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Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 Ch Review

True Score

85
82
1

Experts

91
4,752

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch offers a pleasing, immersive Dolby Atmos sound with added satellite speakers and subs. Wi-Fi streaming, room correction, and voice assistant capabilities. Despite shortcomings, it offers a wide range of features for the price.

$1,497.99

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Product Snapshot

Overview

The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch is a high-end 9.2.4-channel soundbar system that was launched in 2022. It includes four rear dedicated surround rear speakers, and thanks to its support for Dolby Atmos, it can deliver an immersive listening experience.

Like most of the top-rated speakers in the market, the Ultra 9.2Ch system is capable of a wide soundstage, so object sounds in its projection can be accurately pinpointed. The system also boasts two subwoofers and can therefore deliver strong bass levels.

The soundbar compares quite well to other highly popular soundbars, with three Full HDMI In ports, one HDMI ARC port, one HDMI Out port, and one AUX input.

While the Ultra 9.2Ch system can connect to devices via Bluetooth, it doesn’t have any Wi-Fi connectivity, voice assistant support, does not work with Chromecast, and lacks Apple AirPlay support.

Consensus

our Verdict

The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch delivers low latency and reliable Bluetooth support, ensuring minimal lip-sync issues. However, wireless connections are limited, as it doesn’t support Chromecast, WiFi, or Apple Airplay.

The bar offers an immersive and loud sound experience that’s great for larger rooms, given its Dolby Atmos support and added subwoofers and satellites.

Its customizable setup options, especially the Spatial Surround Elevation technology, provide versatility in optimizing soundscapes for different room sizes. While it lacks treble detail, the balanced mids ensure clear vocals, great for dialogue-heavy TV shows and podcasts.

However, the absence of advanced room correction is a downside. The build quality of the soundbar, satellites, and subwoofers are all impressive. The display and remote control are user-friendly, but it lacks any voice assistant integration.

Reason to Buy

  • Minimal audio-video delay gives an immersive experience
  • Dolby Atmos support for a theater-like experience
  • Multiple satellite configurations for room optimization
  • Center channel enhances vocal clarity
  • Sturdy design with metal grilles and wood subwoofers
  • Bluetooth connectivity for mobile devices
  • Clear LED display and feature-rich backlit remote
  • EQ presets for music, movies, games, news, and sports modes
  • SSE technology enhances soundscapes for different room sizes

Reason to Avoid

  • No Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay, or Google Chromecast support
  • Lack of customizable equalizer settings
  • Recessed treble may lead to reduced detail and brightness
  • No built-in voice assistant capabilities
  • No dedicated room correction feature with microphone
  • Bluetooth support, but lacks Wi-Fi streaming for podcasts
  • Limited bass control, especially for older recordings
  • Midrange quality could be improved for music
  • No eARC support for 2017 model; needs RCA cable upgrade

Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 Ch Specs

Bluetooth EnabledBluetooth EnabledYes
DepthDepth3.3"
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureDialogue Enhancement FeatureYes
Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star CertifiedNo
HDMI ARCHDMI ARCNo
HeightHeight3"
SubwooferSubwooferIncluded
Surround Sound SupportedSurround Sound SupportedDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD
Voice AssistantVoice AssistantNo
Wall MountableWall MountableYes
WeightWeight7.5 lbs
WidthWidth45.5"
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityBluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityWireless Subwoofer ConnectivityYes
Works WithWorks WithBluetooth

All Specs

Test Results

Low End Roll Off (Hz)61.688
High End Roll Off (Hz)2,791.7
Max Volume Test (db)101.1
Latency (ms)69
THD @ 80dB0.56

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Product Comparison

Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 Ch Review

Samsung HW-Q90R Review

Samsung HW-Q90R Review

True Score

85
87
NR
NR

Ranking

#

19

/

149

#

7

/

149

#

/

8

#

/

Market Context

The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch is a high-end 9.2.4-channel soundbar system that was launched in 2022. It includes four rear dedicated surround rear speakers, and…

The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch is a high-end 9.2.4-channel soundbar system that was launched in 2022. It includes four rear dedicated surround rear speakers, and thanks to its support for Dolby Atmos, it can deliver an immersive listening experience.

Like most of the top-rated speakers in the market, the Ultra 9.2Ch system is capable of a wide soundstage, so object sounds in its projection can be accurately pinpointed. The system also boasts two subwoofers and can therefore deliver strong bass levels.

The soundbar compares quite well to other highly popular soundbars, with three Full HDMI In ports, one HDMI ARC port, one HDMI Out port, and one AUX input.

While the Ultra 9.2Ch system can connect to devices via Bluetooth, it doesn’t have any Wi-Fi connectivity, voice assistant support, does not work with Chromecast, and lacks Apple AirPlay support.

The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch consists of a soundbar, two subwoofers, and four satellites, while the Sonos Arc only comes as a soundbar. The Nakamichi…

The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch consists of a soundbar, two subwoofers, and four satellites, while the Sonos Arc only comes as a soundbar. The Nakamichi sound system ships with a Digital Optical Cable, while the Sonos Arc does not. It also supports advanced audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, and DTS’ formats that the Sonos Arc is not capable of rendering. Lastly, the Nakamichi Ultra 9.2Ch also boasts better port selection, as it has three Full HDMI ports and an AUX port, which are all missing on the Sonos Arc.

The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch has four satellite speakers, while the Samsung HW-Q90R comes with only two. Also, the Nakamichi Ultra 9.2Ch has an auto-volume/night…

The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch has four satellite speakers, while the Samsung HW-Q90R comes with only two. Also, the Nakamichi Ultra 9.2Ch has an auto-volume/night mode, while the HW-Q90R does not.

Even though the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch was launched before the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC, the latest release comes with more advanced features, such…

Even though the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch was launched before the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC, the latest release comes with more advanced features, such as eARC support for streaming formats such as DTS: X. However, the initial release (Ultra 9.2Ch) has a lower latency of 69ms compared to 109ms and gets slightly louder, with a max volume of 101.1dB compared to 97.9 dB.

Bluetooth Enabled

Yes

No

Depth

3.3"

4.56"

Dialogue Enhancement Feature

Yes

Yes

Energy Star Certified

No

No

HDMI ARC

No

Yes

Height

3"

3.43"

Subwoofer

Included

Optional (sold separately)

Surround Sound Supported

Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD

Dolby Atmos

Dig Deeper

Sonos Arc Review →

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  • $1,497.99

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

    Yes
  • $1,499.99

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

    Yes

Score Card

E

Expert Score

82

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

91

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

85

Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews

Expert Score Breakdown

  • Rtings
    103

    Category Trust Score

    74
    Decent for mixed usage. This soundbar has a warm sound profile with overemphasized bass and… read more

    By:

    Jake Thauvette

Customer Score Breakdown

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