When it comes to home audio systems, Sonos is a household name that consistently delivers high-quality sound and sleek designs. Two of their most popular soundbars, the Sonos Arc and Beam, are often compared and contrasted by audiophiles and casual listeners alike. One of the most pressing questions on everyone’s mind is: which one is louder? In this in-depth article, we’ll dive into the technical specifications, design differences, and real-world performance of both soundbars to give you a clear answer.
The Technical Specifications: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Before we dive into the sound quality and volume differences, let’s take a look at the technical specifications of both soundbars:
| Specification | Sonos Arc | Sonos Beam |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 45.0 x 4.5 x 4.7 in (1140 x 115 x 120 mm) | 25.6 x 2.7 x 2.9 in (651 x 69 x 74 mm) |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 4.3 lbs (1.9 kg) |
| Drivers | 8 woofers, 2 tweeters, 2 up-firing tweeters | 4 woofers, 1 tweeter |
| Amplification | Class-D digital amplification | Class-D digital amplification |
| Frequency Response | 40 Hz – 20 kHz | 50 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Max SPL | 106 dB | 100 dB |
At first glance, the Sonos Arc appears to have an advantage in terms of size, weight, and driver configuration. The Arc boasts more drivers, including two up-firing tweeters, which are designed to enhance the soundbar’s immersive audio capabilities. The Beam, on the other hand, has a more compact design and fewer drivers.
Design Differences: Form Factor And Aesthetics
The design differences between the Sonos Arc and Beam are stark. The Arc is a larger, more premium soundbar that’s designed to be a centerpiece in your home theater setup. Its sleek, curved design and sturdy build quality make it a statement piece in any living room. The Beam, on the other hand, is a more compact and discreet soundbar that’s designed to blend seamlessly into your TV setup.
One of the key design differences that affects the volume output is the physical size of the soundbars. The Arc’s larger size allows for more internal volume, which can produce a fuller, more resonant sound. The Beam’s compact design, while convenient for smaller spaces, means it has to work within tighter constraints to produce a balanced sound.
The Impact Of Size On Sound Quality
While the Arc’s larger size doesn’t necessarily guarantee louder sound, it does allow for more internal volume and a more extensive driver configuration. This can result in a more immersive and engaging listening experience, especially when it comes to low-frequency response.
The Beam, on the other hand, relies on clever engineering and digital signal processing to produce a surprisingly robust sound given its compact size. However, its smaller size means it may struggle to produce the same level of low-end rumble and resonance as the Arc.
Real-World Performance: How Loud Are They?
Now that we’ve examined the technical specifications and design differences, let’s get to the heart of the matter: how loud are these soundbars in real-world use? To answer this, we’ll need to consider the maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of each soundbar.
The Sonos Arc has a maximum SPL of 106 dB, while the Beam tops out at 100 dB. This means the Arc can produce sound that’s 6 dB louder than the Beam. But what does this mean in practical terms?
To put it into perspective, a 6 dB increase in SPL is equivalent to roughly twice the perceived loudness. This means that if you’re watching a movie or listening to music at a moderate volume on the Beam, the Arc would need to be turned down slightly to match the same perceived loudness.
In real-world use, this translates to the Arc being able to fill larger rooms or produce a more immersive audio experience, especially in situations where you need to overcome background noise. The Beam, while still a capable soundbar, is better suited for smaller to medium-sized rooms or more intimate listening experiences.
Volume And Sound Quality Trade-Offs
It’s essential to note that loudness isn’t the only factor in sound quality. Both the Arc and Beam are designed to produce clear, balanced sound with good frequency response and minimal distortion.
However, when you crank up the volume on either soundbar, you may notice some trade-offs in sound quality. The Arc, with its larger size and more extensive driver configuration, is better equipped to handle high volumes without sacrificing sound quality. The Beam, while still producing a clean and clear sound, may start to show some signs of strain when pushed to its limits.
In particular, you may notice some compression or loss of detail in the high-frequency range when the Beam is played at very high volumes. The Arc, on the other hand, tends to maintain its clarity and detail even at louder volumes.
Conclusion: Which One Is Louder?
After examining the technical specifications, design differences, and real-world performance of both soundbars, it’s clear that the Sonos Arc is the louder of the two. With a maximum SPL of 106 dB and a more extensive driver configuration, the Arc is better equipped to produce a fuller, more immersive sound that can fill larger rooms.
