The world of home theater systems is a rapidly evolving one, with new technologies and innovations emerging every year. For fans of Sonos, the decision to upgrade from the Beam to the Arc can be a tricky one. Both soundbars are high-quality products, but they cater to different needs and budgets. In this article, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Sonos Beam and Arc, exploring whether upgrading to the latter is worth the investment.
Understanding the Sonos Beam: A Compact Powerhouse
The Sonos Beam is a compact, affordable soundbar that has won the hearts of many with its impressive performance and sleek design. As one of the smallest soundbars on the market, it’s perfect for smaller spaces, such as apartments, bedrooms, or home offices. Despite its compact size, the Beam packs a punch, delivering clear, balanced sound with deep bass and crisp highs.
The Beam’s compact design makes it an excellent choice for those with limited space. It’s also a great option for those who want a discreet soundbar that won’t dominate the room. Additionally, the Beam’s affordability makes it an attractive entry-point for those new to the world of home theater systems.
Key Features of the Sonos Beam
Some of the Beam’s key features include:
- Compact design: The Beam is one of the smallest soundbars available, making it perfect for tight spaces.
- Affordable: The Beam is an entry-level soundbar, making it an accessible option for those on a budget.
- Clear sound: Despite its small size, the Beam delivers clear, balanced sound with deep bass and crisp highs.
- Alexa and Google Assistant built-in: The Beam comes with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant built-in, allowing for seamless voice control.
- Easy setup: The Beam is simple to set up, with a straightforward app-based process that has you up and running in no time.
Introducing the Sonos Arc: A Premium Sound Experience
The Sonos Arc is a more recent addition to the Sonos family, and it’s clear that the company has pulled out all the stops to create a truly premium sound experience. The Arc is a larger, more advanced soundbar than the Beam, with a focus on delivering a more immersive, cinematic experience.
Key Features of the Sonos Arc
Some of the Arc’s key features include:
- Larger design: The Arc is a larger soundbar than the Beam, with a more substantial presence in the room.
- Immersive sound: The Arc is designed to deliver a more immersive sound experience, with a focus on dolby atmos and 3D audio.
- Enhanced bass: The Arc has a more powerful bass response than the Beam, making it better suited to larger spaces.
- 11 Class-D digital amplifiers: The Arc has 11 Class-D digital amplifiers, which provide more power and clarity than the Beam.
- support for Dolby Atmos and 3D audio: The Arc is capable of decoding and playing back Dolby Atmos and 3D audio, creating a more cinematic experience.
Upgrade or Not? The Key Differences Between the Beam and Arc
So, what are the key differences between the Beam and Arc that might make upgrading worthwhile?
Size and Design
The most immediate difference between the Beam and Arc is their size and design. The Beam is a compact, discreet soundbar, while the Arc is larger and more substantial. If you have a smaller space, the Beam might still be the better choice. However, if you have a larger room or want a more prominent soundbar, the Arc might be the better option.
Sound Quality
The Arc is clearly the more advanced soundbar when it comes to sound quality. The Arc’s larger design and more powerful amplifiers allow it to deliver a more immersive, cinematic experience. The Arc also has a more powerful bass response, making it better suited to larger spaces. If sound quality is your top priority, the Arc might be worth the upgrade.
Additional Features
The Arc also has some additional features that might make upgrading worthwhile. The Arc has support for Dolby Atmos and 3D audio, which can create a more immersive experience. The Arc also has more advanced calibration features, such as the ability to optimize the soundbar for your specific room.
Is It Worth Upgrading from the Beam to the Arc?
So, is it worth upgrading from the Beam to the Arc? The answer depends on your specific needs and priorities.
If You Prioritize Sound Quality
If sound quality is your top priority, the Arc might be worth the upgrade. The Arc’s more advanced sound capabilities and support for Dolby Atmos and 3D audio make it a more immersive experience.
If You Have a Larger Space
If you have a larger space, the Arc might be a better fit. The Arc’s more powerful bass response and larger design make it better suited to larger rooms.
If You’re on a Budget
If you’re on a budget, the Beam might still be the better choice. The Beam is a more affordable option, and it still delivers excellent sound quality.
Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Ultimately, whether or not it’s worth upgrading from the Beam to the Arc depends on your specific needs and priorities. If sound quality is your top priority, or you have a larger space, the Arc might be the better choice. However, if you’re on a budget, or have a smaller space, the Beam might still be the better option.
Before making a decision, consider the following:
- Your budget: If you’re on a tight budget, the Beam might be the more affordable option.
- Your space: If you have a smaller space, the Beam might be the better fit.
- Your priorities: If sound quality is your top priority, the Arc might be worth the upgrade.
By weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision about whether upgrading from the Beam to the Arc is right for you.
What are the main differences between Sonos Beam and Sonos Arc?
