Sonos, the maestro of multi-room audio, has ventured into uncharted territory with the Ace, their first-ever wireless headphones. And let me tell you, they’ve conducted a symphony of sound with these sleek and sophisticated cans. The Ace headphones are a masterclass in marrying premium audio quality with exceptional noise cancellation. From the moment you slip them on, you’re enveloped in a world of rich, immersive sound, meticulously crafted to resonate with every fiber of your being. Whether you’re a discerning audiophile or a casual listener, the Ace headphones will transport you to a new plane of auditory bliss.

A Design as Smooth as Butter

Unlike some of their flashier competitors that boast a loud, “look-at-me” aesthetic, the Ace headphones exude a quiet confidence with their understated elegance. The smooth curves of the earcups and headband flow seamlessly together, creating a design that’s both sophisticated and modern. The soft, matte plastic and luxurious leatherette materials whisper “premium” without ever shouting it. They might not be the most eye-catching headphones on the market, but they possess a subtle beauty that makes them a timeless classic. These sleek cans strike a harmonious balance between minimalism and style, reminiscent of a sophisticated blend between Sony’s WH-1000XM5 and Apple’s AirPods Max.

With a smooth, fingerprint-resistant finish and subtle branding, the Ace exudes elegance. The memory foam earpads, wrapped in vegan leather, offer a plush feel, although those seeking maximum cushioning might prefer the Sony or Apple alternatives. The adjustable headband, crafted from similar materials, ensures a comfortable fit for most users, especially those with smaller heads. However, some users with larger ears noted a slightly snug fit and warmth during extended use.

One standout feature is the clever integration of hinges and joints into the headphones’ body, preventing hair snags and lending a refined look. The replaceable earpads are secured magnetically, making them easy to swap out.

Sonos opted for physical buttons over touch controls, a choice that many will appreciate. The left earcup houses the power and Bluetooth pairing button, while the right features a button for cycling through noise-cancelling modes and a versatile slider/button dubbed the “content key.” This multi-functional key offers intuitive control over volume, playback, call management, and even music transfer between the Ace and a connected Sonos Arc soundbar. Though it feels a bit plasticky, its responsiveness is impressive.

Available in matte black or soft white, the Ace comes with a matching travel case and a magnetic pouch for the included USB-C charging and 3.5mm audio cables. The case itself, while stylish, seems prone to showing wear and tear, particularly the soft white version.

Overall, the Sonos Ace headphones impress with their stylish design, comfortable fit (for most), intuitive controls, and versatile features. While a few minor drawbacks exist, such as the snug fit for some and the case’s durability, the Ace delivers a premium audio experience with a touch of sophistication.

Sound That Soothes the Soul (and Silences the World)

Now, for the main event – the audio experience. And let me tell you, the Sonos Ace headphones don’t disappoint. These cans are a sonic powerhouse, delivering a sound that’s nothing short of breathtaking.

Bass That Rumbles Your Soul:

The Ace headphones unleash a bass response that’s both deep and impactful. It’s the kind of bass that doesn’t just tickle your eardrums, it rumbles through your entire body. Whether you’re listening to a thumping EDM track or a classical symphony with a rich cello section, the Ace headphones will make you feel every note in your bones. The bass is tight, controlled, and never muddy, allowing you to fully appreciate the low-end frequencies without sacrificing clarity.

Mids That Shine Bright:

The midrange frequencies are where vocals and most instruments reside, and the Ace headphones handle them with finesse. Vocals are presented with stunning clarity and presence, making you feel like the singer is right there in the room with you. Guitars, pianos, and other midrange instruments are reproduced with remarkable accuracy, allowing you to appreciate the nuances of their sound. Whether you’re listening to a soulful ballad or a complex jazz piece, the Ace headphones will reveal every intricate detail of the music.

Highs That Sparkle and Shine:

The highs on the Ace headphones are crisp, detailed, and airy. Cymbal crashes shimmer with brilliance, violins soar with sweetness, and hi-hats sizzle with energy. The high-frequency response is well-extended, allowing you to hear the subtle nuances of each instrument. Whether you’re listening to a soaring orchestral piece or a crisp electronic track, the Ace headphones will bring the music to life with their sparkling highs.

