Let's talk about why soundbars have become such a popular choice for better TV audio. As TVs have gotten thinner, their built-in speakers have suffered - there's simply no room for good speakers in those slim designs. That's where soundbars come in, offering a simple solution that doesn't require a complex home theater setup.
Today we're comparing two excellent options: the Sonos Beam Gen 2 ($352.70) and the Yamaha SR-B40A ($399.95). Both aim to improve your TV sound, but they take different approaches to get there.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 launched in late 2021 as an update to the original Beam, bringing Dolby Atmos support and more processing power. The Yamaha SR-B40A is newer, releasing in mid-2023, and represents Yamaha's latest tech in the mid-range soundbar category.
Both soundbars handle dialogue and general TV audio well, but there are notable differences in how they deliver sound:
The Beam Gen 2 uses sophisticated digital processing to create virtual surround sound from a single unit. It's impressive how much sound it produces from its compact size, but physics is physics - without a separate subwoofer, it can't match the bass response of the Yamaha.
The SR-B40A's dedicated wireless subwoofer gives it a clear advantage for movies and games where deep bass matters. When a dinosaur stomps or an explosion booms, you'll feel it more with the Yamaha. The separate subwoofer makes a real difference here.
This is where we see the biggest philosophical difference between these products:
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is part of the larger Sonos ecosystem, meaning:
The Yamaha SR-B40A focuses on being an excellent TV speaker with:
Both soundbars handle dialogue clearly, but they shine in different scenarios:
The Beam Gen 2 excels at creating a wide soundstage that makes your TV audio feel bigger than the soundbar itself. Its speech enhancement feature is particularly good for late-night viewing when you want to hear dialogue clearly at lower volumes.
The SR-B40A, with its dedicated subwoofer, delivers more impact in action scenes and makes movies feel more cinematic. The bass isn't just louder - it's more defined and natural.
For music, your choice might depend on how you like to listen:
The Beam Gen 2 integrates seamlessly with streaming services through the Sonos app, which many find more convenient than Bluetooth. The sound quality is balanced and room-filling, though bass-heavy tracks reveal its limitations.
The Yamaha offers straightforward Bluetooth connectivity and stronger bass response, which some listeners prefer. It's less sophisticated in terms of streaming features but can deliver more impact in bass-heavy music.
Installation experiences differ significantly:
The Beam Gen 2 requires the Sonos app and WiFi setup, which takes more time initially but offers more control and features long-term. Its TruePlay tuning feature (iOS only) can optimize sound for your specific room.
The SR-B40A is more plug-and-play: connect the HDMI cable, plug in both units, and you're largely done. The subwoofer pairs automatically, and most users won't need to adjust much beyond choosing sound modes.
At their respective price points (Beam Gen 2 at $352.70 and SR-B40A at $399.95), both offer good value but for different users:
The Beam Gen 2's value increases if you:
The SR-B40A provides better value if you:
Consider these key questions:
Choose the Sonos Beam Gen 2 if you:
Choose the Yamaha SR-B40A if you:
Both soundbars represent significant upgrades over TV speakers, but they serve different needs. The Beam Gen 2 is more versatile and future-proof, while the SR-B40A delivers more immediate impact for home theater use. Your choice should align with your primary use case and whether you value extra features over pure audio performance.
| Sonos Beam Gen 2 ($352.70) | Yamaha SR-B40A ($399.95) |
|---|---|
| Subwoofer Configuration - Determines bass quality and impact | |
| Virtual bass only (internal drivers) | Dedicated wireless 6.25" subwoofer |
| Dolby Atmos Support - Affects overhead sound immersion | |
| Virtual Atmos (simulated through processing) | Full Atmos support with dedicated processing |
| Smart Features - Important for integration with other devices | |
| Voice assistants, AirPlay 2, WiFi streaming | Basic Bluetooth only |
| Room Size Suitability - Crucial for optimal performance | |
| Best for small to medium rooms (<200 sq ft) | Works well in medium to large rooms (up to 350 sq ft) |
| Multi-room Capability - Matters if expanding audio to other rooms | |
| Full Sonos ecosystem compatibility | None |
| Connection Options - Affects setup flexibility | |
| HDMI eARC, Optical, WiFi, Ethernet | HDMI eARC, Optical, Bluetooth |
| Additional Speakers - Important for future expansion | |
| Can add surrounds and sub later | Cannot expand beyond included subwoofer |
| Size and Installation - Consider your space constraints | |
| Compact single unit (25.6" × 2.7" × 3.9") | Soundbar (35.8" × 2.7" × 5.2") plus separate subwoofer |
| Setup Complexity - Impacts initial user experience | |
| More complex: requires app, WiFi, calibration | Simple plug-and-play with auto subwoofer pairing |
| Power Output - Affects maximum volume and clarity | |
| 120W total system power | 200W total system power |
The Yamaha SR-B40A ($399.95) is generally better for movies due to its dedicated wireless subwoofer and full Dolby Atmos support. The deeper bass impact enhances action scenes and soundtracks more than the Sonos Beam Gen 2 ($352.70).
The Yamaha SR-B40A delivers significantly better bass thanks to its dedicated 6.25-inch wireless subwoofer. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 relies on internal drivers for bass, which can't match the depth and impact of a separate subwoofer.
Only the Sonos Beam Gen 2 can be expanded. You can add Sonos surrounds and a subwoofer later. The Yamaha SR-B40A cannot be expanded beyond its included subwoofer.
The Yamaha SR-B40A performs better in larger spaces due to its higher power output (200W vs 120W) and dedicated subwoofer. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is better suited for small to medium-sized rooms.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Yamaha SR-B40A does not have voice control capabilities.
The Yamaha SR-B40A offers simpler plug-and-play setup with automatic subwoofer pairing. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 requires app installation, WiFi setup, and room calibration.
Both can stream music, but differently. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers WiFi streaming, AirPlay 2, and the Sonos app ecosystem. The Yamaha SR-B40A only supports basic Bluetooth streaming.
The Yamaha SR-B40A provides more convincing Dolby Atmos performance with dedicated processing. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 uses virtual Atmos, which is less immersive.
Both work well for gaming, but the Yamaha SR-B40A has an advantage with its dedicated gaming sound mode and stronger bass response for explosions and effects. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers good gaming performance but less impact.
For pure home theater use, the Yamaha SR-B40A offers better value with its included subwoofer. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 provides better value if you plan to use smart features and expand later.
Both soundbars can be wall-mounted, though mounting hardware is typically sold separately. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is more compact and lighter, making it easier to mount.
Both perform well with dialogue, but the Sonos Beam Gen 2 has a slight edge with its dedicated speech enhancement mode. The Yamaha SR-B40A also offers clear dialogue with its Clear Voice feature.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: whathifi.com - en.community.sonos.com - techradar.com - youtube.com - consumerreports.org - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - sonos.com - wave-electronics.com - en.community.sonos.com - epicsystems.tech - tomsguide.com - bestbuy.com - crutchfield.com - visions.ca - shop.usa.yamaha.com - bestbuy.com - bestbuy.com - usa.yamaha.com - my.yamaha.com - europe.yamaha.com - adorama.com - usa.yamaha.com - digitalhomecreations.com - europe.yamaha.com - sundownone.com
