The world of home audio has witnessed a significant shift in recent years, with compact soundbars and smart speakers taking center stage. Sonos, a pioneer in the audio industry, has been at the forefront of this revolution. Their Beam soundbar, released in 2018, was a game-changer, offering a sleek, compact design and impressive sound quality. Fast forward to 2022, and Sonos has unveiled the Beam Gen 2, promising enhanced performance, new features, and improved compatibility. But the question on everyone’s mind is: is it worth upgrading to the Sonos Beam Gen 2?
The Original Sonos Beam: A Recap
Before diving into the Gen 2, it’s essential to understand the original Sonos Beam’s strengths and weaknesses. Released in 2018, the Beam was designed to be a compact, affordable, and easy-to-use soundbar that could seamlessly integrate with the Sonos ecosystem. It featured:
- A sleek, compact design that could fit effortlessly under most TVs
- Support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless music streaming
- A surprisingly robust sound profile, despite its small size
- Compatibility with Sonos’ vast library of music services
- A reasonable price point, making it an attractive option for those seeking a premium soundbar experience
Despite its many advantages, the original Beam did have some limitations. The sound quality, while impressive, was not quite on par with larger soundbars. The compact design also meant limited bass response, which might be a drawback for those who crave deep, rumbling lows. Additionally, the Beam’s Alexa integration was limited, with some users experiencing connectivity issues.
What’s New in the Sonos Beam Gen 2?
So, what does the Sonos Beam Gen 2 bring to the table? Sonos has addressed many of the original’s shortcomings, while introducing several exciting new features:
- Dolby Atmos Support: The Beam Gen 2 now supports Dolby Atmos, a technology that adds a third dimension to sound, creating a more immersive listening experience. This is a significant upgrade, as Dolby Atmos was previously only available on higher-end Sonos soundbars.
- Enhanced Processing Power: The Gen 2 boasts faster processing power, which enables more efficient handling of audio signals, resulting in improved sound quality and reduced latency.
- Improved Alexa Integration: Sonos has refined Alexa integration, allowing for more seamless voice control and expanded capabilities, such as the ability to adjust TV volume and control other smart devices.
- Expanded Compatibility: The Beam Gen 2 is now compatible with more music services, including Apple Music, and features improved support for multi-room audio.
- Refined Design: The Gen 2’s design has been tweaked, with a new grille pattern and a more seamless integration with Sonos’ other products.
Sound Quality: Has it Improved?
One of the most critical aspects of any soundbar is its sound quality. The original Beam was praised for its surprisingly robust sound, considering its compact size. So, has the Gen 2 improved upon this?
The answer is a resounding yes. The Beam Gen 2’s sound quality is noticeably better than its predecessor’s. The addition of Dolby Atmos support has elevated the listening experience, with a more immersive and engaging soundstage. Bass response, while still limited by the soundbar’s compact design, is tighter and more controlled.
Music and dialogue are now more distinct, with clearer separation between instruments and voices. The soundbar’s ability to accurately render sound effects, such as the rustling of leaves or the rumble of thunder, is impressive, creating a more engaging and realistic audio experience.
Comparison to Other Soundbars
How does the Beam Gen 2’s sound quality compare to other soundbars in its class? In terms of sheer sound quality, the Gen 2 holds its own against more expensive soundbars, such as the Sonos Arc or the Bose Home Speaker 500. However, it’s essential to remember that the Beam Gen 2 is a compact soundbar designed for smaller spaces, whereas larger soundbars often provide a more expansive soundstage and deeper bass.
That being said, the Beam Gen 2’s sound quality is still remarkable, considering its compact size and affordable price point. It’s an excellent option for those seeking a high-quality soundbar that won’t break the bank or overwhelm their living space.
Is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 Worth the Upgrade?
So, is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 worth the upgrade? The answer depends on several factors:
- Current Beam Owners: If you already own the original Beam and are satisfied with its performance, there might not be a compelling reason to upgrade. However, if you value the improved sound quality, Dolby Atmos support, and enhanced Alexa integration, the Gen 2 might be worth considering.
- New Buyers: If you’re in the market for a compact soundbar with impressive sound quality and seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem, the Beam Gen 2 is an excellent choice.
- Those Seeking Dolby Atmos: If you’re specifically looking for a compact soundbar with Dolby Atmos support, the Beam Gen 2 is currently one of the most affordable options on the market.
