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Compact Soundbars: Big Sound, Small Space
11 Mar
Summary
- Three compact soundbars tested: Sonos Beam, Denon Home 550, Sony HT-S2000.
- Soundbars were tested using scenes from 'The Batman' and 'Top Gun: Maverick'.
- Price range for these soundbars is typically $399-$499, but can vary.
Compact soundbars provide a significant audio upgrade for televisions, especially for those with limited space or budget. In a recent lab test, three leading models were rigorously evaluated: the Sonos Beam (Gen 2), the Denon Home 550, and the Sony HT-S2000. These were compared using immersive scenes from 4K Blu-rays, including 'The Batman' and 'Top Gun: Maverick', to assess their audio performance.
The testing focused on elements like sound mapping, bass response, dialogue clarity, and virtual Dolby Atmos capabilities. The Denon Home 550 impressed with its wide soundstage and room-filling power, creating a convincing Atmos effect. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) offered refined bass and good depth, though slightly less convincing Atmos than the Denon. The Sony HT-S2000, while presenting thinner sound, provided decent performance and accuracy, especially considering its budget-friendly positioning.
When considering a purchase, the pricing for these soundbars generally falls between $399-$499. However, the Denon can sometimes reach $699, making it the most expensive option in the US. The Sony HT-S2000 is noted as being difficult to obtain. Ultimately, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) emerged as a strong contender, particularly in the US, while regional pricing differences might sway preferences elsewhere.
