Normally, my neighbors are little bothered by the reviews I do. This time, however, that was different. When you test the Sonos Beam (Gen 2), it is important that you, in some cases, use the full potential of such a speaker. That my neighbors may not have agreed with that is obvious.
It says a lot about the second generation Sonos Beam. The compact soundbar offers you a cinema experience in your home, but is also an excellent addition to your current setup. Listening to your favorite music is also something you can, and will, use this speaker for. Although we could have figured that out without testing the device. So what did I notice in the past week of using the Sonos Beam (Gen 2)? I’ll tell you in this review!
Sonos Beam (Gen 2): what does this soundbar have to offer you
Before I tell you what the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) offers you over its predecessor, and how well that works out, I think it would be good for you to get to know the product a little better. That’s why I’m listing the most important specifications for you:
Dimensions: 69mm x 651mm x 100mm
Weight: 8.2kg
Five Class-D amplifiers
Four Mid-woofers
Tweeter
Dolby Atmos support
AirPlay 2 support
HMDI eARC
Ethernet port
Infrared receiver
Sonos S2 support
Google Assistant support
The new Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is available in white and black. You can get it for €499 on the head.
Minimal design changes
The successful Beam has a successor that many consumers have been looking forward to for some time. In terms of appearance, the soundbar has been slightly modified both internally and externally. The front of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is for example made of plastic, where the previous model was still made of fabric. Plastic always sounds a bit negative, unfortunately, but it works out very well for this soundbar.
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) has also been tackled internally and thus equipped with a number of new things. Think of a more efficient chip that brings 40% more speed. This is very nice, because it makes things possible with the soundbar that we previously did not see in similar models. And that has mainly to do with the sound quality.
This time the front is plastic (Image: Mark Hofman / OMT)
Sonos Beam (Gen 2): Dolby Atmos is the king
If we’re talking about sound quality then you’re actually always in the right place with Sonos. Provided, of course, that you use the “standard” products and disregard the collaboration with IKEA. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) proves that once again. The sound quality is of great class and makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the content. Whether that’s a great movie on Netflix or a live soccer game: you surround yourself with good sound.
That, of course, has to do with the Sonos Beam (Gen 2)’s biggest addition: Dolby Atmos. The technology has already proven its added value several times and does so excellently with the Beam 2. It really takes the soundbar to the next level and that was exactly what it needed.
The only problem is that the supply in the market is not that great. Especially not when you’re using streaming services. So you have a soundbar that has the potential to do a lot, but not always the content that it can actually deliver. If you are someone who mainly streams content, do check whether this upgrade is worth it.
Slightly more expensive, more enjoyment
For people with a Sonos Beam, by the way, this is really important. For people buying their first audio product from the brand at all, it’s a no-brainer. After all, for €499 you get an excellent soundbar in your home. Compared to the previous generation, you pay only €50 more. As I said, a no-brainer.
Touch controls (Image: Mark Hofman / OMT)
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) actually has a lot more to offer besides Dolby Atmos. The soundbar has been fine-tuned to ensure that not only music and background noise, but also dialogues come across clearly. Although it should not be forgotten that the soundbar, with the help of the accompanying S2 app, is also ideal for streaming music.
And all this for a device where installation is even simpler than tying your shoelaces. Simply plug in the power cable, hang the HDMI cable from your eARC port and you’re done! All that’s left to do is to take advantage of TruePlay to get the ideal sound quality for your setup.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2): sorry, neighbor
Well, it should be clear that I really enjoyed the Sonos Beam (Gen 2). In that respect, then, it’s a soundbar that knows how to hit the nail on the head. Even considering the supply of Dolby Atmos content in the streaming landscape is still somewhat scarce.
Looks excellent in the set-up (Image: Mark Hofman / OMT)
The sound quality of the soundbar is supreme, but that always remains difficult to explain on paper. Especially if previous products from the brand haven’t really appealed to you. In this respect it is important to first physically experience what the device has to offer. Do you like it? Then as far as I am concerned there is no reason not to use the soundbar to its full potential, even to the point of embarrassment.
Other than the proper arrangements you have to make with the neighbors. I think I should stop by with a flower….
