I recently had the chance to test out two new headphone models from Sonos and Heavys. Each offers unique features and sound profiles tailored to different listening preferences.
The Sonos headphones integrate seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem, providing a rich and immersive audio experience with solid build quality. They are well-suited for users who already use Sonos products and appreciate a cohesive audio setup.
Who Is Heavys?
In contrast, Heavys headphones are designed with metal music enthusiasts in mind. They feature a bass-forward sound and a distinctive design that appeals to audiophiles seeking a powerful and intense listening experience. The Heavys headphones gained attention with a Kickstarter campaign in early 2022, spearheaded by former Sennheiser expert Axel Grell, aimed at catering to fans of heavy metal music.
Both models have their own strengths, showcasing the diversity in premium headphone options available today.
I’m not a fan of heavy metal music, but I was curious to see how the Heavys headphones would perform for someone like me who prefers mainstream pop music.
To evaluate them, I tested the Heavys using my iPhone 15 Pro Max with Apple Music, exploring both lossless and hi-res lossless formats.
The Heavys are noticeably heavier than other over-ear headphones due to their robust construction and matte black finish. The brand’s logo is prominently featured in white on both earcups and embossed on the headband.
Despite their weight, the Heavys offer plush ear cushions, providing a comfortable and secure fit.
Design and Usability
The control switches on the underside of each ear cup are sturdy and provide a satisfying snap when used. I found it easier to adjust these controls before putting the headphones on. The right ear cup has a ridged volume slider that functions well while on the go.
The headphones come with a molded carry case and are foldable, which makes them more portable compared to my preferred at-home headphones, the Apple AirPods Max. The AirPods Max are cumbersome to travel with because their ear cups don’t swivel, making them awkward to wear around your neck.
The Heavys feature eight drivers for a direct sound experience and include five microphones, which are useful for phone calls.
I appreciated the effective Hell Blocker Active Noise Cancelling feature during my morning runs on busy roads. The Heavys support Bluetooth 5.1 BLE and USB-C/analog connectivity, and the battery life is close to the advertised 50 hours on a full charge.
However, the Heavys lack a dedicated app for EQ settings, firmware updates, and other features. The company has announced that a standalone app is in development and expected to be released by the end of the year.
Sound Quality and Performance
Although the Heavys are marketed with heavy metal enthusiasts in mind, I tested them with a range of music genres using Apple Music’s lossless and hi-res lossless options on my iPhone.
Initially, the sound was somewhat muffled and bass-heavy, so I adjusted the EQ settings, which improved the audio to my preference.
The activation sounds, including turning the headphones on and off and engaging the Hell Blocker ANC, feature a deep, rumbling voice reminiscent of the Duke Nukem character from “Mortal Kombat,” indicating a playful design choice.
I tested the headphones with a mix of Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, and various musical theater recordings. The sound was immersive and well-balanced, with clear separation of instruments, particularly noticeable in the overture from “Man of La Mancha.”
Overall Impression
At $269, the Heavys offer good value compared to more expensive options like the Apple AirPods Max. While the lack of a smartphone app is a drawback, which should improve with future updates, the Heavys are a strong contender in the over-ear headphone market, even for those who don’t listen to heavy metal.
Currently, the Heavys are only available for purchase directly from the company’s website.
Sonos Ace Debuts
After much anticipation, Sonos has launched their first headphones. Known for their high-quality home theater systems, Sonos’ new headphones feature their signature craftsmanship, exceptional sound quality, and seamless integration with their latest soundbars.
The Sonos Ace headphones come with upscale features such as active noise cancellation (ANC), high-end audio support, and spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, which contribute to their premium price of $449.
While these headphones offer impressive sound quality, they do have some functional issues that Sonos may address in future updates.
If you’re already invested in the Sonos ecosystem, the Ace headphones might be a worthwhile addition. Here’s a detailed look at their performance.
Sound Quality
The Sonos Ace delivers sound quality comparable to high-end models like the Apple AirPods Max. Out of the box, the Ace offers Sonos’ signature sound: detailed, well-balanced, and vibrant. The midrange reproduction is among the best available, with deep bass and rich highs.