Noise Cancellation: Your Personal Soundproof Booth

Now, let’s talk about the noise cancellation. Sonos has absolutely nailed it with their first foray into ANC headphones. It’s like stepping into a soundproof booth, where the outside world melts away, leaving you alone with your music.

The Ace headphones employ advanced algorithms and multiple microphones to analyze and cancel out ambient noise.Whether you’re on a bustling city street, a noisy airplane, or a crowded coffee shop, the ANC will create a peaceful bubble around you, allowing you to focus on your audio without distractions.

I was genuinely surprised by how effective the ANC was in a variety of environments. It significantly reduced the rumble of airplane engines, the chatter of my coworkers, and even the hum of my refrigerator. It’s not 100% perfect, as some very high-pitched sounds can still sneak through, but overall, it’s a remarkable feat of engineering, specially if you are coming from Sony’s WH-1000XM5.

Aware Mode: Superhuman Hearing at Your Fingertips

But Sonos didn’t stop at just noise cancellation. They also included an “Aware Mode” that’s so good, it’s almost like having superhuman hearing. When you activate Aware Mode, the headphones use their microphones to pick up and amplify ambient sound, allowing you to hear your surroundings clearly without having to take off your headphones.

What’s truly impressive about Aware Mode is how natural it sounds. It doesn’t feel like you’re listening to a processed or artificial version of the world around you. Instead, it feels like you’ve simply opened your ears wider, allowing more sound to come in. You can easily hear conversations, traffic noise, and other important sounds, all while still enjoying your music or podcast.

The Aware Mode is so good that I often found myself forgetting that I was wearing headphones. It’s a testament to Sonos’s commitment to creating a seamless and natural listening experience.

TV Audio Swap: A Sonos Exclusive

If you’re already part of the Sonos family, prepare to be serenaded by a symphony of convenience with the Ace headphones’ exclusive TV Audio Swap feature. This nifty trick allows you to effortlessly transfer audio playback from your Sonos soundbar to your headphones, creating a private listening experience that’s perfect for those late-night movie marathons or when you want to indulge in immersive sound without disturbing others.

Imagine this: you’re engrossed in an epic battle scene, explosions booming and lightsabers clashing, but your partner is trying to catch some Zs. With a simple tap on the Sonos app, you can switch the audio to your Ace headphones, continuing your cinematic adventure in glorious surround sound without missing a beat.

And the magic doesn’t stop there. Thanks to the Ace’s support for spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos and its clever head-tracking technology, the soundstage expands beyond your headphones, creating a truly immersive experience that rivals a full home theater setup. It’s like having your own private screening room, wherever you are.

Battery Life That Goes the Distance

Worried about running out of battery? Don’t be! Here it is, straight to the point. The Ace headphones boast an impressive 30-hour battery life with ANC or transparency mode enabled. In my testing, they barely lost a quarter of their charge after two days of heavy use. And thanks to the excellent noise cancellation, you can listen at lower volumes, further conserving battery life. I think this sums it up well, a WINNER.

The Verdict: A Stellar Debut That Earns Its Premium

The Sonos Ace headphones are an impressive first offering that redefines what we expect from premium audio and noise cancellation. They boast a unique feature set designed to seamlessly integrate into the Sonos ecosystem, making them an irresistible choice for Sonos enthusiasts.

While the price of AED 2,099 might initially raise eyebrows, the Ace headphones more than justify their value. They deliver an unparalleled audio experience, rivaling the best from industry giants like Sony and Bose. And for those already invested in the Sonos ecosystem, the exclusive TV Audio Swap feature alone is worth the investment, providing an unparalleled level of convenience and immersion.

In short, if you’re a discerning audiophile who values exceptional sound quality, cutting-edge noise cancellation, and seamless integration with your Sonos setup, the Ace headphones are an investment you won’t regret. They offer a premium experience that elevates your listening pleasure, whether you’re enjoying music on the go or immersing yourself in a cinematic masterpiece at home.

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