In the incredibly stress-inducing scene in which the father painstakingly parks his car in the familys narrow driveway while smoking a cigarette and blasting classical music, the rapid editing from interior to exterior, above the car to below the bumper, is expertly matched by the Beam Gen 2s rendering of space and dynamics. Arc has two internal speakers that physically fire audio upward for a true height experience. Compact and attractive in design lends itself to an uncluttered environment. Since its launch in 2018, that 3.0 channel soundbar has won the What Hi-Fi? There was a problem. And despite the lack of upward drivers, there's a remarkably real sense of the engine idling away up above in the low shots. HDMI ARC Port: Use the included HDMI Cable to connect to your TV's HDMI ARC/eARC input. For greatest compatibility, eARC is recommended.If you connect to a TV with eARC, the Dolby audio formats supported include Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, MAT, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Digital.If you connect to a TV using ARC, the Dolby audio formats supported are dependent on your TV model and manufacturer. Priced at 449 /$449 / AU$699, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is slightly more expensive than the original Beam, which launched at 399 / $399 / AU$599. Future Publishing Australia ABN: 96 734 906 323 | PO Box 1077, Mount St, Ask Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to set timers, check the news, control your smart home devices, and more. Place your order online & select a preferred collection time in the checkout, 2.

We've experienced Dolby Atmos delivery through processing wizardry before, and the results have been mixed, frequently veering toward synthetic and ineffectual (though the same can also be said of some Dolby Atmos soundbars that actually do have height speakers). Receive a confirmation email for your purchase and detailed pick-up instructions. You will receive a verification email shortly. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Thanks for the review on the Sonos Beam!! Take a step into Sonos today. Beam (Gen 2) features a faster processor and HDMI eARC connection, both of which enable support for higher resolution audio formats, including Dolby Atmos. The Adelphi, 1 Coleman St, You can also use Sonos Amp to power in-wall, in-ceiling, or other passive speakers as surrounds. FLAGSHIP STORE Sign up below to get the latest from What Hi-Fi?, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! Yep, Id like to know this too. In fact, the new Beam's layout is much the same as its predecessor's, but the quintet of front-facing drivers are configured into five separate arrays rather than three. Syncs with your TV remote for streamlined control, Very clear vocals and great bass . Atmos allows a films production mixers to place sounds and music as discrete objects within a soundfield, and having the ability to decode it means that users can watch movies with a more compelling soundtrack, whether it be a sedate drama or a car-flipping blockbuster. Night Sound reduces the intensity of loud sound effects. The TV may be capable of sending Dolby Digital. No mention whether this resolves the issue of Voice Lag, that still plagues the gen 1? Sun: 11am - 6pm. All Sonos speakers and components connect over WiFi so you can build the system you want. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence. There will also be a forthcoming upgrade to add support for Amazon Music Ultra HD audio (for both the Beam Gen 2 and other Sonos models), which will give access to lossless 24-bit/48kHz tracks as well as Dolby Atmos Music. Physically, the new Beam is almost identical to its forebear, with the same dimensions and stylish curved edges. Please refresh the page and try again.

How is Beam (Gen 2) different from Beam (Gen 1)? TC Experience Centre at Paya Lebar107 Eunos Ave 3, #04-02, S409837Mon - Fri : 12pm - 7pm, 1. Youll also need it if you wish to connect it to other Sonos products to build a surround system. Wow! An optical connection cannot support Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, MAT, or Dolby Digital Plus. We just can't wait for you to expand the system with a Sonos Sub or the surrounds! Bought this as a housewarming gift for my cousin caused I have Sonos as well and they love it very much Sonos is the best. But this is the task that Sonos latest soundbar, the Beam Gen 2, has undertaken as it seeks to replace the popular original and ups the ante by offering immersive Dolby Atmos support from the same small package.

Thank for the 5 stars review of the Sonos Beam! Sound format support Dolby Atmos DP / Dolby Atmos True HD / Dolby Digital / Multichannel PCM/ Dolby Multichannel PCM / stereo PCM. Do reach out to us via livechat to find out more about how adding a Sub or surrounds will elevate the experience even further! Whether its a chirping bird, a car or a voice, theres remarkable consistency across the complete soundfield, and seamless handover between drivers, which we have to say doesnt always happen when a Dolby Atmos soundbar has upward drivers to contend with.

