The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC is a unique 9.2.4 Dolby Atmos setup released in 2022. Like the original Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch, it comes with two large subwoofers and four satellites to enhance your listening experience. You can place these satellites horizontally or vertically, with six different setup options to take advantage of your room. This new model comes with some extra features, including eARC connectivity for DTS:X and other immersive formats. Like the Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 SSE, it also features the company's Spatial Surround Elevation (SSE) technology, which lets you choose between three different soundscape presets based on the size of your living room.
Our Verdict
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC is very good for mixed usage. It's a unique bar, and the additional subwoofers and satellites make it a solid choice for those with larger living rooms. It gets loud, and its setup is customizable, as you can set the satellites in different configurations based on your preferences. Also, there's Dolby Atmos support, and the added eARC capability lets you enjoy other object-based and lossless formats like DTS:X. With advanced audio formats, you don't get the same immersive, all-around-you feel that makes it feel like your favorite movies are taking place in your living room.
- Gets loud.
- EQ presets.
- Dolby Atmos support.
- No graphic EQ.
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC is great for dialogue-centric TV shows and podcasts. It has a discrete center channel to improve vocal clarity, and its balanced mids mean that you hear vocals clearly in the mix. You can even use its TV preset as a dialogue enhancement tool, which is nice. However, the options are fairly limited if you want to stream podcasts and audiobooks to the bar. There's Bluetooth support, but no Wi-Fi connectivity is available.
- Dialogue enhancement tool.
- Bluetooth compatible.
- No Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay, or Google Chromecast capabilities.
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC is good for music. It has very good sound quality out of the box, and its two subwoofers bring plenty of rumble in the bass range. Its overall sound is slightly bassy as a result, so you'll notice extra boom in the mix. The recessed treble leads to a lack of detail with higher-pitched instruments like cymbals. Fortunately, the bar has some customization tools, including subwoofer level and treble adjustment features.
- Gets loud.
- EQ presets.
- No graphic EQ.
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC is very good for movies. This bar supports many different audio formats that you'll likely come across on different streaming platforms, from 5.1 surround sound Dolby Digital to object-based Dolby Atmos. Dialogue is pretty clear in the mix, and there's lots of rumble in the bass during action-packed scenes. However, the overall listening experience isn't quite as immersive, and sound effects seem like they're just coming from the space in front of you. You don't feel the effects happening all around you like with other premium models.
- Gets loud.
- Dolby Atmos support.
- No graphic EQ.
Changelog
-
Updated Jul 14, 2025:
We've updated the Wireless Playback box to discuss the Nakamichi Shockwafe Wireless.
-
Updated Dec 17, 2024:
We've updated the Sound Enhancement Features box to add a mention of the Nakamichi DRAGON.
- Updated Jan 29, 2024: Per TBU 1.3 methodology, we updated the text in the Stereo Sound boxes after retesting with the manufacturer's recommended settings. Also added text to Audio Latency: ARC, Audio Latency: HDMI In, and Audio Latency: Optical boxes. Some updates to the usages as well, in line with these changes.
- Updated Jan 29, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench Update 1.3. If applicable, we've retested stereo sound based on the manufacturer's recommendations. Additionally, we've expanded our audio latency tests to the following boxes: Audio Latency: ARC, Audio Latency: HDMI In, and Audio Latency: Optical. You can see the full changelog here.
Check Price
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC is available in Black, and you can see the label for our model here.
If you come across another version of the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC, let us know in the discussions, and we'll update the review.
Popular Soundbar Comparisons
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC is a unique 9.2.4 setup. It's one of the few bars on the market to come with two subwoofers and four satellites, which makes it ideal for those with larger living spaces like the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch. Compared to its predecessor, it offers more tools like eARC connectivity and the Spatial Sound Elevation enhancement feature. However, its extra components aren't ideal for everyone, and other premium bars like the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module and the Samsung HW-Q990A are good alternatives for those with more typical living spaces.
See also our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, and the best soundbars with subwoofer.
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Wireless represents a few meaningful upgrades on the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC. Its dual sub configuration allows it to produce a much bassier sound, though both bars roll off the treble somewhat. They perform quite similarly when it comes to a clear center channel and dynamics. That said, if you have the space to accommodate the larger Shockwafe Wireless, you'll benefit from a louder max volume, a notably more balanced surround sound, and slightly more convincing Atmos performance. Plus, the HDMI 2.1 support with the ability to passthrough 4k signals with a 120Hz refresh rate signals its modernity.
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC is the upgraded version of the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch. Unlike its predecessor, it has some extra features, including Dolby Vision Passthrough as well as eARC support for streaming formats like DTS:X. Its Spatial Surround Engine feature lets you choose between three different "soundscapes" based on your room's size. That said, there isn't a dramatic difference in sound quality between the two bars.
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC is quite a unique bar, especially compared to the Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 SSE. The Ultra comes with two subwoofers and four satellites, so it's ideal if you want to fill a really large space with sound. With just one subwoofer and two satellites, the Pro 7.1 SSE more closely resembles other bars on the market. That said, unlike the Ultra, it lacks eARC support for formats like DTS:X.
The Samsung HW-Q930B is better than the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC for most uses. These are two very different setups—the Samsung has one sub and two satellites, while the Nakamichi has two subs and four satellites. As a result, the Nakamichi is more geared towards those with large, more open living spaces. Still, it doesn't offer the same immersive listening experience as the Samsung model, especially with Dolby Atmos content. The Samsung is more customizable, too, with a more balanced sound out-of-the-box.
Test Results
