Bluesound's Pulse: A Comprehensive Review and Sonos Soundbar Alternative
Are you tired of the limitations of your TV's built-in speakers? Looking for an immersive audio experience that rivals the best soundbars on the market? Look no further than Bluesound's Pulse Cinema. This Canadian-made soundbar is a game-changer, offering a premium audio experience that's both versatile and impressive.
The Sonos Rival
While Sonos is renowned for its high-quality soundbars, it's not without its flaws. The company's recent software fiasco has left many loyal customers seeking alternatives. That's where Bluesound comes in. With a similar range of speakers, subwoofers, and music streamers, Bluesound has earned a reputation among audiophiles for its support of lossless, hi-res audio formats, often at a premium price point.
Dolby Atmos Support and Pulse Cinema
Until recently, Bluesound's home theater audio offerings lagged in discrete support for height-channel sound effects, a key feature of Dolby Atmos. However, with the introduction of the Pulse Cinema, Bluesound has made a bold move. This $1,499 soundbar is their first Dolby Atmos soundbar, featuring dedicated up-firing drivers and a center channel, making it a powerful addition to any home theater setup.
Versatile Connectivity and Design
The Pulse Cinema boasts a wide range of connectivity options, including a single HDMI-ARC/eARC port, analog and digital inputs, a USB port for external storage, two-way Bluetooth with aptX Adaptive, and Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity. It even includes a wired subwoofer output, a rare feature among soundbars. This versatility sets it apart from the Sonos Arc Ultra, which lacks HDMI inputs.
In terms of design, the Pulse Cinema is similar in size to the Sonos Arc Ultra, measuring 47 inches and fitting seamlessly under 50- to 65-inch TVs. However, its wraparound fabric grille and soft curves give it a more understated, less high-tech aesthetic that may appeal to those seeking a more subtle look.
Immersive Audio Experience
The Pulse Cinema's 500-watt, 3.0.2-channel, 12-driver array delivers exceptional audio performance. It excels in both movie and music playback, providing impressive levels of detail. While most soundbars significantly enhance TV audio, the Pulse Cinema also offers a rewarding listening experience for music enthusiasts, a rare feat in the soundbar market.
Dialog Clarity and User Experience
One of the standout features of the Pulse Cinema is its dialog clarity. Voices are centered and easily understandable, even in complex scenes with competing background and surround sounds. This makes it ideal for TV audio, ensuring that every word is crisp and clear.
In conclusion, Bluesound's Pulse Cinema is a top-tier soundbar that offers a comprehensive audio experience. Its versatility, premium audio quality, and support for Dolby Atmos make it a strong alternative to Sonos, especially for those seeking a high-end, immersive audio solution.
