When it comes to home audio systems, Sonos is a name that needs no introduction. The company has been a pioneer in the field, offering a range of high-quality speakers that promise to elevate your music-listening experience. One of their most popular offerings is the Sonos Beam, a compact soundbar that has taken the world by storm. But the question remains – is Sonos Beam good enough?
Aesthetics and Design
The first thing that strikes you about the Sonos Beam is its sleek and compact design. Measuring just 25.6 inches wide and 3.9 inches tall, it’s the perfect addition to any living room, without taking up too much space. The soundbar is available in two colors – white and black – both of which blend seamlessly with any interior decor.
The Beam’s minimalist design is a testament to Sonos’ commitment to simplicity and elegance. The device features a lightweight and sturdy construction, with a matte finish that reduces fingerprints and smudges. The front grille is made of a subtle hexagonal pattern, which adds a touch of sophistication to the overall design.
Sound Quality: The Real Test
While aesthetics are important, the true test of any soundbar lies in its sound quality. And this is where the Sonos Beam truly shines. Despite its compact size, the Beam packs a punch when it comes to sound reproduction.
The soundbar features five class-D digital amplifiers, which work in tandem to produce clear and balanced sound. The high-frequency tweeters are designed to produce crisp and clear highs, while the mid-range woofers deliver warm and rich mid-tones. The bass, while not earth-shaking, is surprisingly robust considering the device’s size.
One of the standout features of the Sonos Beam is its ability to elevate dialogue. The soundbar’s speech enhancement feature uses advanced algorithms to identify and amplify human voices, making it easier to understand what’s being said. This feature is particularly useful for TV shows and movies, where dialogue can often get lost in the background noise.
Smart Features Galore
The Sonos Beam is more than just a soundbar – it’s a smart device that integrates seamlessly with your existing smart home setup. The device comes with built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control your music, TV, and other smart devices with just your voice.
The Beam also supports Apple’s AirPlay 2, which means you can stream music and podcasts from your iPhone or iPad with ease. And with Sonos’ proprietary Trueplay technology, you can fine-tune the soundbar’s settings to optimize its performance in any room.
Multi-Room Audio: The Sonos Advantage
One of the key benefits of the Sonos Beam is its ability to integrate with other Sonos devices. With the Sonos app, you can create a multi-room audio system that spans your entire home. This means you can play the same song in every room, or have different songs playing in different rooms – the choice is yours.
The Sonos ecosystem is incredibly vast, with devices ranging from the compact Sonos One to the powerful Sonos Playbase. And with the Beam, you can add another dimension to your multi-room audio setup, creating an immersive audio experience that follows you wherever you go.
Setup and Control
Setting up the Sonos Beam is a breeze, thanks to the intuitive Sonos app. The app guides you through a simple setup process, which involves connecting the device to your Wi-Fi network and pairing it with your TV.
The app also allows you to customize your soundbar’s settings, including the ability to adjust the treble and bass levels to your liking. You can also set up custom voice commands, which allows you to control your TV and other smart devices with ease.
Comparison to Other Soundbars
The Sonos Beam is not the only soundbar on the market, and there are several other options available in the same price range. One of the closest competitors is the Bose Home Speaker 500, which offers a similar set of features and sound quality.
However, the Sonos Beam has a few key advantages over the Bose Home Speaker 500. Firstly, the Beam is significantly more compact, making it easier to place in tight spaces. Secondly, the Beam’s dialogue enhancement feature is more advanced, making it a better option for TV shows and movies.
Another key competitor is the Samsung HW-Q90R, which offers a more traditional soundbar design. While the HW-Q90R offers better sound quality overall, it’s also significantly larger and more expensive than the Sonos Beam.
Verdict: Is Sonos Beam Good Enough?
So, is the Sonos Beam good enough? In short, yes. The device offers an incredible combination of sound quality, smart features, and compact design, making it the perfect addition to any living room.
While it may not be the most powerful soundbar on the market, the Beam’s unique set of features and its ability to integrate with other Sonos devices make it a compelling option for anyone looking to upgrade their home audio setup.
In conclusion, the Sonos Beam is a game-changer in the world of soundbars. Its compact design, impressive sound quality, and smart features make it the perfect device for anyone looking to elevate their music-listening experience. And with its ability to integrate with other Sonos devices, the Beam is an investment that will only get better with time.
