For on-device control, the right side holds the which controls media playback and volume, and a button to toggle between ANC and Aware mode. Use the left cup buttons to power on and pair the device. The content key can also be used in conjunction with other Sonos speakers to switch audio output. For example, if you are playing sound through your Sonos Arc soundbar, you can quickly change the output to your Ace speakers by hitting the content key. Driving the headphones are . Sonos says the Ace headphones support Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos and also claims that it supports lossless audio over Bluetooth with Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound. Battery life is rated at and these headphones have a fast charge feature where of battery life. The Ace charges via USB-C. The USB-C port can also be used for wired listening. With wired listening, the Ace supports lossless audio. One interesting feature of the Ace headphones is something Sonos calls which it says will precisely map your space to deliver a surround system experience that'll make you forget you're wearing headphones. However, this feature won't be available at launch, but it will be available later this year. Other notable features include wear detection, , coloured inner earcups to distinguish right from left, and eight beam-forming microphones for noise control and voice targeting, so every word is crisp and clear. Based on my brief period of listening with the Sonos Ace, the headphones aren’t too bassy and have a slight emphasis on the high frequencies. Female and male voices are clear and there was good separation of instruments. I also tried the Ace's audio switching feature with the Sonos Arc soundbar and found that I could switch quickly in a matter of seconds. The Sonos Ace will be available in Singapore in both and in a matte finish starting for . at the at Orchard Road, the TC Acoustic Store at The Adelphi, as well as and .