The Sonos Arc is a top-performing soundbar that has earned its reputation as the “soundbar king.” It’s part of the Sonos ecosystem, which means it can also be used to create a high-quality surround sound system when paired with other Sonos speakers. However, there are other options available if you’re in the market for a Dolby Atmos surround sound system. Some of the Sonos Arc alternatives to consider include:
- Sony HT-ST5000 7.1.2 System
- Samsung 7.1.4 HW-Q90R Kit
- LG SN11RG 7.1.4 System
- Yamaha YSP-5600 7.1.2 Soundbar
- Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4
In the following section, we will compare these units in detail. We also have an article on this topic if you’d like more information. These alternative systems offer unique features that may make them a better choice than the Sonos system, and they are all more reasonably priced than the full Sonos setup. However, it’s important to consider what equipment is needed for a Sonos surround system before making a decision.
Table of Contents
1. Sony HT-ST5000 7.1.2 System
The Sonos Arc is an impressive product that offers a lot of functionality for a fair price. It works well as a standalone soundbar, but it really shines as the center of a surround sound system. To set up a full surround system with the Arc, you’ll need a few additional pieces of Sonos equipment.
Sonos Arc Sound System
The Sony HT-ST5000 (On Amazon) is a good alternative to the Sonos Arc. It’s a 7.1.2 channel soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos and DTS-X, so it can handle high-quality audio codecs. This soundbar has upward-firing speakers that are hidden in the corners and front-firing drivers on the front, which may not be to everyone’s taste.
It also has a lot of connectivity options, including Ethernet, digital optical in, AUX in, and USB for playing local files. Plus, it has four HDMI ports (three for input and one eARC compatible output), so it can handle all your inputs easily. It also has wifi, Bluetooth, and Chromecast audio support, so you should have no problem getting sound on it.
If you have a device with a high-quality audio stream, you’ll want to connect it over HDMI, but you can also stream music from your phone with ease.
Sonos Arc Sound System Pros and Cons
| PROS | CONS |
| – One advantage of the Sony HT-ST5000 is that it is priced lower than a comparable Sonos setup. However, it’s worth noting that the HT-ST5000 is still expensive compared to other options on the market. In a standalone review, the high price might be a drawback, but in the context of this article, it’s a pro because it’s being compared to an even more expensive system. | The Sony HT-ST5000 lacks the integration that the Sonos ecosystem offers. Instead of being able to control the system wirelessly with a single app, you have to wire it and use the device that produces the sound as the “brain” of the system. This may make it less convenient to set up and use compared to a Sonos system and may not provide as much flexibility for streaming wireless music and other audio. |
| Another benefit of the Sony HT-ST5000 is that it doesn’t require rear-firing speakers, which can simplify the setup process. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the Sony HT-ST5000 simulates the rear speaker sound rather than producing it from physical speakers. This simulated sound may not be as realistic as the real thing. | – Some reviews of the Sony HT-ST5000 have noted that the Dolby Atmos sound isn’t as impressive as expected. This may be due to the underpowered upward-firing speakers or less advanced processing compared to the Sonos unit. It’s worth considering these factors if you’re considering purchasing this soundbar. |
2. Samsung HW-Q90R 7.1.4 Kit
Another option to consider is the Samsung HW-Q90R 7.1.4 Kit (On Amazon) , which includes a soundbar, subwoofer, and two wireless speakers. This kit is more similar to the Sonos system because it includes rear speakers, unlike the Sony HT-ST5000.
The HW-Q90R (On Amazon) has wifi and Bluetooth connectivity, so it’s easy to connect to phones and other devices wirelessly. It also has digital optical and three HDMI ports (two inputs and one ARC output to the TV).
Soon, the HDMI ARC connection will upgrade to support the eARC standard, which is a nice touch for future-proofing. The HW-Q90R has a streamlined look with hidden drivers behind mesh grills. It also has a small screen on the soundbar that most people can use to access most of the features, but the screen is not too noticeable when not in use.
Samsung HW-Q90R 7.1.4 Kit Pros And Cons
| PROS | CONS |
| – The Samsung HW-Q90R kit is cheaper than a comparable Sonos system. However, it’s still relatively more expensive than other soundbars. It may offer better value than the Sony HT-ST5000 because it includes two extra channels and rear speakers. | – This soundbar is available in a 5.1.4 configuration with just the soundbar and wireless subwoofer. To upgrade to a 7.1.4 configuration, you’ll need to purchase two additional speakers, either separately or as part of the kit mentioned earlier. |
– Dolby Atmos soundbar includes four upward-firing speakers, ensuring a top-quality audio experience. Among Dolby Atmos soundbars, it will outperform any 2-driver model in terms of sound quality. | – This soundbar is quite large, weighing 20 lbs and measuring 48 inches wide. This can make it difficult to fit into some home theater setups and may limit placement options. It may also be a challenge to mount due to its size and weight, and it may overhang the TV on either side. – Additionally, the two HDMI inputs may not be sufficient for those who have more devices to connect. |
3. LG SN11RG 7.1.4 System
The LG SN11RG 7.1.4 (On Amazon) is another soundbar with four upward-facing drivers for high-quality Dolby Atmos sound. It’s priced lower than the Samsung HW-Q90R and offers good value compared to the Sonos system. In terms of connectivity, it has two HDMI inputs, one HDMI eARC output, Bluetooth, wifi, and optical. It also has built-in Google Assistant and Chromecast, which is a nice touch.
