With the rise of smart speakers and soundbars, consumers are spoiled for choice when it comes to immersive audio experiences in the comfort of their own homes. Two popular options from Sonos, a renowned brand in the audio industry, are the Sonos Beam and Sonos Ray. While both devices are designed to provide high-quality sound, the question remains: Is Sonos Beam louder than Sonos Ray? In this article, we’ll delve into the specifications, features, and performance of both devices to provide a comprehensive answer.
Understanding the Sonos Beam and Sonos Ray
Before we dive into the loudness comparison, it’s essential to understand the unique characteristics of each device.
Sonos Beam
The Sonos Beam is a compact smart soundbar designed for small to medium-sized rooms. It’s a sleek, compact device that measures just 25.6 inches wide and 3.9 inches tall. The Beam is equipped with four Class-D digital amplifiers, one tweeter, three passive radiators, and three far-field microphones. This soundbar supports multi-room audio, allowing users to synchronize music playback across multiple Sonos devices.
Sonos Ray
The Sonos Ray is a compact soundbar designed specifically for smaller spaces, such as apartments, dorm rooms, or small TV setups. It’s even more compact than the Beam, measuring 22 inches wide and 3.74 inches tall. The Ray features two Class-D digital amplifiers, two tweeters, and two bass reflex ports. Like the Beam, the Ray supports multi-room audio and is compatible with a wide range of streaming services.
Sound Quality and Loudness Comparison
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each device, let’s examine their sound quality and loudness.
Frequency Response and Driver Size
The Sonos Beam has a frequency response of 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz, which covers the entire audible spectrum. Its larger driver size (4.3 inches) allows it to produce more bass and mid-range frequencies, making it suitable for music and movie lovers. In contrast, the Sonos Ray has a frequency response of 50 Hz to 20,000 Hz, which is still impressive but not as comprehensive as the Beam’s. The Ray’s smaller driver size (2.5 inches) limits its ability to produce deep bass notes.
Max SPL and Power Output
The maximum sound pressure level (SPL) measures the loudness of a speaker. The Sonos Beam has a max SPL of 100 dB, while the Sonos Ray has a max SPL of 95 dB. This difference is notable, as the Beam can produce louder sounds than the Ray. In terms of power output, the Beam has a total power output of 40 watts (10 watts per channel), whereas the Ray has a total power output of 20 watts (10 watts per channel).
Real-World Performance
In practice, the Sonos Beam tends to produce a more immersive audio experience, thanks to its larger driver size and higher power output. The Beam is capable of filling larger rooms with rich, detailed sound, making it a great choice for home theaters or music enthusiasts. The Sonos Ray, while still a capable soundbar, is better suited for smaller spaces or background listening.
Other Key Differences
Beyond sound quality and loudness, there are some key differences between the Sonos Beam and Sonos Ray.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both devices have HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and optical audio inputs, allowing them to connect to TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices. However, the Beam has an additional HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) input, which supports higher-quality audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The Ray, on the other hand, only supports eARC through an HDMI adapter (sold separately).
Smart Features and Voice Control
Both devices have built-in microphones for smart voice control using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. However, the Beam has more advanced smart features, including Apple AirPlay 2 support, which allows for seamless music streaming from Apple devices.
Price and Value
The Sonos Ray is significantly more affordable than the Sonos Beam, with a price difference of around $100. While the Ray offers excellent value for its price, the Beam’s advanced features and superior sound quality justify its higher cost.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Sonos Beam is indeed louder than the Sonos Ray, thanks to its larger driver size, higher power output, and more comprehensive frequency response. While the Ray is an excellent compact soundbar for smaller spaces, the Beam provides a more immersive audio experience, making it a better choice for those seeking a premium soundbar for home theaters or music enthusiasts.
However, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing between these devices. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for a small room, the Sonos Ray is an excellent choice. But if you’re willing to invest in a more advanced soundbar with superior sound quality and smart features, the Sonos Beam is the better option.
| Feature | Sonos Beam | Sonos Ray |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Response | 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz | 50 Hz to 20,000 Hz |
| Driver Size | 4.3 inches | 2.5 inches |
| Max SPL | 100 dB | 95 dB |
| Power Output | 40 watts (10 watts per channel) | 20 watts (10 watts per channel) |
| Connectivity | HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC, Optical Audio | HDMI ARC, Optical Audio (eARC through adapter) |
Whether you choose the Sonos Beam or Sonos Ray, you can rest assured that you’ll be enjoying high-quality sound from a reputable brand in the audio industry.
