Choosing Between the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Samsung HW-S700D: A Complete Guide

If you're looking to upgrade your TV's sound but feeling overwhelmed by the choices, you're not alone. Let's dive into two popular soundbars - the Sonos Beam Gen 2 ($352) and the Samsung HW-S700D ($397) - and help you figure out which one better suits your needs.

Understanding Modern Soundbars

Today's soundbars do much more than just make your TV louder. They've become smart home hubs, music streaming centers, and in many cases, the heart of a expandable home theater system. The best ones can create immersive sound that seems to come from all around you, even with just a single unit.

The Technology That Matters

Both soundbars use some pretty clever tech to improve your listening experience. The key features to understand are:

• Dolby Atmos: This creates 3D sound by making audio appear to come from above and around you
• Room correction: Software that adjusts sound based on your room's acoustics
• Smart features: Voice control, streaming, and integration with other devices
• Channel configuration: How many distinct speakers are inside (like 3.1 means three speakers plus a subwoofer)

The Contenders

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 launched in October 2021 as an update to the original Beam, adding virtual Dolby Atmos support and more processing power. It's been a consistent performer since release, with regular software updates adding features and improvements.

The Samsung HW-S700D is part of Samsung's newer slim soundbar lineup, designed specifically to pair with their latest TVs while maintaining a super-thin profile that won't block your view.

Sound Quality Deep Dive

Sonos Beam Gen 2

The Beam Gen 2 creates surprisingly big sound from its compact size. Its virtual Dolby Atmos implementation works better than you might expect - while it can't match systems with dedicated up-firing speakers, it creates a convincing sense of height and width in movies. Music sounds particularly refined, with excellent clarity and separation between instruments.

Samsung HW-S700D

Samsung's approach focuses on dedicated channel separation with its 3.1 setup. The included wireless subwoofer provides deeper bass than the Beam can manage on its own. The center channel speaker makes dialogue exceptionally clear, which is great for movies and TV shows. While it lacks true Atmos support, the overall sound stage is wider and more powerful than the Beam.

Smart Features and Ecosystem

Here's where your existing tech setup becomes important:

Sonos Ecosystem

If you already have Sonos speakers or plan to build a multi-room system, the Beam Gen 2 is compelling. It integrates seamlessly with other Sonos products and supports virtually every streaming service. The Sonos app remains one of the best for managing multi-room audio, and regular updates keep adding features.

Samsung Integration

The HW-S700D shines when paired with a Samsung TV. Their Q-Symphony feature lets the TV speakers work together with the soundbar instead of being disabled, creating an even fuller sound. The SmartThings app handles setup and control, though it's not quite as polished as Sonos's offering.

Real-World Performance

Having tested both units in different rooms, here's what stands out:

Small to Medium Rooms

The Beam Gen 2 excels in smaller spaces where its precise sound staging and room correction technology can really shine. It's particularly impressive how it can fill a room without overwhelming it, making it perfect for apartments or bedrooms.

Larger Spaces

The HW-S700D's additional power and dedicated subwoofer give it an edge in larger rooms. The separate center channel means dialogue stays clear even in bigger spaces, and the subwoofer adds impact to movie explosions and music bass lines that the Beam can't match without adding a separate Sub (which adds significantly to the cost).

Value Consideration

Initial Investment

• Sonos Beam Gen 2 ($352): Great starter unit but needs additional purchases for full surround sound
• Samsung HW-S700D ($397): More complete out-of-box solution with included subwoofer

Long-term Expansion

Sonos offers more flexibility for building a whole-home audio system over time, but at a higher total cost. Samsung's solution is more focused on the TV room experience, with fewer but less expensive expansion options.

How to Decide

Make your choice based on these key factors:

1. Room Size
   • Small to medium room → Beam Gen 2
     • Larger room → HW-S700D

1. Primary Use
   • Movies and TV → HW-S700D
     • Mixed music and movies → Beam Gen 2
     • Multi-room audio plans → Beam Gen 2

1. Existing Equipment
   • Samsung TV owner → HW-S700D
     • Other Sonos products → Beam Gen 2
     • Planning whole-home audio → Beam Gen 2

1. Budget Considerations
   • Want everything in one purchase → HW-S700D
     • Planning to build over time → Beam Gen 2

Remember, both are excellent soundbars that will significantly improve your TV audio experience. The choice really comes down to your specific needs and future plans rather than one being definitively "better" than the other.

For most people, I'd recommend the Samsung HW-S700D if you want the best out-of-box experience and have a Samsung TV, or the Sonos Beam Gen 2 if you value future expandability and superior music performance. Either way, you'll be getting a significant upgrade over your TV's built-in speakers and a device that should serve you well for many years to come.

Sonos Beam Gen 2 Soundbar Deals and Prices

Samsung HW-S700D 3.1 Channel Slim Soundbar Deals and Prices