Choosing Between Premium and Mid-Range Soundbars: A Complete Guide

Understanding Today's Soundbar Market

Home theater sound has come a long way from the basic TV speakers of the past. Modern soundbars offer an elegant solution for better audio without the complexity of traditional surround sound systems. Let's compare two popular options: the premium Sonos Beam Gen 2 ($352.70) and the mid-range Samsung HW-B550 ($177.99).

The Technology Behind These Soundbars

Soundbars use different approaches to create immersive audio. The Sonos Beam Gen 2, released in October 2021, represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, primarily through the addition of Dolby Atmos support. Dolby Atmos creates a three-dimensional sound field - imagine hearing a helicopter moving not just left to right, but also above you. It achieves this through clever digital processing rather than physical upward-firing speakers.

The Samsung HW-B550 takes a more traditional approach with a 3.1 channel system. The "3.1" means three front speakers (left, center, right) plus a subwoofer (that's the ".1"). While it doesn't support Dolby Atmos, it includes DTS Virtual:X, which creates a virtual surround experience that can be surprisingly effective.

Sound Quality Deep Dive

Sonos Beam Gen 2 Performance

The Beam Gen 2's strength lies in its clarity and balance. In my experience testing various soundbars, its handling of dialogue is exceptional - you'll never miss a whispered conversation again. Music sounds natural and detailed, with impressive stereo separation for such a compact unit. While it doesn't have a separate subwoofer, the bass is surprisingly full for its size, though not as impactful as systems with dedicated subwoofers.

Samsung HW-B550 Performance

The Samsung's included wireless subwoofer gives it an immediate advantage for movies with lots of action. You'll feel the rumble during explosions and car chases in a way the Sonos can't match. The center channel speaker helps deliver clear dialogue, while the DTS Virtual:X processing creates a convincing sense of space. It's particularly effective in gaming mode, where positional audio cues become more precise.

Smart Features and Connectivity

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 shines in the smart features department. It integrates with virtual assistants (Alexa or Google Assistant), works seamlessly with Apple AirPlay 2, and can be part of a whole-home Sonos audio system. The eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) support means it can handle higher-quality audio formats from your TV, including Dolby Atmos.

The Samsung HW-B550 focuses on core functionality. It offers Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming and HDMI-ARC for TV connection. While it lacks the advanced networking features of the Sonos, its straightforward operation might actually be preferable for users who just want better TV sound without additional complexity.

Real-World Performance and Value

Small to Medium Rooms

In smaller spaces (up to about 300 square feet), both soundbars perform admirably. The Sonos Beam Gen 2's precise sound staging and virtual Atmos effects work best in these environments. The Samsung's subwoofer might actually be too powerful for very small rooms, though you can adjust its level.

Larger Spaces

For larger rooms, the Samsung's dedicated subwoofer gives it an advantage in filling the space. The Sonos can still perform well, but you might find yourself wanting more bass impact. Consider room acoustics too - lots of hard surfaces will benefit from the Samsung's adjustable subwoofer level.

Integration and Expansion

The Sonos ecosystem is a significant factor. The Beam Gen 2 can be:

• Paired with other Sonos speakers for surround sound
• Part of a multi-room music system
• Controlled through the excellent Sonos app
• Updated with new features through software updates

The Samsung offers:

• Basic integration with Samsung TVs
• Bluetooth multi-device connection
• Game mode optimization
• Standard remote control operation

Value Proposition Over Time

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 costs about twice as much as the Samsung HW-B550, but includes features that could make it more future-proof:

• Regular software updates
• Multi-room capability
• Smart home integration
• Higher-end audio format support

The Samsung represents excellent value for users focused primarily on TV and movie sound, offering immediate impact through its subwoofer and straightforward operation.

How to Make Your Decision

Consider your priorities:

1. If you primarily watch movies and TV shows:
   • Samsung advantages: Deeper bass, dedicated subwoofer, lower price
     • Sonos advantages: Better dialogue clarity, Dolby Atmos support

1. If you listen to a lot of music:
   • Sonos advantages: Better stereo imaging, more streaming options
     • Samsung advantages: Stronger bass response, simple Bluetooth connection

1. If you're building a smart home:
   • Sonos is clearly superior with its voice control and automation options

1. If gaming is important:
   • Samsung offers dedicated gaming features
     • Sonos provides more precise positional audio

Final Recommendations

Choose the Sonos Beam Gen 2 if:

• You want the best possible sound quality in a compact form
• Smart features and multi-room audio matter to you
• You listen to a lot of music
• You plan to expand your system over time

Choose the Samsung HW-B550 if:

• Movie and TV sound is your primary concern
• You want immediate impact for less money
• You prefer simpler operation
• Gaming features are important to you

Remember, both are quality products that will significantly improve your TV sound. The choice really comes down to your specific needs and how you plan to use the system in the future.

Sonos Beam Gen 2 Soundbar Deals and Prices

Samsung HW-B550D 3.1 Channel Sound Bar Deals and Prices