Sonos beam v traditional surround sound

[rob_981]

Just looking for some thoughts on the Sonos beam as part of a surround sound setup.

I currently have a Yamaha RX V575 and Jamo A102HCS5. It’s a pretty old setup now (certainly the speakers are anyway), and I was wondering what improvements, if any, I might expect by switching to a Sonos beam with 2 Play 1s as rears (no sub for now).

I know WHF really rate the beam, but would I be losing a lot by switching to it from my current setup?

Obviously I will get out and listen to it, but is there any point? Would I be wasting my time?

 

[bigboss]

In terms of pure performance, I think they'll run close (the Beam probably a bit better). But Sonos will give you more flexibility in terms on multiroom music.

 

[scene]

In terms of pure performance, I think they'll run close (the Beam probably a bit better). But Sonos will give you more flexibility in terms on multiroom music.

I agree with what BB says.

I've got three AVR setups, one using full size speakers, one using small speakers (Kef eggs) and a Sonos beam, so have had plenty of chance to compare the beam to more traditional AV setups.

The question I would ask is, how big is your room and where is the screen? The Sonos beam is great, and in a small-medium room. I've got mine in a 4.5x3.8m one and it sounds great. I haven't got any plays as rears, and I'd definitely have those (there on my wish list).

If you like lots of bass, then you need a sub, which is where a Sonos set up can start getting a bit expensive.

One last question: is your TV new enough to have an hdmi-ARC channel? With one you get to use more advanced features of the Beam (via Alexa or Google) to control the TV (dependent on TV model). Without it you need to use the optical to hdmi cable and with the optical out from your TV the Sonos "just" does sound.

 

[rob_981]

Thanks for the replies. Good to know I won’t be wasting my time.

My room isn’t big, and the tv is in the corner. It’s only a year old, so it has ARC.

Ive got a few Sonos devices in the house, and they’re all great for music, something my current surround setup isn’t good with, so that’s part of my reason for considering it.

The main thing I’ve always wondered is will I be losing much width without separate front speakers, but in truth, my front L&R speakers aren’t that far apart anyway (no room), so it would probably be fine.

While I do like good bass when watching tv, my neighbour doesn’t, so I have my current sub quite low anyway. I’ll definitely get out and hear one to see if I would be happy without a sub.

Thanks again.