Are you looking for a soundbar that can transform your TV-watching experience and fill your room with immersive sound? Do you want a soundbar that can also stream music from various online services and work with your voice assistant? Do you have a small space and need a soundbar that can fit under your TV without compromising on sound quality?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be interested in the Sonos Beam Gen 2. This is the latest version of Sonos’s popular mini soundbar, and it comes with some significant improvements over the original model.
What is the Sonos Beam Gen 2?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a smart soundbar that can connect to your TV via HDMI eARC, and stream music, radio, podcasts, and more from various online services. It supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus audio formats, which means it can create a virtual 3D soundstage that surrounds you with realistic and detailed sound.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is also compatible with the Sonos ecosystem, which means you can pair it with other Sonos speakers to create a multi-room audio system or a true surround sound setup. You can also control it with your voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, or use AirPlay 2 to stream audio from your iOS devices.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has a sleek and compact design that fits perfectly under most TVs, and comes in black or white colors. It has four drivers, one tweeter, and three passive radiators that deliver balanced and powerful sound. It also has touch controls on the top for volume, play/pause, next/previous, and microphone.
In this post, we’ll review the features, performance, and design of the Sonos Beam Gen 2, and explain why it’s one of the best soundbars for small spaces. We’ll also compare it with some of the alternatives on the market, and give you some tips on how to set it up and use it with your TV and other devices.
What are the main features of the Sonos Beam Gen 2?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has many features that make it stand out from other soundbars. Here are some of them:
Dolby Atmos support:
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 supports Dolby Atmos audio format, which adds a new dimension of height to the sound. The soundbar uses virtual Atmos technology, which means it doesn’t have up-firing speakers like some other Atmos soundbars. Instead, it uses clever processing and psychoacoustics to create an illusion of overhead sound. This means you can enjoy a spacious and immersive soundstage that fills your room with sound. You can hear sounds coming from different directions and distances, and feel the movement and depth of the audio.
HDMI eARC compatibility:
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 comes with HDMI eARC compatibility, which is an upgrade from the original Sonos Beam that only had HDMI ARC compatibility. HDMI eARC stands for Enhanced Audio Return Channel, and it allows the soundbar to handle more advanced audio formats than before, including hi-res audio codecs. This means you can enjoy better sound quality and clarity from your TV and other devices.
Smart features:
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a smart soundbar that can connect to your Wi-Fi network and stream music from various online services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer, TuneIn, Pandora, and more using the Sonos S2 app or your voice assistant. You can also use AirPlay 2 to stream audio from your iPhone or iPad. The soundbar can play hi-res audio files up to 24-bit/48kHz resolution. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 also has a built-in voice assistant (Alexa or Google Assistant) that you can use to control the soundbar and other smart devices in your home. You can ask it to play music, adjust the volume, check the weather, set timers, and more.
Sonos ecosystem compatibility:
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is compatible with the Sonos ecosystem, which means you can pair it with other Sonos speakers to create a multi-room audio system or a true surround sound setup. You can use the Sonos S2 app or your voice assistant to group different speakers together and play the same or different music in different rooms. You can also use the Sonos Sub or a pair of Sonos One SL speakers as your subwoofer and rear channels to enhance the bass and surround sound effect of the Sonos Beam Gen 2.
Compact design:
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has a sleek and compact design that fits perfectly under most TVs. It measures 25.6 x 2.3 x 3.9 inches and weighs 6.2 lbs. It comes in black or white colors to match your decor. It has touch controls on the top for volume, play/pause, next/previous, and microphone. It also has a status light that displays the product’s connection to Wi-Fi, indicates when the volume is muted, and signals errors.
How does the Sonos Beam Gen 2 perform?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a great upgrade from the original Sonos Beam, which was already one of the best soundbars for small spaces. The new model offers better sound quality, a wider dynamic range, deeper bass, warmer treble, and more refinement. It also supports hi-res audio codecs, thanks to the HDMI eARC compatibility.
The most noticeable improvement is the Dolby Atmos support, which adds a new dimension of height to the sound. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 uses virtual Atmos technology, which means it doesn’t have up-firing speakers like some other Atmos soundbars. Instead, it uses clever processing and psychoacoustics to create an illusion of overhead sound.
The result is impressive for such a small device. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 can create a spacious and immersive soundstage that fills your room with sound. You can hear sounds coming from different directions and distances, and feel the movement and depth of the audio. Whether you’re watching an action movie, a nature documentary, or a musical performance, you’ll be amazed by how realistic and engaging the sound is.
