Nakamichi Shockwafe DTS:X Ultra 9.2 Soundbar Preview

At what point has a soundbar system gone too far? Audio Company Nakamichi is definitely pushing the limits with their new 9.2 Channel Shockwafe Ultra DTS:X wireless soundbar system which was just announced at the 2017 CES Show in Las Vegas Nevada. Wait- What? Did you say 9.2 WIRELESS 9.2 system? That’s right, the 45” front soundbar comes with 8 internal speakers including two side firing sound effect speakers, four modular side and rear speakers, and TWO wireless 10” subwoofers. The system has 18 speaker drivers and a multitude of setup options all for $1,099 (with free shipping)!

Nakamichi ShockWafe Ultra Soundbar Battle vs. Samsung Creative Sonic Carrier

The Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 DTS:X is based off their flagship 7.1 channel Shockwafe Pro system.  With the Ultra 9.2 Nakamichi kept their award-winning soundbar (every driver in the soundbar is upgraded), but increased the size of their satellite speakers from a single 2 ½” full range driver per speaker to a dipolar 3” driver and 1” tweeter. But since it’s a 9.2 system they also added two more satellite speakers for rear and side surround.

The modular satellite speakers can also be joined via a rear bracket to create a 9.2 experience with a 7.2 setup. We were really impressed with the versatility and the modular nature of the dipolar speakers which allows them to be attached or detached and arranged in the room based on user preference. 

The last and most notable feature between the 7.1 Pro and the 9.2 Ultra is the extra subwoofer. Not only has it increased from 8” to 10”, but also has doubled in number. This is the first soundbar system we've seen offering dual subs. Dual subwoofers, properly positioned, are really great for getting more low-frequency output and loading bass into the room more evenly for a better seat to seat consistency.

The Technology

The Nakamichi Shockwafe comes with DTS:X and DTS Neural:X and Dolby Audio technologies, so no Dolby Atmos, but this isn't surprising given the 9.2 system layout topology they've chosen.  It would be unfortunate if some people just read the highlights when shopping soundbar systems looking for immersive sound labeling and move on to a likely inferior product just because it is labeled Dolby Atmos.  We caution consumers not to fall into this trap at the risk of missing some potentially great products like that seem to get the basics right like this one does.

The system also includes HDCP 2.2 for the latest in UHD support, and 6 individual DSP chipsets.  The setup is still a prototype and we’ve seen the 9.2 Ultra labeled as a 1000 watt system. Nakamichi says it offers up to 110dB of crystal clear sound and 30Hz of ground-shaking bass. This is the first soundbar system we've seen that actually gives you SPL output specs to show how loud it can play.

To get an idea of the different flavors and features of Shockwafe, here is a tabulated comparison.

Nakamichi Shockwafe Model Comparison Table

Nakamichi Reborn with Soundbars?

Unlike other soundbars that have limited inputs, the Shockwafe 9.2 Ultra comes with 3 HDMI IN + 1 HDMI TV (ARC) OUT, 1 Coaxial IN, 1 Optical IN, and 1 Aux IN.  If it’s anything like their 7.1 system, the Shockwafe 9.2 will also come with the ability to stream music to the system via a Bluetooth connection with aptX technology.

We’re really looking forward to seeing what Nakamichi has to offer in their Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 system. So If the goal is to get you set up and running a 9.2 system in minutes instead of hours/days, this system might be right for you especially if you're looking for performance on the level of a true discrete speaker/subwoofer system and AV receiver. 

Nakamichi was once revered as the best high-end cassette deck manufacturer in the world.  Can they re-establish this reputation in the soundbar market?  Time will tell.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.