Sonos Soundbar Dilemma: Ray Vs Beam – Unraveling The Best Value For Your Entertainment Needs
What To Know
- If you prioritize a more immersive sound experience, a wider range of features, and the convenience of voice control, the Sonos Beam is the better choice.
- The Ray provides a solid sound experience at an affordable price, while the Beam delivers a more immersive and feature-rich experience.
- Yes, both the Sonos Ray and Beam can be integrated into a Sonos multi-room audio system, allowing you to connect them with other Sonos speakers for a more immersive sound experience.
Sonos, renowned for its premium audio products, offers two exceptional soundbars: the Sonos Ray and the Sonos Beam. Both devices boast impressive features, but they cater to different needs and budgets. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key differences between the Sonos Ray and Beam, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Aesthetics
The Sonos Ray is a sleek and compact soundbar, measuring 22 inches in length. Its low-profile design makes it ideal for smaller rooms or setups where space is limited. The Sonos Beam, on the other hand, is slightly larger at 25 inches, featuring a more traditional soundbar form factor. It offers a wider soundstage and a more immersive experience.
Sound Quality
Both the Sonos Ray and Beam deliver clear and balanced audio. However, the Beam offers a more refined and powerful sound experience. It features five Class-D amplifiers and four full-range drivers, providing a wider frequency range and deeper bass response. The Ray, while still capable of producing high-quality sound, has a more modest setup with two Class-D amplifiers and two full-range drivers.
Features and Functionality
The Sonos Ray is designed for simplicity and ease of use. It supports a range of audio formats, including Dolby Digital and stereo PCM. It also features HDMI ARC for a single-cable connection to your TV. The Sonos Beam, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive feature set. In addition to supporting Dolby Digital and stereo PCM, it also supports Dolby Atmos, providing a more immersive and cinematic sound experience. The Beam also includes an integrated Amazon Alexa voice assistant, allowing for hands-free control of your music, smart home devices, and more.
Connectivity
Both the Sonos Ray and Beam support Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity. This allows them to be integrated into your Sonos multi-room audio system, enabling you to stream music and audio throughout your home. The Beam also features an optical audio input, providing an alternative connection option for older TVs or devices that do not support HDMI ARC.
Price and Availability
The Sonos Ray is available at a more affordable price point than the Sonos Beam. It retails for $279, making it a great option for budget-conscious consumers. The Sonos Beam, with its more premium features and capabilities, is priced at $449.
Which Sonos Soundbar is Best for You?
The choice between the Sonos Ray and Beam ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a compact and affordable soundbar with solid sound quality, the Sonos Ray is an excellent option. If you prioritize a more immersive sound experience, a wider range of features, and the convenience of voice control, the Sonos Beam is the better choice.
Sonos Ray vs Beam: A Summary of Key Differences
| Feature | Sonos Ray | Sonos Beam |
| — | — | — |
| Design | Compact (22 inches) | Traditional (25 inches) |
| Sound Quality | Clear and balanced | Refined and powerful |
| Features | HDMI ARC, Dolby Digital, stereo PCM | HDMI ARC, Dolby Digital, stereo PCM, Dolby Atmos, Amazon Alexa |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, optical audio input |
| Price | $279 | $449 |
Final Note
Both the Sonos Ray and Beam are exceptional soundbars that offer a range of benefits. The Ray provides a solid sound experience at an affordable price, while the Beam delivers a more immersive and feature-rich experience. By carefully considering your needs and budget, you can choose the perfect Sonos soundbar to elevate your home entertainment setup.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which soundbar is better for small rooms?
A: The Sonos Ray is a better choice for small rooms due to its compact design and ability to deliver clear and balanced sound even in limited spaces.
Q: Does the Sonos Ray support Dolby Atmos?
A: No, the Sonos Ray does not support Dolby Atmos. Only the Sonos Beam and higher-end Sonos soundbars offer Dolby Atmos compatibility.
Q: Can I use my existing Sonos speakers with either soundbar?
A: Yes, both the Sonos Ray and Beam can be integrated into a Sonos multi-room audio system, allowing you to connect them with other Sonos speakers for a more immersive sound experience.