The Sonos Beam and Sonos Arc are both soundbars from the same brand, but they cater to different needs and budgets. The Sonos Beam is a compact, more affordable option that’s perfect for smaller rooms and TVs. It’s a great choice for those who want a simple, easy-to-use soundbar that still packs a punch. On the other hand, the Sonos Arc is a more premium soundbar designed for larger rooms and TVs. It offers a more immersive audio experience with its larger size and additional drivers.
The Sonos Arc also supports Dolby Atmos, which provides a more three-dimensional sound field, making it feel like the audio is coming from above and around you. If you have a larger room or want a more cinematic experience, the Sonos Arc is the better choice. However, if you’re short on space or budget, the Sonos Beam is still a great option.
Is the Sonos Arc worth the upgrade from the Sonos Beam?
If you already own a Sonos Beam and are happy with its performance, you might not need to upgrade to the Sonos Arc. The Beam is still a great soundbar that provides excellent sound quality, especially for its size and price. However, if you’re looking for a more immersive audio experience or have a larger room, the Sonos Arc might be worth the investment. The Arc’s additional drivers and Dolby Atmos support make it a more premium product that’s worth considering if you want the best possible sound quality.
That being said, the decision to upgrade ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re happy with your current Beam and don’t need or want the additional features of the Arc, there’s no need to upgrade. But if you’re looking for a more cinematic experience or want the latest and greatest from Sonos, the Arc is definitely worth considering.
What are the advantages of upgrading to the Sonos Arc?
Upgrading to the Sonos Arc from the Beam provides several advantages. Firstly, the Arc offers a more immersive audio experience thanks to its larger size and additional drivers. This means you’ll get a more detailed and engaging sound that draws you into the action. Secondly, the Arc supports Dolby Atmos, which adds a new dimension to your audio experience. You’ll feel like the sound is coming from above and around you, making it a more cinematic experience.
Another advantage of the Arc is its larger size, which allows it to produce more bass and volume. This makes it a better choice for larger rooms or those who like to listen to their music loud. Additionally, the Arc has a more sleek and modern design that looks great in any room. Overall, the Arc is a more premium product that offers a more advanced audio experience and a more stylish design.
Are there any downsides to upgrading to the Sonos Arc?
While the Sonos Arc is a more premium product than the Beam, there are some downsides to consider. Firstly, the Arc is more expensive than the Beam, which might be a barrier for some budgets. Secondly, the Arc is larger and heavier than the Beam, which might make it more difficult to place in smaller rooms or on smaller TVs. Additionally, the Arc requires a more complex setup process, which might be intimidating for those who are new to soundbars.
Another potential downside is that the Arc might not be compatible with all TVs, especially older models. You’ll need to check your TV’s compatibility before making the upgrade. Finally, some users might find that the Arc’s larger size and additional features are overkill for their needs. If you’re happy with the Beam’s performance and don’t need the extra features, it might not be worth the upgrade.
Can I use the Sonos Arc with my existing Sonos speakers?
Yes, the Sonos Arc is fully compatible with other Sonos speakers, making it easy to integrate into your existing Sonos system. You can use the Arc as a centerpiece for your home theater setup and connect it to other Sonos speakers, such as the Sonos One or Sonos Five, to create a whole-home audio system. The Arc also supports Sonos’ Trueplay feature, which allows you to customize the sound of your speakers to fit your room’s acoustics.
The Arc also supports Sonos’ multi-room audio feature, which lets you control multiple speakers from different rooms using the Sonos app. This makes it easy to create a seamless audio experience throughout your home. Whether you’re listening to music, watching TV, or playing games, the Arc integrates perfectly with other Sonos speakers to provide a premium audio experience.
How do I set up my Sonos Arc?
Setting up your Sonos Arc is relatively straightforward, but it does require a few more steps than the Beam. Firstly, you’ll need to download the Sonos app and follow the in-app instructions to connect your Arc to your Wi-Fi network. You’ll then need to connect your Arc to your TV using an HDMI cable, and configure the TV’s audio settings to output to the Arc.
Once you’ve connected your Arc, you’ll need to use the Sonos app to configure the speaker’s settings, such as setting up Trueplay and customizing the sound to fit your room’s acoustics. You might also need to update the Arc’s software, which can be done through the app. Overall, the setup process is still relatively easy, but it does require a few more steps than the Beam.
Is the Sonos Arc a good choice for music listening?
While the Sonos Arc is primarily marketed as a home theater soundbar, it’s also an excellent choice for music listening. The Arc’s larger size and additional drivers provide a more detailed and engaging sound that’s perfect for music. You’ll get clear and crispy highs, detailed midrange, and deep bass that adds depth and rhythm to your music.
The Arc also supports a wide range of music services, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music, making it easy to stream your favorite tunes. Additionally, the Arc’s multi-room audio feature lets you control multiple speakers from different rooms, making it easy to create a seamless music experience throughout your home. Whether you’re listening to classical, rock, or hip-hop, the Arc delivers a premium music experience that’s sure to impress.