The Sonos Beam Ultra demonstrates that a large soundbar isn't necessary for experiencing Dolby Atmos.
**Sonos**
Sonos has introduced a new soundbar, and it may be difficult to notice the changes just by looking at it. Released alongside the new Sonos Ace Ultra headphones, the Beam Ultra maintains the relatively compact size that made the Beam a popular choice for those who prefer not to have a large speaker under their TV. However, this soundbar presents a much more ambitious design internally.
The most significant enhancement is the inclusion of Dolby Atmos. The Beam Ultra is equipped with nine custom drivers, including two specifically designed to fire sound upward, enabling it to offer a genuine 7.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos experience. This represents a considerable upgrade for a soundbar of this scale and should provide an expansive audio experience for movies and TV shows. Additionally, Sonos claims to have improved the low-frequency response, resulting in warmer bass compared to its predecessor. Of course, for those seeking even more bass, the Beam Ultra can still be paired with a Sonos Sub.
Enhanced audio experiences for movie nights
Those who have ever had to crank up the volume during a movie to catch a whispered line, only to be jolted by the next action sequence, will likely appreciate another upgrade in the Beam Ultra. Sonos has redesigned the center channel to ensure that dialogue is clearer, and its AI-driven Speech Enhancement offers four adjustable levels. Rather than merely turning the dialogue enhancement on or off, you can select how much assistance you need.
The Night Sound feature is also included, perfect for late-night Netflix binges when you want to avoid disturbing your neighbors. Trueplay can calibrate the Beam Ultra to fit the specific room, while connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI eARC.
Potential for expansion in the future
The Beam Ultra can also function beyond a standalone soundbar. As expected from Sonos, it can be paired with a Sub and rear speakers to create a more comprehensive home theater system. An intriguing update involves the rear speakers; now, compatible Sonos portable speakers can be utilized as surround sound options, making it simpler to expand your setup without needing to acquire speakers that will mostly remain behind the couch.
All of this is integrated into Sonos 27, the newly updated audio platform designed to enhance compatibility between its various speakers and headphones. This includes the new Ace Ultra, which connects directly to the Sonos system, allowing seamless transitions of audio between compatible speakers and the headphones. The Sonos Beam Ultra is priced at $699, with preorders starting September 1 through Sonos and select retailers, and general availability beginning on September 29. While priced at $699, the Beam Ultra offers a wealth of home theater features in a soundbar that won’t dominate your TV space.
**Shimul is a contributor at Digital Trends, with over five years of experience in the tech sector.**
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