Bluesound Pulse Soundbar Plus Review | 109 Data compared

According to FWD.nl, modern high-end soundbars, such as the Samsung HW-Q990D and Sennheiser Ambeo Plus, offer near-audiophile, immersive Dolby Atmos experiences. The Samsung excels with an 11.1.4-channel configuration and wireless rears, while the Sennheiser delivers exceptional surround from a single unit via self-calibration. Other models like the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar+ are lauded for musicality, though premium models often come with high price tags exceeding €2,000. Smaller units, including the Sonos Ray and Bose TV Speaker, often struggle with limited bass and connectivity, yet provide better than average TV sound. While app-based setups offer convenience, stability issues can occur, as noted with the Sennheiser app, and premium prices are common for the top-tier, all-in-one solutions. FWD BeneluxOverall, the selection focuses on balancing high-fidelity sound, Dolby Atmos/DTS:X support, and spatial capabilities to meet various home entertainment needs and budgets.

According to the Hifi.nl review, the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar is a high-end "lifestyle" component bridging traditional TV audio with high-resolution music streaming, emphasizing musicality through a 3-way speaker design and 120-watt amplification. Integrated within the BluOS ecosystem, it supports 24-bit/192kHz audio and MQA, positioning it as a premium, versatile, and feature-rich audio hub. Key strengths include exceptional midrange clarity for dialogue, a natural, "freestanding speaker" sound quality, and superior build quality using an aluminum enclosure. Furthermore, the soundbar offers extensive connectivity options, including Optical and Bluetooth aptX, and is easily expandable within the Bluesound ecosystem for surround setups. Primary criticisms focus on its physical design, as the 5.5-inch height may obstruct TV screens or IR receivers if not wall-mounted. While it offers punchy audio, the lack of a dedicated physical remote and the necessity for an optional, separate subwoofer for deep cinematic bass are noted as drawbacks for a premium-priced unit.

The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar+ is lauded in the Tweakers review as a premium, audiophile-grade device with a sturdy, high-quality build that excels in music performance. It features an impressive internal driver array powered by 120 watts, delivering a rich, detailed soundstage, though its 14cm height can block some TV screens. The unit supports high-resolution audio, including MQA and FLAC via the robust BluOS ecosystem, making it highly musical. Performance for movies is enhanced by Dolby Atmos, providing a spacious, detailed experience, although the virtualization of height channels is deemed cautious. While passive radiators provide surprisingly strong bass, it lacks the deep cinematic punch of a dedicated subwoofer, which users may want to add for the full experience. Key drawbacks include the lack of a physical remote, requiring reliance on the app or TV remote, and some reports of occasional software lag. Connectivity is modern with HDMI eARC, but the high price and large, 14cm footprint make it a specific choice for those heavily invested in music streaming, rather than just home cinema.

The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar is characterized as a music-first, high-fidelity device featuring an exceptionally refined, warm, and detailed soundstage, even without an external subwoofer. Its primary strengths lie in the BluOS ecosystem integration, supporting high-resolution streaming (up to 24-bit/192kHz) and MQA for a versatile multi-room experience. However, the unit’s substantial 5.5-inch height can obstruct TV screens or IR sensors, and earlier models lacked HDMI, relying instead on optical/analog connections. The absence of a physical remote requires exclusive reliance on the app, while the premium price point makes the lack of modern, simple connectivity, like an included HDMI port, a drawback for some users. While performance for dialogue and music is impressive, the soundbar falls short of competitors in terms of immersive, wide-reaching surround sound and rhythmic precision. It is ultimately regarded as an excellent "lifestyle" audio system with premium build quality, best suited for users who prioritize audiophile-grade music over a dedicated, highly-immersive home cinema setup. For more details, visit Trusted Reviews.