In the world of audio devices, achieving an immersive sound experience can be a game-changer. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) promises to deliver just that, offering a compact yet powerful solution for your entertainment needs.
Priced at £379.00 and boasting a rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 821 reviews, this soundbar is designed to enrich your audio experience with vibrant bass, crystal clear dialogue, and a panoramic soundstage.
I was initially skeptical about the Sonos Beam (Gen 2), especially after reading mixed reviews. However, after setting it up and optimizing it with the Trueplay technology, my doubts were completely dispelled. The Dolby Atmos feature provided a 3D surround sound effect that was truly impressive.
Using the Sonos app for control was straightforward, though it could use a design update. The audio quality, especially for TV shows and movies, was exceptional. Even though it doesn’t offer full surround sound on its own, adding additional Sonos speakers can create a more immersive experience.
Immersive Sound Quality
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is designed to elevate your entertainment experience with vibrant bass, crystal clear dialogue, and a panoramic soundstage. This compact smart soundbar utilizes advanced audio technology to deliver an impressive 3D surround sound effect, courtesy of Dolby Atmos. Whether you’re watching TV, streaming music, or listening to a podcast, the Beam (Gen 2) promises an immersive audio experience that belies its small size.
Dolby Atmos Integration
One of the standout features of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is its integration with Dolby Atmos, which creates a multi-dimensional sound experience. This technology allows sound to move around you in a three-dimensional space, making you feel like you’re in the middle of the action. Whether it’s the rumble of a car engine or the whisper of the wind, the Beam (Gen 2) ensures that every sound is delivered with precision and depth.
Ease of Setup
Setting up the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a breeze, thanks to its intuitive design and user-friendly app. With only two cables required for installation and smart Trueplay tuning that optimizes the sound for your room, you’ll be enjoying high-quality audio in no time. The setup process is straightforward, and the app provides clear instructions to ensure everything is connected correctly.
Trueplay Tuning
Trueplay tuning is an essential part of getting the best performance out of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2). This feature uses your iPhone to analyze the acoustics of your room and adjust the soundbar’s settings accordingly. The result is a tailored audio experience that accounts for the unique characteristics of your space, delivering optimal sound quality for your specific environment.
Control Options
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) offers multiple control options for your convenience. You can manage your soundbar using the Sonos app, your TV remote, Apple AirPlay 2, or even your voice with built-in voice assistants. This flexibility ensures that you can easily control your audio experience regardless of your preferred method.
App Functionality
The Sonos app is designed to be user-friendly, providing a seamless interface for controlling your Beam (Gen 2) and other Sonos devices. While some users have noted that the app could benefit from a design overhaul, it remains functional and efficient, allowing you to adjust settings, stream content, and manage your sound system with ease.
Audio Quality
The audio quality of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is exceptional, especially considering its compact size. It features five physical speakers, including a center tweeter for clear dialogue, and three passive radiators to enhance low-end effects. The result is a well-balanced sound profile that excels in delivering both dialogue and special effects with clarity and depth.
Music Performance
When it comes to music, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) performs admirably, particularly with HD stereo tracks. It offers excellent timing and a warm sound signature that makes listening to your favorite songs a pleasure. However, it can struggle with Atmos music tracks, which can sound a bit disjointed due to the complexity of the sound mix.
Expandability
One of the key advantages of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is its expandability. You can easily add other Sonos speakers, such as the Sonos One or Sonos Sub, to create a more immersive surround sound system. This modular approach allows you to start with the Beam (Gen 2) and expand your setup over time, providing flexibility and scalability.
Connectivity
While the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) offers excellent wireless connectivity, it lacks additional HDMI inputs, which may be a drawback for some users. This limitation means you’ll need to ensure your TV has enough HDMI ports to accommodate all your devices. Despite this, the Beam (Gen 2) remains a top choice for those seeking a high-quality soundbar with versatile connectivity options.
Pros:
- Exceptional Dolby Atmos surround sound
- Effortless setup with Trueplay tuning
- Versatile control options with app, remote, AirPlay 2, and voice
Cons:
- Setup process can be tricky with certain routers
- Limited to iPhone for Trueplay setup
- Additional cost for full surround sound experience
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Conclusion
Overall, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) stands out as one of the best soundbars in its price range. Its ability to deliver high-quality sound with a compact design makes it a top choice for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience.
While it has some limitations, such as the lack of HDMI inputs and the need for additional speakers for a complete surround sound setup, its performance and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment.
Questions & Answers:
Question: Is the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) compatible with other Sonos speakers?
Answer: Yes, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) can be paired with other Sonos speakers, such as the Sonos One, One SL, or Sonos Five, to create a more immersive surround sound experience.
Question: Does the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) support HDMI inputs?
Answer: No, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) does not support additional HDMI inputs. It connects to your TV using a single HDMI ARC or eARC port.
Question: Can I use the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) to stream music?
Answer: Yes, you can stream music, podcasts, radio, and audiobooks over Wi-Fi when the TV is off using the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, or voice commands.
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