That being said, the Beam is still a capable soundbar that’s perfect for smaller rooms or more intimate listening experiences. Its compact design and clever engineering make it a great choice for those who want a high-quality soundbar that won’t break the bank or dominate their living room.
Ultimately, the choice between the Sonos Arc and Beam comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you need a soundbar that can produce a more immersive audio experience and fill larger rooms, the Arc is the clear winner. If you’re looking for a compact, affordable soundbar that still delivers high-quality sound, the Beam is an excellent choice.
What Is The Main Difference Between Sonos Arc And Sonos Beam?
The main difference between Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam lies in their design, size, and sound quality. Sonos Arc is a larger, more premium soundbar designed to provide a more immersive audio experience, while Sonos Beam is a smaller, more compact soundbar ideal for smaller rooms and TVs.
In terms of sound quality, Sonos Arc is capable of producing a much louder and more detailed sound than Sonos Beam, thanks to its larger drivers and more powerful amplifier. Sonos Arc is also compatible with Dolby Atmos, which provides a more three-dimensional sound experience. On the other hand, Sonos Beam is limited to stereo sound and has smaller drivers that can’t produce the same level of volume and detail as the Arc.
How Much Louder Is The Sonos Arc Compared To The Sonos Beam?
The Sonos Arc is significantly louder than the Sonos Beam. According to Sonos, the Arc can produce up to 104 decibels of sound pressure level (SPL), while the Beam is limited to around 90 dB SPL. This means that the Arc can produce about 14% more volume than the Beam.
In practical terms, this means that you can fill a larger room with sound using the Arc, or enjoy a more immersive audio experience at higher volumes. However, it’s worth noting that the Beam is still capable of producing a decent amount of volume, and may be sufficient for smaller rooms or more casual listening.
Can I Use The Sonos Arc And Beam In The Same Room?
Yes, you can use the Sonos Arc and Beam in the same room, and in fact, Sonos encourages this setup. By using the Arc as the main soundbar and the Beam as a satellite speaker, you can create a more immersive audio experience with better surround sound.
For example, you could place the Arc under your TV and use the Beam as a rear surround speaker to create a 5.1 channel system. This would allow you to enjoy a more cinematic audio experience with better sound separation and immersion.
Do I Need A Subwoofer With The Sonos Arc Or Beam?
While both the Sonos Arc and Beam can produce decent bass response, they may not be able to produce the kind of deep bass that a dedicated subwoofer can provide. If you want to add more bass to your system, a subwoofer like the Sonos Sub can be a great addition.
That being said, if you’re primarily listening to music or watching TV shows that don’t have a lot of bass-heavy content, you may not need a subwoofer. The Arc and Beam have built-in woofers that can produce decent bass response, and you may find that they’re sufficient for your listening needs.
Can I Use The Sonos Arc Or Beam With A TV That Doesn’t Support EARC?
Yes, you can use the Sonos Arc or Beam with a TV that doesn’t support eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel). However, you may not be able to take full advantage of the soundbar’s capabilities, such as Dolby Atmos support.
If your TV only has ARC (Audio Return Channel) or optical audio output, you can still connect the soundbar to your TV using an optical audio cable or an ARC-compatible HDMI cable. However, you may need to adjust the soundbar’s settings to compensate for any limitations in the TV’s audio capabilities.
Can I Connect The Sonos Arc Or Beam To Multiple Sources?
Yes, both the Sonos Arc and Beam can be connected to multiple sources, including TVs, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and more. The Arc has four HDMI inputs, while the Beam has only one HDMI input, but both soundbars have an additional optical audio input.
You can also use the Sonos app to switch between different sources and control the soundbar’s volume and settings. This makes it easy to use the soundbar with multiple devices and enjoy a seamless listening experience.
Is The Sonos Arc Or Beam Compatible With Amazon Alexa Or Google Assistant?
Yes, both the Sonos Arc and Beam are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can use voice commands to control the soundbar’s volume, playback, and other settings, as well as access various music streaming services and smart home devices.
To use voice control, you’ll need to set up the soundbar with the Sonos app and then link it to your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant account. Once you’ve done this, you can use voice commands to control the soundbar and enjoy a more hands-free listening experience.