This bundle combines the soundbarBeam (Gen 2), the second generation of Sonos’s compact model, with the Sub Mini, the Californian brand’s smallest subwoofer. Together, they form a home cinema audio solution featuring Dolby Atmos, Alexa voice assistant, and Trueplay tuning technology. Thanks to its reduced dimensions, this set suits setups with limited space while integrating into the multiroom ecosystem Sonos has developed since 2002.
Beam (Gen 2): a soundbar redesigned around Dolby Atmos
The second generation of the Beam brings a major change compared to the initial 2018 model: the integration of Dolby Atmos. To achieve this, Sonos reworked the internal architecture by adding a more powerful processor capable of decoding three-dimensional audio streams. Connectivity has also evolved: the HDMI input is now eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) compatible, allowing transport of high-resolution audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Atmos via Dolby TrueHD, in addition to Dolby Digital Plus already supported by standard ARC.
Acoustically, the configuration retains four elliptical mid-woofers, a central tweeter for high frequencies, and three passive radiators that reinforce the bass without requiring additional amplification. This layout creates a wider soundstage despite compact dimensions: 651 mm wide, just 100 mm deep, and 69 mm high. The 2.8 kg weight makes installation easy, whether under a TV or wall-mounted.
The acoustic fabric covering the front, available in black or white, hides the components while letting sound through. Touch controls on the top manage playback, volume, and mic activation for the voice assistant. The design includes four noise-reducing microphones to improve voice recognition, even when audio is played at high volume. A status light indicates when the mic is active, and it can be physically disabled via a dedicated switch.
Connection to the TV is via the supplied HDMI cable (1.5 m), which carries audio and syncs with the TV remote through the CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) protocol. For TVs without an HDMI ARC output, an optical adapter is included. The Ethernet port provides a wired connection to the local network as an alternative to 802.11b/g Wi‑Fi. Power is supplied from a wall outlet, with a cable long enough for most setups.
Sub Mini: a subwoofer that leverages low-frequency wave physics
Launched in 2022, the Sub Mini addresses a common request: a subwoofer suited to smaller spaces or mid-range budgets without sacrificing the acoustic fundamentals that made the original Sub’s reputation. Measuring 230 mm on each side and 305 mm high, and weighing 6.35 kg, its cylindrical format slips more easily into furniture or against a wall than its 15.8 kg big brother.
The acoustic design is based on two 15 cm woofers mounted in opposition, a technique that cancels unwanted vibrations by exploiting the action-reaction principle. When both cones move outward and then inward simultaneously, the mechanical forces they generate cancel each other, reducing resonances transmitted to furniture or the floor. Each woofer has its own Class D digital amplifier, with parameters tuned specifically for this model.
The enclosure uses a sealed (acoustic suspension) design, which limits harmonic distortion and improves transient precision, at the expense of the very lowest frequency extension compared to a bass-reflex design. Sonos claims response down to 25 Hz, covering the majority of home cinema and music content. In practice, effectiveness in this range depends on room volume and sub placement: corners and walls naturally reinforce bass thanks to boundary gain.
The Sub Mini connects wirelessly to the Sonos system over Wi‑Fi (2.4 or 5 GHz), avoiding the need to run a cable between the soundbar and sub. A 10/100 Ethernet port still allows a wired connection to stabilize the link if interference occurs. The mobile app manages pairing and offers manual bass level adjustments independent of the master volume. The Trueplay function, available on iOS devices, analyzes room acoustics by emitting test signals captured by the iPhone or iPad microphone, then automatically adjusts the system’s frequency response.
Setup and control via the Sonos app
Installing the bundle requires the Sonos app, available for iOS and Android, which centralizes setup, settings, and source control. The process starts by connecting the Beam to the TV, then adding the Sub Mini to the same audio group. The interface guides you step by step: Wi‑Fi connection, automatic device detection, voice assistant configuration if desired. The system recognizes compatible streaming services (Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, Apple Music, among others) and integrates them directly into the app, allowing playback without switching interfaces.
Audio settings include bass and treble adjustment, the “Loudness” function that compensates for the loss of perceived extreme frequencies at low volume, and the “Dialogue” mode that enhances voice intelligibility in movie content. Night mode compresses dynamics to avoid volume peaks that disturb neighbors, while “Speech Enhancement” emphasizes the midrange in the speech band.
Sync with the TV remote, enabled by the CEC protocol, lets you control the Beam’s volume directly with your usual remote, with no extra steps. The Alexa voice assistant, activated by voice or the touch button, offers basic control functions (play, pause, source change) and can interact with other compatible smart devices if configured within the Amazon ecosystem.