Other features include a night mode, LCD dimming to reduce distractions, and easy setup through a remote app (available for iOS and Android). Overall, it’s a well-rounded package at this price range.
LG SN11RG 7.1.4 System Pros And Cons
| PROS | CONS |
| The LG SN11RG has a sleek and low-profile appearance, with drivers hidden behind mesh grills. The satellite speakers and subwoofer are also neutral in terms of cosmetics, meaning they won’t stand out too much but also aren’t particularly noteworthy. | One drawback of the LG SN11RG is the limited connectivity options, with only two HDMI inputs and one HDMI eARC output. This may be a problem for people who have more than two devices to connect. It’s worth noting that if you’re purchasing a soundbar at this price level, you may have more than two HDMI inputs that you need to connect. |
| The LG SN11RG has app support and other convenient features, as well as Bluetooth low energy, which help make it easy to use like a Sonos system. | One thing to keep in mind with the LG SN11RG is its size – it’s a whopping 57 inches wide. This may make it difficult to fit into some home theater setups and could limit placement options. It’s a good idea to measure your space and plan ahead to install the soundbar without it becoming an eyesore. The slim form factor may help with this, but it’s still a relatively large unit. |
4. Yamaha YSP-5600 7.1.2 Soundbar
The Yamaha YSP-5600 7.1.2 Soundbar (On Amazon) is the most unique option on this list. It has Airplay, a large number of drivers and channels, and more connection options than any other soundbar on this list.
YSP-5600 7.1.2 is even built into the soundbar, which adds to its simplicity and minimalism. The port situation is impressive, with a suite of audio management ports and four HDMI inputs, and an HDMI Arc output. This allows for easy routing of all HDMI inputs to the soundbar before connecting it to the TV.
The soundbar’s form factor is also well-suited for being placed on the bottom shelf of an entertainment center, which makes cable management easier.
Yamaha YSP-5600 7.1.2 Soundbar Pros And Cons
| PROS | CONS |
| The Yamaha YSP-5600 is a versatile soundbar that can also serve as a full-service A/V receiver replacement. It has an in-built amp that eliminates the need for a receiver. It also has a variety of audio management ports, including Ethernet, optical input and output, and RCA ports for left and right channel satellite speakers (not included). Its four HDMI ports make it stand out further. All of these features make it a great choice for managing and routing audio to and from a variety of devices. | The Yamaha YSP-5600 has a unique form-factor that may not be suitable for all home theater setups. It’s taller and slimmer than a typical soundbar, with sloped corners and angles that give it a modern, sculptural appearance. While it may be fine in some setups, it could be eye-catching in a negative way in others. It’s important to consider the overall aesthetic of your home theater before purchasing this soundbar. |
| The Yamaha YSP-5600 has wifi, Bluetooth, and Apple Airplay built-in, which makes it easy to use with iOS devices. This is a useful feature if you’re looking for a system that offers the same seamless experience as Sonos. | It’s worth noting that the Yamaha YSP-5600’s subwoofer may not be as powerful as a traditional external subwoofer. The soundbar includes a “subwoofer array” with two drivers, but it still has a connector for an external subwoofer. This may be a consideration for those who want a lot of bass in their audio. |
5. Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 (On Amazon) offers a high number of channels and a competitive price. It has nine drivers and supports 9.2.4 channel audio, including four upward-firing drivers for immersive sound.
It also includes a wireless subwoofer and two rear speakers for a full surround sound setup. Its three HDMI inputs, one HDMI output, and Bluetooth allow for easy connection and streaming of audio from various devices.
Its sleek design features drivers hidden behind a metal grill. While it lacks wifi and other advanced features, it is a reliable option for a home theater setup.
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 Pros And Cons
| PROS | CONS |
| This package offers four satellite speakers and two external wireless subwoofers, making it a great choice for those seeking surround sound. The number of channels and the size of the subwoofers are impressive. | The soundbar has a distinct and noticeable appearance that may not appeal to everyone. Some people may view it as similar to a Razer laptop or a Honda accord with a spoiler and may have strong positive or negative feelings about it. It is possible that some users will want to customize the soundbar with additional features such as RGB lighting. |
| This unit appears to be highly advanced and able to deliver theater-quality sound. It may be superior to other options on the market because it includes dual subwoofers and satellite speakers. It is suggested that this unit’s performance cannot be matched by other systems, even those using advanced algorithms like the Sonos system. | Although the satellite speakers and subwoofers are wireless, they still need power and must connect to an electrical outlet. This means that the overall setup is not completely wireless because there are still several cords to manage. The presence of so many speakers may also make it more challenging to find suitable locations to mount them all. |
Last Words About Sonos Arc Alternatives
While each of the soundbars in our guide has its own special features, the Sonos system(On Amazon) stands out due to its powerful ecosystem and higher price. Ultimately, the right choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and budget. However, any of the options on our list could be a good choice.
