The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact, sleek, and powerful soundbar that has taken the world of home entertainment by storm. With its release, Sonos aimed to provide an upgraded version of its popular Beam soundbar, addressing some of the concerns of the previous model while maintaining its compact size and affordability. But the question remains: is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 worth it?
Design and Build: A Compact Powerhouse
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 boasts a sleek and compact design that can easily fit into any living room setup. Measuring just 25.6 inches wide, 3.9 inches tall, and 2.7 inches deep, this soundbar is perfect for small to medium-sized rooms. Its compact size belies its impressive audio capabilities, thanks to its carefully engineered design.
The Beam Gen 2’s design has been tweaked to improve its overall aesthetic appeal. The soundbar now features a more premium-looking grille, which not only looks sleeker but also helps to reduce sound diffraction. The device also comes with a built-in LED indicator that provides visual cues for voice commands, making it easier to use.
Durability and Build Quality
Sonos is known for its attention to detail when it comes to build quality, and the Beam Gen 2 is no exception. The soundbar’s chassis is made from high-quality plastic, which provides a solid and sturdy feel. The device also features a durable fabric grille that can withstand the rigors of daily use.
Sound Quality: Where the Magic Happens
The Sonos Beam Gen 2’s sound quality is where it truly shines. This compact soundbar is capable of producing rich, detailed, and immersive audio that will transport you to a world of cinematic bliss.
The Beam Gen 2 features five Class-D digital amplifiers, each driving a distinct speaker component. This setup allows for a more precise and nuanced sound reproduction, with clear highs, detailed midrange, and deep bass. The soundbar’s proprietary Trueplay technology also ensures that the audio is optimized for your specific room, taking into account factors like speaker placement and room acoustics.
Bass Response: Does It Deliver?
One of the biggest concerns with compact soundbars is their ability to produce decent bass response. The Sonos Beam Gen 2, however, is capable of delivering surprisingly robust bass, thanks to its dedicated woofer and clever tuning. While it may not rumble as much as a larger soundbar or a separate subwoofer, the Beam Gen 2’s bass response is more than adequate for its size and class.
Smart Features: Voice Control and Multi-Room Audio
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a smart soundbar that integrates seamlessly with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Using voice commands, you can control the soundbar, play music, adjust the volume, and even turn it off.
The Beam Gen 2 is also part of Sonos’ larger ecosystem, allowing for effortless multi-room audio. This means you can connect multiple Sonos devices in different rooms, creating a seamless audio experience that follows you throughout your home.
AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast Built-In
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 also features built-in support for Apple’s AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast. This allows for easy streaming from your favorite devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Android devices.
Setup and Configuration: A Breeze
Setting up the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. The soundbar comes with a simple and intuitive app that guides you through the entire setup process.
The app also provides access to a range of settings and features, including EQ settings, night mode, and dialog enhancement. These features allow you to fine-tune the soundbar’s performance to your liking, ensuring that your audio experience is tailored to your specific needs.
Value for Money: Is It Worth the Investment?
So, is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 worth it? The answer lies in its unique combination of compact size, impressive sound quality, and smart features.
At $449, the Beam Gen 2 offers exceptional value for its price. It’s a soundbar that can provide an immersive audio experience, integrate seamlessly with your smart devices, and even control your TV. When compared to other soundbars in its class, the Beam Gen 2 is a clear winner.
Alternatives: How Does It Stack Up?
If you’re considering alternatives to the Sonos Beam Gen 2, there are a few options worth exploring. The Bose Home Speaker 500, for example, offers similar smart features and compact design, but may lack the Beam Gen 2’s audio punch. The Yamaha YAS-209, on the other hand, provides better bass response but may not match the Beam Gen 2’s overall audio quality.
| Soundbar | Price | Size | Smart Features | Bass Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos Beam Gen 2 | $449 | Compact | Voice control, multi-room audio | Decent |
| Bose Home Speaker 500 | $549 | Compact | Voice control, multi-room audio | Average |
| Yamaha YAS-209 | $399 | Slim | Voice control, multi-room audio | Better |
Conclusion: A Compact Powerhouse Worth Considering
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact soundbar that packs a punch. With its impressive sound quality, smart features, and compact design, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their home entertainment experience.
