Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Review: I’m Sorry Neighbor

Normally my neighbors are not bothered by the reviews I make. That was different this time. When you test the Sonos Beam (Gen 2), it is important that you use the full potential of such a speaker in some cases. It’s clear that my neighbors might not agree with that.

It says a lot about the second-generation Sonos Beam. The compact soundbar offers you a cinema experience at home, but is also an excellent addition to your current setup. Listening to your favorite music is therefore also something you can and will certainly use this speaker for. Although we could imagine that without testing the device. So what’s happened to me in the past week that I got to use 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 compared to 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 is why I list the most important specifications for you:

• Size: 69mm x 651mm x 100mm
• Weight: 8.2kg
• Five Class-D Amplifiers
• Four Mid-woofers
• tweeter
• Dolby Atmos support
• AirPlay 2 support
• HDMI eARC
• Ethernet port
• Infrared receiver
• Sonos S2 support
• Support for the Google Assistant

The new Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is available in white and black. You tap ’em for € 499 on the head.

Design minimally modified

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 adjusted both internally and externally. The front of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2), for example, is made of plastic, where that was still dust on the previous model. Unfortunately, plastic always sounds a bit negative, but it works out very well for this soundbar.

The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) has also been addressed internally and therefore equipped with a number of new things. Think of a more efficient chip that brings 40% more speed. That is very nice, because this makes things possible with the soundbar that we did not see before with similar models. And that mainly has to do with the sound quality.

Sonos Beam (Gen 2): Dolby Atmos is the King

When we talk about sound quality, you’re always in the right place with Sonos. Provided, of course, that you use the “standard” products and ignore the cooperation with IKEA. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) proves that once again. The sound quality is of great class and ensures that you imagine yourself in the middle of the content. Whether it’s a great movie on Netflix or a live football match: you surround yourself with good sound.

That has of course to do with the biggest addition of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2): Dolby Atmos. The technology has already proven its added value several times and does so excellently with the Beam 2. This really lifts the soundbar to a higher level and that was exactly what it needed.

The only problem is that the offer in the market is not that great. Certainly not when you use streaming services. So you have a soundbar that can potentially get a lot done, but not always the content that can really make it happen. So if you are someone who mainly streams content, check whether this upgrade is worth it.

Slightly more expensive, more pleasure

That is really important for people with a Sonos Beam. For people who buy their first audio product from the brand at all, it is a no-brainer. For €499 you get an excellent soundbar. Compared to the previous generation, you pay only €50 more. Like I said, a no-brainer.

The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) has a lot more to offer besides Dolby Atmos. For example, the soundbar has been fine-tuned to ensure that not only music and background sounds, 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 for a device where installation is even simpler than tying your shoelaces. You simply connect the power cable, hang the HDMI cable on your eARC port and you’re done! All you can do is use TruePlay, so that you get the ideal sound quality for your set-up.

Sonos Beam (Gen 2): I’m Sorry, Neighbor

Well, it goes without saying that I really enjoyed the Sonos Beam (Gen 2). In that respect, it is a soundbar that hits the nail on the head. Even considering the range of Dolby Atmos content in the streaming landscape is still somewhat scarce.

The sound quality of the soundbar is supreme, but that is always difficult to explain on paper. Especially if you didn’t really like previous products from the brand. In that regard, it is therefore important to perhaps first physically experience what the device has to offer you. Do you like it? Then, in my opinion, there is no reason not to use the soundbar to its full potential to the embarrassing point.

Except for the good agreements you have to make with the neighbors. I think I should stop by with a flower…