Sonos Beam (Gen. 2) Review
The Sonos Beam has been a go-to for years, but with the Sonos Beam Gen. 2, the firm has made a quantum leap in the quality of sound it can deliver through a TV. It is set to become the standard-bearer for high-end home theater systems with its cutting-edge technologies like Dolby Atmos, sleek new design, and wide range of compatibility.
Analyze the product in detail, including its specs, interface, price, and value for the money. Make a well-informed decision by reading a detailed analysis of the soundbar’s capabilities and benefits.
- Excellent sound quality with support for Dolby Atmos
- Extensive connectivity options, including HDMI, WiFi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth
- Built-in voice assistants for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Can be part оf a larger multi-room audio system with other Sonos products
- Sleek and stylish design that fits well in any home theater setup
- Easy setup and configuration via the Sonos app
- Relatively expensive compared to some other soundbars on the market
- Limited bass response without the addition of a subwoofer
- No support for other voice assistants like Siri or Bixby
- Limited HDMI input options (only one HDMI port with eARC support)
- Requires a separate wall mount or stand for installation (not included in the box)
Design and Build Quality
The Sonos Beam Generation 2 has an elegant and contemporary look that will go well with any interior design scheme. But, like its forerunner, it is a short soundbar at barely more than 25 inches in length.
The matte surface and choice of either black or white make it a versatile option.
The absence of physical buttons is one of the most striking new features of the Beam Gen 2. Instead, the soundbar’s touch controls have been relocated to the gadget’s top, giving it a cleaner, more contemporary appearance. Touch controls allow you to play/pause, adjust the volume, and use the in-built voice assistant.
The product has a high-quality design and feels strong in your palm. The metal grille covering the soundbar’s face is sturdy and attractive.
It has a high-end feel and looks fantastic anywhere.
Sound Quality
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 delivers excellent audio. Among the many improvements over its predecessor is this soundbar’s compatibility with Dolby Atmos, which provides a truly cinematic soundstage that makes you feel like you’re part of the action.
The eleven drivers are used to produce a wide variety of frequencies. This is accomplished by four elliptical full-range woofers and one tweeter.
Dolby Atmos may also bе completely realized thanks to the soundbar’s two upward-firing drivers. This technology uses your ceiling and walls to create a remarkable three-dimensional sound field.
The soundbar’s sound is more polished and detailed than the first generation’s, with better clarity and a more expansive soundstage. The tight, well-defined bass and balanced midrange and treble produce clear, intelligible speech.
Connectivity and Features
The variety of available connections is one of the Sonos Beam Gen 2’s most impressive features. The soundbar’s HDMI port supports eARC, so it can receive high-quality audio from devices with that functionality.
It now has WiFi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth for convenient mobile device streaming.
You can use voice commands to manage your smart home devices and access your preferred streaming services. It comes with built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
The soundbar can be easily set up and configured with the Sonos app, and it also provides access tо a wide range of music streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and many more.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is also renowned for its ability to work with other Sonos devices. The product may be integrated into a larger multi-room audio system comprised of other Sonos components, allowing you to distribute music effortlessly across your home.
A 5.1 surround sound system may be assembled by connecting the soundbar to a Sonos Sub and two Sonos One or Sonos One SL speakers.
Competitors Comparison
Here’s how the Beam Gen. 2 stacks up against some of its top competitors:
- Bose Smart Soundbar 700 – The Bose Smart Soundbar 700 is popular for those seeking a high-end soundbar with voice control capabilities. While the Bose soundbar iѕ more expensive than the Sonos Beam Gen. 2, it offers similar features, including support for Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants. The Bose soundbar does not support Dolby Atmos, a notable disadvantage compared to the Beam Gen. 2.
- Yamaha YAS-209 – The Yamaha YAS-209 is another popular soundbar that offers a range of features at an affordable price point. While the YAS-209 is not аs feature-rich, it supports Amazon Alexa voice control and DTS Virtual:X technology for a virtual surround sound experience. However, the YAS-209 lacks support for Dolby Atmos, a significant disadvantage compared to the Beam Gen. 2.
- LG SN11RG – The LG SN11RG is a high-end soundbar that offers support for Dolby Atmos, similar to the Sonos Beam Gen. 2. The LG soundbar is significantly more expensive, making it less accessible to those on a budget. The LG soundbar does not offer built-in voice control, which may disadvantage some users.
Conclusion
The Sonos Beam Gen. 2 is a fantastic soundbar that excels in many ways. Dolby Atmos, an abundance of connectivity choices, and integrated voice assistants combine to make this a powerful and adaptable device that may improve your experience with movies, music, and video games.
This isn’t the cheapest soundbar, but it provides a high-quality listening experience tо pleases even the most critical music and movie buffs. Its modern appearance and sturdy construction make it an attractive addition to any home theater. Its interoperability with other Sonos devices enables a full multi-room audio system to be installed.
