Introduction to Bluesound Pulse Cinema
As I dive into the world of audio equipment, the Bluesound Pulse Cinema stands out as a significant leap forward for the brand, which has primarily catered to multiroom audio systems. Priced at $1,499, this soundbar positions itself as a direct competitor to well-established names in the home theater domain, notably Sonos.
In a market where powerful sound meets sleek design, does Bluesound's offering manage to impress? Let's explore its features, benefits, and the work still ahead for this soundbar to disrupt the status quo.
Key Features and Design
The Pulse Cinema is built with 12 drivers spread across a 3.0.2-channel setup, delivering a robust listening experience for both cinema and music enthusiasts. Its striking design—wrapped in a soft fabric grille with soft curves—aims to attract those looking for both aesthetics and performance.
Connectivity is another strong point: the soundbar features a single HDMI-ARC/eARC port, an analog input, a USB port for external storage, and multiple wireless options, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which allow for effortless streaming from various platforms. However, while its HDMI options are limited, the presence of a wired subwoofer output is a notable plus, providing flexibility not commonly found in soundbars.
Performance: Dialog and Music Quality
“For dialog clarity, Pulse Cinema truly shines, making voices stand out beautifully against a rich backdrop of ambient sounds.”
One of my biggest takeaways from using the Pulse Cinema was its excellence in voicing clarity. Dialogues are crisp and well-centered, even amidst complex soundscapes. This feature is crucial for cinematic experiences where dialogue can often get drowned out by background effects. Moreover, the soundbar presents a remarkably wide soundstage—often a weak spot for other models.
When it comes to music, the Pulse Cinema excels with a lush and detailed sound reproduction. Despite lacking EQ options, its natural tuning offers an engaging listening experience. I found that some music genres benefited from a slight adjustment, which is a missing opportunity that could enhance user experience significantly.
The Atmos Experience: What's Missing?
While the Pulse Cinema does support Dolby Atmos, it falls short compared to its competitors. Height effects—critical to the immersive sound experience—often seem subdued. For instance, during a climactic scene in No Time To Die, I expected a heightened sense of spatial awareness, but instead, sounds felt flatter than anticipated.
This limitation becomes clear in action sequences where a fully dimensional experience is paramount. While it feels good, it doesn't yet provide the enveloping soundscape that firmly places the listener in the middle of the action.
Software and Future Updates
Looking to the future, Bluesound has announced plans for software updates, which will allow Pulse Cinema owners to create a 5.1.2 system using compatible devices. These updates are anticipated to address several shortcomings and introduce features like true internal subwoofer processing and potential EQ modifications. However, these improvements remain in the pipeline, making it challenging for prospective buyers to assess their value at launch.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
The Bluesound Pulse Cinema is a compelling option that offers an engaging audio experience, especially for music lovers. However, with a price tag aligning with its competitors, audiophiles may want to wait to see how the forthcoming software updates enhance the hardware's capabilities.
At present, it stands as a promising yet imperfect candidate within the Dolby Atmos soundbar space. For those anchored to the Sonos ecosystem, the Pulse Cinema may inspire curiosity, but the full switch may still require patience. If you're navigating the evolving landscape of home audio, this soundbar is worth considering—but tread carefully and be aware of its limitations.
Where to Buy
Interested buyers can find the Bluesound Pulse Cinema on Amazon for $1,499 or at Best Buy for $1,500.
Source reference: https://www.wired.com/review/bluesound-pulse-cinema/
