Nakamichi Dragon vs. Sonos | Dolby Atmos Duel

The Nakamichi Dragon is built like a tank. The Sonos ARC, Sonos Sub, and Sonos Era 300 look demure by comparison. Which of these premium Dolby Atmos home theater setups comes out on top? We put the two head-to-head to find out.

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VIDEO CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
02:07 Overview
05:11 Setup
08:27 Control & Playback Flexibility
09:45 Recap
10:54 Sponsor: 3DMakerpro
12:15 Sound Quality
13:39 Audio Fidelity
15:25 Music Listening
16:16 Movies & Dolby Atmos
17:43 Final Thoughts & Verdict

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[Caleb_Denison]

Hey everyone! Thanks for you patience as you waited for this video. Glad to finally have it done, and hope it was worth the wait! Post questions as a reply to this comment, please, and I’ll do what I can to answer as many as I can.

[rd_gen_j]

Very timely and informative, as I’m due to receive my Dragon on Friday. I personally prefer the no nonsense styling of the Dragon versus the curvy features of the Sonos. Just more my taste. I appreciate the time and effort it took to compare the two. Thank you as always for your informative content. Well done!

[TheHookUp]

Great video. Any chance you can flex your influence on Sonos to get them to support DTS 7.1 and DTS+? Kills me to see those getting down converted to 5.1 on my Sonos ARC + Era 300 system.

[nobodysunderdog]

Stupendous Atmos system, but the music side is what takes it a whole different level. Folded ribbon tweeters are my go-to in floorstanding receiver based systems. Well done Nakamichi!

[passiondale]

If I had a dedicated media room I think I’d definitely want the Dragon on my side but as it is, I’m pretty happy with my Sonos surround setup. Thanks for the great review and comparison. Always entertaining and informative!

[tahmeedkalam]

I think one key thing that could/should have been mentioned, is the fact that you can build your Sonos system and upgrade as you go. No need to get 2 subs right away, or surrounds right away, that's part of what makes it a better choice for many. Build it over 2 birthdays, instead of one, lol. That being said, if I ever have the money to splurge on the Dragon in one shot, I'm doing it.

[techsamurai]

Wow, the Dragon sounds like a real Dragon - that engine roar @16:41 was very impressive considering it's a soundbar-based system.

[richardchew]

Nailed it. This is exactly what I was looking for in a review. Fair, balanced and comprehensive.

[iBeKev]

Thanks for the fair and cool review! I ordered the dragon and can't wait!! The audiophile in me is excited~

[harveysmith]

Thanks. As usual, this was an extremely informative article. I am in the process of moving to a much smaller house and seriously considering going from a 7.2.4 (seperates) system driven by the Anthem AVM-70, to a high-quality soundbar set-up. I am obviously an enthusiast and would like to replicate my current experience as much as possible. Not withstanding the atmos limitations, this video has provided me with much food for thought.

[ClintAvila]

I was able to order the Dragon during the last presale. Can't wait to get it. Your review continues to make me confident that this will be a magnificent addition to my living room. I have a dedicated movie room with a proper setup but do a lot of movie/TV watching in living room. My current sound bar in my living room is decent but basic. I think the Dragon is going to make movie watching spectacular. Dragon for the win 😁.

[geoffhemingway]

I remember the Nakamichi Dragon cassette deck and what a beast it was! There is a simple take away from this:- Sonos is a lifestyle brand, Nakamichi is a high-end audio brand and are therefore fundamentally different, as you said at the top of the video. I would go the relaxed, effortless Nakamichi way all day long. I fear, after listening to the Sonos for an hour or two, I would want to switch it off and who wants to do that after spending upwards of £2000?!

[cool]

After adding the Era 300’s as surrounds I am 110% satisfied with my investment in a Sonos system.

Depending on what you’re coming from I think both systems can really stand on their own. Ironically where I was coming from was a Sonos system (ArcxSubxS1s).

The Era 300’s are a real game changer for that system. And it’s NOT just on Atmos Content. Even 5.1 content dazzles with the Era 300.

Prior to the Era 300’s I “might” hear something placed on the side off the room and couldn’t really hear the heights at all (on the Arc). Now if it’s flying over you, no matter what it is, you hear it in the heights.


For me, the Day to Day Game changer of the Era 300’s have been the side firing surrounds (Atmos, 5.1, Stereo). They’re going to be what delievers the most impactful experience of the speakers for normal and Atmos content.

All that said, if you have a Sonos system, buy the Era 300’s, you’ll be perfectly satisfied.

If you have NEITHER system… Chunk over the change $$$ or consider compareables.

If you decide Sonos, you could consider budget sets like the Beam and Sun Mini with the Era 300’s. or also consider refurbed or used gear from Amazon, EBay, Facebook marketplace etc to reduce the cost of entry.

[TheKitchenTechnician]

I thought I was going to hear the sound of cassette through a Sonos system…and I was looking forward to it! I guess I’m dating myself.

[stopthefomo]

That price is too much, sorry Nakamichi. $1300 for Q990B is close enough for a third the price otherwise I’d spring $5K for 5.4.4 system from RSL (Denon AVR)

[oblivionfox]

Fidelity is important to me. I’m thinking of switching out my very expensive and very clear mains and sub for the dragon. Thank you for the comparison, the differences you highlighted helped me in my decision of what to try.

[JoelsterGk]

Wow the Dragon sound is sharper with more detail, I had a chance to hear it in person at CES and it was awesome.!!

[alexfleener]

Wow great video. Thanks for all the hard work. Both systems sound amazing but I can definitely hear why the Nakamichi is your choice when money is not a concern.

[Sevy-ch]

Nakamichi all the way I have Nakamichi shockwave and the sound quality is amazing

[MisterSixty]

*Thank you for your review!*

If I were in the market for a soundbar system, I would lean towards the Dragon simply because I'm a control freak! I've heard older Sonos *AND* Nakamichi speakers and while they both sound great, I'd go with the Dragons for the more traditional setup and control as it would be dedicated to one room only.