Overview

The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a compact Atmos-capable soundbar with Trueplay room correction and a 40% faster chip versus Gen 1 for enhanced virtual surround processing. Dimensions are 25.63 × 2.68 × 3.94 in and 6.35 lb, targeting small to mid-sized rooms and TVs of 43” and up [1].

Scientific Validity

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Independent measurements show: Stereo low-frequency extension 50.4 Hz and high-frequency extension 16.7 kHz; SPL @ Max Volume 88.8 dB SPL (stereo); Center channel weighted THD 0.63 at 80 dB and 1.54 at max; Atmos (height) is phantom via front drivers with SPL 59.2 dB SPL [2]. The bar lacks up-firing drivers; height cues rely on DSP virtualization rather than discrete elevation channels [1][2].

Technology Level

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Beam Gen 2 employs a 40% faster processor for spatial processing, Trueplay room correction using iOS device microphones, and a 5-driver array (one center tweeter, four elliptical mid-woofers) plus three passive radiators, each on Class-D amps. Supported formats include Dolby Atmos (via eARC) and DTS Digital Surround. Sonos documents Trueplay’s spectral correction approach in detail [1][4].

Cost-Performance

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At 499 USD (review target price), the cheapest product with equal-or-better functions and measured performance we could identify is the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 at 499 USD: it adds real up-firing drivers and measures higher SPL @ Max Volume (93.0 dB SPL vs 88.8) and stronger center performance in RTINGS’ framework [2][3].
Calculation: 499 USD ÷ 499 USD = 1.00 → 1.0.

Reliability & Support

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Sonos announced a manufacturer warranty extension in 2024 amid app issues, reflecting acknowledgement and support focus [5]. Hardware uses a simple Class-D architecture with few moving parts, but software dependency introduces potential risks. Global support and continuing firmware/app updates are in place [1][5].

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Pursuing compact form with DSP-based Atmos and room correction is a rational, data-driven path for small bars. However, without physical height drivers, the approach has inherent limits versus systems with real elevation channels. The ecosystem/streaming integration is modern and coherent, but not unique relative to rivals [1][2][4].

Advice

Choose Beam Gen 2 if you value compact size, seamless Sonos multi-room, and straightforward setup, and you watch at moderate volumes. If you want stronger height effects at similar cost, Bose Smart Soundbar 600 is the equal-price alternative with up-firing drivers and higher measured max SPL [3]. For more output and bass (not a like-for-like single-bar comparison), consider bundles with a sub and surrounds.

References

[1] Sonos — “Beam (Gen 2) product page / tech specs.” https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/beam (accessed Aug 25, 2025).
[2] RTINGS — “Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Review,” Test Bench v1.3 metrics incl. LFE 50.4 Hz; SPL @ Max 88.8 dB; THD figures. https://www.rtings.com/soundbar/reviews/sonos/beam-gen-2 (accessed Aug 25, 2025).
[3] RTINGS — “Compare: Sonos Beam (Gen 2) vs Bose Smart Soundbar 600,” includes SPL @ Max comparison (93.0 vs 88.8) and center performance deltas. https://www.rtings.com/soundbar/tools/compare/sonos-beam-gen-2-vs-bose-smart-soundbar-600/28293/35661 (accessed Aug 25, 2025).
[4] Sonos Tech Blog — “Trueplay Spectral Correction.” https://tech-blog.sonos.com/posts/trueplay-spectral-correction/ (accessed Aug 25, 2025).
[5] Sonos Support — “Sonos’ Warranty Extension — October 1, 2024.” https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/sonos-warranty-extension-october-1-2024 (accessed Aug 25, 2025).

(2025.8.25)