Sonos ARC or Beam

[Doddler]

Looking to buy 1 of the above in the Black Friday sales hopefully. Any recommendations for the ARC maybe coupled with 2 rear speakers or is the Beam plenty enough? This will be mainly for TV but looking for decent sound streaming as well. Thanks

[gizlaroc]

I was not impressed with the Beam at all, really felt lacking.
However the Arc is impressive, like proper impressive.

Personally I would rather go Arc and sub than Arc and rears.

[Doddler]

Well that’s a ringing endorsement. So the Arc worth the extra, the Sub looks quite pricey to add on top. Can’t see them discounting it too much either.

[normalbloke]

Check,check and check again that your connectivity will work withthe ARC. There are many people suffering issues (no Atmos etc) over HDMI audio return channel. Or some such tosh. Do your research.

[Doddler]

Thanks, I’m looking for a tv too, 65” Sony Bravia which has eArc connectivity so Atmos should be all good. 👍

[normalbloke]

Doddler said:

Thanks, I’m looking for a tv too, 65” Sony Bravia which has eArc connectivity so Atmos should be all good. ??

Just do some research. My friend has a Samsung with eARC and that won’t put Atmos out through his Sonos Arc.

[gizlaroc]

The only issue with the Arc is if you want to use it for music.

It always does some sort of surround processing, so music sounds awful.


The sub is pricey, but personally find it essential, not just for better bass, but the way it fills the room at lower volumes too.

[HRL]

How big is the room you’ll be watching TV in?

I’ve got a Beam and 2 x One’s for the rears and it’s easily loud enough for the room I’m using them in. No sub either.

However, that’s not in a massive room and I’m probably only 2-3m away from the TV.

[lemonslap]

gizlaroc said:

I was not impressed with the Beam at all, really felt lacking.
However the Arc is impressive, like proper impressive.

Personally I would rather go Arc and sub than Arc and rears.

+1 only Sonos product I have boxed up and returned under their 100 day return policy. I haven’t listened to the Arc but the playbase I have is very good.

[gizlaroc]

Regarding discount, have you got any legacy products you can get the 30% discount from?

[Doddler]

Well Ive done my research but it’s always nice to get first hand reviews. I’ve read it’s tricky to get the setup right with the Arc, and the tv must be relatively new 2019 onwards with eArc and Dolby. But a lot then depends on what your using to stream tv etc. The room is rectangular which is good but is quite large at 8x4m. I think I’m settled on the Arc (no sub) but add the rears to improve the music side of things.

[Doddler]

gizlaroc said:

Regarding discount, have you got any legacy products you can get the 30% discount from?

The only legacy product is the bridge I have for play 3 which I have now dispensed with. Which only qualifies me for 30% off a boost which I don’t need.

[usn90]

How does the arc compare with the sound bar?

Currently have the soundbar, sub and 2 play 1’s

[MOBB]

I used to have a soundbar and sub, replaced the soundbar with an arc a few.months ago

The arc is noticeably better, but the soundbar was very good to begin with. Glad I changed

[Arranguez]

I’ve an Arc and found it easy to setup. If I’m honest I was a bit underwhelmed after all the gushing reviews. We have it on the wall and no sub or extra speakers. It sounds good, and music is ok (depends hugely on the source from my limited test) but I don’t know, I was expecting to be stunned and I just am not. It will stay but I think the PlayBase in the other room sounds better.

[gizlaroc]

I really think all of these need the sub.

Not just for bass, but how the sound then fills the room properly.

[PrinceRupert]

I don't really understand the complaints about the Beam. We have one, and have no complaints. What Hi-Fi rate it 5/5 - https://www.whathifi.com/sonos/beam/review.

[gizlaroc]

Depends what you're comparing it to.

It is fine for smaller rooms, and smaller TVs, but can struggle with certain material.


The Arc is right up there with the very best soundbars though, those at £1500-2000, which makes it a bit of a bargain.


A beam and sub would be worth considering. The OP says for streaming, does he mean TV or Music?

[gizlaroc]

Doddler said:

The room is rectangular which is good but is quite large at 8x4m. I think I’m settled on the Arc (no sub) but add the rears to improve the music side of things.

I wouldn't want a system with small 3.5" drivers and no sub in a room 8mx4m, and the rears won't 'add' to music at all, in fact the opposite.

The main issue with the Arc is when rears are added it always uses them for music.

[PrinceRupert]

gizlaroc said:

Depends what you're comparing it to.

It is fine for smaller rooms, and smaller TVs, but can struggle with certain material.


The Arc is right up there with the very best soundbars though, those at £1500-2000, which makes it a bit of a bargain.


A beam and sub would be worth considering. The OP says for streaming, does he mean TV or Music?

The Arc is no doubt better but it is twice the price of the Beam which is a pretty good bit of kit if you're not an audiophile.