Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Samsung - HW-S800D | Sonos - Arc Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Subwoofer included | true | false |
| eARC | false | true |
| Total power | 330 W |
Between the HW-S800D and Arc Ultra, the HW-S800D comes out ahead in subwoofer included / total power, while the Arc Ultra wins on earc. Overall, the HW-S800D scores 72.9 and the Arc Ultra scores 85.9 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Arc Ultra is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 13.0 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 / total power. The biggest gaps in its favor are subwoofer included, total power. The single most decisive one: Has Subwoofer included.
Pick the Arc Ultra if you care most about earc. Its strongest claims are earc. The single most decisive one: Has eARC.
Both ship with comparable dolby atmos, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Arc Ultra is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: Samsung - HW-S800D or Sonos - Arc Ultra?
Sonos - Arc Ultra leads the current Mars Score by 13.0 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare total power, subwoofer included against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Samsung - HW-S800D if…
Samsung - HW-S800D has the measurable edge on subwoofer included, total w.
Choose Sonos - Arc Ultra if…
Sonos - Arc Ultra has the measurable edge on has earc.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Samsung - HW-S800D wins
- ▲Has Subwoofer included.
- ▲Total power: 330 W vs 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 | |
| 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 |