TLDR Review: Sonos Beam Gen 2
Pros
- •Supports Dolby Atmos, delivering an immersive and spacious sound experience with punchy effects.
- •Clear and rich audio quality, especially strong on dialogue clarity and mio-high frequencies.
- •Sleek, lorofile design with a matte finish that fits well with TVs up to 55 inches and smaller living spaces.
- •Easy setup process with helpful Sonos app guidance and TruePlay room tuning for optimized sound.
- •Integrates seamlessly with other Sonos products, enabling multoom audio and surround speaker expansion.
- •Excellent music playback with detailed layering and a wide soundstage that reveals nuances missed by other soundbars.
- •Features builn Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for convenient voice control, though only one can be active at a time.
- •Touch controls on top allow volume, playback, and microphone mute without needing a remote.
- •Connectivity options include HDMI eARC, optical audio adapter, Ethernet port, and Wi for versatile connection methods.
- •Night mode and speech enhancement audio profiles help tailor listening for quieter environments or clearer dialogue.
Cons
- •Bass performance is limited; a dedicated Sonos Subwoofer is highly recommended for deep, powerful lond.
- •No Bluetooth support; streaming and control rely solely on Wi and the Sonos app.
- •Single HDMI eARC input limits connectivity flexibility; no native DTS support yet (expected in future updates).
- •Occasional audio dropouts and connectivity issues reported, especially during format switching or with some apps.
- •Basic EQ adjustments lack depth and fine control; advanced custom EQ presets are missing and desired.
- •Surround sound setup is restricted to two rear speakers, with sync delays and no support for a fuller 5.1 configuration.
- •Volume leveling can be inconsistent across different input sources, requiring manual adjustments.
- •Lack of a physical remote control frustrates some users; control depends on app, voice, or touch.
- •TruePlay room tuning is only available for iOS devices, limiting optimal sound calibration for Android users.
- •Liync issues occasionally require manual calibration due to HDMI ARC/eARC inconsistencies.
Bottom Line
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a stylish, feature-rich soundbar that offers impressive Dolby Atmos-supported audio and exceptional clarity for dialogue, music, and movies. It’s ideal for users with mid-sized TVs who want a compact, smart, and expandable home audio solution. However, if deep bass is a priority, be ready to invest in a Sonos Subwoofer to truly feel the low-end impact. Also, if you need extensive audio customization or Bluetooth connectivity, this might not be the perfect fit. For those wanting a more powerful or flexible surround setup, consider pairing it with additional Sonos speakers or exploring larger models like the Sonos Arc.
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More Answers
If you're still curious about the Sonos Beam Gen 2, here are some other answers you might find interesting:
Alternatives to Consider
If the Sonos Beam Gen 2 doesn't quite fit your needs, here are some other options to consider:
Samsung HW-Q800C
The Samsung HW-Q800C delivers excellent Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, offering cinematic sound at a more affordable price than the Sonos Beam Gen 2. Ideal for immersive audio enthusiasts who are budget-conscious, it also boasts wireless connectivity for smart home integration.
Sony HT-S2000
The Sony HT-S2000 delivers immersive Dolby Atmos sound in a compact design. With robust audio performance and deep bass, it's an excellent choice for smaller living spaces where sound quality is essential and space is limited.
Bose Smart Soundbar 600
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 combines a stylish compact design with robust audio output, making it ideal for smaller spaces. It delivers a rich sound profile similar to the Beam Gen 2 but comes at a potentially lower price, appealing to those prioritizing both style and performance.
Hisense AX5125H
The Hisense AX5125H is a budget-friendly soundbar that includes wireless surround speakers and a subwoofer, offering full Dolby Atmos immersion for a true home theater experience. It's an attractive option for anyone looking for an all-in-one sound solution for larger rooms or a surround experience without the need for separate components.
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