What is the main difference between Sonos Beam and Sonos Ray?
The main difference between Sonos Beam and Sonos Ray is their size and design. Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar that measures 25.6 inches wide, 3.9 inches high, and 2.7 inches deep, making it a great option for smaller rooms or TVs. On the other hand, Sonos Ray is an even smaller soundbar that measures 22 inches wide, 3.7 inches high, and 2.1 inches deep, making it perfect for tiny spaces or secondary TVs.
While both soundbars share similar features, the Beam has a more comprehensive set of features, including HDMI eARC support, built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and support for Apple AirPlay 2. The Ray, on the other hand, focuses on delivering high-quality sound in a compact package, making it an excellent option for those who want a straightforward, easy-to-use soundbar.
Which soundbar is louder, Sonos Beam or Sonos Ray?
The Sonos Beam is slightly louder than the Sonos Ray. The Beam has a maximum loudness of around 100 dB, while the Ray tops out at around 95 dB. While the difference may not be dramatic, it’s noticeable, especially in larger rooms or when watching action movies. The Beam’s slightly higher max volume makes it a better option for those who need a soundbar that can fill a medium-sized room with sound.
That being said, the Ray’s sound quality is still excellent, and it’s more than capable of producing clear and detailed audio. If you have a smaller room or prefer a more intimate listening experience, the Ray’s lower max volume might actually be a blessing in disguise, as it will help you avoid overwhelming the space with too much sound.
Can I use Sonos Beam and Sonos Ray as a stereo pair?
Yes, you can use both Sonos Beam and Sonos Ray as a stereo pair, but there are some limitations. You can pair two Beams or two Rays together, but you cannot pair a Beam with a Ray. This is because the two soundbars have different acoustic profiles and tuning, which might result in an inconsistent listening experience if paired together.
When used as a stereo pair, both the Beam and Ray can create a more immersive and engaging soundstage, with better separation and detail. This is especially true for music and movie fans who want to create a more cinematic experience in their homes.
Do Sonos Beam and Sonos Ray support Dolby Atmos?
Neither the Sonos Beam nor the Sonos Ray supports Dolby Atmos. While both soundbars are capable of producing impressive 3D sound, they don’t have the necessary upward-firing drivers to create the height channels required for true Dolby Atmos immersion.
However, both soundbars can still produce an impressive, immersive sound experience, thanks to their advanced audio processing and clever use of psychoacoustic techniques. If you’re looking for a more affordable, compact soundbar that can still deliver impressive sound, the Beam or Ray might be an excellent choice.
Can I use Sonos Beam and Sonos Ray with my TV?
Both the Sonos Beam and Sonos Ray can be connected to your TV using an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) connection or an optical audio cable. This allows them to receive audio signals from your TV and play them back through the soundbar. The Beam also supports HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows for higher-quality audio and more advanced audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA.
In addition to TV connectivity, both soundbars can also connect to other devices like CD players, turntables, and gaming consoles using their analog audio inputs. They can also be connected to your Wi-Fi network, allowing you to stream music and other audio content from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Are Sonos Beam and Sonos Ray compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant?
The Sonos Beam is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control the soundbar with voice commands. You can use voice commands to play, pause, and adjust the volume, as well as access various smart home devices and skills.
The Sonos Ray, on the other hand, doesn’t have built-in voice assistant support. However, you can still control the Ray using the Sonos app or through voice commands using an external smart speaker like Amazon Echo or Google Home.
What is the warranty and support for Sonos Beam and Sonos Ray?
Both the Sonos Beam and Sonos Ray come with a one-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. Sonos also offers a 100-day money-back guarantee, which allows you to return the soundbar for a full refund within 100 days of purchase.
Sonos is known for its excellent customer support, with 24/7 online support, phone support, and a comprehensive knowledge base that answers many common questions. You can also visit one of Sonos’ many authorized retailers or service centers for in-person support.