Did you know that most people spend over 2,800 hours per year watching TV, yet 90% of modern televisions deliver audio quality that’s actually worse than sets from the 1990s? We kid you not! This happens because manufacturers prioritise slim designs over speaker space, cramming tiny drivers into impossibly thin frames.
The difference between built-in TV speakers and a quality soundbar can be staggering. While your TV might push 10-20 watts of muddy audio, a decent soundbar delivers 200-500 watts of clear, room-filling sound. That’s like comparing a smartphone torch to a professional spotlight.
We’ve tested four distinct soundbar options at different price points to help you find the perfect audio upgrade. From premium home theatre experiences to compact solutions for smaller spaces, each option serves specific needs and budgets.
Soundbar Comparison: Product Overview
Sonos Arc Ultra
The Arc Ultra represents Sonos’ flagship soundbar experience. This premium model delivers Dolby Atmos surround sound with advanced acoustic architecture that creates an immersive listening environment. Its unique woofer technology produces surprisingly punchy bass for a single-unit soundbar.
The Arc Ultra works best in larger living spaces where its wide soundstage can truly shine. Its sleek design complements modern TVs while housing multiple drivers that project sound in different directions for that true surround experience.
Sonos Ray
The Ray targets tighter spaces and smaller budgets without sacrificing Sonos’ signature sound quality. This compact soundbar connects via WiFi and optical input, making setup straightforward for most TV configurations. Despite its smaller size, the Ray delivers clear dialogue and balanced audio across different content types.
This model works particularly well in bedrooms, small apartments, or secondary viewing areas. The Ray maintains Sonos’ minimalist aesthetic while providing noticeable improvement over standard TV speakers.
Sonos Sub Gen 4
The Sub Gen 4 isn’t a standalone soundbar but rather a wireless subwoofer designed to complement existing Sonos soundbars. This cylindrical unit adds deep, room-filling bass that transforms your audio setup from good to exceptional. The wireless design means you can place it anywhere in your room for optimal bass response.
Pairing the Sub with either the Arc Ultra or Ray creates a more complete home theatre experience. The wireless connection eliminates cable clutter while delivering the low-frequency punch that smaller soundbars often struggle to reproduce.
Hisense HS3100
The HS3100 offers 3.1 channel sound with 480W of total power output at an accessible price point. This soundbar includes Dolby Digital support and provides multiple connectivity options, including HDMI and optical inputs. The dedicated subwoofer channel helps deliver better bass response than basic 2.0 soundbars.
For first-time soundbar buyers or those on strict budgets, the HS3100 represents solid value. While it lacks the wireless features and premium build quality of the Sonos options, it delivers meaningful audio improvement over TV speakers.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Sonos Arc Ultra | Sonos Ray | Sonos Sub Gen 4 | Hisense HS3100 |
| Price Range | Premium | Budget-friendly | Mid-range add-on | Entry-level |
| Channels | Dolby Atmos | 2.0 stereo | Subwoofer only | 3.1 channel |
| Power Output | High | Moderate | Bass-focused | 480W |
| Connectivity | WiFi, eARC | WiFi, optical | Wireless only | HDMI, optical |
| Best For | Large rooms, cinema experience | Small spaces | Bass enhancement | First-time buyers |
| Smart Features | Full app control | Basic app control | Wireless pairing | Limited |
Sound Quality Performance
Premium Audio Experience
The Sonos Arc Ultra stands out for its immersive Dolby Atmos capabilities. The soundbar creates a three-dimensional audio environment that makes you feel like you’re inside the action. Its advanced driver configuration and processing deliver clear dialogue, detailed midrange, and surprisingly robust bass for a single unit.
The Arc Ultra’s sound engineering really shows during complex movie scenes with multiple audio elements. Explosions feel impactful, whispered dialogue remains clear, and the overall soundstage extends well beyond the physical dimensions of the soundbar itself.
Compact Quality vs Budget Performance
The Sonos Ray punches above its weight class in terms of audio clarity and balance. While it can’t match the Arc Ultra’s surround sound capabilities, it delivers clean, distortion-free audio that brings new life to TV content. The Ray’s bass response is respectable for its size, though bass-heavy content might leave you wanting more.
The Hisense HS3100 provides solid audio improvement over TV speakers, particularly in the dialogue clarity department. Its 3.1 channel configuration with a dedicated subwoofer output helps deliver more complete sound than basic soundbars. However, the overall audio refinement doesn’t match the Sonos products, and surround sound effects feel less convincing.
