Sonos soundbar showdown: ray vs. beam – which rocks your world?
What To Know
- Both the Beam and Ray can be integrated into a Sonos system, allowing you to create a whole-home audio experience.
- The Beam offers a more immersive sound experience with Dolby Atmos support, while the Ray provides a solid sound performance at a more affordable price.
- However, if you’re seeking a budget-friendly soundbar with a compact design and clear sound quality, the Sonos Ray is an excellent option.
Sonos, renowned for its premium audio devices, offers two exceptional soundbars: the Sonos Beam and the Sonos Ray. Both soundbars aim to elevate your home theater experience, but they cater to different needs and budgets. This comprehensive comparison will guide you through the key similarities and differences between the Sonos Beam and Ray, empowering you to make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.
Design and Aesthetics
The Sonos Beam and Ray share a sleek and minimalist design that complements any room décor. The Beam measures 651 x 100 x 69 mm, while the Ray is slightly smaller at 559 x 71 x 95 mm. Both soundbars feature a perforated grille covering their front and top surfaces, allowing for optimal sound dispersion. The Beam comes in black or white, while the Ray is available in black or white.
Audio Performance
Sound Quality:
The Sonos Beam delivers a balanced and immersive sound experience. Its five amplified full-range drivers produce clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass. The Beam supports Dolby Atmos, creating a virtual surround sound experience that envelops you in audio.
The Sonos Ray, while lacking Dolby Atmos support, still offers impressive sound quality. Its two full-range drivers and two tweeters provide a clear and detailed soundstage. It excels at enhancing dialogue and music, making it ideal for smaller rooms or those seeking a more affordable option.
Sound Modes:
Both soundbars feature various sound modes to optimize your listening experience. The Beam offers Night Sound, Speech Enhancement, and Bass Boost modes. The Ray includes Night Mode and Speech Enhancement modes. These modes allow you to tailor the sound output to suit your preferences and the content you’re listening to.
Connectivity and Features
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:
Both the Sonos Beam and Ray support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Wi-Fi allows you to connect the soundbar to your home network and stream music from various sources, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora. Bluetooth enables you to pair the soundbar with your smartphone or tablet for direct audio playback.
AirPlay 2 and HDMI:
The Sonos Beam includes AirPlay 2 support, allowing you to wirelessly stream audio from Apple devices. It also features an HDMI ARC port for connecting to your TV. The Sonos Ray lacks AirPlay 2 support but has an optical audio input for connecting to your TV.
Voice Control
The Sonos Beam and Ray both support voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can use your voice to play music, adjust the volume, and control other compatible smart home devices.
Multi-Room Audio
Sonos is known for its multi-room audio capabilities. Both the Beam and Ray can be integrated into a Sonos system, allowing you to create a whole-home audio experience. You can group the soundbars with other Sonos speakers to play the same music throughout your home or different music in each room.
Price and Availability
The Sonos Beam is priced at $449, while the Sonos Ray is priced at $279. Both soundbars are available for purchase from the Sonos website and authorized retailers.
The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right Soundbar for Your Needs
The Sonos Beam and Sonos Ray are both excellent soundbars that enhance your home theater experience. The Beam offers a more immersive sound experience with Dolby Atmos support, while the Ray provides a solid sound performance at a more affordable price.
If you’re looking for a premium soundbar with Dolby Atmos and advanced features, the Sonos Beam is the ideal choice. However, if you’re seeking a budget-friendly soundbar with a compact design and clear sound quality, the Sonos Ray is an excellent option.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which soundbar has better sound quality, the Beam or the Ray?
A: The Sonos Beam offers a more balanced and immersive sound experience with Dolby Atmos support.
Q: Can I use the Sonos Beam and Ray together in a multi-room system?
A: Yes, both soundbars can be integrated into a Sonos system for a whole-home audio experience.
Q: Does the Sonos Ray support AirPlay 2?
A: No, the Sonos Ray does not support AirPlay 2.
Q: Which soundbar is more compact, the Beam or the Ray?
A: The Sonos Ray is slightly smaller than the Beam, measuring 559 x 71 x 95 mm compared to the Beam’s 651 x 100 x 69 mm.
Q: Can I use the Sonos Beam and Ray as a surround sound system?
A: No, both the Beam and Ray are designed as standalone soundbars and cannot be used as part of a surround sound system.