The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the latest addition to the Sonos family, and it’s got everyone talking. This compact soundbar promises to deliver an immersive audio experience like no other, but is it worth the investment? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the features, specifications, and benefits of the Sonos Beam Gen 2 to help you make an informed decision.
The Evolution of Soundbars
In recent years, soundbars have undergone a significant transformation. Gone are the days of bulky, mediocre-sounding speakers that promised more than they delivered. Today’s soundbars are sleek, compact, and packed with advanced technology that ensures a cinematic audio experience.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a testament to this evolution. This tiny titan packs a punch, delivering crystal-clear sound and impressive bass in a package that’s smaller than a loaf of bread. But what makes it so special?
Design and Build Quality
The first thing you’ll notice about the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is its stunning design. This soundbar exudes sophistication, with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that will complement any living room decor. The compact size (only 25.6 inches wide and 2.7 inches tall) makes it perfect for small to medium-sized rooms.
But don’t let its diminutive size fool you – the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is built to last. The sturdy construction and premium materials ensure that this soundbar will withstand the rigors of daily use. Plus, the matte finish helps to reduce fingerprints and smudges, keeping your speaker looking like new for years to come.
Sound Quality
So, how does the Sonos Beam Gen 2 sound? In a word, incredible. This soundbar boasts five Class-D digital amplifiers, which power four full-range woofers and one tweeter. The result is a rich, immersive audio experience that will leave you breathless.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 excels in several key areas:
- Clear Dialogue: Whether you’re watching a movie or binging your favorite TV show, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 ensures that dialogue is crisp and clear, with no muddling or distortion.
- Deep Bass: Don’t let the compact size fool you – the Sonos Beam Gen 2 packs a serious punch when it comes to bass. You’ll feel the rumble of explosions, the thump of bass drums, and the oomph of cinematic scores.
- Room-Filling Sound: With its advanced Trueplay tuning technology, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 can adapt to your room’s unique acoustics, delivering a sound that’s tailored to your space.
Smart Features
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is more than just a soundbar – it’s a smart speaker that integrates seamlessly with your existing ecosystem. With Alexa and Google Assistant built-in, you can control your entertainment experience with just your voice.
Other smart features include:
- AirPlay 2: Stream music and podcasts from your iPhone or iPad with ease.
- Google Chromecast: Cast your favorite content from Android devices or Chrome browsers.
- Multi-Room Audio: Sync the Sonos Beam Gen 2 with other Sonos speakers to create a whole-home audio experience.
Setup and Connectivity
Setting up the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a breeze, thanks to the intuitive Sonos app. Simply plug in the power cord, connect to your Wi-Fi network, and follow the on-screen instructions.
In terms of connectivity, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 has you covered:
- HDMI ARC: Connect to your TV’s HDMI ARC port for seamless audio and video integration.
- Optical Audio: Connect to your TV or other devices via optical audio for a wired connection.
- Wi-Fi: Stream content wirelessly from your devices using your home Wi-Fi network.
Comparison to Previous Models
So, how does the Sonos Beam Gen 2 stack up against its predecessors? Here are a few key differences:
- Improved Sound Quality: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 boasts enhanced sound quality compared to the original Beam, with more precise dialogue and deeper bass.
- New Design: The Gen 2 features a sleeker, more compact design that’s easier to place in your living room.
- Enhanced Smart Features: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 includes the latest advancements in smart speaker technology, including improved voice assistant integration and multi-room audio capabilities.
Is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 Worth Buying?
So, is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 worth the investment? In our opinion, absolutely. This soundbar offers a unique combination of compact size, stunning design, and incredible sound quality that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Here are a few scenarios where the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is an excellent choice:
- Small to Medium-Sized Rooms: If you have a smaller living room or bedroom, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the perfect solution for a cinematic audio experience.
- TV Enthusiasts: If you’re a TV buff who wants to elevate your viewing experience, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is an excellent choice.
- Music Lovers: With its impressive sound quality and smart features, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is also a great option for music enthusiasts who want to stream their favorite tunes.
| Feature | Sonos Beam Gen 2 |
|---|---|
| Sound Quality | Excellent |
| Design and Build Quality | Superb |
| Smart Features | Advanced |
| Compact Size | Yes |
| Value for Money | Excellent |
In conclusion, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is an exceptional soundbar that’s well worth the investment. With its stunning design, incredible sound quality, and advanced smart features, this compact speaker is the perfect addition to any home theater setup. So, what are you waiting for? Treat yourself to the ultimate audio experience with the Sonos Beam Gen 2.
