Oh, Sonos, you’ve only gone and done it! You’ve crafted a pair of headphones that will make most audiophiles weep with joy, and then gone and slapped a name on it that sounds like a failed superhero sidekick. Yes, we’re talking about the Sonos Ace here.
The name. “Ace” might evoke images of a hotshot pilot or a deck of cards, but for a pair of high-end headphones, it’s as inspiring as a wet piece of cardboard. It’s a name that says, “We couldn’t be bothered to think of anything better.” For a company that prides itself on innovation and quality, this is a naming fail of epic proportions.
Regardless, these Ace headphones are here, ready to grace your lugs with premium sound, and they’re officially available for purchase worldwide.
Now, don’t get me wrong, these headphones are the real deal. They’re not a bog-standard attempt to get in the headphone game by Sonos. Oh no, you get up to 30 hours of battery life and a quick charge feature that gives you three hours of playtime after just a three-minute charge. They come in the usual Sonos shades of white and black – so chic, so minimalist, so predictable.
These Ace headphones come with a nifty feature called TV Audio Swap. With a simple press of the so-called Content Key, you can switch audio from your soundbar to your headphones. It’s a genius feature, and it works via Wi-Fi – but don’t get too excited. Sonos has made it crystal clear that these headphones won’t integrate with the rest of your Sonos system. Because why make things easy, right?
When it comes to sound quality, the Ace won’t disappoint. They support lossless audio with a Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound-compatible device using aptX Lossless. But let’s be real, those devices are about as common as unicorns. So, you’ll probably end up using the USB-C cable for that full lossless experience.
The Ace headphones are designed for comfort, with custom 40mm drivers and wear detection that pauses your music when you take them off. The spatial audio is powered by Dolby Atmos, and you can customize the EQ in the app to your heart’s content. Sonos even paid attention to the headband, using two different types of foam for maximum comfort during marathon listening sessions.
In short, the Sonos Ace headphones look to be a big win for design and audio tech. But the name is a tragic misstep. It’s like putting a supermodel in a potato sack – the potential is there, but the presentation is all wrong.
Next time, Sonos, please put a little more thought into your branding. Until then, we’ll just have to enjoy these fantastic headphones while cringing every time we say their name.