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In this article, we will talk about the MAJORITY Sierra Plus 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar | 400W with Wireless Subwoofer | Surround Sound with up-firing Atmos Speakers | Multi-Connection Including HDMI Arc & Bluetooth and share some specifications with you.
Dolby Atmos’ license badge is ubiquitous on all types of AV equipment, which makes it hard to imagine that it was once a new frontier for cinema sound. With any of the premium soundbars on the market, Dolby Atmos sound from a system with height drivers is no longer limited to the big screen or only for home theater installations.
Even though this new pinnacle of home audio was previously the preserve of pricier products, it can and should exist at lower prices as well. According to Turkish writer Mehmet Murat Somer, “There is a frontier for everything good; another frontier for everything better; and another frontier for everything excellent.” It is possible to go beyond them all! “
This is where Majority’s Sierra Plus soundbar comes in: it offers 2.1.2 channels of sound along with Dolby Atmos decoding for only 270 pounds or 300 dollars (around 470 Australian dollars).
The majority, a British brand that makes affordable audio and video equipment, such as radios, microphones, and DVD players, has been in business for a decade. The Cambridge-based company ships its products to the UK for free from its website and worldwide via its Amazon storefront, which offers a three-year warranty.
Features and build quality
There are some limitations to what the Sierra Plus can do when it comes to Wi-Fi connectivity. The budget bar comes with Bluetooth for music streaming as well as HDMI ARC, optical, USB, and mini-jack inputs. The Sierra Plus, however, also includes two additional HDMI 4K HDR pass-through ports that you can use to connect external devices directly to your TV, reducing the number of cables you have to run.
With its black metal grilles, the Sierra Plus looks smart under a TV several times its price, despite its low cost. Although it’s a little tall, it should still fit under most TVs, even though it’s just over 8 cm high. A wall mounting bracket is included in the box as an alternative.
It has a left-right system across the front. Two drivers and two ports are located on each channel, and two more ports are located at either end, while two angled height drivers are located on top. On the front face, there is a 7-segment digital display that gives feedback on control changes and confirms format changes and, somewhat annoyingly, is always on when the sound bar is activated.
Additionally, the satin black subwoofer is equipped with a 5.25-inch side-firing driver and a front-facing port. The rear of the bar has an LED that indicates Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and a short power lead that only extends 1.2 m.
Sierra Plus Dolby Atmos Performance
Unlike my TV, which doesn’t support Dolby Atmos directly, you might have luck if you’ve been considering Dolby Atmos too. The Sierra Plus decoded the signal as Dolby Digital, so you should do your research.
The LCD at the front changes when you start watching something to indicate what type of sound it is producing. Amazon Prime and Disney+ have the best labeling. According to Netflix, you need to know a lot more than you do about other streaming services.
On YouTube, I watched many Dolby Atmos demos that were simply mind-blowing, the upward-firing speakers help to create that surround sound experience. Due to Disney+’s clear Dolby Atmos support, as well as their IMAX-enhanced content, I have been spending more time there lately. You often get the best moments when you least expect them.
In the Eternals, my favorite scene so far is the wind chimes by the tree. Even knowing there were no wind chimes or speakers in that corner of the room, I still got the same effect when I heard wind chimes in the top right corner of the room. Astonished… The Sierra Plus’ up-firing speakers as well as its stereo separation perform well.
On a budget: Dolby Atmos soundbars
Although I’ve kept the settings pretty neutral, I’ve explored other sound modes in depth. In addition to News, Music, movies, and 3D modes, the remote provides options to increase the bass and treble. Music mode has been a delight when it comes to watching Baby Driver and Guardians of the Galaxy, while Movie mode has been a delight when it comes to watching Avengers End Game. Alternatively, the News mode is reserved for shows with lots of dialogue, such as comedies.
