Between the HW-S800D and Arc Ultra, the HW-S800D comes out ahead in subwoofer included and total power, while the Arc Ultra wins on earc. Overall, the HW-S800D scores 53.8 and the Arc Ultra scores 35 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The HW-S800D is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 18.8 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the HW-S800D if you care most about subwoofer included and total power. The biggest gaps in its favor are subwoofer included, total power.
Pick the Arc Ultra if you care most about earc. Its strongest claims are earc.
Both ship with comparable dolby atmos, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the HW-S800D is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Samsung - HW-S800D wins
- ▲Has Subwoofer included.
- ▲Total power: 330 W vs 0 W.
Why Sonos - Arc Ultra wins
- ▲Has eARC.
Spec comparison
Audio
| Spec | Samsung - HW-S800D | Sonos - Arc Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Channels | 3.1.2 | 9.1.4 |
| Total power | 330 Wlead | 0 W |
| Dolby Atmosⓘ | true | true |
| DTS:X | false | false |
Connectivity
| Spec | Samsung - HW-S800D | Sonos - Arc Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI inputs | 0 | 1lead |
| eARCⓘ | false | truelead |
| Subwoofer included | truelead | false |
Frequently asked
Spec-level deep dives
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