Sonos has unveiled its latest soundbar, the Beam Ultra, and it’s a step up from its predecessor. Multiple in-person demos showcased its directional audio capabilities, but the true test will be at home.

During the demos, the 7.1.2 soundbar was impressive, with enhanced bass, improved vocal clarity, and the ability to handle Dolby Atmos content effectively. Small details like walkie-talkie chatter and background sounds were clearly heard, adding depth to the experience.

The Beam Ultra’s design is balanced, with side- and top-firing drivers that create a full sound without needing additional speakers. Pairing two Play portable speakers behind it for rear channels was effective, suggesting it might be a good option for those with limited space.

While the Beam Ultra sounds great in a demo, its performance in a typical home environment remains to be seen. My colleague John Higgins will conduct a more thorough review, but early impressions are promising. It sits between the Beam Gen 2 and the Arc Ultra, offering a middle ground in terms of features and pricing.

The Beam Ultra launches on September 29th, with preorders available now at Best Buy, B&H Photo, Sonos, and Amazon.