Best soundbars 2021: the best TV speakers you can buy.

A matching pair of the following speakers will work as surrounds: Sonos One (including SL), Sonos Five, Play:1, Play:3, and Play:5 (Gen 2). Wire directly to your router if WiFi is unreliable. Key to its success has been a simplicity of design and streamlined functionality that, remarkably for its size, has been able to overcome two of the usual limitations of compact speakers: sonic scale and weight. Bought the Beam Gen2 & thoroughly enjoyed it.

50 of the best hi-fi albums for audiophiles, PS5 restock news: where to buy a PlayStation 5 console in 2022, Best Bluetooth speakers 2022: portable speakers for every budget, Best stereo amplifiers 2022: the best integrated amps you can buy, The best home entertainment buying advice, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. Trueplay tuning technology adapts the sound for the unique acoustics of the room so your content always sounds just the way it should. Having wi-fi means you can also stream to the Beam Gen 2 from a handheld device using Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect is built-in too. Despite the vocal sitting lower in the mix, it still sings out and, unlike the original Beam, we feel more comfortable pushing the volume without veering into harshness. That said theres still a greater depth of tone here than you get from the Beam Gen 1, which has more of a hands-off approach to any frequencies beyond its reach. The only outwardly distinguishing feature is the addition of a perforated polycarbonate grille similar to that of the Sonos Arc intended to be more durable and easier to clean than the originals woven fabric finish. LED indicates Sonos component status and mute status. Heres why you can trust us. What Hi-Fi? With the arrival of its larger sibling, the Arc, in 2020, Sonos proved that it can convincingly deliver Dolby Atmos audio in a larger chassis. You only need to look at the long list of failed sophomore albums that came after blistering debuts to know that following up a successful sound with something more mature and complicated is a tricky business. In the opening of Roma, in Atmos, the sound design often leads the camera beyond the extremities of the image before the camera pans to catch up with it. Optical audio supported: Connect to your TV's optical audio output. If the discounts don't load after 10 seconds, refresh the page and try again. The Beam Gen 2 not only lives up to the high bar set by its predecessor but exceeds it by a margin that more than justifies its new feature set and higher cost.

Reach out to us on Live Chat or view our FAQ. The processing power in Beam (Gen 2) renders two additional audio channels through the five speaker arrays and uses psychoacoustic HRTF technology to give the impression of height. Klipsch T5 II True Wireless Gunmetal / Delivery , Klipsch T5 II True Wireless Silver / Delivery , Your product has been added into your wishlist, Your product has been removed from your wishlist, Specially and uniquely crafted perforated grille that fits any home, Wireless sound system thats simple If you want to use Beam Gen 2 in a larger surround system it can be expanded through the addition of two One SL rear speakers (358 / $358 / AU$538) and, if required, a Sub (699 / $699 / AU$999). Adjustable EQ settings in the app, including bass, treble, and loudness. The smart, compact soundbar for TV, music, and more. System is perfect for watching movie at home. Some people will undoubtedly prefer the softer look of the old Beam but we rather like the new Beams sleek frontage. Only you calibrate the speaker the overall experience is amazing. Please ensure the cart meets the requirements to apply this discount code. Under the polycarbonate are four front-facing elliptical mid-woofers and an improved centre tweeter that the company claims will produce crisper and clearer dialogue than the original Beam. Now with Dolby Atmos. While you can control the volume from your TV remote, the app is where youll find access to Trueplay (Sonos relatively involved room calibration technology) a 2-band EQ as well as confirmation of which audio codec you're currently receiving. At the very end of the film, where the housekeeper wades deep into the sea to save the familys children, the new Beam copes well with the thunderous crashing waves, which weve heard other soundbars with separate subs fail to grapple with. Or theres Sonys HT-G700 (399 / $598 / AU$899), which also has a virtual Atmos effect but is much bigger and, like the Eclair, lacks network connectivity. As the second verse begins and the accompaniment becomes denser, every instrument has sonic space to breathe and ornamentation, such as the clarinet weaving around the vocal line, comes nicely to the fore. Apply code "TWS" at checkout to enjoy $149 off 1 Klipsch T5 II TWS with a purchase of this speaker. This increased processing power also gives Beam (Gen 2) five speaker arrays compared the first generation's three. This means that youll need the Sonos S2 app to get the most out of your purchase and get it online. The Beam Gen 2 projects the changing sonic perspective incredibly well, with accuracy and clarity. Not that many soundbars at this price point come with networking capabilities, but this being a Sonos product, the Beam Gen 2s ability to integrate into a wireless multiroom system is fundamental to its design. But were a little apprehensive about whether the technology can justify its inclusion in a compact soundbar, especially when, unlike the Arc, there are no upward-firing speakers to be found in the Beam Gen 2. It allows full-resolution sound signals, including Dolby Atmos, to be passed from your TV to the soundbar. Discount code found, it will be applied at checkout. Atmos aside, it sounds incredible, reaching deeper than the Beam Gen 1 with more refinement, a warmer treble, and wider dynamic range. Swapping to the eclectic overload of Split Enzs Sweet Dreams, theres plenty of velocity and drive to capture the funkier elements, particularly the bass, with a strong leading edge. But that difference is very much in line with the companys recent increase in the prices across many of its products. An ARC connection cannot support TrueHD or MAT.If you connect to a TV using the optical adapter, the Dolby audio formats supported are dependent on your TV model and manufacturer. With enhanced processor power the Sonos Beam Gen 2 uses psychoacoustic HRTF (head-related transfer function) technology to give the impression of height without needing to get vertical. What Hi-Fi? By The timing isnt perfect but the soundbar keeps the low end taut enough to maintain coherence with the nimble higher frequencies. Discount code cannot be combined with the offers applied to the cart.

