Sonos Arc Ultra vs. Sonos Beam Gen 2: A Comparison

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When it comes to premium soundbars, Sonos has established itself as a leading brand, offering cutting-edge audio technologies and sleek designs that elevate the home entertainment experience. Two standout models in their lineup are the Sonos Arc Ultra and the Sonos Beam Gen 2, both featuring Dolby Atmos for immersive surround sound. While both soundbars deliver impressive audio quality, they cater to different needs and preferences. The Sonos Arc Ultra offers a more expansive, high-end experience with a 9.1.4 surround sound system, while the Sonos Beam Gen 2 packs impressive performance in a more compact and budget-friendly form. In this comparison, we will break down the key features, pros, and cons of both soundbars to help you determine which one best fits your needs.

Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar

Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar

The Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar is a top-tier audio solution that delivers an exceptional surround sound experience for both TV and music. With Dolby Atmos support, the soundbar provides a spatial 9.1.4 audio experience that truly immerses the listener in rich, dynamic sound. Its Sound Motion technology enhances this by filling the room with precisely placed sounds, creating a cinematic effect. The clarity of dialogue is one of the standout features, with an optional Speech Enhancement setting that makes it even clearer. Users can control the soundbar using the TV remote, Sonos app, or voice assistants like Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa, making it easy to operate. Additionally, the sleek black design fits seamlessly into most home décors, adding a touch of elegance without distracting from the entertainment.

The setup process is simple, with a single HDMI eARC connection required, and the Sonos app guides users step-by-step. The Trueplay feature allows for fine-tuning the sound to suit the room’s acoustics, and the soundbar offers a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2. Adding Sonos Sub and Era 300 rear speakers enhances the experience even further, creating a full 360-degree surround sound system.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key features:

  1. 9.1.4 surround sound with Dolby Atmos.
  2. Sound Motion technology for immersive audio.
  3. Speech Enhancement for ultra-clear dialogue.
  4. Multiple control options (TV remote, app, voice control).
  5. Easy setup with HDMI eARC and Sonos app guidance.

Pros:

  1. Excellent sound quality with rich surround sound.
  2. Clear dialogue and customizable sound enhancement.
  3. Elegant design that complements home decor.
  4. Simple and quick setup process.
  5. Multiple streaming options and room expansion with Sonos speakers.

Cons:

  1. High price, which may not suit all budgets.
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Sonos Beam Gen 2 Soundbar

Sonos Beam Gen 2 Soundbar

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a sleek and compact soundbar that brings immersive audio to your home. With Dolby Atmos technology, it creates a 3D surround sound effect, allowing you to enjoy vibrant bass, crystal-clear dialogue, and a panoramic soundstage. The soundbar’s performance is impressive, with many users noting that it sounds bigger than expected given its size. The setup process is straightforward, requiring only two cables and guided by the Sonos app, which many found easy to follow. Additionally, users can stream music, podcasts, and more even when the TV is off, adding to the versatility of the device. The inclusion of multiple control options, such as the Sonos app, TV remote, and voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enhances convenience.

However, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is not without its drawbacks. Many customers have reported consistent connectivity issues, particularly with the Sonos app, which often loses connection, disrupting the user experience. Additionally, while the soundbar is praised for its audio quality, some have found app compatibility and functionality to be hit or miss, with mixed reviews on how well the app works.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key features:

  1. Dolby Atmos for 3D surround sound.
  2. Crystal clear dialogue and vibrant bass.
  3. Music and podcast streaming when the TV is off.
  4. Easy setup with only two cables and the Sonos app.
  5. Expandable system for multiroom listening.

Pros:

  1. Compact size with big sound.
  2. Easy to set up with step-by-step guidance.
  3. Versatile streaming options for music and podcasts.
  4. Multiple control options including voice assistants.
  5. Solid sound quality that fills the room.

Cons:

  1. Limited bass without additional subwoofer.
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Sonos Arc Ultra vs. Sonos Beam Gen 2: Comprehensive Comparison

Sonos has long been a leader in premium soundbars, offering exceptional audio quality and smart features. The Sonos Arc Ultra and Sonos Beam Gen 2 are two standout products in their lineup, both featuring Dolby Atmos and other advanced technologies. However, these soundbars cater to different needs and preferences.

1. Sound Quality and Features

Sonos Arc Ultra delivers a premium audio experience with its 9.1.4 surround sound configuration and Dolby Atmos. The soundbar’s Sound Motion technology ensures that audio is not only rich and full but also precisely placed around the listener. This creates a more immersive soundstage, ideal for movie watching and music listening. The Speech Enhancement feature ensures crystal-clear dialogue, which is particularly useful in action-heavy scenes where voices may otherwise get lost in the mix.

On the other hand, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers a 3D surround sound effect with Dolby Atmos, but its 5.0 configuration is not as expansive as the Arc Ultra’s. Despite this, many users find the sound quality of the Beam Gen 2 to be surprisingly robust for its compact size. Its bass response is solid, but to achieve truly deep bass, an additional subwoofer like the Sonos Sub would be necessary. The Beam Gen 2 also offers clear dialogue and a great soundstage, though it does fall short compared to the Arc Ultra’s richer, more expansive audio.

