Sonos Beam: Big Sound, Small Price
Many high-end televisions manufactured today come equipped with good audio systems, but if we want to feel that sensation of powerful, immersive sound that sends shivers down your spine when a movie starts in a cinema, … there’s no choice but to make a small investment in a good home-cinema.
The market offers a wide range of prices, from those around 80 to 200 euros, most of which are quite basic, to those that reach or even exceed 1,000 euros, which sometimes have so many features that some are hardly appreciable or not even needed. Therefore, for a cautious pocket, the best thing is to look for an optimal price-quality ratio.
In that league plays Sonos Beam, a smart soundbar that for 499 euros (which can be paid in three installments of 166.33 euros without interest) offers everything that any average consumer would look for in this type of product: outstanding sound quality, ease of use and aesthetic elegance.
Installing it is as simple as choosing a location, plugging it in, connecting it to the television with the HDMI cable and linking it to the Wi-Fi with the Sonos app.A task that took us a few minutes without any problems, and once configured, the system is ready to be used with the television or with any source connected to the Wi-Fi, whether it’s an iPhone, iPad or Mac, so you can play music, podcasts, radio stations or audiobooks from usual streaming services.
the growing consumption of music audiovisual
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However, the strong point is audiovisual, and in that sense, the soundbar makes any cinematic genre gain ground at home, whether multiplying the expansive wave of spectacular explosions, providing perfect listening to dialogues or enhancing small
The Sonos Beam, a compact soundbar, generally delivers sufficient audio performance to transform a living room into a home theater, though minor acoustic reflections may occur in certain environments. Autonomous testing confirms its capabilities, despite potential for slight echo in specific room configurations.
Sonos Beam: Overview and Functionality
The Sonos Beam is a smart speaker and soundbar designed to provide high-fidelity audio for home theater and music listening. It supports Dolby Atmos and utilizes virtual surround sound technology to create an immersive audio experience. The device connects to a home Wi-fi network and integrates with other Sonos products, and also streaming services.
Detail: The Beam is known for its ease of setup and use, as well as its compact size, making it suitable for smaller spaces. It features built-in voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing users to control music, adjust volume, and access data hands-free.
Example: As of November 2023, Sonos reported over 12 million active households using Sonos systems globally, demonstrating the widespread adoption of their products, including the Beam. Sonos Fiscal Year 2023 Results
Audio Performance and Potential Echoes
The Sonos Beam generally provides a high-quality audio experience, but minor acoustic reflections, or echoes, can occur depending on the room’s acoustics and furnishings. These echoes are typically subtle and do not significantly detract from the overall listening experience.
Detail: Room acoustics play a crucial role in sound quality. Hard surfaces like walls, floors, and furniture can reflect sound waves, creating echoes. Softer materials, such as carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture, absorb sound waves, reducing reflections. The Beam’s performance is optimized for typical living room environments, but highly reflective spaces may exhibit minor echoes.
example: RTINGS.com’s frequency response tests of the Sonos Beam (2nd Gen) show a relatively flat response,indicating accurate sound reproduction,but also note that room acoustics can influence perceived sound quality. Their testing environment is acoustically treated, demonstrating the importance of room characteristics.
Soundbar Placement and Acoustic Treatment
Optimal soundbar placement and the use of acoustic treatment can minimize echoes and improve audio clarity. Positioning the soundbar correctly and adding sound-absorbing materials to the room can significantly enhance the listening experience.
Detail: Placing the soundbar directly in front of the listener and ensuring it is indeed at ear level can improve sound imaging. Adding acoustic panels, rugs, or curtains can absorb sound reflections and reduce echoes. experimenting with placement and acoustic treatment can help optimize the sound quality in any room.
Example: SoundGuys.com’s soundbar placement guide recommends avoiding placing a soundbar directly against a wall, as this can cause unwanted reflections.They suggest leaving a few inches of space between the soundbar and the wall to allow sound to breathe.
Alternatives and Considerations
While the Sonos Beam is a capable soundbar, several alternatives are available, offering different features and price points. Considerations include room size, budget, and desired features such as Dolby Atmos support and voice control.
Detail: Other popular soundbar brands include Bose, Samsung, and Sony. Each brand offers a range of models with varying features and performance characteristics. choosing the right soundbar depends on individual needs and preferences.
Example: What Hi-Fi?’s guide to choosing a soundbar highlights the importance of considering room size and budget when selecting a soundbar. They recommend larger soundbars for larger rooms and more expensive models for those seeking higher audio quality.