If you’re looking for a soundbar that’s compact, smart, and sounds great, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is definitely worth considering. While it may not be perfect, its unique combination of features and performance make it a compelling option in the world of soundbars.
So, is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 worth it? The answer is a resounding yes.
What is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and how does it differ from its predecessor?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is an updated version of the original Sonos Beam, a compact soundbar designed to provide high-quality audio in a small package. The new generation boasts several improvements, including enhanced audio processing, improved dialog clarity, and support for Dolby Atmos and HDMI eARC. Additionally, the Gen 2 model has a sleeker design and is available in two colors: black and white.
The main differences between the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and its predecessor lie in its audio capabilities and connectivity options. The new model features a more advanced audio processor, which enables it to handle more complex audio formats like Dolby Atmos. It also has an HDMI eARC port, which allows for higher-quality audio transmission from compatible TVs and devices. Furthermore, the Gen 2 model has improved dialogue clarity, making it easier to understand conversations in TV shows and movies.
What are the key features of the Sonos Beam Gen 2?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact soundbar that packs a punch when it comes to audio quality. It features five Class-D digital amplifiers, four full-range woofers, one tweeter, and three passive radiators. It supports Dolby Atmos, HDMI eARC, and Apple AirPlay 2, making it compatible with a wide range of devices. The soundbar also has built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing for hands-free control.
In addition to its audio capabilities, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is compact and sleek, making it easy to place on a TV stand or shelf. It’s also wall-mountable, giving users more flexibility in terms of placement. The soundbar is controlled using the Sonos app, which allows for easy setup, customization, and control. Furthermore, the Gen 2 model has a LED indicator that can be turned off, making it suitable for bedroom use.
How does the Sonos Beam Gen 2 compare to other soundbars in its class?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact soundbar that competes with other models like the Bose Home Speaker 500 and the Samsung HW-S60A. While these soundbars offer similar features and audio quality, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 stands out with its support for Dolby Atmos and HDMI eARC. It’s also one of the most compact soundbars in its class, making it ideal for small to medium-sized rooms.
In terms of audio quality, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is on par with its competitors, offering clear and detailed sound with good bass response. However, it may not be as loud as some other soundbars, which can be a limitation for larger rooms. Overall, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a great option for those looking for a compact, feature-rich soundbar with excellent audio quality.
Is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 compatible with my TV?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is compatible with most modern TVs that have an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or HDMI eARC port. It’s also compatible with TVs that have Optical audio output. However, it’s essential to check your TV’s specifications to ensure compatibility, as some older TVs may not have the necessary ports.
In addition to TV compatibility, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is also compatible with a wide range of devices, including gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices like Apple TV and Roku. It’s also compatible with Sonos’ own ecosystem of speakers, allowing for whole-home audio integration.
Can I use the Sonos Beam Gen 2 as a smart speaker?
Yes, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 can be used as a smart speaker, thanks to its built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support. This allows users to control the soundbar with voice commands, play music, and access information like news, weather, and more. The soundbar also supports Apple AirPlay 2, making it easy to stream music from Apple devices.
In addition to its smart speaker capabilities, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 can also be paired with other Sonos speakers to create a whole-home audio system. This allows users to control and play music across multiple rooms, making it a great option for those who want a seamless audio experience throughout their home.
What is the warranty and support like for the Sonos Beam Gen 2?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. Sonos also offers dedicated customer support, which includes online resources, phone support, and email support. Additionally, the company has a comprehensive website with FAQs, tutorials, and troubleshooting guides to help users get the most out of their soundbar.
In terms of software updates, Sonos is known for regularly releasing updates that add new features and improve performance. The company also has a strong community of users and developers, which can be a valuable resource for troubleshooting and getting tips on how to use the soundbar.
Is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 worth the investment?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a worthwhile investment for those looking for a compact, feature-rich soundbar with excellent audio quality. Its support for Dolby Atmos and HDMI eARC make it a great option for those with compatible TVs and devices. Additionally, its sleek design, compact size, and wall-mountable option make it easy to place in any room.
While the Sonos Beam Gen 2 may not be the cheapest soundbar on the market, its performance, features, and build quality make it a great value for the price. Furthermore, its compatibility with other Sonos speakers and devices makes it a great option for those looking to build a whole-home audio system.