What an amazing housewarming gift to receive! When listening to Atmos films with the Beam Gen 2 there's tangible motion, depth and space, which heightens the drama and sense of immersion. Voice control Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Our test sample is white and in our rather grey test room the bright cables draw a bit of attention to themselves, but those with lighter spaces inclined to wall mounting might better appreciate this detail.

Don't worry - it might take a tad longer to load. Unlock exclusive rewards and $20 off your first purchase when you sign up for our newsletter! Thank you for the kind words on the Sonos Bem! The soundstage is expansive and we try pairing the new Beam both with larger 55-inch and 65-inch screens, as well as a more modest 43-incher, and it enhances the cinematic scale and viewing experience for all three. We are so glad that you love it! In terms of audio formats, the Beam Gen 2 supports stereo PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos (both the Digital+ and TrueHD versions), multichannel PCM and Dolby Multichannel PCM. Dolby Atmos maps sounds in space for a 3D effect so you experience planes as if they're flying overhead, hear footsteps moving across the room, and feel the score surround you. Capacitive touch controls for volume up/down, previous/next track, and play/pause.

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But this doesnt detract from the fantastic job the Beam Gen 2 does in representing the Atmos sound design as the cameras viewpoint roams about the stage and each instrument or monitor comes into sonic focus.

Sonos is indeed the best! No. to setup, customise and control. This website uses JavaScript to apply discounts. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is simply the best Dolby Atmos soundbar at this price point, and it elevates itself yet further with its streaming smarts, compact design and expert handling of motion, depth and space. A 40% faster chip pushes the sonic limits for a soundbar this size, creating two new audio paths for a virtual surround sound experience. When watching Atmos content, two of these arrays are dedicated to reproducing overhead and surround sounds. The decision by Sonos to use processing power and forward-facing drivers to recreate Dolby Atmos has paid off with a more capable and effective handling of the format than many more expensive soundbars with upward-firing drivers. The drivers are powered by five Class D amplifiers, while three passive radiators provide low-end frequency reinforcement. Having said that, I have a Yamaha bar and that suffers the exact same issue with Sky Q. I'm extremely disappointed with my SONOs Beam Gen 2. Put on a podcast in the bedroom while someone else watches TV in the living room, or group all your speakers to play music in sync. HDMI eARC allows support for uncompressed, high-quality audio formats such as Dolby Atmos. Thank you for signing up to What Hi-Fi?. Unlock exclusive rewards and $20 off your first purchase when you sign up for our newsletter. Sound quality is much better than standard TV speakers and just below the level of a full AV system. Theres LGs offering, the bijou but sonically lacklustre Eclair, which has upward drivers but is even more pricey at 700 / $700 / AU$1000. The new Beam is still the cheapest Sonos soundbar in the company's two-strong soundbar line-up, priced significantly lower than the Arc, which currently costs 899 / $899 / AU$1499. How does the Dolby Atmos experience differ from Beam (Gen 2) to Arc? Housed at the rear in the cable cove are sockets for power, ethernet and HDMI eARC as well as a connect/reset push button. So transparent and clear is the improved central tweeter that when watching Bohemian Rhapsody, the harmonic distortion on Freddy Mercurys vocal from the original recordings of Live Aid, which typically isnt that noticeable, is very apparent and actually starts to become a bit irritating. North Sydney Decoding for DTS digital surround will be added to this and other Sonos products at a later date but this sadly wont extend to DTS:X. Dolby Atmos is really the headline feature of the Beam Gen 2, so can Sonos achieve overhead sound without any height drivers?

