In a recent product assessment published by TechRadar, reviewer Max Langridge evaluated Sonos’ new portable rear surround capability for home theater setups, examining how the Sonos27 operating system allows portable Play speakers to shift between standalone wireless music playback and dedicated surround sound.
Sonos27 Operating System Powers Portable Surrounds
The core update arrives via the Sonos27 operating system, which permits portable Sonos Play speakers to serve as rear surround channels when paired with compatible soundbars such as the Arc, Arc Ultra, Beam (Gen 2), and Beam Ultra. Previously, adding rear speakers required committing them to permanent home theater duties. The new software allows users to physically pick up a Play speaker, move it to another room for independent music streaming, and return it to its original position where it automatically reconnects to the home theater layout.
Testing Performance with The Batman Car Chase Scene
During hands-on evaluation using the high-speed car chase sequence from The Batman, the Beam Ultra demonstrated substantial acoustic scale. Operating without a separate subwoofer in a bedroom environment, the soundbar delivered robust low-frequency weight and extended soundfields beyond its physical cabinet dimensions. Adding two Play speakers at default audio settings heightened immersion by steering passing vehicle effects and ambient noise directly behind the listening position. Adjusting surround and height levels to +5 enhanced rear-channel separation, making directional effects such as car horns and rolling vehicle crashes noticeably more distinct.
When TechRadar compared the compact Beam Ultra arrangement against a larger Sonos Arc setup paired with older Sonos One speakers, the Arc delivered superior raw bass authority and a wider overall soundstage due to its larger physical enclosure and higher driver count. However, the Beam Ultra excelled in dialogue clarity and high-frequency definition, proving that a smaller footprint can still yield a cinematic experience.
Pricing and System Flexibility
The reviewed Beam Ultra and dual Play package retails for $1,297 / £1,297 / AU$2,097. While conventional surround packages or alternative pairings like the Beam Ultra and Era 100 bundle cost less, TechRadar notes that the primary value stems from dual-purpose utility. Rather than leaving rear speakers stationary, users gain a modular audio ecosystem that transitions effortlessly from multi-channel movie viewing to portable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth music playback around the home.
Worth a look