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Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch vs Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers
Side-by-Side Comparison
Products
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers
Tested using Methodology v1.1
Updated Jan 11, 2024 05:16 PM
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Amazon.comTested using Methodology v1.3
Updated May 03, 2024 06:17 PM
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Channels9.2.4
Channels5.1.2
Variants
- Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch (Black)
- Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers (Black)
- Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers (White)
Our Verdict
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers
The Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers is a better soundbar than the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch. The Sonos is better-built, and it has a more neutral, balanced sound profile. Also, it has a better soundstage performance and more sound enhancement features. However, the Nakamichi is Bluetooth-compatible, unlike the Sonos, and it offers more connectivity options, so it also supports 4k passthrough.
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Black
Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
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Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers
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Amazon.comBlack
Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
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BestBuy.comWhite
Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers
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Amazon.comBlack
Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
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Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
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B&HNotice: Two or more of the products selected have been tested with different test methodologies, so some of the results below aren't directly comparable. Learn how our test benches and scoring system work, and read more about the latest changes to our soundbars test methodology.
Main Differences for
Threshold
Mixed Usage
7.4
8.0
Stereo Frequency Response
6.9
8.2
Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In
10
0.0
Full Comparison
Design
Style - Bar
Style photo - bar
Style - Subwoofer
Style photo - sub
Sub Wireless
Yes
Yes
Enclosure
Ported
Ported
Style - Satellites
Style photo - satellites
Satellite Wireless
Partial, wired to wireless sub
Yes
Dimensions - Bar
Dimensions photo - bar
Width
45.6" (115.8 cm)
44.9" (114.1 cm)
Height
3.5" (9.0 cm)
3.4" (8.7 cm)
Depth
3.1" (8.0 cm)
4.7" (12.0 cm)
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Dimensions photo - sub
Width
12.4" (31.6 cm)
6.2" (15.7 cm)
Height
20.3" (51.6 cm)
15.4" (39.2 cm)
Depth
13.6" (34.5 cm)
16.1" (41.0 cm)
Dimensions - Satellites
Dimensions photo - satellites
Width
8.0" (20.4 cm)
4.7" (12.0 cm)
Height
5.6" (14.3 cm)
6.3" (16.1 cm)
Depth
4.8" (12.1 cm)
4.7" (12.0 cm)
Mounting
Bar Mounting Holes
Satellite Mounting Holes
Mountable Bar
Yes
Yes
Bar Brackets Included
Yes
No
Mountable Satellites
Yes
No
Satellite Brackets Included
Yes
No
Build Quality
8.0
8.5
Build quality photo
In The Box
In The Box photo
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
6.9
8.2
Stereo Setup
Raw Frequency Response
Frequency Response Small
Channels
9.2.4
5.1.2
Tested Preset
DSP Off
No Preset
Slope
0.07
0.16
Standard Error
3.62 dB
3.20 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
48.3 Hz
27.9 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
7.1 kHz
19.9 kHz
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
6.9
8.2
Frequency Response Calibrated
Suggested Preset
DSP Off
No Preset
Suggested Bass Setting
5
0
Suggested Treble Setting
5
-1
Slope
0.07
0.05
Standard Error
3.62 dB
3.17 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
48.3 Hz
27.9 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
7.1 kHz
19.9 kHz
Stereo Soundstage
7.5
8.0
Crosstalk Error
1.65 dB
2.30 dB
Stereo Dynamics
7.7
8.3
Dynamic Range Compression
SPL @ Max Volume
101.1 dB SPL
92.7 dB SPL
DRC @ 90dB
0.30 dB
DRC @ Max Volume
3.61 dB
0.43 dB
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
7.5
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.56
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.76
Center
8.4
7.8
Center Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Discrete
Discrete
Slope
-1.06
1.27
Std. Err.
3.84 dB
3.19 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
101.5 dB SPL
77.9 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.41
0.33
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.66
1.66
Surround 5.1
8.3
6.9
Surround Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Discrete
Discrete
Slope
-0.61
-0.47
Std. Err.