Multiroom compatibility and possible expansions
The Beam (Gen 2) + Sub Mini bundle fits into the Sonos ecosystem, enabling several upgrades. Adding two Sonos speakers (Era 100 or Era 300) transforms the stereo setup into a 5.1 system, with the satellites handling the rear channels. This expansion only requires linking them to the Beam’s group via the app. The Sub Mini can also be paired with a stereo speaker pair to enrich music listening in another room, and the configuration can be changed at any time.
Multiroom lets you play the same content simultaneously in multiple rooms equipped with Sonos products, or manage different playback in different spaces. Synchronization between speakers occurs with imperceptible latency, including over Wi‑Fi. The AirPlay 2 protocol provides an alternative for Apple users, allowing streaming from any compatible app without going through the Sonos app.
In terms of audio formats, the Beam (Gen 2) decodes stereo and multichannel PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos via Dolby Digital Plus or TrueHD. These formats cover most streaming platforms (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video) and Blu‑ray discs. The lack of DTS support, a format found on some Blu‑rays, is a known limitation of all Sonos products. Locally stored music files or those on a NAS server can be played via the SMB protocol, provided the format is supported (MP3, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, among others).
Is the Sub Mini enough to complement the Beam, or should I opt for the full-size Sub?
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The Sub Mini goes down to 25 Hz and provides sufficient low-end foundation for most home cinema and music content in medium-sized rooms (up to 30–35 m²). The original Sub, larger and equipped with 16.5 cm woofers, delivers higher sound pressure and is better suited to large rooms or fans of pronounced physical impact in action scenes. The choice depends on room size and expectations for power.
Can the Beam (Gen 2) be used without a permanent Internet connection?
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An Internet connection is required for initial setup, software updates, and streaming services. Once configured, the Beam can play local content (music library on a NAS, AirPlay streaming) and work with the TV without active Internet. However, Alexa and some advanced features require an active connection.
Does Trueplay only work with an iPhone or iPad?
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Yes, Trueplay calibration currently requires an iOS device. Sonos relies on the precise acoustic characteristics of iPhone and iPad microphones to ensure reliable measurements. Android users still have manual controls (bass, treble, EQ) via the app to tailor the sound to the room by ear.
Is the bundle upgradable to a 5.1 setup?
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Yes, adding two Sonos speakers (Era 100 or Era 300) turns the system into 5.1. The additional speakers are placed behind the listening position to handle the rear channels. The Sonos app manages pairing and synchronization without external equipment. This upgrade can be done at any time, with the Sub Mini continuing to handle low frequencies.
User reviews
Viollet
We previously had a very good quality Dolby 5.1 system, but we wanted to get back to high‑quality sound without the volume drawbacks of the 7 speakers in the 5.1 setup. The Beam Gen2 + Sub Mini pack turned out to be perfectly up to the task, delivering very high‑quality sound, whether connected to the TV or over Wi‑Fi with the phone (Deezer or others): very good quality bass, nicely enveloping sound and, above all, very good perception of the different frequencies, especially voices, whether in music or in films. I absolutely do not regret my purchase, all the more so as the design of these two speakers fits in very well with our living room. I still need to get to grips with the app and the Wi‑Fi connection of the speakers to the router, but that’s more an issue on my side than any connectivity problem with the speakers.
Comment from November 21, 2025 — Experience from November 10, 2025
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Nous avions auparavant un système dolby 5.1 de très bonne facture, mais nous souhaitions retrouver un son de qualité, sans les inconvénients de volume des 7 enceintes du 5.1. le pack Beam gen2 + sub mini s'est avéré parfaitement à la hauteur de la tâche, offrant un son très qualitatif , que ce soit en raccordement sur la TV, ou en wifi avec le téléphone (deezer ou autres) basses de très bonne qualité, un son bien enveloppant et surtout une très bonne perception des différentes fréquences, particulièrement les voix, que ce soit dans de la musique ou dans des films. je ne regrette pas du tout mon achat, d'autant que le design de ces deux enceintes s'inscrit très bien dans notre séjour. Il me reste encore à dompter le programme et la connexion wifi des enceintes sur la box, mais c'est plus un problème de ma part que d'un souci de connectivité de la part des enceintes.
Amandine
Very satisfied, easy to install and perfect sound quality
Comment from May 05, 2025 — Experience from April 24, 2025
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Très satisfait, facile à installer et résultat sonore parfait
Fabien
Change the TV sound after making the right adjustments
Comment from February 04, 2025 — Experience from January 23, 2025
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Change le son de la TV après avoir fait les bons réglages
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