HomePods for residence theater
AppleInsider could earn an affiliate fee on purchases made by hyperlinks on our web site.
Upgrading your own home theater audio system for a terrific film expertise is straightforward to do, however it may be exhausting to determine which path to take. Let’s take a look at the selection between a pair of HomePods and a devoted Sonos system.
As soon as Apple up to date the HomePod line to assist eARC (HDMI ARC) it grew to become much more compelling to attach the wi-fi audio system to a TV — you simply want an Apple TV 4K (second era) or later.
Which means round $600 will get you a pair of new HomePods on your TV that assist Spatial Audio (Dolby Atmos) with no need to mess with a receiver or connection cables.
When you’re keen to spend $600, nonetheless, there’s a query of whether or not try to be contemplating different wi-fi sound choices.
Sonos is among the many hottest choices and gives a spread of audio system that join wirelessly, assist AirPlay 2, and loads of different compelling options to pair with a TV setup.
HomePods vs Sonos system – setup
Going with a wi-fi residence theater system from Sonos would require a bodily connection to your tv not directly. The Arc and Beam soundbars can use HDMI or optical, whereas Ray is relegated to optical solely.
Sonos Beam, Sub Mini, and two rear audio system
Upon getting a Sonos soundbar linked, the rear audio system and subwoofer will likely be wirelessly linked, from wherever you place them within the room.
The second-generation Arc and Beam each assist Dolby Atmos. Arc has two devoted up-firing audio system to reinforce the spatial audio expertise.
Arc and Beam assist voice management with their included microphones. After all, all the soundbar choices additionally assist listening to music, both by the Sonos app or AirPlay 2, whereas the TV is just not getting used.
Whilst you can join a single HomePod or HomePod mini to an Apple TV 4K for residence theater audio, we’ll give attention to the HomePod stereo pair with a Apple TV 4K fashions which have assist for different gadgets linked by the TV set with eARC.
Equally, two HomePod minis may be ample for a small bed room, however solely the larger HomePods assist 5.1 encompass, 7.1 encompass, and Dolby Atmos.
A stereo pair of HomePods forgoes the wired connection to a TV, so there is a bit more flexibility for the location of the 2 audio system.
HomePods assist Dolby Atmos, however they haven’t any up-firing audio system embedded inside their cylindrical form.
Two HomePods
A stereo pair two HomePod audio system can be probably the most that may be linked to a house theater system. The setup doesn’t assist rear audio system or a subwoofer, but.
Which means whereas it is highly effective for a two-speaker configuration, it stays restricted in comparison with Sonos’ choices, which might be added to piecemeal at a later date.
For instance, you can begin with a Sonos soundbar and rear audio system first after which add a subwoofer later, if you’d like.
HomePods vs Sonos System – sound
From the entry-level Ray soundbar to Arc, every of the choices present compelling sound high quality for different-sized rooms. We have tried every Sonos soundbars, and all delivered a a lot bigger and fuller presence than their designs counsel.
Sonos Ray vs Sonos Beam
Equally, a pair of HomePods do not occupy a lot bodily house, however can fill massive rooms with booming sounds.
Sonos helps a dialog mode for clearer speech and an evening mode for decreased peaks throughout quiet instances. We have discovered these sound options useful over time.
HomePods can cut back loud sounds to keep away from disturbing different individuals, by the Apple TV field, however there isn’t a devoted speech mode for extra audible or boosted dialog.
When it comes to quantity and fullness, Sonos Ray and a single HomePod are near equal. In our estimation, Beam did not fairly match the 2 paired HomePods. Arc was capable of exceed two HomePods for one of these comparability.
HomePods vs Sonos system – issues
Some objects to think about about utilizing HomePods versus a Sonos system
- Sonos has apps for Android, iOS, Mac, and Home windows. AirPlay does not have the identical compatibility.
- If you do not have a succesful Apple TV field, you will have to think about that value too.
- Sonos has its personal voice assistant for audio capabilities.
- HomePod connects to Apple’s House app for good residence performance.
- HomePod (second era) has temperature and humidity sensors inside.
HomePods vs Sonos system – pricing
Sonos soundbars vary from $279 to $899 — with a $449 choice within the center. A Sub Mini prices $429 and the larger Sub prices $749.
The most affordable wi-fi rear audio system are the Ikea and Sonos Symfonisk line which begins at $119 every.
An entry-level Sonos residence theater system with a Ray soundbar and two Symfonisk bookshelf audio system begins at $517.
This can save somewhat bit of cash in comparison with two HomePods at $598. This might additionally present extra immersive sound across the room, nevertheless it will not assist Dolby Atmos.
A extra full residence theater choice, sensible for an average-sized lounge, goes to value nearer to $1,200 with a Beam, Sub Mini, and two One SLs. This configuration will trump a stereo pair of HomePods in each means, however for double the value.
The reality is there’s probably not a superb direct comparability between two HomePods used for a house theater setup and a Sonos system meant for a similar goal.
Hopefully, Apple provides extra audio system to the HomePod line with residence theater in thoughts, sooner or later.
Here is what you can purchase
Individuals looking for a house theater speaker system ought to take into account Sonos audio system first. There’s higher compatibility for a wider vary of TVs and residential theater setups.
The power so as to add wi-fi rear audio system, and even as much as two Subs, is an incredible profit for a rising system sooner or later.
It is an optimistic feeling to consider that Apple higher helps residence theater use with its audio system, and for the potential of future updates and releases, however there is not any assure that may come to fruition.
On the opposite finish of the spectrum, somebody who’s planning on having a brand new HomePod close to their TV and does not have a speaker system ought to entertain the concept of pairing a second HomePod to pair.
Going from one full-sized HomePod to a stereo pair sounds extra substantial than merely going from one to 2. The increase in bass and constancy is spectacular, and can be a superb low-cost means of taking the step in the direction of a greater residence theater setup.
