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Question

What should i upgrade to?

  • May 19, 2026
  • 4 replies
  • 50 views

Hi everyone,


I'm relatively new to the Sonos ecosystem and wanted to get some advice on my next upgrade. I managed to piece together my current setup entirely from the secondhand market (mostly from people relocating or upgrading):

* **TV Setup:** Beam (Gen 1) + Sub Mini + two One SLs as surrounds
* **Music Setup:** Two Play:1s/Ones paired in stereo (placed near the fronts)


Since my TV supports eARC, I feel like I'm not getting the most out of my audio with the Beam Gen 1. I mainly watch Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+.

While the current setup already sounds great, I have that lingering itch to see if I can make it even better!
I’m currently stuck between three upgrade paths: looking for a used Beam (Gen 2 $450), wait for the Beam 3  or saving up for a Sonos Arc/Ultra($1600)
Would love to hear your thoughts or experiences! (Side note: I'm based in Singapore, so unfortunately, official Sonos refurbished deals aren't an option for me).
Thanks in advance for the help!

 

4 replies

Airgetlam
  • May 19, 2026

Unfortunately for us in the public (and the best for Sonos and its investors), the ‘best’ Sonos is always the most expensive. For the Atmos TV, I’d suggest the Arc Ultra, one (or two) Subs, and Era 300s.

For ‘stereo’, I’d recommend a pair of Sonos Fives with a sub…unless you listen to a lot of Atmos geared music, in which case I’d recommend a pair of Sonos era 300s, with a sub. 

Not sure why refurbished isn’t an option, I’d think they’d be a sale just like anything else. 

 


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  • Senior Virtuoso
  • May 19, 2026

If you want “the best” you need Ultra and Era 300’s as rears. And a Sub or two, of course. 


106rallye
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  • May 19, 2026

You state: “Since my TV supports eARC, I feel like I'm not getting the most out of my audio with the Beam Gen 1. I mainly watch Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+."

You know eARC isnt the deciding factor here? It is not needed for any of the streaming services you name. They all use a compressed audio stream, that will even pass a normal HDMI-ARC connection. You only really need eARC when you use a BD-player or Aplle TV that supply uncompressed streams.

If you would want to get Atmos audio you'd need a Beam (Gen 2) at least. To get the most out of your audio see ​@nik9669a 's post.


Stanley_4
  • Grand Maestro
  • May 19, 2026

I'd skip the Beam, an original Arc would be a good price and add a lot to your sound.

For stereo music a set of Play 5 -- gen 2 -- is going to be tempting. Fives would be better but at a higher cost.

Adding a Sub to the stereo Pair you have now would also show a nice improvement. You could move your current Sub to audition that.