Those of us that have been around audio and video for several decades remember Nakamichi as the gold standard for several types of audio products, but most notably for its high-end audio cassette decks, such as the Nakamichi Dragon.
Tip: Are audio cassettes and decks making a comeback?
Those days have long passed for Nakamichi and the brand is now associated with over-the-top soundbar systems with the Shockwafe label.
Several models are available, but the newly announced Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC packs in almost everything except for a popcorn popper.
Tip: Nakamichi claims that they elicited customer feedback via surveys and beta testing on what features they wanted to be included on this latest model.
Product Design
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC consists of a 45-inch wide soundbar, four satellite speakers, and two subwoofers. How many soundbar systems come with 2 subwoofers? The system is compatible with most surround sound formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, with additional support from Nakamichi’s SSE Max technology. 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 you would normally associate with a system consisting of an AVR and separate speakers – with a price to match (keep reading to the end for the price).
Let’s dig a little deeper into this system to see if it might be right for you.
Speaker Complement
There are a total of 18 speaker drivers in the system, distributed as follows:
Soundbar
- 2.75″ Extended Range Twin-Cone Drivers (6)
- 1″ Silk Dome Surround Effects Tweeters (2)
Wireless Subwoofers (2)
- 10″ inch Downward firing driver in each one.
Side Surround Speakers (2)
- 1 x 3” Extended Range Twin-Cone Driver (Each)
- 1 x 1” Silk Dome Surround Effects Tweeter (Each)
Rear Surround Speakers (2)
- 1 x 3” Extended Range Twin-Cone Driver (Each)
- 1 x 1” Silk Dome Surround Effects Tweeter (Each)
Tip: The Subwoofers are wireless, but the satellite speakers connect to the subwoofers via RCA connection as the subs house the amplifiers for the satellite speakers.
Power Output
The Total System Power Output for the Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC is 1300 Watts broken down as follows:
- 400W (Soundbar)
- 150W (Surround Left & Right (Each)
- 150W (Surround Back Left & Right (Each)
- 600W (Subwoofers – combined)
Tip: No measure reference point (RMS, IHF, etc…) was provided for power output ratings.
System Frequency Response: 20Hz – 22kHz
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 the system includes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, there are no dedicated vertically firing speakers. However, Nakamichi provides several options such as tilt mounting the satellite speakers, and its own SSE Max audio processing that opens up a more immersive surround sound experience. SSE Max Technology includes 3 proprietary processing options (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, 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 the soundbar 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 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 Input and Digital Coaxial Audio Inputs: 1 of each.
3.5mm Analog Input: 1
Bluetooth: Version 5.0 with 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
Included Accessories
- Backlit Remote Control with AAA Batteries
- 1 Soundbar Power Adapter with AC Cord
- 2 Subwoofer AC Cords
- 4 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.
System Components Size and Weight (L x W x H)
- Soundbar: 45.5 x 3.0 x 3.6 Inches (6.0lbs)
- Subwoofers: 12.0 x 13.6 x 20.2 nnches, 23.8 lbs (Each)
- Satellite Speakers: 4.8 x 5.6 x 8.1 Inch, 2.9 lbs (Each)
Pricing and Availability
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC Soundbar System has an official MSRP of $1,899.99. Available on Amazon.
Check out the official Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC System unboxing and installation video!
MadMex
March 22, 2022 at 5:14 am
What? Nakamichi lives? I don’t think so. Let them rest in peace for bleeping sakes. My Nak cassette deck 2 however, from 1990, is still rolling. They don’t make them like they used to, as the saying goes.
MadMex
March 22, 2022 at 5:24 am
I love Nakamichi. Is that better overseer?