Sonos Ace Review: A Tech Reviewer's Perspective on Music Enjoyment

As a tech reviewer who enjoys music without diving deep into the world of audiophilia, I was keen to get my hands on the Sonos Ace, Sonos' first foray into the headphone market. Here's my take on how these headphones perform for someone who values tech features as much as, if not more than, the nuances of sound quality.

Design and Build Quality

The Sonos Ace impresses right out of the box with its sleek, premium design. Available in black or soft white, the color options fit well into modern aesthetics, and the matte finish gives them a sophisticated, understated look. The headphones are remarkably light at 11.4 ounces, which is a relief for someone like me who often wears headphones for extended periods. The construction feels robust, with a stainless steel headband and vegan leather ear cups that are not only comfortable but also magnetically replaceable for longevity.

The design also includes thoughtful touches like differently colored interiors on the ear cups to easily distinguish left from right, and a unique sliding control dubbed the 'Content Key' for managing volume and playback. This tactile approach to controls is a refreshing change from the often finicky touch-based systems, making the Ace user-friendly right off the bat.

Comfort

For someone who's not particularly invested in how headphones sound but rather how they feel, the Ace's comfort is a significant highlight. The memory foam padding and the balanced weight distribution make these headphones feel almost weightless on the head. They're designed for all-day wear, and I've found them to be one of the most comfortable pairs for long sessions, whether I'm working, traveling, or just enjoying music. However, the vegan leather might cause warmth buildup, which could be a minor drawback for those in warmer climates.

Features and Functionality

Where the Sonos Ace really shines is in its feature set, tailored to enhance the user experience without requiring deep audio knowledge:

• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The ANC on the Ace is top-notch, providing an immersive listening experience by blocking out external noise effectively. It's particularly useful in urban environments or while traveling, where background noise can be intrusive. The transparency mode is also excellent, allowing ambient sound in naturally when needed.
• TV Audio Swap: This feature is a game-changer for those with a Sonos Arc soundbar. With just a press of a button, you can switch the audio from your TV to the headphones, perfect for late-night viewing without disturbing others. This integration with Sonos' ecosystem is smart but does limit its appeal if you're not already invested in Sonos products.
• Bluetooth and Connectivity: The Ace uses Bluetooth 5.4 for connectivity, supporting high-quality audio codecs like aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless. This means good sound quality even over Bluetooth, which is great for those of us who stream music from our devices. However, there's no Wi-Fi streaming, which might disappoint some expecting full Sonos ecosystem integration.
• Battery Life and Quick Charge: With up to 30 hours of battery life, the Ace is reliable for day-long usage. The quick charge feature, providing 3 hours of use from just 3 minutes of charging, is particularly handy for last-minute plans or travel.

Sound Quality

While I'm no audiophile, the sound from the Sonos Ace is pleasing for casual listening. The balance isn't overly bass-heavy, which suits a variety of music genres well, from pop to jazz. The spatial audio with head tracking provides a nice touch for movies or immersive music experiences, though I didn't find it transformative for everyday music listening. The sound is clear and enjoyable, but audiophiles might find the tuning not to their exact preference without extensive EQ options.

App Integration

The Sonos app, while controversial due to recent updates, integrates well with the Ace for basic controls like ANC settings and a simple EQ with bass and treble adjustments. However, the lack of complex equalization options might be a downside for those looking to tweak the sound profile extensively.

Conclusion

The Sonos Ace stands out as a well-crafted piece of tech that delivers on comfort, design, and functionality. For someone who enjoys music without the need for in-depth audio tweaking, these headphones offer a near-perfect blend of style, comfort, and convenience. The integration with Sonos' home audio system is a significant plus for those already in the ecosystem, but even as standalone Bluetooth headphones, the Ace holds its ground against competitors in terms of build, comfort, and noise cancellation.

However, the price tag of $449 might be a hurdle unless you're already planning to leverage its unique features with other Sonos products. If you're looking for headphones that look good, feel great, and integrate seamlessly into a modern, tech-savvy lifestyle, the Sonos Ace is a compelling choice.