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Question

Thinking of upgrading to the Sonos Beam Ultra: Is the jump in Dolby Atmos and immersion noticeable coming from a Beam Gen 2?

  • October 4, 2026
  • 10 replies
  • 98 views

I'm thinking about upgrading my soundbar to the new Sonos Beam Ultra.

My current setup consists of:

Sonos Beam Gen 2

Sonos Sub Mini

2x Sonos One as rear surrounds

For those who have made this switch or tested this exact combo (i know its still a bit early?), will I notice a real, tangible difference when it comes to Dolby Atmos height channels and overall acoustic immersion? I’ve read some reviews on the Beam Ultra and it seems like a nice upgrade, but most of them did not include a decent setup, they only reviewed the bar itself. 

Any impressions, thoughts, or advice would be greatly appreciated!

10 replies

Palco
Forum|alt.badge.img+6
  • Palco
  • Prominent Collaborator I
  • October 4, 2026

In my opinion, definitely... compared to the Beam 2, the dialogue is better, there are more settings, and the Dolby Atmos effect is more pronounced... I made the same switch myself... in one room I have an Arc Ultra + Sub Mini + 2x Era 100 (surrounds), and in the other, a Beam Ultra + the option to add a portable speaker. So, if you have a Sub Mini and Ones for surrounds, I certainly wouldn't hesitate... you'll hear the sound improvement right away...

    Stanley_4
    • Stanley_4
    • Grand Maestro
    • October 4, 2026

    The Ones or 100s are good surrounds but the difference the 300s make is amazing. Seriously consider that for your upgrade after the Beam Ultra.

      AjTrek1
      • AjTrek1
      • October 4, 2026

      ​@Alphadan 

      Check out my review:

       

      Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
        • Alphadan
        • Author
        • Contributor I
        • October 4, 2026

        The Ones or 100s are good surrounds but the difference the 300s make is amazing. Seriously consider that for your upgrade after the Beam Ultra.

        My sofa is in the middle of the living room (no wall behind it) and IMHO the 300s are too bulky to just place them right there. Thanks for the input anyway. 

          • Alphadan
          • Author
          • Contributor I
          • October 4, 2026

          In my opinion, definitely... compared to the Beam 2, the dialogue is better, there are more settings, and the Dolby Atmos effect is more pronounced... I made the same switch myself... in one room I have an Arc Ultra + Sub Mini + 2x Era 100 (surrounds), and in the other, a Beam Ultra + the option to add a portable speaker. So, if you have a Sub Mini and Ones for surrounds, I certainly wouldn't hesitate... you'll hear the sound improvement right away...

          Thank you! The only thing i don’t like about this new system is the lack of Alexa support… 

          • Alphadan
          • Author
          • Contributor I
          • October 4, 2026

          ​@Alphadan 

          Check out my review:

           

          Thank you! the only downside is that i use alexa A LOT to control my lights, so i will have to get an amazon echo :( 

          Stanley_4
          • Stanley_4
          • Grand Maestro
          • October 4, 2026

          The Ones or 100s are good surrounds but the difference the 300s make is amazing. Seriously consider that for your upgrade after the Beam Ultra.

          My sofa is in the middle of the living room (no wall behind it) and IMHO the 300s are too bulky to just place them right there. Thanks for the input anyway. 

          That is a shame, had a similar space issue here. Loved the 300s but just couldn't fit them in the room. 

          Schlumpf
          Forum|alt.badge.img+19
          • Schlumpf
          • Virtuoso
          • October 4, 2026

          In my opinion, definitely... compared to the Beam 2, the dialogue is better, there are more settings, and the Dolby Atmos effect is more pronounced... I made the same switch myself... in one room I have an Arc Ultra + Sub Mini + 2x Era 100 (surrounds), and in the other, a Beam Ultra + the option to add a portable speaker. So, if you have a Sub Mini and Ones for surrounds, I certainly wouldn't hesitate... you'll hear the sound improvement right away...

          Thank you! The only thing i don’t like about this new system is the lack of Alexa support… 

          I also did the upgrade from Beam2 to Beam Ultra as home theater master with Sub Mini and 2x Era 100. 
          Can confirm exactly what already was said before…

          Regarding Alexa… you will be able to add Alexa to your surround speakers and use Alexa with them to control the home theater room and everything else. 

          Ralf
            AjTrek1
            • AjTrek1
            • October 4, 2026

            In my opinion, definitely... compared to the Beam 2, the dialogue is better, there are more settings, and the Dolby Atmos effect is more pronounced... I made the same switch myself... in one room I have an Arc Ultra + Sub Mini + 2x Era 100 (surrounds), and in the other, a Beam Ultra + the option to add a portable speaker. So, if you have a Sub Mini and Ones for surrounds, I certainly wouldn't hesitate... you'll hear the sound improvement right away...

            Thank you! The only thing i don’t like about this new system is the lack of Alexa support… 

            I also did the upgrade from Beam2 to Beam Ultra as home theater master with Sub Mini and 2x Eta100. 
            Can confirm exactly what already was said before…

            Regarding Alexa… you will be able to add Alexa to your surround speakers and use Alexa with them to control the home theater room and everything else. 

            ​@Schlumpf is correct about adding Alexa to surrounds when using the Beam Ultra. \

            However there is a caveat:

            • Alexa cannot be added to surrounds after bonding.
            • Alexa must have been enabled on the speaker before hand as a stand-alone or as a stereo pair prior to breaking it.
            • If that is the case SVC can be added to the Beam Ultra and Alexa will follow along on the surround on which it was previously enabled.
            Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
              kdowling
              • kdowling
              • October 4, 2026

              In my opinion, definitely... compared to the Beam 2, the dialogue is better, there are more settings, and the Dolby Atmos effect is more pronounced... I made the same switch myself... in one room I have an Arc Ultra + Sub Mini + 2x Era 100 (surrounds), and in the other, a Beam Ultra + the option to add a portable speaker. So, if you have a Sub Mini and Ones for surrounds, I certainly wouldn't hesitate... you'll hear the sound improvement right away...

              I upgraded my Beam 2 to Beam Ultra also. Beam Ultra, Sub 3, Era 100 surrounds. I agree with the above. I’ve only spent one day with it so far, but I’m liking what I’m hearing. I still need to play with the settings, but so far I’m happy with the upgrade.

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