Did you know soundbar demand has grown by over 30% in two years? This shows how important these devices are in today’s homes. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Bose Smart Soundbar 900 stand out. They offer Dolby Atmos in a compact form, fitting various tastes and budgets.
In this article, we’ll dive into the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Bose Smart Soundbar 900’s features. They use Dolby Atmos and advanced tech to improve your home theater. These soundbars make movie nights better and enhance all your audio experiences. For more soundbar comparisons, check out this resource.
Key Takeaways
- The Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Bose Smart Soundbar 900 are key players in the compact Atmos soundbar market.
- Both models are equipped with advanced Dolby Atmos technology for an immersive audio experience.
- Pricing ranges, with the Sonos Beam Gen 2 being more affordable than the Bose Smart Soundbar 900.
- Each soundbar features unique smart integrations and connectivity options tailored for modern home systems.
- Design choices reflect different aesthetics, allowing for compatibility with various home décors.
- Performance in handling vocals and low frequencies varies, influencing your choice based on listening preferences.
- Both soundbars offer customization options to enhance your audio experience further.
Introduction to Compact Atmos Soundbars
Compact soundbars have changed how we enjoy sound at home. They offer great sound and a slim design. They’re perfect for those who want big sound without the big setup.
They support Dolby Atmos, which makes sound feel like it’s all around you. This makes movies and music feel more real.
Now, smart speakers are part of these soundbars. This lets you play music and control things with your voice. Models like the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Bose Smart Soundbar 900 show what these soundbars can do. They have advanced tech and work well with home networks.
These soundbars give you amazing sound quality. They make voices clear and sound balanced. They’re easy to fit in any home, great for anyone who loves sound.
Let’s look closer at what makes these soundbars special. We’ll see how they can change how you hear things at home.
Understanding Dolby Atmos Technology
Dolby Atmos is a game-changing sound technology that changes how you hear audio at home. It creates a three-dimensional sound world, pulling you into action scenes and musical landscapes. Unlike regular Surround Sound, Dolby Atmos adds height to the audio, making sounds move around and above you for a deeper experience.
What is Dolby Atmos?
Dolby Atmos is a new way to play audio, letting sounds come from any direction. It moves beyond the usual channel setup. Instead, it uses an object-based approach, placing sounds in a three-dimensional space. This tech is great in Compact Soundbars, where space is limited.
The Benefits of Dolby Atmos in Soundbars
Choosing soundbars with Dolby Atmos boosts your Home Theater Experience a lot. These devices use smart algorithms to create overhead sound effects, even without physical speakers. For example, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 deliver immersive audio without needing upfiring speakers.
Many people find it helpful to know about the different Dolby Atmos soundbars out there. Models like the Samsung HW-Q800C offer a 5.1.2 speaker setup and 360W of audio power. Whether you’re looking for something affordable like the Sony HT-S2000 or a premium option like the Samsung HW-Q990D, each soundbar has its own benefits. You can read detailed reviews to help choose the right one for your home audio setup. For example, the Sonos One and JBL Bar comparison offers a practical look at soundbar capabilities.
| Soundbar Model | Speaker Configuration | Audio Power | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung HW-Q800C | 5.1.2 | 360W | Best overall Dolby Atmos soundbar |
| Sony HT-S2000 | 3.1 | 250W | Best budget Dolby Atmos soundbar |
| Hisense AX5125H | 5.1.2 | 180W | Best budget Dolby Atmos surround |
| Samsung HW-Q990D | 7.1.2 | Powerful sound | Class-leading immersion |
Key Features of the Sonos Beam Gen 2
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a sleek soundbar that impresses with its features. It’s designed to look great and sound even better. This soundbar fits well in any home and offers an amazing audio experience.
Design and Aesthetics
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 looks modern and stylish, coming in black and white. It’s small, measuring 2.72 x 25.63 x 3.94 inches, making it easy to place anywhere. Its curved shape adds to its beauty, making it a great addition to your entertainment area.
Audio Performance and Capabilities
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 sounds amazing, thanks to its powerful setup. It has one center tweeter, four midwoofers, and three passive radiators. This setup makes vocals clear and the sound wide.
It doesn’t have up-firing speakers but uses special tech to make Dolby Atmos sound great. It supports Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos, making movies and music sound even better.
Smart Features and Connectivity
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is smart, working with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It connects via HDMI eARC, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, and supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect. It doesn’t have Bluetooth but works well with the Sonos app.
The app lets you tweak settings for a better sound experience. You can turn on night mode and voice enhancement to customize your listening.
Key Features of the Bose Smart Soundbar 900
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 offers a top-notch audio experience. It stands out with its elegant design, amazing sound quality, and smart connectivity options.
Design and Build Quality
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 has a sleek, rectangular design. It combines tradition with modern style. Its sturdy build features a matte plastic finish and a metallic grille.
The dimensions of 5.6 x 69.4 x 10.4 cm make it look more substantial. This gives your home entertainment a striking yet sophisticated look.
Audio Performance Highlights
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 excels in sound quality. It has two dedicated up-firing speakers for an authentic overhead sound. This is perfect for Dolby Atmos fans.
It offers clear dialogue and a wide soundstage. This enhances complex audio scenes, giving it an edge over similar products.
Smart Features and Connectivity Options
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 has smart features that make it appealing. It supports HDMI eARC, optical, and Bluetooth for various multimedia needs. You can control it easily with the Bose Music app.
The app lets you make advanced EQ adjustments for a customized sound. But, some users have noticed minor delays with the app. This might affect quick adjustments during playback.
Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Bose Smart Soundbar 900 for Compact Atmos Soundbars
When looking at the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and the Bose Smart Soundbar 900, the Price Comparison is key. Both cost about $499, showing they’re top picks in the compact soundbar market. Your choice might depend on what you value more: sound quality or design.
Price Comparison and Value for Money
The soundbar market offers many choices, from Sonos to Bose. Each model has unique features that shape your listening experience. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has Dolby Atmos and five drivers powered by Class D amplifiers. The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 has dedicated height drivers for a deeper sound.
Here’s a quick look at what each soundbar offers:
| Feature | Sonos Beam Gen 2 | Bose Smart Soundbar 900 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $499 |
| Audio Support | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos |
| Dedicated Upward-Firing Drivers | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Subwoofer Compatibility | Yes, with Sonos SUB Gen 3 ($749) | Yes, with Bose Bass Module 500 |
Which Soundbar Offers a Better Audio Experience?
The audio experience between these soundbars depends on what you’re looking for. The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is great for movies and games with its height channels. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is better for music, with clear vocals and midrange sound.
Both support Dolby Atmos but in different ways. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has Trueplay Tuning for room-specific sound adjustments. The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 lets you customize EQ for a more personal sound.
Choosing between these soundbars comes down to your preferences and needs. Looking at different soundbar models can help you decide.
Design Comparisons Between Sonos and Bose
When looking at soundbars like the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and the Bose Smart Soundbar 900, size and style matter. Both have unique designs and fit well in different home setups. They can really enhance your entertainment area.
Size and Dimensions
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is 6.9 x 65.1 x 10 cm. The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a bit bigger, at 5.6 x 69.4 x 10.4 cm. This size difference might affect where you place them. But both are small enough for smaller spaces.
Aesthetic Choices and Compatibility with Home Décor
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has a sleek, modern look, available in black and white. It fits well with modern homes. The Bose Smart Soundbar 900, on the other hand, has a classic design. Your choice depends on your style and what fits your home best.
| Feature | Sonos Beam Gen 2 | Bose Smart Soundbar 900 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (cm) | 6.9 x 65.1 x 10 | 5.6 x 69.4 x 10.4 |
| Weight (kg) | 2.8 | 2.6 |
| Aesthetic | Sleek, modern design | Traditional high-end look |
| Color Options | Black, White | Black, Silver |
| Compatibility | Various home setups | Harmonizes with premium systems |
Audio Performance: A Closer Look
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Bose Smart Soundbar 900 are top choices in compact soundbars. They excel in handling vocals, bass, and surround sound. This lets you pick the best one for your audio needs.
Softness of Vocals and Clarity
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 shines in vocals with clear clarity. It makes dialogue in movies and TV shows clear. This makes it great for those who want clear sound.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 also does well but might need adjustments for the best vocal sharpness.
Handling of Low Frequencies and Bass
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has punchy and defined bass performance. It handles low frequencies well, but lacks deep rumble without a subwoofer. You can adjust the bass through the Sonos app.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 also has good bass but might need tweaks for the best experience, mainly for bass-heavy content.
Surround Sound Experience
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 offers a standout surround sound experience with dedicated height speakers. It creates a more immersive atmosphere than the Sonos Beam Gen 2. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 also provides a great surround sound but lacks the overhead immersion of Bose’s design.
| Feature | Sonos Beam Gen 2 | Bose Smart Soundbar 900 |
|---|---|---|
| Vocal Clarity | Exceptional performance | Good, requires adjustments |
| Bass Performance | Punchy, clean bass | Good, may need tweaks |
| Surround Sound | Virtual processing | Dedicates height speakers |
Smart Features Comparison
Choosing between the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 means looking at smart features. These features make controlling your sound easy. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 works well with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This lets you change volume or tracks with just your voice.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 also has smart features. But it might not be as flexible as the Sonos Beam Gen 2.
Voice Assistants Compatibility
Both soundbars let you control them with your voice. This makes using them much easier. You can change settings without touching anything, making your audio experience better.
Multiroom Audio and Streaming Capabilities
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is great for multiroom audio and streaming. It works with other Sonos devices to play the same music everywhere. The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 also supports multiroom, but it’s not as good.
Both soundbars let you stream your favorite music and shows. They support many streaming services. For more options, check out this guide.
FAQ
What is the major difference between the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and the Bose Smart Soundbar 900?
The main difference is in sound quality. The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 has special speakers for Dolby Atmos. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is great for clear vocals and strong bass, perfect for music fans.
Can both soundbars connect to voice assistants?
Yes, both can work with voice assistants. Sonos Beam Gen 2 supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Bose has its own smart features.
Are the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Bose Smart Soundbar 900 suitable for small spaces?
Absolutely! They are made to fit small spaces. Their sleek designs and tech offer great sound without taking up much room.
Do both soundbars support multiroom audio?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is better for multiroom audio. It works well with other Sonos devices. Bose Smart Soundbar 900 also has some multiroom features but not as much as Sonos.
How does Dolby Atmos enhance the audio experience in these soundbars?
Dolby Atmos makes sound move around you. It adds depth and realism, making both soundbars great for movies and games.
What are the connectivity options for the Sonos Beam Gen 2?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has one HDMI eARC port, an Ethernet port, and an optical adapter. It uses WiFi and Apple Airplay 2 but not Bluetooth.
How does the audio performance compare between the two soundbars?
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 offers a wider soundstage and better surround sound, perfect for Dolby Atmos. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is better for clear vocals and strong bass, ideal for music.
What are the price points for each soundbar?
Both soundbars cost around 9. This shows they are both high-end options in the compact soundbar market.