Tracks featuring bright electric guitar and Burt Bacharach synths, such as the overture from “Promises, Promises,” were as compelling as I remember from the live Broadway production I attended in 2010. The vocal clarity was also notable, enhancing the listening experience.
The ANC feature boosts the bass significantly, while turning it off reduces the bass response. The Sonos app includes an EQ for sound customization, though the loudness setting primarily adjusts bass and treble at lower volumes.
The Ace supports high-end audio codecs like AAC (for Apple devices) and SBC (for Android devices), and Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive/Lossless codec provides detailed Bluetooth audio. Tidal tracks sounded excellent, and the desktop features enhanced performance when using wired mode.
Included auxiliary and USB-C cables enable lossless audio playback on compatible devices. While the results were mostly impressive, some tracks had an overemphasized midrange.
The Ace’s 3D sound format, with dynamic head-tracking, creates an immersive virtual soundscape. Spatial audio on Apple Music and Apple TV sounded natural and accurate.
Sonos has introduced two exclusive features for the Ace: TV Audio Swap, which allows you to switch audio between a Sonos soundbar and the Ace headphones, and TrueCinema, which uses a Sonos soundbar to optimize the Ace’s acoustics based on your room’s layout.
Design and Build
Sonos is known for its stylish home products, and the Ace continues this trend. Their clean, minimalist design, with dark aluminum yokes and plush leather padding, looks sophisticated. The matte finish and slim microphone grilles are also nice touches.
The right earcup features a tactile content key for volume control and playback, alongside buttons for ANC/voice control and power/pairing. The slim carry case, made from 75% recycled plastic bottles, feels premium and includes a separate pocket for accessories. This makes the Ace convenient for travel.
Ecosystem Integration
The Ace is designed to work seamlessly with other Sonos products. Features like TV Audio Swap and TrueCinema enhance integration with Sonos home theater setups. However, if you don’t have a Sonos soundbar, these features will be less relevant.
TV Audio Swap performed well during solo movie and sports sessions, and TrueCinema promises to create a personalized 3D sound profile, though it will only be available for the Sonos Arc initially. Future updates are expected to extend this feature to other Sonos soundbars.
Outside the Sonos ecosystem, the Ace works well with iOS/macOS and Android devices. Instant pairing via Apple MFi and Google Fast Pair is convenient, and multipoint technology allows connection with two devices simultaneously.
The Ace does not support Wi-Fi and doesn’t require setup through the Sonos app, although the app can assist with troubleshooting and feature access.
Noise Cancellation and Call Quality
The Ace offers strong noise cancellation but is not quite on par with the Apple AirPods Max or Bose QC Ultra. It effectively reduces common household noises but may still pick up louder disturbances like construction and sirens.
The headphones perform well in resisting wind noise, and aware mode is useful for monitoring your surroundings. However, microphone performance for calls could be improved, and I anticipate future firmware updates will enhance ANC performance.
Battery Life
Sonos rates the Ace’s battery life at 30 hours with ANC on, but my experience showed closer to 25 hours. ANC usage reduced this to around 22 hours, and spatial audio further decreased playtime to about 20 hours. However, the quick charging feature is impressive, providing three hours of use from a three-minute charge.
App Performance
The Sonos app occasionally froze or failed to recognize the headphones, though it did provide battery level indicators, EQ settings, and control options when it worked. The EQ settings are basic, limited to bass, treble, and balance adjustments.
Price and Value
At $449, the Ace is priced higher than competitors like the $399 Bose QC Ultra, which often goes on sale. It is also less expensive than the $549 Apple AirPods Max, which frequently drops to around $429. A price closer to $399 could make the Ace a more attractive option.
Conclusion
As a dedicated Sonos user, I find the Ace headphones to be a valuable addition, offering excellent sound quality and seamless integration with other Sonos products. For non-Sonos users, there are more affordable alternatives, but the Ace stands out for its design, sound, and potential for ecosystem integration.
The Sonos Ace is available directly from Sonos, Amazon, and major electronics retailers like Best Buy.