Hey guys! Let's talk audio. Specifically, let's talk about the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and its little buddy, the Sub Mini. This duo has been making waves in the home theater and music streaming scene, and for good reason. They promise a premium sound experience in a relatively compact and user-friendly package. But are they worth the hype? Do they deliver on their promises? I'm here to break it all down for you, covering everything from setup and design to the actual sound quality and, of course, the all-important question: should you buy them? Get ready for a detailed Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Sub Mini review!

Unboxing and Design: First Impressions

Alright, let's start with the basics – the unboxing experience and the design of these two Sonos marvels. First off, Sonos always nails the packaging. It's clean, minimalist, and screams premium. You feel like you're unwrapping something special, which, in a way, you are. Both the Beam Gen 2 and the Sub Mini share the same design language: sleek, modern, and unobtrusive. The Beam Gen 2 is a soundbar, designed to sit neatly under your TV, and it's available in both black and white finishes. I personally went with the black, and it looks fantastic. It's a clean, simple design with a matte finish that doesn't attract fingerprints easily. The soundbar is surprisingly compact, which is a major plus, especially if you have limited space. It won't dominate your entertainment setup. The Sub Mini, as the name suggests, is the smaller sibling of the original Sonos Sub. It's cylindrical, with a unique design that is quite stylish. It's also available in black and white. Its compact size is a huge selling point. It is designed to fit into smaller spaces without sacrificing the power of deep bass.

Setting up both devices is where Sonos truly shines. The Sonos app is incredibly user-friendly. You simply plug in the devices, download the app, and follow the on-screen prompts. The app guides you through the entire process, including connecting to your Wi-Fi network and setting up your preferred audio sources. The whole process takes just a few minutes, making it a breeze even for those who aren't tech-savvy. The app also features Trueplay tuning. This is a neat feature that uses your iPhone or iPad's microphone to analyze the acoustics of your room and optimize the sound accordingly. It's a game-changer, especially if your listening space isn't perfectly symmetrical. Trueplay really helps the Beam Gen 2 and Sub Mini deliver the best possible audio experience. The build quality of both the Beam Gen 2 and Sub Mini is top-notch. They feel solid and well-made, which is what you'd expect from a premium audio brand. No cheap plastic here, folks! The attention to detail is evident, from the smooth finish to the thoughtfully designed ports and controls. Overall, the first impressions are excellent. Sonos has clearly put a lot of thought into the design and user experience of these products.

Features and Functionality: What Can They Do?

Now, let's dive into the features and functionality of the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Sub Mini. The Beam Gen 2 is packed with features, starting with its support for Dolby Atmos. This is a big deal because it means the soundbar can create a more immersive and realistic soundstage, with audio seemingly coming from all directions, including above you. It's a huge upgrade over traditional soundbars that only offer stereo or basic surround sound. The Beam Gen 2 also supports a wide range of audio formats, so you can enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, and music in the highest quality possible. It has built-in support for Apple AirPlay 2, which allows you to stream audio directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. It also works with Spotify Connect, so you can control your music playback directly from the Spotify app. The Beam Gen 2 also has a built-in microphone for voice control. You can use either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to control your music, adjust the volume, and even control your smart home devices. It's a convenient feature that adds to the overall user experience.

The Sub Mini, on the other hand, is all about enhancing the bass. It's designed to provide deep, rich, and powerful bass that complements the Beam Gen 2's sound. The Sub Mini connects wirelessly to the Beam Gen 2, so you don't have to worry about running cables. It's a seamless integration that adds a whole new dimension to your audio experience. The Sub Mini uses two woofers that face inward, which helps to eliminate vibrations and create a clean, distortion-free bass. The Sub Mini also features automatic equalization, which means it automatically adjusts the bass levels to match the Beam Gen 2's output. This ensures that the sound is balanced and that the bass doesn't overpower the other frequencies. The Sonos app is the central hub for controlling both the Beam Gen 2 and Sub Mini. It allows you to adjust the volume, EQ settings, and other audio settings. The app also allows you to group multiple Sonos speakers together, so you can create a multi-room audio system. This is a fantastic feature if you want to enjoy your music throughout your home.

In terms of connectivity, the Beam Gen 2 has an HDMI eARC port for connecting to your TV. It also has an optical audio adapter if your TV doesn't have an HDMI eARC port. The Sub Mini connects wirelessly to the Beam Gen 2, so there's no need for any physical connections. Overall, the features and functionality of the Beam Gen 2 and Sub Mini are impressive. They offer a comprehensive audio experience that is both powerful and user-friendly.

Sound Quality: Does it Sound as Good as It Looks?