So, if you’re in the market for a new soundbar, do yourself a favor and give the Sonos Beam a try. You won’t be disappointed.
What is the Sonos Beam and how does it compare to other Sonos speakers?
The Sonos Beam is a compact smart soundbar designed to upgrade your TV’s audio experience. It’s a more affordable and compact alternative to Sonos’ other soundbars, like the Sonos Playbar or Sonos Playbase. The Beam is smaller, more stylish, and easy to set up, making it a great option for those who want a hassle-free way to enhance their TV’s sound.
In terms of performance, the Beam is no slouch. It packs five Class-D digital amplifiers, four full-range woofers, and one tweeter, delivering clear and balanced sound that’s perfect for TV shows, movies, and music. While it may not have the same raw power as some of Sonos’ other speakers, the Beam is more than capable of filling a small to medium-sized room with high-quality sound.
Is the Sonos Beam suitable for large rooms or parties?
The Sonos Beam is best suited for small to medium-sized rooms, rather than large spaces or parties. Its compact design and driver configuration are optimized for smaller areas, making it perfect for apartments, dorm rooms, or home theaters. While it can still produce respectable volume levels, it may struggle to fill very large spaces or keep up with loud gatherings.
That being said, if you’re looking for a speaker that can handle larger rooms or more energetic gatherings, Sonos has other options that might be a better fit. For example, the Sonos Playbar or Sonos Playbase are more powerful and can handle bigger spaces, while the Sonos One or Sonos Five are better suited for parties and loud gatherings.
How easy is it to set up and use the Sonos Beam?
Setting up the Sonos Beam is incredibly easy. Simply plug it into a power outlet, connect it to your TV via HDMI, and follow the in-app instructions to pair it with your Wi-Fi network. The Beam comes with an intuitive remote control, and you can also control it using the Sonos app on your smartphone or tablet.
In terms of usage, the Beam is incredibly user-friendly. You can play music, podcasts, or audiobooks directly from the app, or use voice commands with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant (built-in). The Beam also supports Apple AirPlay 2, so you can easily stream audio from your iPhone or iPad.
Can I use the Sonos Beam as a standalone music speaker?
While the Sonos Beam is primarily designed as a TV soundbar, it can also function as a standalone music speaker. You can play music, podcasts, or audiobooks directly from the Sonos app, and the Beam’s compact design makes it a great option for small rooms or offices.
In terms of music quality, the Beam holds its own against other Sonos speakers. It delivers clear, detailed sound with good bass response, making it a great choice for casual music listening. However, if you’re looking for a more immersive music experience, you may want to consider pairing the Beam with a Sonos Sub or adding other Sonos speakers to create a more robust system.
Is the Sonos Beam compatible with other Sonos speakers?
Yes, the Sonos Beam is fully compatible with other Sonos speakers, making it easy to create a whole-home audio system. You can pair the Beam with other Sonos speakers, such as the Sonos One or Sonos Five, to create a multi-room audio setup.
Using the Sonos app, you can group the Beam with other Sonos speakers to play the same music in multiple rooms, or use the app to control each speaker individually. This makes it easy to create a seamless audio experience throughout your home, with the Beam serving as a central hub for your TV and music needs.
What are the main differences between the Sonos Beam and other compact soundbars?
The Sonos Beam stands out from other compact soundbars due to its compact design, high-quality sound, and sleek aesthetic. While other compact soundbars may offer similar features, the Beam’s slim profile and wireless connectivity make it a more convenient and flexible option.
Additionally, the Beam’s integration with the Sonos ecosystem and support for multiple voice assistants set it apart from other compact soundbars. The Beam is also designed to work seamlessly with your TV, making it an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their TV’s audio without breaking the bank.
Is the Sonos Beam worth the investment?
The Sonos Beam is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a compact, high-quality soundbar that can also function as a standalone music speaker. While it may not be the most affordable option on the market, the Beam’s sleek design, ease of use, and impressive sound quality make it a solid investment for anyone looking to upgrade their TV’s audio or create a whole-home audio system.
Ultimately, the Beam’s value lies in its versatility, convenience, and overall performance. If you’re already invested in the Sonos ecosystem or looking for a hassle-free way to enhance your TV’s sound, the Beam is an excellent choice.