So its with some trepidation that we unbox the new Sonos Beam. The Beam Gen 2 has big (and conversely small) shoes to fill in order to impress us, as its no secret that we are ardent admirers of the original Beam Gen 1. To be eligible for discounts, please enable JavaScript for your browser. Speech Enhancement emphasises the frequencies of the human voice to clarify dialogue. Award for the best soundbar in its price category every year since. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London and Bath.

Simply add a Sub and a pair of surround speakers for a more immersive home theatre experience - all connected wirelessly. Great stand alone sound bar. Step-by-step guidance from the Sonos app while setting up. The TV may be capable of sending Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Digital. We just cant wait for you to try out the Sub for the full immersive experience as well! eARC stands for enhanced Audio Return Channel. NSW 2059. Beam (Gen 2) can connect to TVs with eARC, ARC or optical outputs. In the low mids, the brass feels rich and, although wed love to hear more of the baritone saxs full-throated range, the lower notes are well handled if a little curtailed. Its projection is not quite as impressive as that of the Sonos Arc, where there is much more of a feeling of the rising water enveloping the viewer, but its still a very competent and more subtle interpretation than that of the Beam Gen 1. The sound of each instrument feels natural and unprocessed, no matter where it sits in the shot, and when the camera flies over the audience theres a real wide-sweeping sensation of movement and expanse. *By completing this form you are signing up to receive our emails and can unsubscribe at any time. 3. Collect your order at TC Experience Centre and our team will be there to assist you! Connects to your home WiFi network with any 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz broadcast-capable router. Other compact Dolby Atmos soundbars in this bracket are thin on the ground. True wireless smart speakers for that surround sound in your living room and bedroom. Equipped with 1 10/100 Mbps ethernet port. With Frightened Rabbit's Old Old Fashioned, the Beam Gen 2 keeps up with the frantic strumming of the acoustic guitar paired with the heavy, deadpan kick drum. In the sparse opening, featuring only woodblocks, celeste and wind players, the transients are sparkling and well defined while the vocal is open and present.

published 4 October 21, The Beam Gen 2 delivers with a mature and polished sound and effective virtual Atmos performance.

New for the Beam Gen 2 is a matching of this cove to the finish of the soundbar (matte black or matte white) and the inclusion of colour-complementary HDMI and power cords. Where the Beam Gen 1 might skim over certain complex sounds the Gen 2 has a greater capacity to take them on, consistently resulting in a richer, more nuanced and varied listening experience. The design has been updated with a new grille, monochromatic finish, and colour-matched cord. What Hi-Fi? Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Discount code cannot be applied to the cart. #01-17, Singapore 179803 We are so glad that you are impressed with the Sonos Beam Gen II! The new precisely perforated grille elevates the elegant design and blends seamlessly into your home, whether you place Beam on furniture or mount it. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. is supported by its audience. Enrich all your entertainment with the latest generation of our compact smart soundbar, now with Dolby Atmos. Mon - Sat: 11am - 7pm Well, genuine overhead sounds are perhaps a stretch too far, but theres more to Dolby Atmos than aeroplanes and helicopters, and the Beam Gen 2 handles the format better than any similarly priced soundbar. Seamlessly integrates with your existing Sonos system. To test the Beams handling of detail and timbre we stream Amy Winehouses Tears Dry On Their Own with its lush '60s-style arrangement. What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. The discount code cannot be applied to the cart. Sent mine back, not fit for purpose!Dross of an app, flaky product. Auto-switching 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz AC universal input. Good buy! On the top surface are the same touch-sensitive buttons, LEDs and far-field mics for voice control of Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant as on the original Beam.