Having recently discovered The Cleaner on BBC iPlayer and documentaries, I think it benefits from the setting. Even though I understand why the name News was chosen, please do not limit its use to just news. Having a dedicated voice channel easily compensates for the deficiencies of a 2.12 Dolby Atmos system. In 3D mode, it doesn’t seem to achieve much for me, but I’ll have to experiment more with content that isn’t Atmos.
There is little or no distortion right at the limit with the Sierra Plus, and it is loud and balanced from the very lowest volumes to the very highest.
How does the Sierra Plus differ from the Sierra?
There is a Sierra and a Sierra Plus to choose from. It comes with the same soundbar we’re testing, but it also includes a wireless subwoofer that packs quite the punch. The soundbar certainly holds its own without the subwoofer connected, but I still prefer it with it connected. You won’t run out of space with the Sierra if you’re short on space. The extra £50 is well worth it if you’re a bass junkie or enjoy hearing rumbles in movies. However, if your budget can’t stretch, you can’t add the Subwoofer later down the line.
Besides being British-based, the Majority is also based in Cambridge, where sonic powerhouses flourish. They also plant a tree for every product they sell and have a clear mission statement that sets them apart from other brands. You can also get 15% off on the Majority website by buying directly, even though you may prefer to purchase from Amazon (and to support this review). On their website, you can also register the Sierra Plus for 3 years of warranty. It is impossible to do that without being confident in what you are selling.
What is the value of the Sierra Plus?
The majority has another winner on their hands as they have brought Dolby Atmos to the masses with Sierra Plus. If you do not need the subwoofer, you can also get a Sierra without it for £50 less, and it will perform just as well.
After experiencing Sierra Plus, you’ll never want to go back. You can easily recommend it if the big brand Dolby Atmos setups cost £700+, and your current setup isn’t working for you.
Lastly, if you want a more traditional 5.1 setup. The majority also comes with two detachable wireless satellite speakers as part of their 5.1 Everest system. You can still upgrade your TV speakers with the Majority K2 if your budget can’t go that far.
Verdict
In-built TV speakers are often sonic disappointments, and we believe that adding a decent sound system can improve your viewing experience.
This Majority Sierra Plus Dolby Atmos soundbar is an affordable option that still delivers an enjoyable home cinema experience despite its limitations. Though its sound stage is broad and dialogue is clear and engaging, it isn’t the most detailed performer, and its sub is vague and monotonous.
In any case, overhead effects aren’t going to make you duck for cover, and we wouldn’t expect that. The Majority Sierra Plus is an excellent choice for those who can’t afford a Sonos Beam but want to enjoy more clarity and drama from their TVs and movies.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth getting a soundbar with Dolby Atmos?
Most 4K Blu-rays and some streaming services like Netflix indeed support Dolby Atmos, but that is not true for all soundbars. If you’re looking for a more natural listening experience, you might want to consider the ones that do.
Is majority a good brand for a soundbar?
The Majority Snowdon 2 Soundbar Review: Final Thoughts
I give this a 4/5 rating. It has good overall sound quality but lacks HDMI support. However, its bass quality is more noticeable than your smart TV. Because of its portable size, it can easily be placed beneath 32-inch or 42-inch TVs.
Is Dolby Atmos worth the hype?
You can enjoy a realistic and immersive sound environment in your home theater with Dolby Atmos, and you can also record excellent films with Dolby Atmos. A surround sound comes from every angle, mimicking cinema technology…
Does your TV need to support Dolby Atmos for the soundbar?
HDMI is a requirement for Dolby Atmos unless you are satisfied with your television’s internal speakers. HDMI is the only way to get Dolby Atmos content to your AV receiver or soundbar, regardless of whether it comes from a Blu-ray disc, a streaming device, or a built-in app on your TV.
How do I know if Dolby Atmos is working?
You can access this text by pressing the Audio, Info, or Menu buttons on your TV remote. Atmos or Dolby Atmos should be mentioned. Your AV receiver needs to be checked. You can see what audio your AV receiver detects by looking at its display.