Of course, Dolby Atmos is not the only thing that makes the Sonos Beam Gen 2 sound great. The soundbar also excels at delivering clear dialogue, balanced music, and accurate effects. It can handle different genres and sources with ease, and adapt to your room’s acoustics using TruePlay technology (only available for iOS devices).
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 also works well as a music streaming device. You can access various online services using the Sonos S2 app or your voice assistant. You can also use AirPlay 2 to stream audio from your iOS devices. The soundbar can play hi-res audio files up to 24-bit/48kHz resolution.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 delivers balanced and powerful sound that can fill small spaces with ease. It has a wide soundstage that creates a sense of space and immersion. It has a warm and smooth treble that doesn’t sound harsh or sibilant. It has a deep and punchy bass that doesn’t overpower the mids or highs. It has a clear and natural midrange that brings out the vocals and dialogue.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is one of the best-sounding soundbars for small spaces that you can buy right now.
Statistical Research on Sonos Beam Gen 2
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact smart soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos and HDMI eARC, and integrates with the Sonos ecosystem. It was launched in October 2021 for $449 / £449 / $699, which is more expensive than the original Sonos Beam which cost $399 / £339 / AU$599 at launch.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has received positive reviews from critics and customers alike, who praised its sound quality, design, features, and performance. According to TechRadar, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is “the top soundbar for small spaces” and “a great upgrade compared to the original soundbar”. According to What Hi-Fi?, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is “simply the best Dolby Atmos soundbar at this price point” and “elevates itself yet further with its streaming smarts, compact design and expert handling of motion, depth and space”.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has also been selling well since its launch, according to various sources. According to Costco, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 soundbar bundle has a 4.5 out of 5 rating based on 560 customer reviews, and is a member-only item that requires signing in to see the price. According to Richer Sounds, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 (black) is one of their best-selling products, and has a 4.8 out of 5 rating based on 17 customer reviews. According to Sonos, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 (black) is currently out of stock on their official website, and customers can sign up to be notified when it becomes available again.
Based on these data, we can conclude that the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a successful product that has met or exceeded the expectations of both critics and customers. It has a high demand and a low supply, which indicates its popularity and quality. It has also achieved a competitive edge over other soundbars in its price range and category. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is one of the best soundbars for small spaces that supports Dolby Atmos.
How does the Sonos Beam Gen 2 compare with other soundbars?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is not the only compact soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos. There are some other options on the market that offer similar features and performance. Here are some of them:
Bose Smart Soundbar 300:
This is another smart soundbar that can connect to your TV via HDMI eARC and stream music from various online services. It supports Dolby Digital Plus audio format, which means it can decode Dolby Atmos signals but not render them as overhead sound. It has four drivers and one tweeter that delivers clear and balanced sound. It also has a built-in voice assistant (Alexa or Google Assistant) and AirPlay 2 compatibility. The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is slightly cheaper than the Sonos Beam Gen 2, but it doesn’t have the same level of integration with the Bose ecosystem as the Sonos soundbar does with the Sonos ecosystem. You can expand it with a subwoofer and rear speakers, but they are sold separately.
Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 Soundbar:
This is a more affordable soundbar that comes with a wireless subwoofer and two rear speakers for a true 5.1.2 surround sound system. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio formats and has two up-firing speakers that bounce sound off the ceiling to create overhead effects. It has six drivers and two tweeters that produce a powerful and dynamic sound. It also has HDMI eARC compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Chromecast built-in. The Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 Soundbar is a great value-for-money option, but it requires more space and cables than the Sonos Beam Gen 2, and it doesn’t have a voice assistant or AirPlay 2 support.
LG SP9YA Soundbar:
This is a premium soundbar that comes with a wireless subwoofer and supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio formats. It has five drivers and two up-firing speakers that create a realistic and immersive soundstage. It also has HDMI eARC compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, Chromecast built-in, and AirPlay 2 support. It has a built-in voice assistant (Google Assistant) and works with LG’s AI Sound Pro technology, which automatically optimizes the sound based on the content and your preferences. The LG SP9YA Soundbar is more expensive than the Sonos Beam Gen 2, but it offers more features and better bass performance. You can also add rear speakers to enhance the surround sound effect.