In conclusion, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering improved sound quality, enhanced features, and refined design. While it might not be a must-have upgrade for current Beam owners, new buyers or those seeking a compact soundbar with Dolby Atmos support will find the Gen 2 an attractive option.
| Feature | Sonos Beam Gen 1 | Sonos Beam Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos Support | No | Yes |
| Processing Power | Single-Core Processor | Dual-Core Processor |
| Alexa Integration | Limited | Enhanced |
What are the key upgrades in the Sonos Beam Gen 2?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 comes with several significant upgrades compared to its predecessor. One of the most notable upgrades is the addition of Dolby Atmos support, which provides a more immersive audio experience. The Gen 2 also features improved HDMI eARC connectivity, increased processing power, and enhanced dialogue clarity. Additionally, the new model supports NFC pairing, making it easier to connect to your devices.
These upgrades aim to provide a more cinematic experience, making the Sonos Beam Gen 2 a more attractive option for those who want a high-quality soundbar for their TVs. The improvements also make it a more future-proof device, as it can take advantage of the latest audio technologies. However, the question remains whether these upgrades are worth the additional cost.
Is the Dolby Atmos support a significant improvement?
The addition of Dolby Atmos support is a significant upgrade in the Sonos Beam Gen 2. Dolby Atmos is an audio technology that allows for more precise sound placement, creating a more immersive experience. With Dolby Atmos, the soundbar can simulate the height of sound, making it feel like the audio is coming from above, in addition to the standard left and right channels. This adds depth and dimension to the audio, making it feel more engaging and realistic.
However, it’s worth noting that to fully take advantage of Dolby Atmos, you’ll need content that supports the technology. Currently, not all movies and TV shows are available in Dolby Atmos, but the list of supported content is growing. Additionally, you’ll need a TV that supports HDMI eARC to pass through the Dolby Atmos signal. If your TV doesn’t support eARC, you won’t be able to take advantage of the feature.
How does the Sonos Beam Gen 2 compare to other soundbars in its class?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact soundbar designed for smaller rooms and TVs. In its class, it competes with other compact soundbars from brands like Bose, Samsung, and Yamaha. Compared to its competitors, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 stands out with its impressive sound quality, compact design, and ease of use. It’s also one of the few soundbars in its class that supports Dolby Atmos.
However, the Gen 2 is also one of the more expensive options in its class, which may make it less attractive to those on a budget. Additionally, some users may find the lack of a dedicated subwoofer to be a drawback, as it can impact the overall bass response. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade to the Sonos Beam Gen 2 will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 worth the upgrade cost for existing Sonos Beam owners?
For existing Sonos Beam owners, the decision to upgrade to the Gen 2 model depends on how important the new features are to you. If you value the improved sound quality, Dolby Atmos support, and enhanced dialogue clarity, the upgrade may be worth the cost. Additionally, if you have a newer TV that supports HDMI eARC, the Gen 2’s improved connectivity may be a significant benefit.
However, if you’re satisfied with your current Sonos Beam’s performance and don’t need the latest and greatest features, it may not be worth the upgrade cost. The original Sonos Beam is still a capable soundbar, and you may be better off waiting for a sale or considering alternative options.
Can I use the Sonos Beam Gen 2 as a music speaker?
While the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is primarily designed as a soundbar for TVs, it can also be used as a music speaker. In fact, the Gen 2’s improved sound quality and Dolby Atmos support make it a great option for music listening. The soundbar can connect to your music streaming services, such as Spotify or Apple Music, and play your favorite tunes.
However, it’s worth noting that the Sonos Beam Gen 2’s design is optimized for TV audio, rather than music. The soundbar’s compact size and lack of a dedicated subwoofer may impact its ability to produce deep bass notes. If you’re looking for a dedicated music speaker, you may want to consider alternative options from Sonos or other brands.
Is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 compatible with my TV?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is compatible with most modern TVs, but there are some exceptions. The soundbar supports HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allow it to connect to your TV and receive audio signals. However, if your TV only has optical audio output, you’ll need to use an adapter or a separate optical audio cable.
It’s also worth noting that some older TVs may not support HDMI ARC or eARC, which could limit the soundbar’s functionality. Be sure to check your TV’s specifications before purchasing the Sonos Beam Gen 2.
What is the warranty and support like for the Sonos Beam Gen 2?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 comes with a standard one-year warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. Additionally, Sonos offers excellent customer support, including online resources, phone support, and in-home support in some areas. Sonos also regularly releases software updates to improve the soundbar’s performance and add new features.
If you experience any issues with your Sonos Beam Gen 2, you can contact Sonos support for assistance. The company is known for its responsive and helpful customer support, which can help you troubleshoot any problems you may encounter.