Sonos Ace Headphones: You Had One Job!

Summary

The video discusses the entry of Sonos into the high-end noise-cancelling headphone market with their $450 Bluetooth headphones. The headphones offer comfort, good sound quality, impressive noise cancellation, and a seamless switch feature between Sonos speakers and headphones. However, they lack Wi-Fi connectivity and an ecosystem integration that Sonos speakers are known for, making them seem overpriced compared to competitors like Sony and Bose. The reviewer recommends them for Sonos brand enthusiasts, those seeking the best transparency mode outside of AirPods, and users who frequently switch between TV audio on Sonos speakers and headphones.

Takeaways

• 🎧 Sonos has entered the high-end noise-canceling headphone market with a new product priced at $450.
• 🔊 The headphones are lightweight and comfortable, with a design that accommodates different head sizes and shapes.
• 👂 The ear cups are soft and removable, featuring a color-coded mesh to distinguish left from right.
• 👎 The case design is criticized for its zipper quality and lack of compactness when headphones are extended.
• 🔘 The headphones feature real buttons for power, noise cancellation, and volume control, as well as a rocker switch for media control.
• 🎵 Sonos Ace headphones offer good sound quality with custom 40mm drivers and adjustable EQ settings.
• 🛫 The noise cancellation feature is highly effective, suitable for environments like airplanes and noisy roads.
• 👂‍🦻 Transparency mode is praised for its natural sound, allowing clear environmental awareness while wearing the headphones.
• 🔌 Unlike Sonos speakers, the headphones are Bluetooth-only and do not connect via Wi-Fi, lacking direct streaming service access.
• 🏠 The headphones can quickly switch between TV audio and music sources when connected to Sonos speakers.
• 💰 At $450, they are positioned as a premium product but may be seen as overpriced compared to competitors like Sony and Bose.

Q & A

Which companies are currently dominating the high-end noise-canceling headphones market?

The companies dominating the high-end noise-canceling headphones market include Sony, Bose, and Apple with their AirPods Max.

What is Sonos known for before entering the headphone market?

Sonos is known for making premium Soundbars, which have been their most popular product.

What is the price range of the new Sonos headphones?

The new Sonos headphones are priced at $450.

What are some of the standout features of the Sonos headphones in terms of comfort and design?

The Sonos headphones are lightweight and comfortable, with a soft headband and removable, magnetic ear cups. They also have a different color mesh for the right and left side for easy identification.

What is the reviewer's main complaint about the headphones' case?

The reviewer finds the zipper on the case to be annoying as it often gets snagged, and they also feel that the case does not match the premium price of $450.

What type of buttons and controls do the Sonos headphones have?

The Sonos headphones have real buttons, including a power button on the left ear cup, a button and a switch on the right side for noise cancellation and transparency mode, and a rocker switch for media control.

How do the Sonos headphones perform in terms of sound quality?

The Sonos headphones have a nice full sound with great bass and strong highs. They are not mind-blowing but are good, especially with the ability to adjust EQ settings.

What does the reviewer think about the noise cancellation feature on the Sonos headphones?

The reviewer rates the noise cancellation feature as A+, stating that it erases white noise, air conditioning, droning road noise, and is particularly good for airplanes.

How does the Sonos headphones' transparency mode compare to other brands?

The transparency mode on the Sonos headphones is described as some of the best they've heard, second only to the AirPods, with a natural sound that allows for easy conversations while wearing the headphones.

Why does the reviewer feel that the Sonos headphones might be overpriced?

The reviewer feels the Sonos headphones might be overpriced because they lack Wi-Fi connectivity and the ability to integrate into the Sonos ecosystem like Sonos speakers do, which was an expected feature given the brand's reputation.

What is the unique feature that allows Sonos headphones to quickly switch between the Sonos Arc Soundbar and headphones?

The unique feature is a single tap of the content button, which allows for seamless switching between watching TV with the speakers and with the headphones when they are connected.

What is the reviewer's recommendation for people who are in the market for high-end noise-canceling headphones?

The reviewer suggests considering the brand preference, budget, and specific use cases such as the best transparency mode or the quick switch feature with Sonos Arc Soundbar. However, they also mention that other brands like Bose and Sony offer similar benefits at a lower price.