Sound Battle Royale: Harman Kardon Vs Sonos Beam – Which Soundbar Reigns Supreme?

In the realm of home audio, the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 700 soundbar and the Sonos Beam stand as two formidable contenders. Both devices promise immersive sound experiences, but which one emerges as the superior choice? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, performance, and overall value of these two exceptional soundbars to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 700 soundbar boasts a sleek and sophisticated design with a premium fabric cover that exudes elegance. Its compact form factor makes it suitable for a wide range of room sizes, while the included wall-mount bracket allows for flexible placement options.

In comparison, the Sonos Beam is slightly smaller and more discreet, with a minimalist design that complements any home décor. Its rounded corners and seamless grille give it a modern and understated aesthetic. Both soundbars feature durable construction and high-quality materials, ensuring longevity and reliability.

Audio Performance

Soundstage and Immersion

The Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 700 soundbar employs a unique multi-beam technology that creates a wide and immersive soundstage. Its seven dedicated drivers project sound in multiple directions, enveloping the listener in a cinematic soundscape. This results in a truly immersive experience, especially for movies and TV shows.

The Sonos Beam, on the other hand, uses a more traditional 5.1-channel configuration. While it delivers a clear and balanced sound, it lacks the same level of immersive surround sound capabilities as the Citation MultiBeam 700.

Bass Response

For those who crave deep and impactful bass, the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 700 soundbar excels with its integrated 10-inch subwoofer. This powerful driver provides a rich and resonant low-end experience that enhances the overall sound quality and adds depth to movies and music.

The Sonos Beam, despite its compact size, still manages to deliver a respectable bass response. However, it cannot match the sheer power and impact of the Citation MultiBeam 700’s dedicated subwoofer.

Dialogue Clarity

Both the Citation MultiBeam 700 and the Sonos Beam prioritize dialogue clarity. The Citation MultiBeam 700 features a dedicated center channel that ensures that voices are always clear and distinguishable, even amidst complex soundtracks.

The Sonos Beam also performs well in this area, with its five dedicated drivers delivering precise and intelligible dialogue. However, the Citation MultiBeam 700’s dedicated center channel gives it a slight edge in terms of dialogue clarity.

Connectivity and Features

Wired and Wireless Connections

The Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 700 soundbar offers a comprehensive range of wired and wireless connectivity options. It supports HDMI ARC/eARC, optical, and Bluetooth 5.0, providing flexibility for connecting to various devices.

The Sonos Beam also offers a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI ARC, optical, and Bluetooth 5.0. However, it lacks a dedicated wired Ethernet port, which may be a limitation for some users.

Multi-Room Compatibility

Both the Citation MultiBeam 700 and the Sonos Beam are part of their respective multi-room ecosystems. The Citation MultiBeam 700 can be paired with other Harman Kardon speakers to create a multi-room audio system, while the Sonos Beam integrates seamlessly with other Sonos devices.

The Sonos Beam has a slight advantage in this area, as it supports Apple AirPlay 2 in addition to its own multi-room platform. This provides greater flexibility and compatibility with a wider range of devices.

Voice Assistant Integration

The Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 700 soundbar supports both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice assistants. This allows users to control the soundbar, play music, and access other smart home features using voice commands.

The Sonos Beam also supports both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. However, it lacks a built-in microphone, so users need to use a separate Amazon Echo or Google Assistant device to access voice assistant functionality.

Ease of Use

Both the Citation MultiBeam 700 and the Sonos Beam are designed to be user-friendly and easy to set up. The Citation MultiBeam 700 comes with a dedicated remote control that provides quick access to all the essential functions.

The Sonos Beam can be controlled using the Sonos app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to adjust settings, group speakers, and access a wide range of music streaming services.

Price and Value

The Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 700 soundbar is priced at $799.95, while the Sonos Beam is available for $499.95. The Citation MultiBeam 700 offers a more immersive sound experience, a dedicated subwoofer for enhanced bass, and a wider range of connectivity options.

The Sonos Beam, on the other hand, is more affordable and offers a more compact design, as well as excellent dialogue clarity and multi-room compatibility.

Final Thoughts: Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 700 Soundbar vs. Sonos Beam – Which One to Choose?

The choice between the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 700 soundbar and the Sonos Beam ultimately depends on your specific requirements and preferences. If you prioritize an immersive soundstage, powerful bass, and comprehensive connectivity options, the Citation MultiBeam 700 is the superior choice.

However, if you value affordability, a compact design, and seamless multi-room compatibility, the Sonos Beam is a great option. Both soundbars offer exceptional audio performance and a range of features that will enhance your home entertainment experience.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q1: Which soundbar has better sound quality?

A: The Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 700 soundbar offers a more immersive and powerful sound experience, with a dedicated subwoofer for enhanced bass.

Q2: Which soundbar is more affordable?

A: The Sonos Beam is more affordable, priced at $499.95 compared to the $799.95 price tag of the Citation MultiBeam 700.

Q3: Which soundbar has more connectivity options?

A: The Citation MultiBeam 700 offers a wider range of connectivity options, including HDMI ARC/eARC, optical, and Bluetooth 5.0.

Q4: Which soundbar has better multi-room compatibility?

A: Both soundbars offer multi-room compatibility, but the Sonos Beam has a slight edge as it supports Apple AirPlay 2 in addition to its own multi-room platform.

Q5: Which soundbar is easier to use?

A: Both soundbars are designed to be user-friendly, with the Citation MultiBeam 700 featuring a dedicated remote control and the Sonos Beam offering a user-friendly mobile app for control.