Nakamichi used to be known for its high-end audio cassette decks, and many music fans long for the days of the Nakamichi Dragon. Although audio cassettes seem to be making a return, it looks like Nakamichi has set its course in recent years to the high-end soundbar market.
Following the release of its flagship ShockWafe Ultra 9.2 eARC Sound Bar System in the Spring of this year (2022), Nakamichi is now adding more models to its soundbar system line-up with the Nakamichi ShockWafe Elite 7.2 and ShockWafe Pro 7.1 eARC soundbar systems.
Both soundbar systems include a lot of the same features as the flagship ShockWafe Ultra 9.2 eARC, but with slightly different speaker configurations and lower price points.
Let’s dig a little deeper and find out if these new offerings might be the right home theater audio solution for you.
NOTE: Features and specifications listed are mostly the same between the Elite 7.2 and Pro 7.1 eARC systems. Any differences will be noted within the following descriptions.
Product Design
The Nakamichi ShockWafe Elite 7.2 and Pro 7.1 eARC systems include a 45-inch wide soundbar and two satellite speakers. However, the Elite 7.2 eARC includes two subwoofers, while the Pro 7.1 eARC includes one subwoofer.
The system also provides lots of connection options, including HDMI-eARC, plus three additional HDMI inputs.
This is combined with enough power and other features that, similar to the Ultra 9.2 eARC, you would normally associate with a system consisting of an AVR and separate speakers.
Speakers
There are a total of 12 speaker drivers (excluding subwoofers) in both systems, distributed as follows:
Soundbar
- 2.75″ Extended Range Twin-Cone Drivers (6)
- 1″ Silk Dome Surround Effects Tweeters (2)
External Rear Surround Speakers (2)
- 1 x 3” Extended Range Twin-Cone Driver (Each)
- 1 x 1” Silk Dome Surround Effects Tweeter (Each)
Subwoofers
- The Elite 7.2 eARC system includes two down-firing 8-inch subwoofers while the Pro 7.1 eARC system includes one 10-inch down-firing subwoofer.
Tip: The Subwoofers are wireless, but the satellite speakers connect to the subwoofers via an RCA connection as the subs house the amplifiers for the satellite speakers.
Audio Format Support
HDMI eARC: Via the HDMI-eARC connection, you can access Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, DTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High-Resolution Audio, DTS Digital Surround, LPCM 7.1, LPCM 5.1, PCM 2.0
Digital Optical/Coaxial: Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround, LPCM 2.0
Additional Sound Modes
EQ Presets: Movie, Music, Game, Sports, News, Night, DSP Off
Surround Upmixing: Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X, All Channel Stereo
Tip: Even though both systems include Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound support, there are no dedicated vertically firing speakers. However, the surround speakers can be mounted horizontally with a slight upward tilt. In addition, SSE Max audio processing takes those formats and distributes the sound within each system’s speaker configuration. SSE Max Technology includes 3 processing settings (Spatial, Surround, and Elevation).
Control
Remote control: The remote control provides access to all system features Bass/Treble, Center Channel Level, Side Surround Level., Rear Surround Level, and Surround L/R Balance.
HDMI-CEC: If the soundbar is connected to a TV via HDMI-ARC/eARC, you can use the TV’s remote for basic soundbar functions via the HDMI-CEC protocol.
Onboard Controls: There are onboard control buttons on the top of both soundbars for Power, Input Selection, Volume, and Demo. The Demo button plays a sample soundtrack followed by test tones that allow you to fine-tune the system. There is also a front panel LED status display.
Connectivity
HDMI ver 2.1/HDCP 2.3: 3 Inputs/1 eARC Output. With 3 HDMI inputs and 1 output, you can connect compatible external devices and the Shockwafe systems will pass through the video to the TV or projector while retaining the audio for internal processing. The HDMI connections are 4K/HDR (Dolby Vision) compatible.
Digital Optical and Digital Coaxial Audio Inputs: 1 of each.
3.5mm Analog Input: 1
Bluetooth: Version 5.0 with SBC and aptX™ HD
Tip: Although built-in streaming is not provided, you can stream music via Bluetooth and also connect an external streaming device (Roku, Fire TV, etc…) to the HDMI inputs provided on the Shockwafe.
USB: Firmware Upgrade Only
Wireless Subwoofers: Transmitter/Receiver – 5.8GHz
Sound & Power
System Frequency Response
- Elite 7.2 eARC: 25Hz – 20kHz
- Pro 7.1 eARC: 30Hz – 20kHz
Elite 7.2 eARC Power Output
- Total Peak Power: 1000 watts
- 400W (Soundbar)
- 150W (Surround Left & Right (each)
- 450W (Subwoofers – combined)
Pro 7.1 eARC Power Output
- Total Peak Power: 850 watts
- 400W (Soundbar)
- 150W (Surround Left & Right (each)
- 300W (Subwoofer)
Tip: No measure reference point (RMS, IHF, etc…) was provided for power output ratings.
Size & Weight
- Soundbar (L x W x H): 45.5 x 3.0 x 3.6 Inches (6.0 lbs)
- Satellite Speakers (L x W x H): 4.8 x 5.6 x 8.1 Inch, 2.9 lbs (Each)
- Subwoofers (L x W x H):
- Pro 7.1 eARC: 12.0 x 13.6 x 20.2 inches, 23.8 lbs
- Elite 7.2 eARC: 9.5 x 11.8 x 20.3 inches, 19.7 lbs (each)
Included Accessories
- Backlit Remote Control with AAA Batteries
- 1 Soundbar Power Adapter with AC Cord
- 1 or 2 Subwoofer AC Cords
- 2 RCA Surround Speaker Cables
- 1 2.1 HDMI Cable
- 1 Optical Cable
- 1 3.5mm Aux-in Cable
- Wall-mounting kit with screws, connectors and brackets is also included for the soundbar and satellite speakers.
Pricing & Availability
The Nakamichi ShockWafe Pro 7.1 eARC Soundbar System is available for $899.99 at Amazon.
The Nakamichi ShockWafe Elite 7.2 eARC Soundbar System is priced a $1,299.99 and will be available beginning at the end of September 2022.
Also available: The Nakamichi ShockWafe Ultra 9.2 eARC Soundbar System, priced at $1,649.99 at Amazon.
Related reading: Soundbar news and reviews