4.24 dB
3.76 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
102.3 dB SPL
73.4 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.14
1.37
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.90
1.85
7.1 Rears
Yes
No
Height (Atmos)
6.4
6.1
Height Setup
H Frequency Response
Localization
Phantom (Side Firing, Front Firing Bar and Up Firing Satellites)
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar)
Slope
-0.89
0.18
Std. Err.
5.04 dB
3.10 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
100.2 dB SPL
63.8 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
2.18
0.93
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
0.95
0.20
Sound Enhancement Features
6.8
7.5
Room Correction
No
Yes
Dialogue Enhancement
Yes
Yes
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
Yes
Yes
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Bass Adjustment
No
Yes
Treble Adjustment
Yes
Yes
EQ
Presets
No
Surround Level Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Rear Level Adjustment
Yes
No
Height Level Adjustment
No
Yes
Virtual Surround
Yes
No
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs - Bar
Physical Connections Bar Photo 1
Physical Connections Bar Photo 2
Optical Audio In
1
Adapter into HDMI ARC
HDMI ARC
1 (shared)
HDMI Out
1 (shared)
eARC
HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth
No
Full HDMI In
3
No
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
1
No
RCA In
No
No
USB for Files
1
No
Ethernet
No
1
Subwoofer Output
No
No
Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
8.4
9.6
Dolby Atmos
Yes
Supported
Dolby Digital
Yes
Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Yes
Supported
Dolby TrueHD
No
Supported
DTS
Yes
Supported
DTS:X
No
Not Supported
eARC
No
DTS-HD MA
No
Not Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1
5.1 PCM (eARC only)
No
Audio Format Support: HDMI In
10
0.0
Dolby Atmos
Yes
Not Supported
Dolby Digital
Yes
Not Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Yes
Not Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Yes
Not Supported
DTS
Yes
Not Supported
DTS:X
Yes
Not Supported
DTS-HD MA
Yes
Not Supported
PCM Channels
Not Supported
5.1 PCM
Yes
Audio Format Support: Optical
10
10
Dolby Digital
Yes
Supported
DTS
Yes
Supported
PCM Channels
2.0
Audio Latency: ARC
8.5
ARC Latency Video
PCM-2.0 ch
42 ms
PCM-5.1 ch
41 ms
Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos
59 ms
Dolby Digital
92 ms
Dolby Digital Plus
101 ms
Dolby Digital Plus Atmos
101 ms
Audio Latency: HDMI In
8.1
0.0
HDMI Latency Video
Latency Video
PCM-2.0 ch
N/A
PCM-5.1 ch
N/A
Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos
N/A
Dolby Digital
N/A
Dolby Digital Plus
N/A
Dolby Digital Plus Atmos
N/A
ARC
69 ms
Optical
70 ms
Full HDMI In
-28 ms
Audio Latency: Optical
9.0
Optical Latency Video
PCM-2.0 ch
99 ms
Dolby Digital
129 ms
Video Passthrough To TV
0.0
0.0
1080p Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
4k Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit
Not Supported
4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
8k Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
HDR10 Passthrough
Yes
No
HDR10+ Passthrough
No
Dolby Vision Passthrough
No
HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough
No
4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough
Yes
FreeSync Passthrough
No
G-SYNC Passthrough
No
ALLM Passthrough
No
4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough
Yes
4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough
Yes
Wireless Playback
6.0
3.0
Bluetooth
Yes
No
Wi-Fi Playback
No
Yes
Chromecast built-in
No
No
Apple AirPlay
No
Yes
Spotify Connect
No
Yes
Additional Features
Interface
Interface photo
Display
Yes
No
Bar Controls
Controls photo
Remote
Remote photo
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
No
Yes (Built-in)
Google Assistant
No
Yes (Built-in)
Apple Siri
No
No
Microphone Mute
No
Yes
Check Price
Black
Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comBlack
Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers
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Amazon.comBlack
Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.comWhite
Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers
SEARCH
Amazon.comBlack
Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
SEE PRICE
Walmart.comBlack
Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
SEARCH
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Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers
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Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch vs Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers: Main Discussion
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