The Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam (Gen 2) are two prominent soundbars from Sonos, designed to enhance audio experiences for TV and music. Below is a detailed comparison across various aspects such as design, sound quality, features, and pricing.
Design
| Feature | Sonos Arc | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 45 inches wide, 3.4 inches tall | 25.6 inches wide, 2.7 inches tall |
| Weight | Heavier, designed for larger TVs | Lighter, suitable for smaller setups |
| Build Material | All-plastic grille covering | All-plastic grille covering |
| Mounting | Wall-mountable (bracket sold separately) | Wall-mountable (bracket sold separately) |
The Sonos Arc is larger and more suited for big TVs (55 inches and above), while the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is compact, making it ideal for smaller spaces and TVs.
Sound Quality
| Feature | Sonos Arc | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker Configuration | 11 speakers: 8 woofers, 3 tweeters | 5 speakers: 4 woofers, 1 tweeter |
| Up-firing Drivers | Yes, enhances Dolby Atmos experience | No, simulates Atmos without true height |
| Soundstage | Wider soundstage with immersive audio | Punchy sound with clear dialogue |
| Bass Performance | Richer and deeper bass | Good bass but less impactful than Arc |
The Sonos Arc excels in sound quality with its dedicated up-firing drivers that create a more immersive Dolby Atmos experience. In contrast, the Beam (Gen 2) offers clear dialogue and good overall sound but lacks the same level of immersion due to the absence of height channels.
Features
- Connectivity: Both models feature a single HDMI eARC port, optical adapter, Ethernet port, and power socket. They also support Apple AirPlay 2 and can automatically switch to TV audio when powered on.
- Audio Features: The Arc supports advanced features like the TV Audio Swap with Ace headphones, which is not yet available on the Beam.
- Atmos Capability: The Arc provides a more convincing Atmos experience due to its additional drivers designed for height effects. The Beam can simulate Atmos but does not deliver the same level of spatial audio.
While the Arc offers superior audio performance suitable for larger rooms, the Beam provides excellent value for smaller spaces or budgets.
Conclusion
The choice between the Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam (Gen 2) largely depends on your specific needs:
- Choose the Sonos Arc if you have a larger TV setup and prioritize immersive sound quality with Dolby Atmos capabilities.
- Opt for the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) if you're looking for a compact soundbar that delivers excellent performance in smaller spaces at a more affordable price.
Both soundbars cater to different preferences and environments, making them strong contenders in their respective categories.
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