Yes. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) supports Dolby Atmos, but it only plays Atmos when the audio signal reaches it through a compatible TV connection and the content, source device, and TV all support the format. For most streaming Atmos, HDMI ARC can work; lossless Dolby TrueHD Atmos requires HDMI eARC.
What you need for Dolby Atmos on the Beam (Gen 2)
- The Beam (Gen 2), set up as a home-theater speaker. Sonos lists this model as Dolby Atmos-capable. Sonos’s Atmos guidance explains the supported setup.
- A TV with an HDMI ARC or eARC port. Connect the Beam’s included HDMI cable to the TV port labeled ARC or eARC. A regular HDMI input does not provide the TV audio-return connection.
- A TV and source that pass through Atmos. The source device, television, and Beam form one signal path. A streaming box that supports Atmos cannot guarantee that Atmos reaches the Beam if the TV does not pass it through.
- Content with an Atmos audio track. Atmos availability varies by title and may depend on the streaming service’s subscription tier. Check the title and plan available in your region.
Sonos provides an HDMI cable with the Beam, so an additional cable is not a prerequisite.
Do you need eARC, or will HDMI ARC work?
Both ARC and eARC can send TV audio to the Beam, but they do not carry the same Atmos formats. For most streaming Atmos delivered as Dolby Digital Plus, ARC can be sufficient if the TV passes the signal through. For lossless Dolby Atmos using Dolby TrueHD, Sonos requires eARC.
| TV connection | Atmos path | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI ARC | Can carry most streaming Atmos using Dolby Digital Plus. | Confirm the TV supports Atmos pass-through over ARC and that the source and title provide an Atmos track. |
| HDMI eARC | Required for lossless Dolby TrueHD Atmos; it can also carry streaming Atmos. | Confirm the TV has eARC and passes through the format from the source device. |
So, eARC is not required for every Atmos stream. It matters when you want the lossless TrueHD route. Check the manuals or specifications for your exact TV and source device, because support can differ by model and configuration. Sonos outlines the ARC/eARC requirements.
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- Enrich your entertainment experience with vibrant bass, crystal clear dialogue, and a panoramic soundstage.
- Experience a 3D surround sound effect with Dolby Atmos.
- Stream music, radio, podcasts, and audiobooks from all your favorite services when the TV is off.
- Control with the Sonos app, your TV remote, Apple AirPlay 2, and your voice.
- Effortless setup with only two cables and smart Trueplay tuning.
How to connect and confirm Atmos
- Connect the Beam’s included HDMI cable to the TV port marked HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC, not an ordinary HDMI input. Follow Sonos’s Beam setup instructions.
- Check the TV and any external streaming device for Atmos support and audio pass-through settings. The TV must forward the format to the Beam.
- Play a title whose audio track is Dolby Atmos, using a compatible source and, where required, a subscription tier that includes Atmos. Catalogs and plan terms can change, so verify what applies to your service and region.
- In the Sonos app, check Now Playing or About My System. Sonos says these screens show the audio format the Beam is receiving. If Atmos does not appear, the signal arriving at the speaker is not being identified as Atmos.
What if your TV has only optical audio?
The Beam can connect to a TV without ARC/eARC using the optical adapter described in Sonos’s setup guide. However, optical is not an ARC/eARC connection and does not meet Sonos’s stated requirement for Atmos from a TV. Sonos also notes that an optical connection removes CEC and voice control of the TV.
Does the Beam need a special mount or extra cable?
No special accessory enables Atmos: the included HDMI cable is the relevant connection, and the TV’s ARC/eARC port and signal pass-through determine whether Atmos can reach the Beam. Sonos recommends its custom-designed Beam wall mount if you plan to wall-mount the soundbar, but mounting is optional and unrelated to audio-format support.
Quick Recap
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- Take your TV, music, and gaming to the next level with this compact smart soundbar and subwoofer.
- This set is ideal for smaller or medium-sized rooms and low to moderate volume levels.
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- When the TV is off, stream music and more over WiFi from hundreds of services using the Sonos app, your voice, and Apple AirPlay 2.
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- Enrich your entertainment experience with vibrant bass, crystal clear dialogue, and a panoramic soundstage.
- Experience a 3D surround sound effect with Dolby Atmos.
- Stream music, radio, podcasts, and audiobooks from all your favorite services when the TV is off.
- Control with the Sonos app, your TV remote, Apple AirPlay 2, and your voice.
- Effortless setup with only two cables and smart Trueplay tuning.
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