Experience the Future of Home Audio: Ultra vs. Gen 2
Unveiling the Differences: Price and Availability Insights
The latest Sonos Beam Ultra is now available for pre-order, set to launch by the end of September alongside the Sonos Ace Ultra. Offered in elegant Black and White finishes, its retail price is £699. In contrast, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2), also available in Black or White, comes at a more accessible price point of £499. Given its longer presence in the market, the Gen 2 often features attractive discounts, presenting a more budget-friendly option for consumers.
Revolutionary Sound Delivery: Driver Configuration Breakdown
A significant upgrade in the Sonos Beam Ultra is its advanced driver system, featuring nine drivers compared to the Beam (Gen 2)'s five. Sonos highlights that the Ultra's front-facing drivers create a more robust and dynamic soundstage across left, right, and center channels. Additionally, its new upward-firing drivers introduce a third dimension of height to the audio experience. While the Beam (Gen 2) delivers excellent sound for its compact size, with some limitations in surround sound and bass that can be augmented with additional Sonos components, the Beam Ultra is engineered to deliver a comprehensive audio experience without the need for supplementary front speakers, aiming for a more integrated solution.
Optimized for Your Space: Room Size Recommendations
The Sonos Beam Ultra is specifically designed to perform optimally in medium-sized living environments, typically ranging from 23 to 32.5 square meters. Meanwhile, the Beam (Gen 2) is best suited for slightly smaller rooms, up to approximately 23 square meters. This distinction suggests that the Ultra is ideal for larger spaces where its enhanced sound projection can truly shine, while the Gen 2 remains a superb choice for more compact settings.
Immersive Audio Landscapes: Surround Sound Capabilities
With its sophisticated acoustic design, the Beam Ultra is engineered to provide a genuine 7.1.2 surround sound experience. This configuration includes seven distinct ear-level channels, a powerful bass channel, and two overhead height channels, culminating in a detailed and expansive listening environment powered by Dolby Atmos. It is important to note that a full Dolby Atmos experience necessitates compatible content and an HDMI eARC connection. The Beam (Gen 2) also supports Dolby Atmos, delivering a 5.1.2 surround sound profile, offering a rich audio experience in its own right.
Consistent Form Factor: Weight and Design Similarities
Despite the technological advancements in the Beam Ultra, both soundbars maintain an identical weight of 2.88kg. They also share a similar aesthetic, though the Beam Ultra is marginally shorter and 3.9 inches wider than the Gen 2. The inclusion of upward-firing drivers on the Ultra necessitates an upper grille, a design element absent in its predecessor. Both models are versatile in placement, designed to fit seamlessly under a television or to be elegantly wall-mounted.
Initial Impressions: An Early Assessment
A definitive evaluation of the Sonos Beam Ultra awaits comprehensive review. However, with its integration of upward-firing and front-facing drivers, the Ultra appears to be a more self-contained soundbar solution, potentially reducing the need for extra audio equipment. For those with larger living spaces seeking an uncompromised audio experience without additional speakers, the Sonos Beam Ultra presents a compelling option. Nevertheless, the Beam (Gen 2) remains an excellent and more economical choice for enhancing television audio, particularly in smaller rooms, offering remarkable value
