Sonos Beam (2nd Gen): Features, Price, and Comparison

Sonos Beam (2nd Gen)

When Sonos introduced its Sonos Beam soundbar it was clear that it was going to become one of the most exciting propositions on the market for things like its compact size, sound quality and options. Now comes the second generation Sonos Beam and all this is reinforced. That is why you should not get carried away by their similarities, because even though the important thing is in the internal improvements that will enhance the user experience.

Sonos repeats design and gets it right

It is easy to think that when a new device is launched, there must not only be changes and improvements in its technical specifications, but also in other sections such as design. And yes, it is true that cosmetic changes help to tell the user that it is a new version, but it does not always have to be this way.

A demonstration of those types of cases in which a redesign is not necessary is this 2nd Gen Sonos Beam. It is true that the brand has outlined some small detail , such as that fabric that previously covered part of the speaker and has now been replaced by a perforated aluminum grille, but maintaining dimensions and other details could be considered a success by Sonos.

With the same physical appearance, the Sonos Beam 2nd Gen has dimensions of 69 x 651 x 100 mm and weighs only 2.8 kg . This compact and relatively light body makes it an easy device to transport and move from one side to the other if necessary, although it will not be the usual thing.

For the rest, if you knew the first generation version you will see that they are very similar. Both have those tactile controls, LEDs that serve to indicate that it is on and other small details that are easy to see.

In short, with quality manufacturing and materials at the level of the Sonos brand, the Sonos Beam is a product that with its two available colors (black and white) will be very easy to fit anywhere. And if you’re looking for a soundbar that’s not too bulky, there’s probably no better option.

Connectivity and user experience

If you have already used a Sonos product or even the connected speakers that the brand created in collaboration with Ikea, you will already know how they work. Although it offers different types of connections , such as Wifi, Ethernet, or NFC as it is in this case, everything is basically managed through its application except for that audio signal that comes through the HDMI signal that it also offers.

Of course, before talking about the application, a quick review of all those connections you comment before. The Sonos Bien integrates:

  • WiFi ac connection compatible with 2.4Ghz and 5 Ghz networks
  • HDMI eARC connection
  • 10/100 Ethernet
  • IR ports receiver

Regarding the operation, the Sonos application is the one that allows access to the different third-party services such as Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music Unlimited, Apple Music, etc. Also from this app is how options such as multiroom audio or stereo sound and even surround sound are configured together with the use of other Sonos speakers that allows to further improve the sound experience that it offers as standard.

In addition to this, this time we have that the bar also supports content through the HDMI (eARC) connection that it integrates or via AirPlay 2 . (requires an iOS device with 11.4 or higher). And if all this were not enough, the Sonos Bean also integrates a microphone so you can take advantage of the advantages that Goole Assistant and Alexa offer.

Sound quality

We come to the interesting point of any speaker, its sound quality. Here, if you have had the opportunity to test the first generation, you should already know what to expect from this second. If not, we will tell you that the sound quality must be at a very good level. And that this time support for Dolby Atmos is added, but let’s go by parts.

The 2nd Gen Sonos Beam features five Class D digital amplifiers that are designed to perfectly match the acoustic structure of the Sonos Beam. In this way, a higher quality is achieved in the reproduction of all types of content.

Along with these amplifiers there is a central tweeter for a clear response when reproducing high frequencies such as voices and in turn four elliptical midrange drivers for mid and low frequencies that together with three passive radiators help to enhance the sound in a balanced way.

That is to say, beyond technical terms, what you have to be clear about is that they are going to be heard very well. It doesn’t matter if you want to take advantage of it to listen to your favorite music through one of the many music services via streaming that it supports, sent via AirPlay 2 or via HDMI connection.

Dolby Atmos is a surround sound format that detects objects and designates different sounds at specific locations in the room rather than using channels, providing a more realistic experience by dynamically incorporating the front, rear, and high channels.

Of course, the best of all is that thanks to that HDMI eARC connection and the rest of the technical characteristics, this Sonos Beam 2nd Gen is compatible with Dolby Atmos sound. This is undoubtedly one of the great attractions of this new sound bar, because the ability to project the sound and not only surround the user, making him think that it comes from specific points is very interesting.

Complete the experience

The Sonos Beam 2nd Gen soundbar can be used independently or in conjunction with other Sonos speakers. Compatible models are: Sonos One, One SL, Five, Play: 1, Play: 3 and Play: 5 (2nd Gen).

In addition to this you can add a Sonos Amp so that the passive speakers, wall or ceiling, function as rear speakers and the experience is even greater in satisfaction. And finally, all generations of Sub works with this bar.

Sonos Beam vs Sonos Beam (2nd Gen)

The first generation is true that it is very similar at the design level, but this second has been improved in an interesting way. The most striking thing, as we have said, is the possibility of reproducing Dolby Atmos sound. This is thanks to the HDMI eARC connection and a new processor capable of managing how the sound should be output from each of the speakers.

Characteristics Sonos Beam Sonos Beam (2nd Gen)
Dimensions 651 x 100 x 68.5 mm 69 x 651 x 100 mm
Weight 2.8 Kg 2.8 Kg
Connections WiFi, Ethernet, HDMI ARC WiFi, Ethernet, HDMI eARC
Amplifiers 5 Class D digital amplifiers 5 Class D digital amplifiers
Speakers 3 full-range woofers, 3 passive radiators, and 1 tweeter 4 full-range woofers, 3 passive radiators, and 1 tweeter
Dolby Atmos support No Yes
Control and configuration Sonos App Sonos App
Use in conjunction with other Sonos speakers Yes Yes
Price 449 euros 499 euros

Price and availability

The Sonos Beam 2 Gen is available in soft and black. Both models are identical except for color and so is their price. They cost 499 euros and will be available for shipping on October 5.