As you can see, there are some other soundbars that can compete with the Sonos Beam Gen 2 in terms of features and performance. However, none of them can match the Sonos soundbar’s compact design, smart features, and integration with the Sonos ecosystem. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is still the best soundbar for small spaces that supports Dolby Atmos.
How to set up and use the Sonos Beam Gen 2?
Setting up and using the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is very easy and straightforward. You just need to follow these steps:
- Connect the soundbar to your TV using the included HDMI cable. Make sure your TV has an HDMI eARC or ARC port, and enable it in your TV’s settings.
- Plug in the power cord to an outlet and turn on the soundbar.
- Download the Sonos S2 app on your smartphone or tablet, and follow the instructions to connect the soundbar to your Wi-Fi network and set up your voice assistant of choice (Alexa or Google Assistant).
- If you have an iOS device, you can use TruePlay technology to calibrate the soundbar’s audio to your room’s acoustics. Just follow the prompts in the app and move around your room while holding your device as it emits test sounds.
- Enjoy your Sonos Beam Gen 2!
Using the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is also very simple and intuitive. You can control it with your voice using Alexa or Google Assistant, or use the touch controls on the top of the soundbar for volume, play/pause, next/previous, and microphone. You can also use your TV remote to adjust the volume if you enable HDMI CEC in your TV’s settings.
You can also use the Sonos S2 app to access various online services, adjust the settings, group with other Sonos speakers, and more. You can also use AirPlay 2 to stream audio from your iOS devices.
Conclusion
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is one of the best soundbars for small spaces that you can buy right now. It offers excellent sound quality, Dolby Atmos support, HDMI eARC compatibility, smart features, compact design, and integration with the Sonos ecosystem.
If you’re looking for a soundbar that can enhance your TV-watching experience and stream music from various online services, you should definitely consider getting the Sonos Beam Gen 2. It’s a great value-for-money option that will make you feel like you’re in a movie theater or a concert hall.
If you’re interested in buying the Sonos Beam Gen 2, you can order it online from Amazon or other retailers. You can also visit the official Sonos website for more information and customer reviews.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get one of the best soundbars for small spaces that support Dolby Atmos. Order your Sonos Beam Gen 2 today and enjoy a new level of sound quality and immersion!
FAQs
What is the difference between Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Sonos Beam?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the latest version of Sonos’s compact smart soundbar, and it comes with some significant improvements over the original Sonos Beam. The main differences are:
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 supports Dolby Atmos audio format, which adds a new dimension of height to the sound. The Sonos Beam only supports Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus audio formats.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has HDMI eARC compatibility, which allows it to handle more advanced audio formats than before, including hi-res audio codecs. The Sonos Beam only has HDMI ARC compatibility.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has a new processor that is 40% faster than the one in the Sonos Beam and enables two new audio paths for a virtual surround sound experience.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has a new perforated grille that elevates the design and blends seamlessly into your home.
How do I play Dolby Atmos audio with Sonos Beam Gen 2?
To play Dolby Atmos audio with Sonos Beam Gen 2, you need to meet some requirements:
Your TV must have an HDMI eARC or ARC port, and support Dolby Atmos passthrough. You can check your TV’s manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm this.
Your TV must be connected to the soundbar using the included HDMI cable. You can’t use an optical adapter or a third-party HDMI cable.
Your content source must support Dolby Atmos audio format. This can be a streaming service like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, a Blu-ray player, a game console, or a media player. You can check the content details or settings to see if Dolby Atmos is available.
Your content must have a Dolby Atmos soundtrack. Not all content has Dolby Atmos audio, even if the source supports it. You can look for the Dolby Atmos logo or icon on the content description or menu.
If you meet these requirements, you should be able to enjoy Dolby Atmos audio with your Sonos Beam Gen 2.
How do I control Sonos Beam Gen 2?
You can control Sonos Beam Gen 2 in different ways:
You can use your voice using Alexa or Google Assistant. You can ask it to play music, adjust the volume, check the weather, set timers, and more. You can also use voice commands without saying a wake word by pressing and holding the microphone button on the soundbar.
You can use the touch controls on the top of the soundbar for volume, play/pause, next/previous, and microphone. You can also swipe left or right to skip songs when listening to music.
You can use your TV remote to adjust the volume if you enable HDMI CEC in your TV’s settings. The soundbar will sync with your existing remote for streamlined control and no extra clutter.
You can use the Sonos S2 app to access various online services, adjust the settings, group with other Sonos speakers, and more. You can also use AirPlay 2 to stream audio from your iOS devices.
