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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.
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Table of Contents
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.
ReasonS 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 Enabled
Yes
Depth
3.3"
Dialogue Enhancement Feature
Yes
Energy Star Certified
No
HDMI ARC
No
Height
3"
Subwoofer
Included
Surround Sound Supported
Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD
Voice Assistant
No
Wall Mountable
Yes
Weight
7.5 lbs
Width
45.5"
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity
Yes
Works With
Bluetooth
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Soundbars based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
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 @ 80dB
0.56
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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
