Setup of the Beam Ultra is straight forward and very easy using the app (iOS_iPhone 17 Pro Max). No one should have difficulties unless their network is mis-configured or has been experiencing intermittent issues prior to installation. I upgraded from a Beam 2.
Important note but hopefully most have TVs manufactured after 2012.
- The Beam Ultra is not compatible with CCFL-backlit TVs (manufactured 2004-2012)
Read it under Tech Specs for Power and Connectivity.
- However, if your TV is an LED-backlit LCD with HDMI ARC the Beam Ultra will work. I connected my Beam Ultra to a 2010 Sony KDL-46HX800 that is LED-backlit LCD with HDMI ARC (soon to be replaced) 😂.
Beam Ultra vs Arc Ultra
Room Size (Feet/Meter):
- Length 25/7.62
- Width 16/4.87
- Height 8/2.44
Sonos Accessories
- Era 300 surrounds
- Sub 4 x 2
Tuning
- Advanced TruePlay
Volume setting
- 46 via the app
TV size
- 65 inch LG
IMO the Beam Ultra does an excellent job with Dolby Atmos content. I auditioned it using the movie Sinners selecting the nightclub scene wherein the present, past and future music were merged. The sound stage was wide and filled my space.
The Arc Ultra however, is more impactful upfront with low-end voice which I attribute to its Sound Motion tech. The overall sound stage is more pronounced as expected. Low-end to subs although it felt a bit more impactful was most likely a wash. I can’t see the Arc Ultra sending enhanced frequencies to the subs. As far as I know Sonos soundbars send whatever frequencies they are given over 5Ghz without embellishment. The additional speakers I suspect helped with the feeling/illusion.
Final Thoughts…
Bottom-line IMO…unless one can constantly do an A/B comparison the difference will be unnoticeable in the same environment such as mine. Meaning you’ll get use to the expereince without regrets. However, in a larger space the Arc Ultra wins hands down.
Also, I hope Alexa is at some point provisioned to work as a voice assistant on the Beam Ultra. I’m just so use to saying Alexa
FYI…the final home for the Beam Ultra is my Guest Room with Era 100 surrounds and Sub Mini.
Next project...setup my Ace Ultra 😊
Interesting discovery….
Sonos Voice Control (SVC) doesn’t understand room names that are too close in pronunciation to its own. I had a room named Sony (which is the model TV mentioned above). SCV would not turn the TV on/off if the command was given (remotely) from another SVC enable speaker. I was forced to change the room name to Guest Room which allowed the remote command from another speaker via SVC to turn the TV on/off in that room.