Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones Review: My Experience and Impressions

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Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones Review

As an avid audiophile, I’ve always been on the lookout for the perfect pair of headphones. When I first heard about the Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones, I was intrigued. Sonos, a brand renowned for its high-end speakers, was stepping into the world of over-ear headphones. Could they really deliver the same quality in a smaller, portable package? After spending a few weeks with these sleek, black beauties, I’m ready to share my experience. Buckle up for my Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones review!

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First Impressions: The Look and Feel

Opening the box, the Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones greeted me with their sleek, minimalist design. I opted for the black version (they also come in white), which has a sophisticated matte finish. The over-ear form factor looked plush and inviting, with memory foam ear cushions that seemed ready to cocoon my ears in comfort.

In the box, besides the headphones, I found a protective case, a charging cable, a headphone cable, and a user manual. The protective case is a nice touch, offering a sturdy home for the headphones when not in use. Everything about the packaging screamed premium, which was reassuring given the investment.

The Sonos Ace headphones make a solid impression. The design is sleek and elegant, with a matte black finish that screams sophistication. They’re not just pretty faces though; the build quality feels robust. The extendable headband and plush memory foam ear cushions promise comfort for long listening sessions. And trust me, they deliver on that promise.

Wearing these headphones feels like wrapping your ears in a soft, cozy blanket. They’re lightweight yet secure, and I had no issues with them slipping off during my usual head-banging to heavy metal. Plus, they come with a protective case, which is a nice touch for those of us who are a bit clumsy or travel frequently.

Sound Quality: Music to My Ears

Now, let’s talk about the most important aspect: sound quality. The Sonos Ace headphones are equipped with custom-designed drivers tuned by industry-leading producers, engineers, and artists. This all sounds very impressive on paper, but how do they perform in real life?

Bass: Deep and Powerful

On tracks with intense sub-bass content, these headphones truly shine. The bass is powerful and punchy, without distorting even at high volumes. For instance, when I cranked up some electronic dance music, the lows were robust and full-bodied, providing that chest-thumping experience you want from your bass-heavy tracks.

Mids and Highs: Crisp and Clear

Vocals and instruments sound crisp and clear. I tested a variety of genres, from classical to rock to pop, and each time, the Sonos Ace headphones delivered a balanced sound. The mids are rich, and the highs are bright without being harsh. The acoustic strums and higher-register percussive hits were detailed and natural.

Spatial Audio: Immersive Experience

One of the standout features is the spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. When enabled, this feature provides a hyper-realistic three-dimensional soundstage. It’s like having a surround sound system in your head. However, I found that while it’s fun to play with, it’s not always practical for every genre. For critical listening, I preferred to leave the spatial audio off.

Noise Cancellation: A Quiet Haven

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a big selling point for any premium headphones, and the Sonos Ace doesn’t disappoint. They effectively block out external sounds, making them perfect for use in noisy environments like cafes or public transport.

Performance in Real-World Conditions

In my testing, the Sonos Ace headphones managed to dial back low-frequency noises like the hum of an air conditioner to barely detectable levels. However, they did let through some higher frequencies, especially in more challenging environments like a busy restaurant. While not perfect, the noise cancellation is impressive for a first attempt from Sonos.

Aware Mode: Stay Connected

The Aware Mode, which lets in ambient sounds, works quite well too. It’s brighter than similar modes on other headphones, emphasizing conversational clarity. This is great when you need to be aware of your surroundings but still want to enjoy your music.

Usability and Features: Designed for Convenience

The Sonos Ace headphones come with several features designed to make your life easier.

Intuitive Controls

The tactile controls on the ear cups are intuitive and responsive. You can easily adjust the volume, answer calls, and switch between ANC and Aware Mode without fumbling around. The wear detection feature automatically pauses your music when you take off the headphones and resumes when you put them back on. It’s these little touches that make the user experience seamless.

Battery Life: Long-Lasting Power

Battery life is another area where the Sonos Ace excels. With ANC enabled, you get up to 30 hours of listening time. I found this to be pretty accurate, even with heavy use. Plus, the rapid charging feature gives you 3 hours of battery life with just a 3-minute charge. It’s perfect for those times when you forget to charge your headphones overnight.

Connectivity: A Mixed Bag

Here’s where things get a bit tricky. Unlike other Sonos products, the Ace headphones only support Bluetooth and USB-C connections. This means you miss out on the full benefits of the Sonos companion app and connected ecosystem. For someone who’s deeply invested in the Sonos ecosystem, this might be a letdown. However, the high-quality Bluetooth codecs (like aptX) do help mitigate this to some extent, ensuring you still get lossless audio streaming.

Call Quality: Clear Conversations

I don’t often use headphones for calls, but when I did, the Sonos Ace performed admirably. Enhanced voice targeting and background noise suppression ensured that my voice was clear and audible to the person on the other end. Even in a noisy environment, I didn’t have to repeat myself or struggle to hear the other person.

Comfort: All-Day Listening

Comfort is crucial, especially if you plan to wear your headphones for extended periods. The Sonos Ace headphones score high in this department. The plush memory foam ear cushions are soft and breathable, preventing that dreaded ear sweat. The extendable headband ensures a snug fit, without causing any pressure points. Whether I was working, commuting, or just lounging at home, I could wear these headphones for hours without discomfort.

Verdict: A Solid First Effort

So, after all this testing, where do the Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones stand?

Pros:

  • Elegant Design: Sleek, black finish with robust build quality.
  • Sound Quality: Powerful bass, crisp mids, and clear highs.
  • Noise Cancellation: Effective ANC with a well-functioning Aware Mode.
  • Comfort: Plush ear cushions and extendable headband.
  • Battery Life: Up to 30 hours with rapid charging.

Cons:

  • Limited Connectivity: No Wi-Fi, only Bluetooth and USB-C.
  • Lack of Comprehensive EQ: Only basic bass and treble adjustments.
  • High Price: On the expensive side, considering the features.

Final Thoughts

The Sonos Ace headphones are a commendable first entry into the over-ear headphone market for the brand. They offer a balanced sound, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit. While they do fall short in some areas, such as connectivity and EQ customization, they still manage to impress overall.

If you’re a casual listener who values high-quality audio and stylish design, the Sonos Ace headphones are worth considering. However, if you’re a hardcore Sonos user looking for seamless integration with your existing setup, you might be slightly disappointed. For those looking for the absolute best in noise cancellation, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones remain a top choice.

Recommendation

In conclusion, the Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones are a great option if you’re looking for premium sound quality and comfort in a sleek package. They might not be the perfect fit for everyone, especially those heavily invested in the Sonos ecosystem, but they’re a solid contender in the world of high-end headphones. So, if you’re in the market for a new pair of over-ear headphones, give the Sonos Ace a try. You might just find your new favorite listening companion.

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