Alright, here's the moment of truth: how does the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Sub Mini actually sound? The short answer is: pretty darn good! The Beam Gen 2, on its own, delivers a surprisingly robust and detailed sound. The soundbar does a great job of creating a wide soundstage, making it feel like the audio is coming from all around you. Dialogue is clear and crisp, and the highs are well-defined. The Beam Gen 2's Dolby Atmos support truly shines. When watching movies or shows with Dolby Atmos content, the soundbar creates a more immersive and realistic sound experience. Sounds seem to come from above and all around, adding a new level of depth and excitement to the viewing experience. However, the Beam Gen 2, like most soundbars, can struggle with deep bass. This is where the Sub Mini comes in. The Sub Mini adds a whole new dimension to the sound. The bass is deep, rich, and powerful, without being boomy or overpowering. It perfectly complements the Beam Gen 2, creating a balanced and immersive audio experience. The combination of the Beam Gen 2 and Sub Mini is truly impressive. It's a significant upgrade over the Beam Gen 2 on its own. The Sub Mini fills in the low frequencies that the soundbar struggles with, resulting in a more complete and satisfying sound.

For music, the Beam Gen 2 and Sub Mini combo is excellent. The sound is clear, detailed, and dynamic. The bass adds a punch and depth that makes your favorite songs sound even better. The Sub Mini ensures that you can feel the music, not just hear it. With the Trueplay tuning feature, the sound is optimized for your specific room, which further enhances the audio quality. The Trueplay feature can make a noticeable difference, especially in rooms with less-than-ideal acoustics. It adjusts the sound to compensate for reflections and other acoustic challenges, resulting in a more balanced and accurate sound. Overall, the sound quality of the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Sub Mini is excellent. They deliver a clear, detailed, and immersive sound experience that is perfect for both movies and music. The addition of the Sub Mini is a game-changer, adding a new level of depth and excitement to the audio.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Good and the Bad

Let's break down the pros and cons of the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Sub Mini to give you a clear picture:

Pros:

• Excellent Sound Quality: The combination of the Beam Gen 2 and Sub Mini delivers a clear, detailed, and immersive sound experience. Dolby Atmos support on the Beam Gen 2 adds a new level of immersion for movies and TV shows.
• Stylish Design: Both the Beam Gen 2 and Sub Mini have a sleek and modern design that will complement any home decor. The compact size of the Sub Mini is a major advantage.
• Easy Setup and Use: The Sonos app is incredibly user-friendly, making setup a breeze. The app also allows for easy control and customization of your audio settings.
• Seamless Integration: The Beam Gen 2 and Sub Mini integrate seamlessly, creating a cohesive audio experience. Wireless connectivity makes setup even easier.
• Voice Control: Built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant adds convenience.
• Trueplay Tuning: Optimizes the sound for your specific room, enhancing audio quality.
• Multi-Room Audio: Compatible with other Sonos speakers, allowing you to create a multi-room audio system.

Cons:

• Price: Sonos products are on the pricier side, and the combined cost of the Beam Gen 2 and Sub Mini can be a significant investment.
• No Physical Inputs (Beam Gen 2): The Beam Gen 2 only has an HDMI eARC port and an optical audio adapter. This might be a limitation for some users who prefer multiple physical inputs.
• Requires Wi-Fi: Both devices require a Wi-Fi connection to function.
• Sub Mini Bass Might Not Satisfy Everyone: While the Sub Mini provides excellent bass, it might not be enough for some users who crave extreme bass performance. If you are a bass head, you may be left wanting more.

The Verdict: Is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Sub Mini Right for You?

So, after all that, is the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Sub Mini a good investment? Absolutely, yes! If you're looking for a premium audio experience that's easy to set up and use, this combo is a great choice. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 alone is a great soundbar. But when you add the Sub Mini to the mix, you get a truly immersive and satisfying audio experience. The sound quality is excellent, the design is sleek, and the user experience is top-notch. The Dolby Atmos support is a significant advantage, and the Trueplay tuning feature further enhances the audio quality. The price is a factor, but you're paying for a premium product that delivers premium performance. If you're upgrading from your TV's built-in speakers or are looking to enhance your existing home theater setup, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Sub Mini are definitely worth considering. If you're a bass enthusiast and want ground-shaking bass, you might want to consider the larger Sonos Sub. However, for most users, the Sub Mini provides a perfect balance of power and size. Overall, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Sub Mini combo gets a big thumbs up from me. It's a fantastic audio solution that will elevate your entertainment experience. It's a perfect blend of performance, style, and ease of use. Go get them, you won't regret it!