Start with the type you need
- Soundbar: the Sonos Arc Ultra is Sonos's flagship soundbar, with 14 drivers, 9.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos and Trueplay auto-tuning. It suits buyers who want cinema-style surround and already use Sonos speakers. It is not for anyone who wants a small speaker or has a tight budget.
- Streaming stick: the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen) streams in 4K with Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos, connects over Wi-Fi 6E and has Alexa+ voice search. It is aimed at US users who want a 4K streaming stick, not at people in China who need local streaming services.
China model vs US model
- Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen): no official sale in China; it is sold on Amazon's US site. The US box includes the power cable and adapter and a one-year limited warranty. It runs Fire OS with the Amazon Appstore, and some apps and services vary by area and may need separate subscriptions.
- Sonos Arc Ultra: the card is based on the US page; check local version and warranty details with the seller. Power is internal, rated 100-240V, 50/60Hz AC.
Common pitfalls
- The Arc Ultra alone is not the full surround setup. The US page pairs it with a Sonos Sub and Era 300 rear speakers for full Atmos surround, so budget for those if that is your goal.
- It connects to the TV over HDMI eARC, so confirm your TV has that port. Sonos lists 15 Class-D amplifiers but does not publish a total wattage.
- On the Fire TV Stick, content and services depend on region.
- The Fire TV remote can control your TV, soundbar and AV receiver over IR and comes with two AAA batteries. Storage is 16 GB.
How to read our cards
Both cards here currently call China and US prices roughly even. Open each card for today's prices.
- Sonos Arc Ultra: flagship 9.1.4 soundbar for Sonos households that want cinema sound. Card says: wait.
- Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen): 4K, Dolby Vision and Wi-Fi 6E; sold in the US, no official China sale. Card says: wait.
Before you buy
- Soundbar: confirm HDMI eARC on your TV and decide whether you want the sub and rear speakers.
- Streaming stick: confirm the services you watch are available where you live.
- Check local warranty terms with the seller.