What is the Sonos Beam Gen 2?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the latest iteration of Sonos’ compact soundbar, designed to enhance your home theater experience. It’s a sleek and compact device that packs a punch when it comes to sound quality, making it perfect for smaller rooms or apartments. With its advanced technology and sleek design, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is an excellent addition to any home theater setup.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 builds upon the success of its predecessor, offering improved sound quality, enhanced features, and seamless integrations with other Sonos devices. It’s also compatible with popular streaming services like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making it easy to control your music and adjust settings using just your voice.
What are the main differences between the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and the original Sonos Beam?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 boasts several significant upgrades over its predecessor, including improved audio quality, enhanced Dialogue Enhancement, and support for Dolby Atmos. The new model also features a more advanced processor, which enables faster and more seamless performance. Additionally, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 comes with a more modern design, featuring a new grille and a more compact footprint.
These upgrades make the Sonos Beam Gen 2 a more capable and immersive soundbar than the original Beam. If you’re looking for a more cinematic experience with clearer dialogue and more detailed sound, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the better choice. However, if you’re on a budget or don’t need the latest features, the original Sonos Beam may still be a great option.
What is Dialogue Enhancement, and how does it work?
Dialogue Enhancement is a feature exclusive to Sonos soundbars, including the Sonos Beam Gen 2. This innovative technology uses advanced algorithms to clarify and enhance dialogue in movies, TV shows, and other content. By isolating and boosting vocal frequencies, Dialogue Enhancement makes it easier to understand what’s being said on screen, even in loud or busy scenes.
In practice, Dialogue Enhancement is incredibly effective. With the feature enabled, you’ll notice that dialogue sounds clearer and more pronounced, making it easier to follow along with your favorite shows and movies. You can adjust the level of Dialogue Enhancement to your liking, and it’s compatible with a wide range of content, including Dolby Atmos and 5.1 surround sound.
Can I use the Sonos Beam Gen 2 with my existing Sonos speakers?
Yes, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is fully compatible with other Sonos speakers, making it easy to create a seamless and immersive home theater experience. You can pair the Sonos Beam Gen 2 with Sonos One, Sonos Playbase, or other Sonos speakers to create a surround sound system that’s tailored to your space.
When paired with other Sonos speakers, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 can act as the central hub of your home theater system. You can adjust the audio settings and control the entire system using the Sonos app, making it easy to customize your listening experience and enjoy your favorite content in stunning sound.
Is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant?
Yes, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making it easy to control your soundbar using just your voice. With Alexa or Google Assistant, you can adjust the volume, play or pause content, and even adjust settings like Dialogue Enhancement or night mode.
Using your preferred virtual assistant, you can also integrate the Sonos Beam Gen 2 with other smart devices in your home, creating a seamless and automated experience. For example, you can use Alexa or Google Assistant to turn on your TV, adjust the lights, and start playing your favorite show – all with just your voice.
What kinds of content is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 compatible with?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is compatible with a wide range of content, including Dolby Atmos, 5.1 surround sound, and stereo audio. It’s also optimized for popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, making it easy to enjoy your favorite shows and movies in stunning sound.
In addition to its compatibility with popular streaming services, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 also supports AirPlay 2, allowing you to stream audio content directly from your Apple devices. With its advanced processing power and support for a wide range of formats, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is an incredibly versatile soundbar that’s ready to handle whatever you throw at it.
What kind of warranty and support does Sonos offer for the Beam Gen 2?
Sonos offers a comprehensive warranty and support program for the Beam Gen 2, including a one-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. If you encounter any issues with your soundbar, you can contact Sonos’ dedicated support team for assistance, which is available 24/7 via phone, email, or online chat.
In addition to its warranty program, Sonos also offers a range of online resources and tutorials to help you get the most out of your Beam Gen 2. From setup guides to troubleshooting tips, Sonos’ support resources are designed to help you quickly and easily resolve any issues you may encounter. With its comprehensive warranty and support program, Sonos has you covered every step of the way.