2. Connectivity and Control

Both soundbars offer a range of connectivity options, but with slight differences in how users interact with them. The Sonos Arc Ultra supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI, with Trueplay tuning for optimal sound customization. It can be controlled via the Sonos app, TV remote, voice control (including Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control), and has the ability to expand over time by adding more Sonos speakers for a truly immersive surround experience.

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 also supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet, as well as HDMI, and it comes with Trueplay tuning for sound optimization. It can be controlled via the Sonos app, TV remote, Apple AirPlay 2, and voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. The main difference here is that while both soundbars support voice control, the Arc Ultra integrates better with a broader range of speakers for room expansion, offering a more scalable system compared to the Beam Gen 2.

3. Setup and Usability

When it comes to setup, both soundbars are relatively easy to configure, but the Sonos Arc Ultra offers a slightly more sophisticated experience. With just a single HDMI eARC connection and detailed step-by-step guidance from the Sonos app, the setup is simple and fast. Additionally, the Trueplay feature helps fine-tune the sound to match the acoustics of your room, ensuring optimal performance without much hassle.

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 also features a quick setup with similar app-based guidance, and the Trueplay tuning works just as well here, though some users have reported a slightly more complex process when adjusting the sound for their specific environment. Overall, both devices are designed to minimize user effort during setup, but the Arc Ultra’s larger and more advanced configuration might require a bit more patience.

4. Design and Aesthetics

In terms of design, the Sonos Arc Ultra is larger, reflecting its more powerful audio setup. Its sleek, modern look will appeal to those who want a stylish centerpiece in their living room. The soundbar is designed to complement large screens and delivers both visually and acoustically.

The Sonos Beam Gen 2, however, is more compact and better suited for smaller spaces or those who don’t want a bulky piece of equipment in their room. Its minimalistic design allows it to blend seamlessly into most home décor, and it is perfect for smaller TVs or rooms where space is limited.

5. Price and Value for Money

The Sonos Arc Ultra is priced significantly higher than the Sonos Beam Gen 2, reflecting its more advanced features and superior sound quality. Many customers consider the Arc Ultra to be worth the premium price tag due to its immersive audio experience, expandability, and sleek design. However, for those on a budget or with less demanding audio needs, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 presents a more affordable alternative without sacrificing too much in terms of performance.

6. Pros and Cons Summary

Sonos Arc Ultra

ProsCons
Exceptional 9.1.4 surround sound with Dolby AtmosHigh price
Sound Motion technology for immersive soundCan be overkill for smaller rooms
Clear dialogue and Speech EnhancementNeeds additional subwoofer for deep bass
Expandable with other Sonos speakersLarger size might not fit in every setup
Sleek and elegant designMay require more space for optimal placement

Sonos Beam Gen 2

ProsCons
Compact size with big soundConnectivity issues reported with the app
Dolby Atmos for 3D soundPerformance may fall short for audiophiles
Easy setup with Sonos app guidanceLimited bass without additional subwoofer
Multiple control options (TV, voice, app)Mixed reviews on app functionality
More affordable compared to Arc UltraApp and voice control inconsistencies

FAQs

What are the main differences between the Sonos Arc Ultra and Sonos Beam Gen 2?

The main differences between the Sonos Arc Ultra and Sonos Beam Gen 2 lie in their size, sound quality, and price. The Arc Ultra offers a more advanced 9.1.4 surround sound configuration with Dolby Atmos, making it perfect for large rooms and immersive audio experiences. In contrast, the Beam Gen 2 is more compact and provides a 5.0 surround sound setup, delivering impressive sound but with a less expansive audio experience. Additionally, the Arc Ultra is priced higher due to its premium features, whereas the Beam Gen 2 offers a more affordable option for those on a budget.

Can the Sonos Arc Ultra be expanded with other Sonos speakers?

Yes, one of the standout features of the Sonos Arc Ultra is its ability to be expanded over time. You can add other Sonos speakers, such as the Sonos Sub and Sonos Era 300 rear speakers, to enhance the surround sound experience and create a true 360-degree audio setup. This flexibility makes the Arc Ultra a great option for users who want to build a more immersive sound system over time.

Is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 compatible with all TVs?

While the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is compatible with most modern TVs that support HDMI eARC, there have been reports of some connectivity issues, particularly with certain brands and models. It’s important to ensure that your TV supports HDMI eARC for seamless audio transmission. Some users have also experienced connectivity problems with the Sonos app, so checking for any compatibility issues before purchase is advisable, especially for high-end models like LG TVs.

How easy is it to set up the Sonos Arc Ultra and Sonos Beam Gen 2?

Both the Sonos Arc Ultra and Sonos Beam Gen 2 are designed for easy setup. Both soundbars require just two cables—an HDMI eARC connection and power—followed by step-by-step guidance from the Sonos app. The Trueplay tuning feature helps adjust the sound for the best performance in your room. The Arc Ultra may take a bit more time due to its larger configuration, but both soundbars are quick and straightforward to set up for most users.

Conclusion

Both the Sonos Arc Ultra and Sonos Beam Gen 2 offer impressive sound quality, with Dolby Atmos delivering 3D surround effects. The Arc Ultra excels with its superior sound configuration, immersive features, and expandability, making it ideal for larger spaces or audiophiles looking for a premium experience. On the other hand, the Beam Gen 2 provides solid audio performance in a more compact and budget-friendly package. While it may not have the same depth and richness as the Arc Ultra, it is still an excellent choice for those looking for a well-rounded soundbar without breaking the bank.

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