This bundle combines the soundbarBeam (Gen 2), the second generation of the compact Sonos model, with the Sub Mini, the Californian brand’s smallest subwoofer. Together, they form a home cinema audio solution that integrates Dolby Atmos, Alexa voice assistant, and Trueplay tuning technology. With its reduced dimensions, this set suits setups where space is limited, while seamlessly integrating into the multiroom ecosystem developed by Sonos since 2002.
Beam (Gen 2): a soundbar reimagined 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 redesigned 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, enabling the 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-woofer drivers, a central tweeter for high frequencies, and three passive radiators that reinforce bass without requiring additional amplification. This layout creates a wide 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, conceals the components while letting sound pass through. Touch controls on the top manage playback, volume, and microphone activation for the voice assistant. The design includes four noise-reducing microphones to improve voice recognition, even when audio content is playing at high volume. A status light indicates when the mic is active, with the option to physically disable it via a dedicated switch.
Connection to the TV is via the supplied HDMI cable (1.5 m), which handles both audio transport and synchronization with the TV remote thanks to the CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) protocol. For TVs without an HDMI ARC output, an optical adapter is included. The Ethernet port allows a wired connection to the local network as an alternative to Wi‑Fi 802.11b/g. Power is supplied via a wall outlet, and the cable is long enough to suit most setups.
Sub Mini: a subwoofer that leverages low-frequency wave physics
Launched in 2022, the Sub Mini addresses a recurring request: a subwoofer suited to smaller spaces or mid-range budgets, without sacrificing the acoustic fundamentals that built the reputation of the original Sub. Measuring 230 mm on each side and 305 mm high, and weighing 6.35 kg, this cylindrical format fits more easily into furniture or against a wall than its 15.8 kg big brother.
The acoustic configuration is based on two 15 cm woofers in a force-cancelling arrangement, a technique that eliminates unwanted vibrations by leveraging the action-reaction principle. When both diaphragms move outward and inward simultaneously, the mechanical forces they generate cancel each other out, 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 (closed) design, which limits harmonic distortion and improves transient accuracy, at the expense of the lowest-frequency extension compared to a bass-reflex design. Sonos claims a response down to 25 Hz, covering the majority of home cinema and musical content. In practice, effectiveness in this range depends on room volume and sub placement: corners and walls naturally reinforce bass through boundary effects.
The Sub Mini connects wirelessly to the Sonos system via Wi‑Fi (2.4 or 5 GHz), eliminating the need for a cable between the soundbar and the sub. A 10/100 Ethernet port nonetheless enables a wired connection to stabilize the link in case of interference. The mobile app handles pairing and offers manual bass level adjustments independent of the master volume. The Trueplay function, available for 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
Setting up the bundle requires the Sonos app for iOS and Android, which centralizes configuration, 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, and voice assistant setup if desired. The system recognizes compatible streaming services (Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, Apple Music, among others) and integrates them directly into the app, allowing you to start playback without changing interfaces.
Audio settings include bass and treble adjustment, the “Loudness” function that compensates for reduced perception of extreme frequencies at low volume, and the “Dialogue” mode that improves voice intelligibility in movie content. Night mode compresses dynamics to avoid volume spikes that disturb neighbors, while “Speech Enhancement” boosts the mids in the speech range.
Synchronization with the TV remote, enabled by the CEC protocol, lets you control the Beam’s volume directly from your usual remote without extra steps. The Alexa voice assistant, activated by voice or via 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 extensions
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 extension simply requires pairing them with the Beam’s group via the app. The Sub Mini can also be paired with a stereo speaker pair to enhance music listening in another room, and the setup can be changed at any time.
The multiroom function lets you play the same content simultaneously across 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 offers an alternative for Apple device 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 across 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 classic Sub?
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The Sub Mini reaches down to 25 Hz and provides ample low-end 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 those seeking strong physical impact in action scenes. The choice therefore depends on room size and your expectations in terms of 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 NAS, AirPlay streaming) and work with the TV without an active Internet connection. However, the Alexa voice assistant 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, ensuring reliable measurements. Android users still have manual controls (bass, treble, EQ) in the app to adapt 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 area and 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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