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Contributor I
Jun 12, 2018 10:52 AM UTC

Sonos Beam optimum room size

What are the room size dimensions that are ideal for Sonos Beam?

I have only seen it as described as filling a small to medium room size but no actual dimensions. I can surmise what the ideal dimensions are from the standard bedroom size but has anyone seen anything from sonos with actual recommended dimensions?
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    19 replies

    Edward R
    Retired Sonos Staff
    Jul 1, 2018 10:15 PM UTC
    Hi, jwmcb. There is not really an ideal room size, as such. I first heard it demonstrated in a presentation hall and subsequently heard it in a buddy's (very small, Dutch) living room. Both sounded good to me. We are not in the habit of recommending how large people's living rooms should be, in order to be allowed to buy a product, as it were.

    In all seriousness though, we have not stated what the perfect dimensions of its ideal living space would theoretically be. What do you have in mind? Can you add a little context so others can jump in? Thanks!
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    jwmcbAuthor
    Contributor I
    Jul 1, 2018 11:14 PM UTC
    Edward,

    I was holding off getting the Sonos Playbar knowing a new device was coming out. I was hoping it would just be the playbar with an updated HDMI cord but the Sonos Beam came out instead.

    I have the Sonos Bass and two Sonos 1s ready to complete the surround sound setup but just not sure if I need the extra sound the Playbar can put out vs the functionality of the beam. Think I will just have to wait until they are in the stores to listen to both. I have a feeling the Beam will be just fine for my needs.
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    Avid Contributor III
    Jul 2, 2018 1:21 AM UTC
    Yea I have 2 play 1's and im planning to add the beam and a sub to complete my 5.1, It should be fine? I just want the hdmi and the voice functionality of the beam. I think it should be plenty for my living room its 13' from front wall to back wall and 16' wide I believe or close to that maybe a tad bigger.
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    Headliner I
    Jul 2, 2018 6:13 AM UTC
    My living room is 4m (TV to sofa) by 5m with a wall opening on the right.
    I am wondering the same.
    Is it considered a large room?
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    Contributor I
    Jul 4, 2018 5:00 PM UTC
    I was actually wondering the same thing. My living room is 13' x 15'. Is that considered small, medium, or large? It's large for me! But I'm choosing between this and the playbase, and it seems to come down to room size. But what size is my room!?
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    Avid Contributor III
    Jul 4, 2018 5:04 PM UTC
    I was actually wondering the same thing. My living room is 13' x 15'. Is that considered small, medium, or large? It's large for me! But I'm choosing between this and the playbase, and it seems to come down to room size. But what size is my room!?
    I think it falls under the small to medium personally, I went ahead and pre-ordered the beam all of the reviews have been excellent and one of them was in a much bigger room then yours or mine.
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    Avid Contributor III
    Jul 4, 2018 5:07 PM UTC
    Here's the review I read today https://www.whathifi.com/features/sonos-beam-vs-sonos-playbar-vs-sonos-playbase and sealed the beam for me, I feel like the playbar is going to be refreshed very soon,possibly even the playbase with HDMI but at any rate definitely getting the beam for now.
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    Lyricist III
    Jul 8, 2018 2:23 AM UTC
    jwmcb,

    I had the opportunity today to listen to the Beam next to a Playbase and a Playbar for comparison. First let me say that I was very impressed, while the Playbar and the Playbase did outperform the Beam it was a lot closer than I had expected. The playbar had a slightly wider soundstage and both the Playbar and the Playbase had a little more bass response and range. Now if you are planning on pairing a sub with the system the Playbar and Playbase advantage almost evaporates. In my opinion the soundstage difference is minimal and not worth the difference in price. It's there, but i'm not sure you'd even notice when they are not side by side. As an audiophile I can tell you that the Beam isn't perfect but it is competing with products that are almost twice it's price and that should tell you something. I think it would be a perfect addition to your room (I wouldn't hesitate to put it into a room up to 20' x 20' with a sub and surrounds) and have no trouble integrating into your current setup, it's what I chose for my setup after I listened to all three.
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    Richard_96
    Lyricist I
    Jul 8, 2018 3:57 PM UTC
    I'm also debating on trying out a Beam in my 5 x 4 meter room. It's main use will be a standard T.V. soundbar and as part of a multi room music speaker (we have a few Play:1's and a 3. We hardly watch action films so I'm hoping that a Beam without a Sub will suffice. I've heard the Playbar and that seemed fine for our intended use.

    Has anyone heard a Beam being used with a TV without a Sub? If so, what do you think?
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    Lyricist III
    Jul 8, 2018 8:33 PM UTC
    Richard_96,

    The Beam without the sub held up quite well when I was listening to it. I watched a scene from Skyfall that I use for reference, I am a huge JB fan and know what it should sound like. While the room shaking explosions weren't there, I was really happy with the overall reproduction. I would put it on par with a stereo pair of play threes placed at the edge of your television. I'd go with the Beam still honestly, worse case if you don't like it you can return it and get the bigger playbar, but I think you will be pleasantly impressed.
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