Bass Enhancement
Adding the Sonos Sub Gen 4 to any Sonos soundbar setup transforms the entire listening experience. The wireless subwoofer fills in the low-frequency gaps that even the Arc Ultra can’t fully address on its own. Movies become more impactful, music gains depth and richness, and the overall audio feels more complete.
The Sub’s wireless design allows for optimal placement to achieve the best bass response in your room. This flexibility often results in better bass performance than soundbars with built-in subwoofers that can’t be repositioned.
Connectivity and Features
Smart Integration
Both Sonos soundbars offer WiFi connectivity and work seamlessly with the Sonos app ecosystem. This means you can easily adjust settings, group speakers for multiroom audio, and access streaming services directly through the soundbar. The Arc Ultra supports eARC for high-quality audio passthrough from compatible TVs.
The Sonos app provides intuitive control over EQ settings, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your room and preferences. Regular software updates add new features and streaming service compatibility over time.
Traditional Connections
The Hisense HS3100 takes a more traditional approach with HDMI and optical inputs. While it lacks WiFi connectivity and smart features, this simplicity can appeal to users who prefer a straightforward setup and operation. The multiple input options provide flexibility for connecting various devices.
The Sub Gen 4 connects wirelessly exclusively to Sonos products, requiring no direct TV connection. This wireless pairing happens automatically through the Sonos app, making integration seamless once you have a compatible Sonos soundbar.
Design and Setup
Premium Build Quality
The Sonos Arc Ultra features premium materials and construction that justify its higher price point. The soundbar’s low-profile design fits naturally under most TVs without blocking remote sensors or looking out of place. Setup involves connecting a single cable to your TV and following the guided app setup process.
The Arc Ultra’s size makes it suitable for TVs 55 inches and larger. Smaller TVs might look unbalanced with this soundbar, making the Ray a better aesthetic match for compact setups.
Compact and Versatile Options
The Sonos Ray’s compact footprint makes it versatile for various room sizes and TV configurations. Its simple design language matches modern TV aesthetics without drawing attention away from your screen. Setup remains straightforward with optical or WiFi connection options.
The Sub Gen 4’s cylindrical design allows it to blend into room decor more easily than traditional rectangular subwoofers. You can place it upright or on its side, and the wireless connection means you’re not limited by cable length when finding the ideal position.
Straightforward Installation
The Hisense HS3100 offers no-fuss installation with clear input labelling and included mounting hardware. While it lacks the premium feel of the Sonos products, the build quality feels solid for the price point. The soundbar’s design is functional rather than stylish, focusing on performance over aesthetics.
Value and Recommendations
Premium Investment
The Sonos Arc Ultra commands premium pricing but delivers exceptional performance that justifies the cost for serious home theatre enthusiasts. The combination of Dolby Atmos support, excellent build quality, and smart features creates a compelling package for larger rooms and higher-end setups.
Pairing the Arc Ultra with the Sub Gen 4 creates a formidable home theatre system that rivals much more expensive traditional speaker setups. This combination works best for dedicated home theatre rooms or open-concept living spaces.
Budget-Conscious Choices
The Sonos Ray offers the best balance of quality and affordability in the Sonos lineup. It provides a genuine taste of the Sonos experience without the premium price tag. For smaller rooms or secondary viewing areas, the Ray delivers satisfying performance that outclasses TV speakers significantly.
The Hisense HS3100 serves first-time soundbar buyers who want meaningful audio improvement without breaking the budget. While it lacks premium features, it delivers solid value for basic home theatre needs and represents a logical first step into better TV audio.
Soundbar Comparisons Made Simple
Think about how you actually use your space and what matters most for your entertainment style. If you love hosting movie nights or have a spacious open-plan living area, investing in premium audio will make every gathering more memorable. Your guests will notice the difference immediately, and you’ll find yourself rediscovering favourite films with new audio details you never heard before.
For apartment dwellers or those with cosy viewing nooks, compact doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality. Great audio enhances everything from late-night Netflix sessions to weekend gaming marathons. The right soundbar turns your personal space into your own private cinema.
Your ears deserve better than thin TV speakers, and your entertainment deserves audio that matches the stunning visuals of modern content. Visit Hirsch’s to experience these soundbars firsthand and discover how much richer your home entertainment can become.